《Mr. Chairman鈥檚 Devious Wife》
Chapter 1
Chapter 1
A Marriage of Convenience
Sofia¡¯s lips trembled before she sped the pictures in her hand.
The menu before her seemed to blur, the words dancing on the paper like elusive shadows. The soft hum of conversation inside
the hushed ambiance of the Japanese restaurant enveloped Sofia like a cocoon. For a few minutes, the room felt almost
suffocating.
¡°Where did you get these?¡± she asked, her gazending once again on the images of her boyfriend and elder sister together on
the balcony of a hotel, kissing each other. A part of her was certain these were photoshopped.
After all, her sister Charlotte Lockhart had been very good to her, supporting her in everything. Why would she betray her trust?
Moreover, Sofia¡¯s boyfriend Daniel Beaumont had been with her for four years. Why would he suddenly betray the trust she gave
him? This didn¡¯t make sense.
¡°You can check the dates, time, and location behind each photo,¡± the man across from her answered. She quickly turned the
photos around, and just like he said, the information she was looking for was indeed scribbled behind each image.
¡°Mr. Beaumont, you must understand that this information is...¡± Her lips trembled as her gazended on Mr. Alexander
Beaumont, Daniel''s older brother and the current CEO of Beaumont Empire. ¡°Too much to handle.¡±
She felt a tightness in her throat and a drumming in her temples.
¡°Having doubts despite all the evidence is normal,¡± Alexander''s lips quirked up as he mused. ¡°I would understand it if you have
the photos checked for authenticity.¡± Amusement shed in his dark brown eyes.
She nodded. Again, her eyesnded on the photos. Without saying another word, she ced the photos back in the brown
envelope and carefully stowed them inside her bag.
¡°Then may | know what Mr. Beaumont wants?¡± Sofia said. This made her confused as she had actually only met Mr. Beaumont
once, and that was during a Christmas dinner two years ago. Despite being Daniel¡¯s older brother, Alexander Beaumont buried
himself in work. This man had been a well-known workaholic who missed his younger brother''s birthday for four consecutive
years. Yet, out of nowhere, he would suddenly meet her. Why? Was it simply because he wanted to tell her about the photos?
Without saying a word, Mr. Beaumont signaled his secretary, who was standing behind him. The secretary then handed another
folder to Sofia. She opened it without asking questions. She understood that Mr. Beaumont was a man of few words.
She quickly read the documents inside the folder, and almost immediately, her expression changed. ¡°M¡ª Marriage of
Convenience?¡± She almost could not believe what she was reading. Mr. Beaumont wanted to marry her?
¡°Read the rest...¡±
Sofia bit her lower lip as her green eyes zed over the entire document until she finally reached thest part that informed her
this was but a temporary arrangement.
¡°Mr. Beaumont, | am your brother¡¯s woman,¡± she uttered as her heart raced against her chest. What was this man doing?
¡°Cheating brother,¡± he added.
¡°| have yet to confirm this,¡± she steadied her voice as she slowlyforted herself. There is still a high chance that Mr.
Beaumont was lying and that the images were photoshopped. She convinced herself that this might just be another scheme.
Again, without saying a word, he pushed what looked like a ck card her way. She stared at it and realized it was a hotel key
card.
¡°What is this?¡±
¡°It would take time to confirm the photos so Mr. Beaumont arranged for you, Miss Lockhart, to confirm the matters with your own
eyes. This is the flight that Mr. Beaumont arranged for Miss Lockhart, as well as the amodation and transportation. You will
be checking into the same hotel as Mr. Daniel and Miss Charlotte are staying.¡±
Sofia could not contain her emotion as she epted the things that Mr. Beaumont¡¯s secretary handed. Daniel was currently not
in Springfield; he was at a conference in LA. Meanwhile, Charlotte should be somewhere in Texas, wrapping up her taping for
her current film.
¡°Let us have this conversation again once Miss Lockhart has confirmed everything,¡± Mr. Beaumont got up. ¡°If you want to change
a few things in the contract, please feel free to call my personal number.¡±Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.
He ced another card on the table between them and then started walking away.
¡°Why me?¡± she asked as he took his first step away. Mr. Beaumont could marry anyone. Literally, anyone. Yet, he would
suddenly choose to propose a marriage of convenience to his younger brother¡¯s girlfriend? Why?
He turned around, and without an iota of emotion on his face, he stared at her for a few seconds before he said, ¡°Business.¡±
Then he turned around and left the restaurant.
Once again, her gaze trembled. She wanted to ask more questions, but her mind could not seem to think straight. The next thing
Sofia knew, she was already on the first-ss flight to LA.
It was already the dead of night when she arrived at Long Beach Airport. With just her bag, she quickly boarded the
transportation that Mr. Beaumont set up for her. At this point, Sofia did not even know what she was doing a thousand miles
away from home. A part of her wanted to know the truth. She knew the truth would devastate her, but she had to know what had
been going on behind her back.
Not long after, she arrived at the Ritz and proceeded to check into a suite room that Mr. Beaumont arranged. Apparently, this
room is located just next to where Daniel and Charlotte were staying. The weight of uncertainty pressed down on her as she
stepped into thevish suite.
Sitting on therge King-size bed inside the room, Sofia immediately sent a text to Daniel, asking him about his day. Just as she
expected, there was no response even after thirty minutes.
Unable to stop herself, she got up and got out of her room. Then she turned on the video on her phone and used the hotel key
card that Mr. Beaumont gave her earlier to ess the room.
The door seamlessly opened. For a while, Sofia stood in front of the door, wondering what she was doing.
Then she straightened her back and walked inside the room. She chose not to turn the lights on and instead used a small
shlight that she bought from the airport.
Quickly, Sofia realized that no one was inside. After a quick tour, Sofia concluded that a couple was inside this room. However, a
part of her was still doubtful, hoping that the evidence was all nted, arranged in advance for her.
The other part was, of course, devastated.
However, she steeled herself. There was no point in backing down. She came here for the truth, and she was prepared to find
out what it was. Just as she thought of checking the luggage stored on the luggage rack, she heard a hiss. Then all the lights
inside the room turned on.
Whoever it was that was upying this room... just arrived.
Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Betrayal and Heartbreak
Sofia¡¯s heart raced like a wild horse, pounding against her chest as if trying to escape its bony cage. The closet felt small around
her and she quickly closed her eyes.
Sofia¡¯s trembling hands clutched her phone. The video was on, recording whatever it was that was happening outside of the
closet.
¡°| told you not to drink,¡± Charlotte¡¯s voice, usually warm andforting, cut through the stifling silence, a mixture of
disappointment and concerncing her words.
¡°What are you so angry about? Didn¡¯t | juste back to the hotel with you?¡± Daniel¡¯s voice followed. His words echoed like
distant thunder, each syble crashing against her senses. In an attempt to stifle a gasp, she covered her mouth with trembling
hands, her fingers barely managing to muffle the sound of her disbelief.
From the small gap in the closet, she could see Charlotte who was trying to remove her clothes.
¡°Let me help you,¡± Daniel quickly helped her pull the zipper down before he moved her long blond hair to the side and kissed her
neck while hugging her from behind.
Sofia was certain she heard her heartbreak. A searing pain gripped her chest, squeezing her heart. This was not a show. This
was real. Mr. Beaumont wasn¡¯t lying.
¡°Shall we bathe together?¡± Daniel asked.
¡°You smell bad...¡± Charlotte said she pouted as she batted her beautiful eyes. ¡°I told you not to drink. You know how | dislike that
smell. Aw!¡± Charlotte suddenly screamed when Daniel poked her side. ¡°What¡ª Hey¡ª stop¡ª stop tickling¡ª | am still on my
heels! Ah!¡±
Out of nowhere, Daniel carried Charlotte into his arms and ced her on the bed. Using his elbow to support his weight, hey
on top of her.
¡°Do you still dislike how | smell?¡± he smirked. Sofia could hear that sweetness in his voice. She closed her eyes in an attempt to
block out the rest, but it was useless.
¡°Hmph! Stop acting cute. You''re not.¡±
¡°Really?¡±
¡°Really!¡± Charlotte pouted as she batted her beautiful blue eyes. ¡°And you lied to me. You said we would stay here for a week.¡±
¡°The meeting is only for three days, Sofia would know.¡±
¡°You already spend most of your time with her at home. What¡¯s wrong with spending a few days with me? Aren¡¯t you leaving her
soon?¡±T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.
Sofia almost dropped her phone when she heard Charlotte¡¯s words. W¡ª What is she talking about? The raw and visceral pain
that threatened to consume her seemed to stop.
It was as if a cold bucket of water was poured into her soul.
What was Charlotte talking about?
At one point, she was tempted to barge into their bedroom and confront them. However, she could not do it now. No. She would
not do something that might put her in jail.
She gritted her teeth as she forced herself to listen.
¡°She''s to turn 26 very soon,¡± Daniel chuckled. ¡°You know | cannot leave without you, right?¡± He started kissing her neck as his
other hand started moving on her body, caressing, pinching, stroking.
¡°She has yet to promise you that she would give you her shares even if you have yet to marry. How confident are you that she
would hand you the shares without conditions attached?¡± Charlotte asked.
¡°Can we stop talking about something irrelevant?¡± Again, he peppered Charlotte with kisses, causing thetter to giggle.
m getting impatient, Daniel. | have been waiting for two years.¡±
Two years?
Sofia could no longer stop the tears that welled in her eyes. Two years? Daniel and Charlotte had been sleeping for two years?
The truth of their betrayal unfurled inside her like a ck banner.
Sofia grabbed her chest. It felt as If a dagger was in her heart, a blunt dagger that was slowly turning, slowly destroying her from
the inside.
¡°Her birthday¡¯s in a month, babe,¡± Daniel reminded Charlotte.
¡°| know... | just...¡± Before she could finish her words, Daniel suddenly showed her a velvet box.
¡°You¡ª ¡°
Then, Daniel helped her sit down on the bed.
¡°Aring? You¡ª ¡°
¡°Will you marry me?¡± Daniel asked. ¡°Of course, after | get the shares.¡±
For a few minutes, Charlotte stared at the ring, her mouth agape. Then tears welled up in her eyes. Without saying a word, she
hugged Daniel and pushed him down the bed.
The next thing that Sofia saw was something that she found very hard to process.
Tears flowed down her cheeks as she closed her eyes and covered her mouth, afraid that they would hear her sobs. Each
moment felt like a session of merciless blows towards Sofia¡¯s already shattered heart.
Soon, she felt like a fog had descended in her head. She could no longer remember how she left the room. The next thing she
knew, she was already outside of the door. She quickly ran into her own room. The moment she closed her door, the storm within
her broke into stifled sobs.
Betrayal, heartbreak, and the overwhelming sense of loss clung to her as she sat on the carpeted floor, crying.
The next day arrived with the persistence of the sun as its rays sliced through the room. Sofia stirred on the bed, her eyelids
heavy. The memory of the previous night''s torment immediately filled her head.
¡°Awake?¡± a deep voice interrupted her hazy thoughts. She jolted up, her face pale as she looked around and found a familiar
man sitting next to her bed.
Alexander Beaumont.
He was wearing a ck suit, and his hair brushed up, showing his sharp and intimidating features. For a while, his steady dark
brown eyes met her green eyes.
She frowned.
¡°Why are you here?¡± She struggled to move, her head throbbed, and her arms felt weak.
Damn Hangover, she thought inwardly.
It took her a while to realize that she was wearing her underwear. She had spent the whole night drinking and crying. In the end,
she fell asleep while thinking about taking a shower. She quickly pulled the sheets up to cover her body.
¡°Business,¡± he answered, his gaze serious. ¡°Shall we talk?¡±
Chapter 3
Chapter 3
A Family Affair
¡°| have yet to make up my mind,¡± Sofia said, her eyes narrowing her eyes at him. Did hee because of his proposition?
The enticing aroma of freshly baked croissants wafted through the air, causing her stomach to growl involuntarily.Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.
She stole a nce at the tempting spread, attempting to feign indifference to both the food and the audible protest of her hungry
stomach. It was a futile effort.
¡°Is there a need for such pretense?¡± Alexander''s inquiry cut through the air, devoid of sympathy. ¡°Eat your fill. | only came to
make sure that you did not murder anyone. My ns would not seed when you are in prison.¡±
Blunt, Sofia acknowledged inwardly, her attention reluctantly shifting from the tantalizing croissants to the man seated across
from her. She picked up her fork and began to mechanically spear a piece of brunch, attempting to divert her focus away from
Alexander''s words.
¡°LH Group will hold its annual shareholder¡¯s meeting, and in this meeting, your stepfather will me you for the mishaps. Not
directly, of course.¡±
¡°W¡ª What?¡± The cup of coffee in her hand trembled, threatening to spill. His words demanded her full attention, taking all the
heaviness and headache from her hangover.
LH Design was the subsidiary of LH Group. Currently, she is the Head Designer of LH Design and its acting CEO. Before she
could continue thinking about this, Alexander pushed another document her way. She opened it without asking any more
questions.
¡°This¡ª ¡°
¡°A giarism scandal ready to explode,¡± Alexander interrupted, delivering the revtion with a cool matter-of-factness.
¡°| made those designs...¡± Sofia¡¯s voice wavered. How could it be giarism? She spent countless nights drawing them, choosing
the materials carefully for the uing collection.
He didn¡¯t answer. He studied her appearance, his eyes confident yet something about it contained cruelty that made her
ufortable.
¡°Arich heiress who grew up with a silver spoon against a working woman who struggled to make ends meet. Who do you think
the media will believe?¡± he asked, his voice cutting through her like a sharp knife.
¡°What are you trying to say? Why would my father¡ª ¡°
¡°Stepfather,¡± he corrected her.
Sofia¡¯s lips trembled. She steadied herself. Her mother married her stepfather when she was just two years old. Her biological
father died when her mother was pregnant, and the only father that she knew was her stepfather, Lawrence Miles, whoter
changed his surname to Lockhart when he married Sofia¡¯s mother Eunice Lockhart.
Charlotte was Lawrence''s daughter from his first marriage. She was only a few months older than Sofia. Because of this, the two
always treated each other like sisters.
¡°You should already know what | was talking about, no?¡± he asked. This time, Sofia did not answer. She only stared at the
document as she thought of what she heardst night.
Her 26th birthday wasing. This meant that her trust fund and inheritance from herte grandfather would belong to her.
Shares, stocks, bonds, properties, and at least three hundred million dors. The inheritance was something that every Lockhart
would get once they came of age.
However, to get this inheritance, some conditions must be met. She did not tell Daniel about these conditions, as this had been
kept a secret by the Lockhart Family. She did not intend to tell him anything about this matter either.
However, after what she witnessedst night, she was convinced that Daniel knew about the conditions, and that was why he
wanted to keep her around despite sleeping with Sofia¡¯s sister.
¡°The shares...¡± she mumbled. There can only be one reason why her stepfather would create a scandal like this. It was to taint
her name. He wanted to show the board that the heiress of LH Group is a giarizing ass. This would surely affect how they
view Sofia.
¡°Smart,¡± he smirked.
¡°My father¡ª Lawrence would never do something like this.¡± She said. However, a part of her already doubted her own words.
She grew up with Lawrence, and he treated her like family all this time.
¡°Just like how your sister would never betray your trust?¡± he asked.
That hurt. Must he add fuel to the fire? She was not sure if he was making fun of her. The funny thing was, that he was only
stating facts. She swallowed in response. What happenedst night was enough of a wake-up call for Sofia.
She had been too lenient.
No. That was not leniency. It was stupidity.
How did she not notice that Daniel had been cheating on her? How did she not notice that every time Daniel has a conference or
a business meeting, Charlotte would magically have a photoshoot or a film too?
How? Was she truly that stupid?
She flipped through the document in her hand as if her stomach hadn¡¯t just growled earlier. To her surprise, there were other
things included in the document. Again, there were images. However, unlike the images that he gave her earlier, this one was
that of her stepfather.
¡°This woman...¡±
¡°Lawrence Miles¡¯s ex and Charlotte Lockhart¡¯s mother, Lianne Ramirez.¡±
As far as Sofia knew, Lianne abandoned Charlotte right after giving birth. She left and never came back. Lawrence quickly
assumed all the responsibility and became a single father. Was it all a lie?
She swallowed. Over the years, Sofia started calling Lawrence, father. There was once a time that Lawrence wanted to legally
adopt her, but Sofia¡¯s grandmother declined, as one needed to be a Lockhart to be able to have her inheritance. To Sofia¡¯s
grandmother, Lawrence is not a Lockhart.
Because of this, Sofia¡¯s rtionship with her grandmother soured.
She flipped through the images and soon found something even more concerning. It was Lianne, Lawrence with someone
wearingrge shades that covered her beautiful face¡ª It was Charlotte!
So Charlotte was already seeing her biological mother? She turned the card and saw the dates. This was a year ago! Did
Charlotte know about Lianne and Lawrence¡¯s rtionship since a year ago?
The next photos answered her questions.
The images were of three talking and even vacationing in a tropical country.
¡°What about my mother?¡± she mumbled. If Lawrence and Charlotte had been acting like this for a while now then... what about
her mother who was currently staying in a medical facility because of some personal issues?
¡°Are you seeing everything now?¡± he asked. Then he leaned forward. ¡°Everything has been nned. It was a deliberate
scheme.¡±
Sofia opened her mouth; she wanted to argue, perhaps ask for more evidence, but the more she thought about the proof in front
of her, the colder she got. In the end, she closed her mouth without saying another word.
¡°Unfortunately, | cannot prove that what happened to your mother was deliberate. Whoever did it covered their tracks very well.¡±
Alexander leaned back, anguid smile on his face.
She nodded. She cannot exactly let him do everything. ¡°So you wanted to marry me to get my shares of Beaumont Empire?¡± she
asked. Alexander Beaumont was a well-known bachelor. There had been rumors of him having various kinds of rtionships, but
all would disappear in a day or two.
¡°It is not a bad deal, isn¡¯t it?¡± he asked.
She wet her lips. Daniel wanted to marry her because he wanted her eight percent shares of the Beaumont Empire. Their
reasons for marrying were almost the same, except that Alexander was using a rather direct approach.
¡°Marrying me would not only devastate Daniel but... would solidify your position as the heiress of LH Group. It¡¯s a win¡ªwin.¡± He
said as he reached out to his cup and slowly enjoyed his coffee.
¡°A marriage of convenience, huh...¡± Sofia said.
¡°The perfect one,¡± he responded, the side of his lips quirking up into another smirk.
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
The Nail in the Coffin
Sofia sank into her personally customized white ornate chair, her attention fixed on the wisps of steam dancing above the coffee
resting on the table before her.
Despite her role as the creative director of a fashionpany, Sofia¡¯s office radiated simplicity that bordered on inness. The
color scheme was stark¡ªck and white, meticulously organized to maintain a sense of order. It was intentional, reflecting her
desire for rity and focus in her workspace.
However, she was far from her usually focused self at the moment. Her brows furrowed as she pondered the proposition from
Mr. Beaumont. It had been two days since she saw him¡ª two days since she saw the betrayal.
She closed her eyes, exhaustion was gnawing on her soul. In the past two days, she had mostly spent her time crying and being
miserable. When is the pain going to ease?
Aknock on her door interrupted her thoughts. She lifted her gaze and met her secretary, Miss Amores, with a smiling face. ¡°Is
there something?¡± Sofia asked.
¡°Mr. Lawrence Lockhart is here with the COO Mr. Oh.¡±
The mention of her stepfather¡¯s name made her gaze tremble. She was quickly reminded of what Alexander told her. For a
moment, she wondered what she would do when she saw Lawrence again. ¡°Let them in,¡± she cleared her throat.
This would be the first time she would see her stepfather since that conversation with Alexander. She got up, forcing a smile on
her face. She cannot falter now.
¡°Sofia,¡± a middle-aged man greeted her the moment he walked in. This man was none other than the man whom Sofia had been
calling father. Lawrence Miles¡ª Lockhart.
¡°Father,¡± Sofia greeted back. ¡°I thought you were with Mr. Oh?¡±
¡°He is currently in Mrs. Phelps¡¯s office.¡±
Sofia¡¯s eyebrow lifted. Mrs. Phelps was their Production manager. ¡°I hope there is no problem?¡± Sofia asked while helping the
man out of his coat.
¡°Of course not... Mr. Oh is currently checking all the production in our subsidiaries for the annual meeting. | apologize for not
telling you in advance.¡±
¡°No problem,¡± Sofia said, though she suspected this was intentional, especially after her conversation with Alexander.
¡°Coffee?¡±
¡°Please...¡± her father gave a warm smile as he sat on the plush couch inside Sofia¡¯s office. He eyed therge painting in front of
the couch and smiled. ¡°I am d that you still like this painting after so many years...¡±
This was a painting that Lawrence personally made for Sofia, a gift during her graduation.
¡°| quite liked it...¡± Sofia said after asking her secretary to make some coffee for them. Sofia¡¯s earlier coffee had gotten cold, so
she asked for a new one. ¡°Still two sugar and no cream?¡± she asked.
¡°Yes...¡± Lawrence said. ¡°You know me too well.¡±
Sofia chuckled, sitting on the one-seater by the side of therge couch. ¡°How was the preparation for the Annual meeting?¡± she
asked.
¡°It is going well. Everything has been prepared. However... | am not here to talk about such matters.¡±
Sofia¡¯s gaze lingered on her stepfather¡¯s face. Lawrence Miles wasn¡¯t exceptionally good-looking, but there was a simple charm
in his light gray eyes. Overall, his features looked calming and trustworthy. His voice was always calm and soft. Now, a part of
her wonder if there is any truth about the man¡¯s personality.
¡°Please don¡¯t tell me you are not here to encourage me to marry someone...¡± Sofia chortled while dramatically rolling her eyes.
¡°What is wrong with marrying at the age of twenty-six? Your mother and | are old enough. Don¡¯t you think it is time that you give
us some grandchildren?¡± he asked. This was a conversation they¡¯d had many times.
¡°Charlotte is even older than me. If anything, she should be the one getting married first.¡±
¡°Charlotte is an actress. She had high ambitions in Hollywood. | have encouraged her to at least find someone but...¡± he sighed.
¡°All of it ended up with us fighting. You know your sister very well.¡±
Sofia chuckled. Did she truly know Charlotte at all? She¡¯d heard this conversation repeatedly in recent months. On the surface, it
sounded like he was encouraging her to marry for the sake of her sick mother. However, after that conversation with Alexander,
she wondered if it was because she was about to have her shares in thepany.
She only smiled in response, using the disguise of
drinking her coffee to hide her expression. Her mother, Eunice Lockhart, had been in a medical facility for two years now. The
thought worsened her mood.
¡°Never mind... you are young and brilliant. | am certain that it would not take Daniel too long to propose. When the timees...
you should ept it. Settle down and give us grandchildren. In this way, | could leave this world in peace.¡±Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.
¡± Sofia did not know how to react. In the past, she would haveforted him immediately, telling him that he was only in his
fifties, young and able. However, after everything, she couldn¡¯t seem toe up with a way to deal with this dramatic situation.
¡°Ah, this is why | told you not to overwork yourself,¡± Sofia said. ¡°Let the others do their work or you can simply wait for my next
birthday. Once | have the voting rights and the right to work in the main office, | will be there to lessen your burden.¡±
As expected, a glimmer of an unknown emotion shed in Lawrence¡¯s eyes. It vanished before Sofia could recognize what it
was. Seeing this, she lowered her head, her expression sinking.
¡°Ah, look at that, it seems that Mr. Oh just finished with his business.¡± Her stepfather got up. She immediately got up and once
again helped him with his coat.
¡°You should visit your mother in the hospital,¡± Lawrence said, his tone solemn. ¡°The doctors said there have been some
improvementstely.¡±
¡°They said that two months ago...¡± Sofia answered before letting out a sigh. ¡°I will visit Mom today.¡± Seeing her mood turn sour,
Lawrence smiled then he gave her a hug before leaving her office.
Almost immediately, her expression changed when Lawrence left. She immediately ran towards herptop and turned it on.
Earlier, she managed to slip a small voice recorder on thepel of Lawrence''s coat. It was something that Alexander generously
provided to help her make up her mind¡ªsomething that she found rather abominable yet quite useful.
He thought it would be quite useful and it seems that he was right.
Sadly, the recorder would notst that long. It was small and did not have the capability to charge itself. Apparently, Beaumont
Empire was working on creating a better version of this recorder.
Sofia could only sigh as she started listening to Lawrence¡¯s conversation with Mr. Oh as the two descended in the elevator.
¡°How was it?¡± Lawrence asked. At this time, the two were already in the car.
¡°Everything has been prepared... | have acquired some sketches.¡± Mr. Oh said. One could easily hear the chuckle that followed
his words. ¡°And her?¡± he asked.
¡°Still clueless...¡± Lawrence responded. ¡°Daniel already agreed to propose to her on her birthday. Convincing her not to sign any
prenup should be easy for him. When the timees...¡± Lawrence did not continue his words, but Sofia heard a clinking sound
on the other side.
Were they toasting to their future sess?
Sofia¡¯s lips trembled inwardly. The sadness that she felt earlier seemed to vanish. What reced it was pure rage and hatred.
¡°You should call Doctor Mch and tell him to increase the dosage,¡± Lawrence¡¯s voice echoed inside Sofia¡¯s head like a bell
tolling over and over again. ¡°She cannot wake up now.¡±
¡°Understood...¡± Mr. Oh answered. Once again, Sofia heard a chuckle.
Unable to continue listening to their conversation, Sofia got up and stared at the view from the floor-to-ceiling windows of her
office. Doctor Mch is currently the head doctor in charge of her mother¡¯s well-being. Since Eunice lost consciousness two
years ago, Doctor Mch had been the one in charge of her treatment.
Sofia had trusted him as he was a well-known doctor both abroad and in the US. Who would have thought that he was harming
her very own mother instead of healing her?
Who would have thought that Sofia would be so stupid to believe everyone around her?
She clenched her jaw, her gaze narrowed at the cars that she could see from where she was standing. Her heart raced against
her chest as she forced herself to calm down. Closing her eyes, Sofia was not able to stop a single tear from falling into her
cheeks.
Indeed. Being betrayed by the people that she trusted the most was worse than being stabbed by an enemy.
Achuckle escaped her lips as she took her phone and dialed a number.
¡°What took you so long?¡± Mr. Beaumont¡¯s deep and sexy voice answered just after a ring. Sofia closed her eyes, she then bit her
lower lip. Then she said. ¡°Let''s get married.¡±
Chapter 5
Chapter 5
Chapter 5
Smooth jazz tunes danced through the air, creating a mellow atmosphere in the dining room of the Beaumont Mansion. The
gentle hum of the nearby man-madeke and the sounds of birds outside the mansion added to the tranquil setting.
However, this did not ease the tension that wrapped around Mrs. Beaumont as she feigned a smile toward the beautiful woman
with blond hair across from her. ¡°I never expected that you would still remember the perfume that | like, Zoe. | truly appreciate it,¡±
Mrs. Teresa Beaumont said.
Her gaze drifted toward Alexander, who was sitting next to Zoe, silently sipping his tea. Seeing hisck of interest in the current
conversation, she quickly added, ¡°How was your trip to Paris?¡± She took a sip of her tea, her gaze again darting towards
Alexander.
Zoe smiled in response, her dimples showing. ¡°It was perfect. Sadly, | did not visit Paris for a vacation. | barely had any sleep,¡±
Zoe Smith said. ¡°The fashion week was brutal as always.¡±
¡°Ah... look, | believe your favorite cookies are done. Let me get the chefs...¡± Teresa got up and quickly rushed towards the
kitchen without waiting for them to say another word.
Seeing his stepmother gone, Alexander immediately stood up.
¡°Alex... where are you going?¡± Zoe asked, her innocent blue eyes meeting his brown icy ones. For a few seconds, she froze,
unable to cope with the coldness of his eyes.
¡°| have a meeting in five...¡± Alex said.
¡°But | just | just arrived and-¡± She looked at the box on the table. ¡°You have yet to open the gift that | bought.¡±
¡°Let mother open it,¡± Alexander said. He turned around, but just as he
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started walking, he felt someone grab his arm.
¡°Are you nning to avoid me forever?¡± Zoe asked softly.
Alexander turned and stared at the woman wearing a beige frilly dress. ¡°I would appreciate it if Miss Smith stopped touching me.
| believe it would not be appropriate if the media took a single picture of this. It would ruin Miss Smith¡¯s reputation.¡±
¡°Alex, look...¡±T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.
¡°Call me Mr. Beaumont,¡± Alexander said. While his voice was not loud, it was icy, devoid of any expression. Almost immediately,
Zoe¡¯s eyes reddened.
¡°It''s been five years...¡± Zoe said, almost meekly. ¡°I know | hurt you. Please-
¡°If | had known that Miss Smith would visit today, | would not havee,¡± Alexander said. ¡°I would prefer it if Miss Smith kept her
distance from me. There is nothing between us. | do not want the media to misunderstand anything.¡±
¡°Alexander, | was your fianc¨¦e...¡±
¡°Was...¡± Alexander snorted as he corrected her. ¡°Was is aplete
sentence.¡± With that, he shook his arm, prompting her to let go of his suit. However, Zoe was far from being done.
¡°Can you at least... treat me like a friend?¡± Zoe¡¯s words echoed inside the mansion. ¡°I¡ª | know | made a mistake, but that was in
the past. Can¡ª Can we start over?¡±
Alexander pursed his lips. Just as he was about to answer, his phone suddenly rang. He opened it, and his icy gaze immediately
vanished. ¡°What took you so long?¡± he smirked. There was a brief silence on the other line before he heard a sigh. ¡°Let¡¯s get
married.¡±
He chuckled at that. ¡°Send me your address. | will send Josef for you.¡± Then he ended the call and started walking away, his
strides long and fast.
This time, Zoe did not stop him from walking outside the mansion. What surprised Alexander was seeing his younger brother,
Daniel Beaumont, about to walk inside.
¡°Alex...¡± Daniel greeted. ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me you would be visiting Mother today.¡±
¡°Hmmm...¡± Alex simply nodded. ¡°Tell your mother to stop involving herself in my affairs.¡±
¡°What? What did she-¡± Daniel sighed. ¡°Was it Zoe again?¡±
Alexander walked past him without saying a word.
¡°Look, Mother just wanted you to settle down. Father and she are-
¡°How was your trip, Daniel?¡± Alexander interrupted him. ¡°How was the conference?¡±
oe
¡°It seems that you are too freetely. You even have the time to talk about my affairs.¡±
¡°What? That is not-
¡°There is a new project in Asia. | am going to send you to supervise it.¡± Alexander started walking towards his car. Hearing his
words, Daniel immediately ran after him.
¡°Alex wait, what are you talking about? | thought you were sending me to Europe? How about France?¡±
¡°France is too easy... you need something more challenging. Something that would take a lot of your time.¡±
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¡°France is challenging. | think you need to reconsider. 1¡ª¡±
¡°Tell your mother this is but a warning. Next time she does something like this, | am kicking you out of thepany.¡± Alexander
smirked. ¡°You know very well how | keep my word.¡±
Daniel stood there, frozen when he heard his brother¡¯s words. As the CEO and acting Chairman of Beaumont Empire, Alexander
had all the power to do all these things. However, Daniel could only re at his brother¡¯s tall back as he watched him drive away
from the mansion.
The moment his brother left, his face immediately turned ugly. He, too, was a Beaumont. However, he was treated as if he were
a rat. Always. currying favors, running around to simply maintain his position in thepany! Sadly, even their father could not
do anything about this
matter.
He gritted his teeth as he walked towards the mansion, his gazeplicated. Instead of wallowing in jealousy and anger, he
should do something about his current situation. Almost immediately, his thoughts. turned to¡ªSofia Lockhart.
Her shares would solidify his position in the Beaumont Empire. Her name alone would help Daniel have a steady position in the
company. Surely, Alexander would not do anything to someone who would soon lead the LH Group, right?
He sighed as he walked inside. Just as he expected, he saw Alexander¡¯s ex- fianc¨¦e and Teresa on the couch. Zoe was crying in
his mother¡¯s arms.
If this were in the past, Daniel would haveforted Zoe and told her to be more patient with his brother. However, he was not in
the mood for any of this. He red at his mother before turning towards his room to
call Sofia.
She was the only thing that could change his status!
Chapter 6
Chapter 6
Chapter 6
Sofia bit her lower lip as she continued reading the details of the contract. that Alexander had handed her. On it were details
about this ¡®marriage of convenience.
¡°Is there anything else?¡± Alexander asked; his brown eyes met hers. ¡°Anything that you wanted to add?¡±
However, before Sofia could say a word, her phone vibrated for the second time since she met Alexander in this quaint
restaurant she did not even know existed near her office.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.
¡°Hey, sorry. | am currently in a meeting,¡± Sofia said as she answered her phone. The caller was none other than Daniel. She had
already declined his call earlier. Why was he calling her again?
¡°How about we have dinner together? After the meeting, of course,¡± Daniel said on the other line.
¡°Daniel, look-¡±
¡°Sorry. | was just...¡± There was a pause on the other line. ¡°I missed you.¡±
elded ¡°Let''s talkter. My client is here,¡± Sofia said before she ended the call.
¡°Client?¡± Alexander chuckled. ¡°I didn¡¯t know my younger brother could be very clingy, considering he had been treating you like a
fool for two years
now.
¡°Why am | not surprised that you were already aware of how long he¡¯s been treating me this way yet did nothing to bring this
matter to my attention?¡± she snapped.
¡°| don¡¯t see why it is any of my business,¡± Alexander answered almost immediately.
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Chapter 6
Sofia bit her lower lip as she continued reading the details of the contract that Alexander had handed her. On it were details
about this ¡®marriage of
convenience."
¡°Is there anything else?¡± Alexander asked; his brown eyes met hers. ¡°Anything that you wanted to add?¡±
However, before Sofia could say a word, her phone vibrated for the second time since she met Alexander in this quaint
restaurant she did not even know existed near her office.
¡°Hey, sorry. | am currently in a meeting,¡± Sofia said as she answered her phone. The caller was none other than Daniel. She had
already declined his call earlier. Why was he calling her again?
¡°How about we have dinner together? After the meeting, of course,¡± Daniel said on the other line.
¡°Daniel, look-¡±
¡°Sorry. | was just...¡± There was a pause on the other line. ¡°I missed you.¡±
¡°Let''s talkter. My client is here,¡± Sofia said before she ended the call.
¡°Client?¡± Alexander chuckled. ¡°I didn¡¯t know my younger brother could be very clingy, considering he had been treating you like a
fool for two years
now.
¡°Why am | not surprised that you were already aware of how long he¡¯s been treating me this way yet did nothing to bring this
matter to my attention?¡± she snapped.
¡°| don¡¯t see why it is any of my business,¡± Alexander answered almost immediately.
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This answer seemed to choke all the words that she wanted to say. Prior to their meeting a few days ago, she had only met him
once. There were times that they had seen each other at events, but they would only nod at each other. He does not owe her
anything.
¡°Why now, then?¡± she asked, curious.
¡°Don¡¯t you already know the answer to your question?¡± he retorted.
Why was this man so hateful? Her delicate brows frowned. It seems that other than his appearance, there is truly nothing good
about this tyrant.
After his proposal, she was quick to do her research and found out that the Beaumont Empire was currently very chaotic. Just a
while ago, Alexander kicked his own father from the board and imed the chairman position. This, of course, met a few raised
eyebrows from the older generation.
To stabilize his position, he needed someone like her.
She red at his smiling face before she lowered her gaze and read the agreement for the second time. There are rules in this
marriage that she expected such as cohabitation, signing a prenuptial, and keeping this marriage a secret until both of them are
ready to reveal it.
However, she never expected the first use.
4
Physical intimacy is permitted, but consent is a must. Consent was highlighted; it was emphasized.
To be honest, she never thought about this use at all. Despite being together for years, Daniel and she still lived in separate
ts. While he wanted to move in together a long time ago, Sofia found it rather hard to bnce being with him in the same
house and working with her designs. She thought being so near him would be a distraction.
Luckily, Daniel did not force her to do so. She thought this was because he always travels for his job. Now, she was suspecting
this was because of
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Charlotte.
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Right now, she was forced to face something that she initially dismissed as a mere formality. Sofia simply thought that this was
nothing but a marriage on paper. However, now that she had the time to sit down and carefully analyze the situation, she realized
a few things.
Both of them are adults, so it should not be an issue for them to talk about intimacy. She lifted her gaze and stared at him. He
was wearing a perennial ck suit- as always. His hair was brushed up, making him. look more mature than his age. His tall legs
were crossed, only adding to the elegant yet subtly intimidating feeling that he was giving her- and everyone else.
¡°Satisfied?¡± he asked with that infuriating yful smirk.
Almost immediately, her gaze turned sharp. She could feel the embarrassment of being caught settled in her gut. Was she
praising this. devil inside her head? Was she damn blushing? She should not be!
¡°| appreciate your thoroughness about this matter,¡± she voiced out, trying to maintain the calmness in her voice.
¡°Hmmm...¡± he nodded.
Once again, silence and the smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the room.
¡°Let''s do it,¡± Sofia said after a few minutes of silence.
His lips lifted into a smile as he watched Sofia sign the agreement.
¡°It seems that the timing is perfect. The officiant is here,¡± he mused.
¡°Officiant?¡±
¡°Are we not saying our vows?¡±
In the end, everything happened just as he wanted. With two witnesses, they were able to sign a marriage contract, and just like
that, the wedding was done.
She was now a married woman.
After everything, Sofia felt a little dizzy. She had dreamed of a grand wedding. She wanted to walk down the aisle with her
stepfather and see the crying groom at the end of the red carpet. What happened just now was the exact opposite.
This time, she was unable to stop herself fromughing a burst of self- deprecatingughter. The whirlwind nature of their
marriage echoed in the back of her mind, both a bewildering mistake and an oddly right decision.
¡°You are certain you wanted to go to my house to celebrate?¡± Alexander¡¯s question brought her out of her stupor. She met his
gaze, her green eyes sparkling with newfound confidence.
¡°Is there a problem with going to my new husband''s house?¡± she countered with a mischievous smirk ying on her pink lips.
¡°You just had two sses of wine,¡± he said matter¡ªof-factly. His scrutiny did not escape her notice as his sharp brown eyes
examined her
appearance.
¡°| can handle myself very well, Mr. Beaumont. You should stop underestimating your wife.¡±
¡°Wife...¡± he smirked. The corner of his lips lifted in a smirk as he
shamelessly allowed his gaze to travel down her form, lingering on the crisp lines of her ck pencil skirt that tastefully hugged
her curves. ¡°I like the sound of that.¡±
¡°Satisfied?¡± she repeated the words that he asked her earlier.
Chapter 7
Chapter 7
Chapter 7
¡°Where are you? | have been waiting in your office for almost an hour now!¡± a sharp voice of a woman red against her ears,
jolting her awake. She snapped to her senses, her gaze turning alert.
¡°I-¡± Sofia grimaced, her hand slowly massaging her temple. ¡°Sorry, | overslept.¡±
¡°Are you alright?¡± the voice on the other line softened. ¡°Do you need me to go to your t? Coffee?¡± concernced the woman''s
voice. This woman was none
other than Sofia¡¯s sister, Charlotte. Sofia immediately tried to recall if she had an appointment with her sister that day but could
not recall anything.
¡°Is there anything that you need?¡± Sofia asked, unable to hide the irritation in her voice.
¡°Are you sick? You sound sick. Do you want me toe get you?¡± Charlotte asked.
¡°No, I¡¯m fine. | just needed to finish somethingst night.¡±
¡°Was Father trying to overwork you again?¡±
4
¡°No...¡± Sofia shook her head. ¡°Look, I''ll be there soon.¡± She ended the call without waiting for the woman on the other line to
answer her. She did not bother checking the messages on her phone as she nced around the room; the details of the room
began to remind her of what happenedst night.
Sofia¡¯s eyes darted nervously around the room. If she was right, this is Alexander¡¯s room. Last night, in a haze of alcohol¡ª
induced confusion, she had ended up here, in hisrge King¡ªsize bed.
Just the reminder of what she did made her want to explode from embarrassment. What the hell happened to her?
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The subdued elegance of ck and white, the lingering scent of his cologne, and the neatly arranged decor immediately brought
back the memories of the previous night. She cringed.
Quickly, she got out of bed and was thankful that she was still fully clothed.
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¡°| asked Josef to buy clothes for you....¡± a voice interrupted her. She froze before slowly turning towards the door where a
shirtless Alexander was leaning. He sported gray sweatpants, and his damp hair hinted at a recent shower. She immediately
turned her head away, scolding herself inwardly for noticing the defined lines of his muscles.
She immediately convinced herself that it was only natural for her to stare after all; she was an artist. It is normal to appreciate
pretty things.
¡°Same brand as your clothes... should be the same size too,¡± he added.
Sofia turned towards the paper bags by the bed.
¡°Sorry aboutst night,¡± Sofia said.
¡°Hmmm...¡± he nodded, a subtle hint of a smirk ying on his lips.
Seeing that he was not nning to mention how she cried like a baby in his arms, Sofia let out a sigh of relief. She tried to
maintain a calm demeanor. ¡°Thank you for the clothes.¡±
¡°Bathroom¡¯s that way... | currently do not have any feminine products, so | asked Josef to buy you one. Tell me if you need
anything more.¡±
¡°No, I-Thank you... That should be enough.¡± Why was this man acting so considerate? She looked at him, her gaze full of
suspicion. Did he take the wrong medicine today?
Out of habit, she shifted her attention to the bed, intending to straighten. it. However, she inexplicably froze halfway as thoughts
of the previous.
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Chapter 7
night crossed her mind. Did he and she....
As if reading her thoughts, he said, ¡°I slept in the guest room...¡±
For some reason, she could feel her face turn hotter. Was she blushing? ¡°No. That¡¯s not what I- | mean- | meant it¡¯s alright,¡± she
stuttered. ¡°I mean... | do not mind.¡± Howe it still came out wrong?
¡°You would have preferred it if | slept next to you?¡±
¡°What?¡± her gaze snapped back at him.
He chuckled. ¡°I''ll keep that in mind.¡±
¡°I-¡± She frowned. There is nothing wrong with sleeping next to each other, right?
Seeing her flushed face, he quickly changed the topic. ¡°Ah, give Josef a list. of the things that you need so he can buy them
ahead of time.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.
¡°Sure...¡± she answered. Then she stilled. However, she quickly thought of the contract and realized that they would be living
under the same roof soon. There is nothing wrong with buying some toiletries for each other. She immediately made a mental
note to ask his Secretary Josef for Alexander¡¯s preferences so she could keep them inside her own t.
After quickly escaping to the bathroom, Sofia let out another sigh of relief. She looked at her reflection in the mirror and was
greeted by a green¡ªeyed monster withrge panda eyes. Obviously, this monster was her and her hideous appearance. She
immediately thought of how she got so drunk to the point of crying and smearing her mascara all over his suit and pillows!
How embarrassing!
Sofia was very confident about her alcohol tolerance, butst night, she was not able to control herself. All emotions that she had
been trying to control since she discovered the betrayal came crashing down on her like.
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arge boulder. Afterposing herself, she immediately took a quick bath and applied some makeup then wore the clothes that
he had gotten. for her.
After making herself presentable, she went out of the room and descended into a sleek staircase that seamlessly connected to
the living. room and dining area. Almost immediately, her gazended on the panoramic view that therge wall¡ªto¡ªceiling ss
windows offered. It was the view of the busy city of Springfield.
She looked around the living room which boasted plush furnishings and muted tones. The space was clean and minimalist, the
perfect ce for a bachelor. She immediately thought about the news that she heard about Alexander in the past. There were a
few rumors about him being in a rtionship with a famous model, but no one was able to confirm it.
¡°Breakfast?¡± she almost jumped when she heard his voice, her green eyes. meeting his intense brown gaze.
¡°Why are you acting like a thief?¡± he asked, a yful spark in his eyes.
m not,¡± she red at him. Her gazended on the freshly cooked breakfast on the table.
¡°Sandwiches and milk...¡±
4
¡°| prefer coffee... thank you.¡± Why milk? Does she look like someone who drinks milk?
¡°Hmmm...¡±
He approached the coffee maker nearby.
¡°You are alone?¡± she asked, wondering if he made everything.
¡°Yes. A cleaningdyes twice a week.¡±
Sofia nodded, not intending to prolong the conversation. ¡°Look... about
Chapter 7
last night.¡±
¡°| would prefer it if you do not cry for other men,
again.¡±
0
Sofia met his brown eyes. She blinked, unable to process what he just said. ¡°I That was
¡°| believe Daniel is not worth it,¡± he handed her a coffee in a tumbler, their fingers brushing in a subtle, charged moment. ¡°For the
road.¡±
¡°Oh...¡± She was unable to respond as she watched him wrap the sandwiches too. ¡°Your car is in the parking lot 15. | asked Josef
to bring it here.¡±
Sofia did not know what to say. Her brain seemed to have short-circuited. What''s with this change of attitude? Did... something
happenst night?
The ringing in her phone snapped her back to her senses. She awkwardly epted the coffee and sandwiches before literally
running out of his penthouse. She thought he heard him chuckle behind her, but she did.
not care.
The moment she arrived in her car, her phone rang again. This time, she answered it.
¡°Hey...¡± Sofia said. Was it a coincidence that Daniel called her just minutes. after Charlotte did? Sofia chuckled inwardly, her
gaze turning colder by the minute.
¡°Hey babe... where are you? Do you want me to bring you breakfast?¡± Daniel asked, his voice as soft and amodating as
ever,..
Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Chapter 8
m on my way to the office,¡± Sofia said as she started her car. ¡°I can¡¯t talk
now.
¡°Oh, then | am going to bring some lunchter. How does that sound?¡± Daniel asked. Sofia sneered inwardly. In the past, she
would have had no problems with this. Now, she realized that Daniel would only volunteer to bring something during office hours
when Charlotte was there.
Was Sofia actually this dumb?
No. She had been busy with everything else. She simply had no time to think about small things. ¡°Of course,¡± Sofia hid the anger
in her voice.
¡°Alright, love you. I''ll see youter.¡±
¡°Right,¡± Sofia ended the call and held the steering wheel, her grip tight. She did not even realize how that call affected her until
she saw her white
knuckles.
It took her a few minutes topletely calm herself down to drive to LH
DESIGN.
Located in Springfield, Illinois, LH DESIGN is only one of the subsidiary
companies of LH GROUP.
Just two months ago, the CEO of LH DESIGN suffered a major health problem and is still in the hospital to this very day.
Because of this, the board decided to have an Interim CEO, someone who would provide leadership during LH DESIGN¡¯s critical
time.
And Sofia was chosen to lead thepany.
This was not a random choice or something born out of the fact that she was the heir of LH Group. This was because she was
currently the Creative. Director of thepany and had so much experience in both
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Chapter 8
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management and the production aspect of LH DESIGN itself.
When this decision was made, not one of the board members of LH Group refused. Since then, Sofia¡¯s schedule has been very
hectic. Since she became the Interim CEO, she had not had any date night with Daniel, and he would only drop by her office with
gifts from his travels.
Sofia never thought that there was anything wrong with this. She liked those gifts and even had a wall in her t with just those
various gifts from all over the world. She made a mental note to immediately start a renovation next week. She could simply use
that as a reason to remove those things from her wall.
¡°Good Morning, Miss Lockhart,¡± Sofia was greeted by Miss Amores the moment she walked inside LH DESIGN, located on the
top floor of the building.
¡°Morning, Miss Amores. | already had coffee,¡± Sofia smiled when Miss. Amores handed her a cup of coffee. ¡°And breakfast,¡± she
eyed the sandwich in Miss Amores¡¯s hand.
¡°Of course,¡± Miss Amores nodded. ¡°Miss Charlotte is in your office. She has been here for about an hour... she wanted me to call
you.¡±
¡®you.
¡°Hmmm,¡± Sofia nodded. Yesterday, she instructed Miss Amores not to disturb her unless someone died. She had been working
under Sofia for years and knew that Sofia would do something like this if she was designing something. ¡°Schedule?¡±
¡°You have a strategic nning after lunch and a briefing at three in the afternoon. | have all the things that you need to sign.
Shall | give it to you now?¡±
¡°Yes,¡± Sofia nodded as she walked inside her office. The nd ck and white office greeted her. However, despite liking it, her
mood was ruined when she saw the smiling Charlotte.
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¡°Sister!¡± Charlotte immediately pouted. ¡°How dare you make me wait?¡±
¡°Sorry... | had something...¡± Sofia tried to stop herself from acting awkward but knew it was useless. Her facial expression said it
all. Moreover, unlike Charlotte, Sofia was not an actress.
Immediately realizing that something was wrong, Charlotte blinked herrge beautiful eyes. Today, Charlotte was wearing an all¡ª
white frilly dress that already made her look like an angel. Coupled with her pitiful eyes, the normal Sofia would have immediately
smiled and assured her that
nothing was wrong.
However, instead of calming her sister, Sofia walked past her and sat on her chair. She epted the papers that Miss Amores
handed her and started reading their details. It was not her intention to ignore Charlotte, but a part of her was trying to control
herself.
She was tempted to ask the woman why she betrayed her. What the hell was she doing pretending to be good only to stab her in
the back? However, this was not the time for that.
¡°Sister, did something happen?¡± Charlotte asked.
¡°No. However... the annual meeting ising, and the winter collection needs to be finalized. | have yet to have a good night¡¯s
sleep for a few days now,¡± Sofia faked a smile as she started signing some of the papers in her hand.
¡°Is it that bad?¡± Charlotte asked.
Since Charlotte is not exactly a Lockhart, she has no right in thepany. She also chose not to involve herself with LH Group
when she decided to pursue acting.
Sofia lifted her gaze and stared at Charlotte''s angelic face. How could someone look so kind and beautiful on the outside yet
have that rotting heart on the inside? Sofia smiled. ¡°This is the first year that | am managing*
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thepany as its CEO and creative director at the same time.¡±
¡°Oh... right... | forgot about that.¡±
Again, Sofia focused on the documents in her hand. ¡°Hmmm... you just got back from your taping?¡±
¡°Yes. | arrivedst night and | immediately tried to call you.¡±
¡°| had to finish some designs,¡± Sofia lied without batting an eyelid. Everyone knew that she would sometimes turn her phone off
just to avoid distraction while making her designs. ¡°Oh. Sorry...¡± she once again stared at Charlotte. ¡°Did youe here for
something? I- Miss Amores, did you forget to tell me about any appointment today?¡±
¡°No, Miss, Miss Charlotte did not set an appointment in advance.¡±
¡°Right,¡± Sofia turned her gaze towards Charlotte. Her words just now had a very clear meaning. Why was Charlotte here without
setting an
appointment to see her?
Charlotte.immediately understood her meaning. ¡°I actually forgot to call Miss Amores.¡±
¡°It''s not a problem. However, It would be best to call ahead of time. | do not want youpletely wasting your time bying in
here while | am away having meetings,¡± Sofia said, her voicepletely cold. For a few seconds, Charlotte stared at her as if
she could not believe what she just heard.
Sofia only dared to act like this because of the uing Annual Shareholder¡¯s Meeting. ¡°Ah, yes. Do you need something?¡±
Sofia asked.
Charlotte hesitated. She looked at Miss Amores, who was standing next to Sofia helping her out with the documents.
¡°Ah, you need Miss Amores to leave? Miss Amores, please leave us fora
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few minutes. | will call you when | need your help.¡±
¡°Yes, Miss Lockhart.¡±
UNI 14:17
After Miss Amores left, Sofia immediately looked at Charlotte waiting for her to speak. Under that gaze, Charlotte could not help
but frown. ¡°I did not know that father is overworking you like this. If | had known... | would not have asked you to write that song
for me.¡± She pouted like a child who just lost her candy.
Hearing her words, Sofia sneered inwardly. She already had suspicions as to why Charlotte woulde here and would wait for
her for more than an hour. In the past, Charlotte would only do something like this when she needed something. It seems that
this woman would never change.
If this was in the past, Sofia wouldfort Charlotte and tell her that this was not her fault. Then she would tell her not to worry
and that she would send the new song tonight.
However, Sofia was no longer the woman that Charlotte and everyone else liked to fool. She was no longer that naive
ghostwriter who agreed to write songs for Charlotte to help her career in music. ¡°Song?¡± Sofia blinked, and then her eyes
widened. Then, she made a dramatic gasp. ¡°Are you talking about the song for your next album?¡±
Are
Charlotte immediately paled. ¡°Please don¡¯t tell me you forgot about it.¡±
Sofia immediately frowned. ¡°I- ¡°her face reddened. ¡°Ipletely forgot
about it.¡±
Chapter 9
Chapter 9
Chapter 9
How could a human be capable of having so many expressions in a matter of seconds?
Sofia had never thought this was possible until she saw the woman¡¯s face turn from pale to red. Sofia observed Charlotte¡¯s
changing expression. Her face contorted, and Sofia spotted various expressions from irritation to anger, then to fright, and finally
into something that could only be called a calm expression.
¡°| thought you still had about three months before you had to submit the album to your publisher?¡± Sofia looked confused as she
acted as if she did not notice those expressions just now.
¡°Do you have problems with your publishers?¡± The publishers were the ones helping Charlotte with licensing her music. ¡°Did
something happen? Were they rushing you? Was it your fans?¡±
Charlotte hadn¡¯t started her career because of her talent in acting but because she could sing. Her voice, while not the best, was
perfect for sad and lonely songs. With the support of LH Group, her first song. immediately rose the charts and ended in the top
10 mosy-listened songs. of the year. She even won some awards, and from there, she started releasing more songs.
However, what the masses did not know was the fact that Charlotte could not write songs. The first song that she released,
called ¡°Sunflower Love,¡± was written by Sofia when she was in high school. It was something that she wrote while bored.
Charlotte found it, thought it was cute, and the rest is history.
Since the song became popr, Charlotte had asked her to write song. after song until she was able to write 12 songs and even
release an album. No one knew that she wrote those songs. To them, Charlotte was a genius songwriter and singer. Sofia did
not ask Charlotte to credit her name as
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well because they were sisters. Moreover, Sofia believed that she did not. need all that money and recognition. After all, she was
the heir of LH Group.
Looking back, Sofia was extremely dumb to let Charlotte use all those songs and im them as hers. ¡°Oh, no-nothing like that.
However, | only have a few weeks to submit the first draft of the songs. So | thought you would be ready by then.¡±
¡°Char¡ªyou know about the winter collection, right?¡± Sofia frowned. Seeing Charlotte nod, Sofia smiled. ¡°I know you would
understand me. You are my sister, after all.¡±
¡°Of course,¡± Charlotte said with a sad smile on her face. ¡°I have been wanting to tell them that | am nning to rest this year and
the next. | cannot exactly handle both singing and acting at the same time. So...perhaps | can just cancel the album and focus
on acting.¡±
Sofia sneered inwardly. How could she not know that Charlotte was currently trying to manipte her? ¡°Well, since | have been
very busy, why not find someone to write the songs for now? | am certain you can find some ghostwriter willing to work for
money, right?¡±
Charlotte blinked. She hesitated, then she told her that she would talk to herwyer and manager about it. Sofia only smiled and
nodded in response. In truth, she no longer wanted to be taken advantage of. Gone were the days when she would do.
everything to cater to Charlotte¡¯s moods. and needs. She was not her ve, and obviously, she was not her sister.
Their conversation, however, was interrupted by a knock on Sofia¡¯s door. Then, the ss door opened, and Daniel walked in with
arge bouquet of beautiful red roses and arge smile on his face.
¡°Surprise?¡± Daniel beamed. As always, he was wearing a sharp ck suit thatplemented his tall, well-built frame. His hair
was neatly styled to the side, adding an extra touch of sophistication to his appearance. The
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suit exuded a sense of tailored elegance, entuating Daniel''s confident and polished presence in the room.
¡°Daniel,¡± Sofia tried her best to sound enthusiastic, but how could she easily fool Daniel? ¡°Howe you are here?¡±
¡°Am | disturbing anything?¡± Daniel asked, staring at Sofia before turning his gaze to Charlotte. ¡°Hey, Char... please don¡¯t tell me |
am disturbing some sister bonding time?¡±
¡°Oh, no, please... Charlotte got up. ¡°l am about to leave anyway.¡±
14:17
¡°Leave?¡± Sofia frowned. ¡°Why would you leave? Daniel brought lunch. Shall we enjoy it together?¡± Sofia asked. Now that she
thought about it, Charlotte would always try to leave when Daniel arrived, but it was Sofia who would always stop her from
leaving and ¡®force¡® her to spend time with them.
Just as Sofia expected, Charlotte simply agreed without raising any fuss. After a few minutes, two men arrived with the food that
Daniel ordered.
¡°Sweet and sour chicken, beef stroganoff, and some doughnuts from your favorite shop,¡± Daniel said.
Charlotte Sofia smiled. ¡°Look at that, you even bought some of Charlotte¡¯s favorite Steak Frites, Escargot, and creme brulee...
you remembered it well.¡±
¡°| was craving for some. | didn¡¯t know Charlotte liked it too...¡± Daniel was quick to answer. In response, Sofia only nodded.
¡°Did something happen?¡± Daniel asked.
¡°No. | just forgot to write the songs for Charri¡¯s next Album.¡± Sofia calmly said. She was already starting to eat her sweet and
sour chicken and decided to ignore the two who were stealing nces at each other. She already knew where this was going,
and she was willing to bet that this man would soon start convincing her to write those songs.
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¡°Hm?¡± Daniel looked at Charlotte. Now that Sofia thought about it, Daniel was a very good actor too. Did he perhaps go to an
acting school in high. school? ¡°I thought you already started writing those songs?¡± Daniel casually asked Sofia. The only people
who knew about the fact that it was Sofia who wrote those songs were Sofia and Charlotte. However, it was Charlotte who told
Daniel about it, saying that she felt guilty lying to her future ¡®brother- inw¡¯. Charlotte decided toe clean and told Daniel
about the ghostwriting. Naturally, Daniel only said kind words and even appreciated the fact that Charlotte had been honest
about this whole thing.
¡°| did not like them,¡± Sofia shrugged. ¡°I thought they were a little... familiar.¡±
¡°You already wrote some songs?¡± Charlotte could not help but ask Sofia. Almost immediately, Sofia saw that little hope shed in
Charlotte¡¯s eyes.
¡°Just a few stanzas. They were nothing special. | chose not to continue. writing them.¡±
¡°Oh,¡± Charlotte nodded. Again, there was disappointment in her eyes. Seeing this, Daniel immediately cleared his throat.
¡°Babe, why not show her those songs? Maybe she will like it?¡± Daniel asked.
¡°How could | show her something unfinished?¡± Sofia frowned as if the mere thought of giving Charlotte an ugly piece was truly
making her
upset.
¡°It''s alright Daniel. It¡¯s not a big deal. Sister has been busy with thepany and the winter collection. Moreover, the Annual
Shareholder¡¯s Meeting ising. It¡¯s not a big deal.¡± Charlotte said. Seeing this, Sofial almostughed out loud. Did they truly
think she was that stupid?
Sofia had the urge tough like a lunatic at the show that she was given. It had been years that these two had been ying her
head like a ball! They liked messing with her, acting like they were helpless, and using her
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emotions to manipte her.
These two betrayed her. Luckily, her secretary came in just in time to inform her that a phone call was waiting for her on line one.
¡°Hello?¡± Sofia said.
¡°| sent flowers...¡± a deep sexy voice answered her. ¡°It¡¯s not as tacky as the one that you have now.¡±
Sofia raised an eyebrow, her gazended on the twelve red roses that Daniel had just given her. Then a mischievous smile
appeared on her face. ¡°Was it enough to surprise me?¡± she asked.
She had been on a roller coaster of emotions right now, she was about to explode from anger. His call felt like an anchor, the one
that was preventing her frommitting crimes at this very moment.
There was a brief silence on the other line before he said. ¡°I hope...¡±
Sofia smiled. Then she heard him say, ¡°Turn around.¡±
She did not hesitate. She immediately turned around and let out a surprised gasp.
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Sofia¡¯s eyes widened with amazement.
Before her, the skies seemed to be raining flowers¡ªpetals of vibrant colors gently cascading like a soft, fragrant shower. It was a
breathtaking
scene.
Through the floor-to-ceiling ss windows of her office, she watched as the petals danced in the air¡ªcreating a magical
atmosphere that momentarily lifted the weight of her anger. The vibrant hues contrasted against the backdrop of the cityscape,
turning the scene into a dreamlike
panorama.
Sofia never thought that a gesture like this would somehow melt away her anger, but it did-she felt the tension and frustration of
the day melt away. with each petal that gracefully twirled in the air.
¡°| already sent people to clean it all up, so there is no need to worry about garbage.¡±
Sofia blinked when she heard his voice, then she smiled. The fact that she was an environmentalist and had some charities that
did recycling of trash was not a secret inside thepany. However, she did not like to put all this in news and magazines.
¡°Thank you.¡±
¡°Who would do something so senseless?¡± Sofia heard Daniel''s voice not far away from her. ¡°Aren¡¯t they just throwing money?¡±
¡°Perhaps a billionaire just got married?¡± Charlotte chimed in. ¡°It was a romantic gesture.¡±
¡°A college trust fund baby showing off...¡± Daniel muttered before he turned towards his food once again.
Hearing this, Sofia had to stop herself from chuckling.
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¡°| will talk to youter,¡± Sofia said.
¡°Hmmm... | wille get you at five.¡±
¡°I¡¯ She was about to say that she would probably stay upte¡ªas always, but he interrupted her.
¡°You just got married...¡± It was a reminder, an awkward one. After all, they were only married on paper. ¡°I am taking you to meet
someone.¡±
¡°Right...¡± Sofia nodded. She was immediately reminded that she was supposed to visit her mother very soon. ¡°Laters then.¡±
She quickly cut the call and went back to eating her chicken.
¡°Business?¡± Daniel asked.
¡°Hmmm...¡± Sofia said without borating. The anger that she felt earlier was nowpletely gone. However, she still could not
stop her chest from feeling heavy. The thought of the betrayal still gnawed at her like a persistent ache.
Sofia took a deep breath, trying to shake off the remnants of the heaviness that lingered within her as the petals continued their
gentle descent outside her window, creating a serene ambiance that confrasted with the storm of emotions inside her.
Finally, lunch ended. When Charlotte told her that she was going to leave, Sofia did not stop her. However, she was not
surprised when Daniel also told her that he needed to leave for another meeting. However, he promised to take her on a date
after work. Sofia immediately refused this invitation.
Luckily, Daniel did not force her to, as he understood how busy she was because of thepany.
Alone in her office, Sofia immediately shifted her focus to the things that
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she needed to do. She could not just let her emotions ruin her.
¡°Miss, Miss Karina Harmon is here.¡±
¡°Send her in...¡± Sofia immediately got up. She eyed the time and realized it was already a quarter past four. Time truly flies when
one is busy. She straightened her pencil skirt and looked at the woman who walked inside her office.
¡°You look like a mess,¡± these were Karina¡¯s words as she stepped inside.
Karina¡¯s presence immediately brought a certain order into the room. For some reason, this felt like a stark contrast to the
emotional turbulence Sofia was experiencing. Karina¡¯s sharp, observant eyes took in the scene, and with a sigh, she closed the
door behind her.
¡°| swear, Sofia, you attract chaos like a ma,¡± Karina remarked with a wry smile as she approached her and pulled her into a
hug. Then she ced her ck bag on Sofia¡¯s table and made herselffortable on the chair. She then crossed her arms, her
suit jacket impably tailored to fit
her frame.
¡°What is it this time? Did you and Daniel had another fight? | told you to leave that jerk, already.¡±
Sofia sighed. She shook her head and walked towards the small bar. ¡°Wine?¡±
¡°You drink while still working?¡± Karina asked. ¡°Did you hit your head somewhere?¡±
¡°| need it,¡± Sofia calmly spoke. Karina and she had been friends since high school. They were tight but because of how busy
their lives were, they had seldom seen each other in the past two months. ¡°Want one?¡±
Karina eyed her, and then she nodded. ¡°What happened?¡±
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Sofia said nothing. She then handed her a ss of wine. ¡°You were right.¡±
Karina arched her eyebrow. ¡°I thought | was always right?¡±
Sofia stared at her brown-eyed, brte best friend as she leaned against her table. Then she let out a sigh. ¡°Charlotte and
Daniel just betrayed me.¡±
Almost immediately, Karina¡¯s expression changed. She went from that professional yetnguid woman in herst year ofw
school to the woman she once was when they were younger. ¡°You- What did you just ¡°She was about to get up, but Sofia
already knew this would happen, so she immediately held the woman¡¯s shoulder and pushed her back down the chair.
¡°Calm down...¡± Sofia said.
¡°Calm down?¡± Once again, Karina tried to stand up, but Sofia pushed her down. ¡°You want me to calm down? Only seeing them
in a hospital bed would calm me down! Those two-¡±
m nning on making them suffer,¡± Sofia¡¯s words caught Karina off guard. The two had been friends for too long, and Karina
knew that Sofia rarely uttered words like that.
younger.
The two had always been opposites since they were younger. Karina was the fiery troublemaker while Sofia was the calm one
who preferred books and drawings over gossip.
At one point, she wondered how they became friends.
¡°| will help you!¡± Karina immediately said. ¡°What do you need? Shall | give you the number of a friend? | promise he doesn¡¯t kill
people.¡±
Sofia shook her head. She was tempted to knock some sense into this woman¡¯s brain. How could someone who was about to
graduate top of her ss and was working as a paralegal in the top firm in Springfield say something like this? However, she was
not surprised to hear Karina say
those words.
¡°What?¡± Karin frowned.
¡°| need it to be slow and painful...¡± Sofia said before she finished the wine in her wine ss. She knew this was going to be a
very long game, but Sofia was prepared to gamble everything just to make those people pay.
Karina¡¯s expression turned serious. She pursed her lips as her eyes met Sofia¡¯s. ¡°What do you need me to do?¡± Karina asked.
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For a while, Sofia felt like she floated, drifting into the sea with the waves surrounding her¡ªexcept, she never fancied swimming,
and she disliked the water.
At first, she wondered why she felt this way. Wasn¡¯t she going to meet. Alexander''s aunt? It was not his mother or his father; it
was his aunt.
Sofia¡¯s heart raced a bit faster as she approached Alexander''s aunt''s ce. The butterflies in her stomach were doing
somersaults, and she couldn¡¯t shake off the nervousness. She fidgeted with the edge of her scarf, trying to distract herself from
the jumble of thoughts in her head.
She should think about her ns with Karina, and focus on making those people suffer. However, for some unknown reason, it
seems she had already forgotten the ns they concocted just a few hours ago.
Meeting someone important to Alexander was a big deal for her. She wanted to make a good impression, but uncertainty was
like a foggy mist in her mind. What if she said the wrong thing or made a clumsy move? The idea of disappointing Alexander¡¯s
aunt made her feel like she was tiptoeing on thin ice.
Her racing mind was interrupted when Alexander suddenly held her hand. She turned towards him as he slowly drove the car
into the parking lot of a two-story Japanese-style house.
¡°Calm down... she won''t bite.¡±
m not nervous,¡± she retorted quickly. ¡°Why would | be?¡±
¡°You have been fidgeting since | picked you up...¡± he smiled.
Sofia immediately frowned and avoided his gaze. By now, the car was already inside the parking lot.
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¡°She is nice.¡±
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¡°| have heard about her,¡± Sofia said. Jenny Thomas was a well-known Hollywood actress in the ¡®90s. Everyone knew her not just
because of her beauty but because she was pretty good in the film and received a few awards before she stopped acting to
focus on her marriage.
Jenny Thomas was someone that Charlotte liked. Charlotte even had some originals of Jenny¡¯s movies! She had been wanting
to meet Jenny, but thetter no longer showed herself in public.
¡°Come on...¡± Alexander smiled as he got out of the car and then walked towards her side to open the car door.
¡°Do you think she will like the gift that | brought her?¡± Sofia asked for the umpteenth time.
¡°Of course, she will...¡± Alexander then took the paper bag from the back of the car and held her hand before he slowly pulled her
towards the house.
¡°My Aunt¡¯s grandmother was from Japan,¡± Alexander said. ¡°She and my mother first learned Japanese before they even learned
English.¡±
desf
¡°Oh...¡± Sofia nodded. She turned and looked at the modes yet elegant
house.
The Japanese-style house looked like something out of those serene postcards. It wasn¡¯t huge, but it had this peaceful vibe that
instantly wrapped around Sofia. The garden was like a painting with flowers scattered here and there, painting the scene with
soft pinks and whites. It was like stepping into a calm oasis, far away from the bustling city.
¡°| didn¡¯t know that there is a ce in Champaign,¡± Sofia muttered. Champaign, Illinois, is the home of the University of Illinois
and always had that vibrant college-town atmosphere.
As they walked towards the entrance, Sofia noticed a little man-made river,
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or maybe a smallke on the side of the parking lot. It was like a secret touch of nature, a quiet addition to the surroundings. The
water flowed gently, creating a soothing sound that made the whole ce feel even more tranquil.
The house itself was modest yet elegant, standing amidst the greenery with a timeless charm. The sliding doors and wooden
ents gave it a traditional touch, and Sofia couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of respect for the cultural connection Alexander¡¯s
family had.
¡°This ce must look magical in winter...¡± she said.
He nodded. ¡°We can spend a few days when the snow starts falling. The waters are heated so it would keep flowing. It is
magical.¡±
Sofia smiled at the thought of experiencing the enchantment of the house in winter. It was currently July; winter woulde in
just a few months.
The two stood in front of the door, but before Alexander could knock, the door suddenly burst open, revealing a blond woman in
a bun.
¡°What took you so long?¡± Jenny Thomas smiled, her blue eyes crinkling. She looked at Alexander before turning her gaze at
Sofia. Then without any warning, she pulled Sofia into a tight hug. ¡°What a waste! You are so beautiful! How could you marry a
bloke like my nephew?¡±Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.
¡°Aunt...¡± Alexander said. ¡°I can smell something delicious...¡±
¡°Ah, right. Right!¡± Jenny smiled. Then she suddenly held Sofia¡¯s hand and pulled her inside. ¡°| heard that you do not have any
allergies, so | prepared a lot. How about desserts? Do you have any preference? | would love for you to try my homemade ice
cream. The milk is from an organic farm not far away from here. | am certain you would love it!¡±
Sofia absorbed every word as Jenny started talking about food, ingredients, and her Montana farm¡ªa ce where she really
liked.
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The notion that the morous Jenny Thomas, with her elegant presence in photoshoots and movies, had a soft spot for farms,
cows, and horses- caught Sofia off guard.
Her gaze shifted to Alexander, a chuckle escaping him. In the end, a smile graced Sofia¡¯s face as she immersed herself in
Jenny¡¯s words, aforting warmth settling in her chest.
¡°Aunt, shall | ask Old Trish to prepare the food?¡± Alexander interrupted. their conversation. ¡°We have been driving for more than
two hours. | am certain my wife is famished.¡±
Jenny turned to Alexander; she raised an eyebrow then she chuckled. ¡°I never thought that this man would be capable of caring
for another
woman...¡±
¡°Aunt...¡±
¡°Alright. | know... Old Trish already prepared everything. Shall we go to the balcony?¡± Soon enough, the three of them went to
the house¡¯s second floor and onto the balcony where Sofia could see the beautiful view of the man-madeke. This, coupled
with the good conversation, seemed to enhance Sofia¡¯s appetite. In the end, she quickly finished her meal.
¡°| heard that you are the creative designer of LH Design?¡± Jenny asked, her blue eyes sparkling with gentleness as she twirled
the wine ss in her hand.
¡°Yes... | have been in the industry for two years now.¡±
¡°Alexander never mentioned having a girlfriend as aplished and talented as you. If | had known, | would not have signed
some deals with anotherpany. LH Design has been doing very well in the market these days. That¡¯s because their clothes
are prettyfortable and fashionable even for older women like me.¡±
¡°Older woman? How could you call yourself old?¡± Alexander smiled, his
tone light.
¡°ttery would not help you,¡± Jenny red at her nephew. ¡°You think this would make me feel better? You failed to introduce
your woman to me before you got married! How could you do this to Sofia?¡± Jenny looked at Sofia, she then held Sofia¡¯s hand
and dramatically said. ¡°If this man ever does something insulting or degrading, you must call me. | will personally have a decent
conversation with him. You must not let him bully you. Do you hear me?¡±
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¡°You do not mind sharing a room with me, do you?¡± Alexander''s yful smirk lingered as he nced at Sofia. After theirte
dinner, Jenny insisted. they stay at the house, and a couple of sses of wine were shared.
between Alexander and Sofia.
Sofia¡¯s expression turnedplex, but Jenny, thinking they were already married, saw no issue with them sharing a room.
¡°Aren''t we practically married?¡± she quipped, strolling towards the balcony. The chilly August air greeted her, making her shiver.
¡°Care for another?¡± Alexander held out a wine ss, and she took it
without a second thought. ¡°First time spending a night in a ce that¡¯s not my own,¡± she confessed.
¡°Really?¡± Alexander ch Well, that calls
for a celebration, don¡¯t you. think?¡± He stood close, both of them gazing at the captivating view ahead, a subtle tension lingering
between them in the cool night air.
They clicked sses, and Sofia downed her wine in just one big gulp. ¡°Calm suits you...¡± Alexander said.
¡°Pardon?¡± her green eyes met his calm brown ones. The realization of their close proximity surprised her. Then she was quick to
remind herself that they were already married.
¡°You no longer look like the nervous wreck that you were earlier, and it suits you.¡±
Sofia could not help but smile. ¡°Your aunt is amazing...¡±
¡°Isn''t she?¡±
¡°| would love for you to meet my mother...¡± Sofia said. ¡°But she is currently not in that state.¡± She took in a deep breath as she
turned her head away. Jenny was like a breath of fresh air. She was fun, very sassy, and-
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smart. Sofia knew that her mother would like Jenny too. Then she started wondering what her mother would say when she met
Alexander.
Would she tell Sofia how good he looks, or would she ask her how he was treating her? Would she ask her to immediately give
her some grandchildren?
The thought of it somehow made her cheeks hot. Sadly, her mother is lying in a hospital bed, unconscious.
¡°Lawrence had been poisoning my mother along with Dr. Mch...¡± she uttered. She has yet to mention this to Alexander. ¡°He is
killing her.¡±
¡°He would not do that... yet,¡± Alexander said.
¡°Yet?¡±
¡°He would wait for you to turn twenty-six and have ess to your inheritance. Controlling you then would be easier.¡±
Sofia¡¯s gaze shook. At the end of the day, it was still about her inheritance. Everything in her life seemed to revolve around her
billion-dor inheritance. Wasn''t thisical?
All her life, she thought she had established sincere connections. She had a sister, a boyfriend, and a stepfather who treated her
like she was his own. Sofia thought she was lucky to have them.
All this came crumbling down just because of some inheritance.
Sofia chuckled, her gaze turning sharp, a spark dancing in her eyes. ¡°I expected you to start crying,¡± he mused.
¡°Do | truly look that helpless?¡± she retorted, raising an eyebrow.
¡°Helpless? No.¡± His gaze remained fixed on her face. ¡°I wouldn''t call you that.¡±
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¡°Then?¡±
¡°| heard stories about the soft Sofia Lockhart. Someone who liked giving her sister what she wanted. | heard about the charities
you sponsored. | thought you would be softer.¡±
So, he expected her to crumble.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.
She turned her body towards him, a smile ying on her lips. Whether it was the alcohol or the charged atmosphere, Sofia didn¡¯t
know. Finding newfound confidence, she stood close, their proximity creating undeniable tension. ¡°I¡¯m going to take that as a
compliment.¡±
Amusement shed in his eyes. ¡°It is...¡±
She lifted her chin, smiling provocatively. The world seemed to pause for a moment. Then, with yful boldness, she tiptoed and
whispered, ¡°You are taking the couch...¡±
Not waiting for his response, she sauntered back into the room, leaving a softughter echoing on the balcony after she
departed.
Who would have thought that Sofia would one day hesitate to visit her mother? She stood in front of Tranquil Haven
Rehabilitation Center, the healthcare facility where her mother was currently at.
She could not help but think about the reason why she agreed to send her mother to this facility even though they could afford
international doctors to take care of her in the mansion. Naturally, it was because Lawrence. convinced her to do so.
Sofia no longer lived in their family mansion, and Lawrence was busy taking care of the family business. At first, Sofia wanted to
keep her mother in the mansion, but Lawrence assured her that this facility was the one that her mother needed.
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He talked about state-of-the-art facilities and international staff. He convinced her that this would provide her mother with the
best chance of recovery. The fool Sofia agreed..
Thinking back, Sofia quickly realized that she was stupid and indeed a bit. soft. Alexander¡¯s words echoed inside her head. She
was soft enough to trust those people. She was not someone who would defend herself when at fault, and this one was
completely her fault. It was because she wascking.
However, now that she was here, she would do everything to save her mother. ¡°Miss Lockhart, | am so d that you were able to
visit,¡± Dr. Mch¡¯s voice interrupted her stupor. ¡°The staff told me you were outside. | apologize if you find the interior of the
facilitycking.¡±
¡°Who told you that?¡± Sofia asked, unable to stop herself. She underestimated her emotions. She thought she would maintain her
calm as she faced the one who had been helping Lawrence poison her mother. She was wrong.
¡°What?¡±
¡°Who told you that | dislike the interior of the facility?¡± Sofia asked.
Sofia
|" Dr. Mch gave an awkwardugh. The previous Sofia would never point this out. She would have just smiled and nodded,
then followed the Doctor inside. ¡°I apologize for the misunderstanding.¡±
¡°Apologies epted,¡± Sofia said. ¡°| would really appreciate it if the good. doctor would not put words into my mouth. | do not
want people to misunderstand.¡±
¡°| understand,¡± Dr. Mch said as he turned his head away. The man was already in his fifties withrge eyesses and blue
eyes. As always, he was wearing white and had a genuine smile on his face. Now that Sofia thought about it, this doctor seemed
like the exact copy of Lawrence.
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¡°Shall | take you to the madam?¡± Dr. Mch said, keeping that irritating smile on his face.
Sofia nodded without saying another word. Dr. Mch then led her to the interior of the facility. Sofia couldn¡¯t help but feel a
twinge of difort as she followed him down the sterile white hallway. The scent of antiseptic. hung in the air, a stark contrast
to the warm,forting aroma Sofia associated with her mother¡¯s presence.
As they walked, Dr. Mch continued his attempts at small talk, discussing the facility''s various features that Sofia had heard
before. ¡°Miss Lockhart, we take pride in our state-of-the-art facilities and our diverse. international staff. Your mother is in the
hands of highly skilled professionals, each dedicated to providing the best care.¡±
Sofia nodded her mind elsewhere. Her gaze lingered on the room where patient records were kept before turning her head away.
¡°Your father just left this morning. As always, he spent the night here. | told him to take. care of himself, but he seemed adamant
about sleeping next to the Madam.¡± Dr. Mch said as he opened the door to her mother¡¯s room.
Almost immediately, her gazended on the patient chart that was on the bedside table. ¡°How is she?¡± she asked.
¡°We are seeing progress...¡±
Sofia was tempted to tell the doctor that this was the same thing that he told her a few weeks ago, but she did not want them to
suspect anything.
She stood in front of her mother¡¯s bed, her gaze on her mother¡¯s aging. face. ¡°My birthday is in a few months, Mom...¡± she
uttered, deliberately letting the doctor hear her voice. Then she turned towards Dr. Mch. ¡°Would you give us some time
alone?¡±
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In the past, Sofia never bothered to check her mother¡¯s patient record. She had faith in Lawrence and Dr. Mch, believing they
had everything under control. Now, standing in the room with the door closed, a realization hit her like a ton of bricks¡ª-she had
been wrong all along.
Her gaze locked onto her mother, lying there in a seemingly peaceful state. She could not help but wonder if she was actually at
peace or if she was currently in pain. Sadly, she had no way of knowing this.
Asigh escaped her lips.
Determination then surged within Sofia as she approached the patient record. She knew the possibility of finding lies in those
neatly written entries was high, but she couldn¡¯t afford to take any chances.
With a racing heart, she grabbed her phone, fingers flying over the screen as she snapped pictures of the record. She swiftly
sent the images to her personal email, securing a record of the potential falsehoods that had surrounded her mother¡¯s care.
Sofia knew this room had no cameras, a detail Lawrence had insisted. upon. His nightly presence here had been no cause for
concern-she had, after all, trusted him implicitly.
Then, Sofia took a small picture frame featuring a snapshot from their vacation in Bali a couple of years back. The photo was
taken on her birthday. Illinois had been too cold then, so they decided to visit Bali for the winter.
Sofia¡¯s mood darkened at the contrast between the vibrant memory and her mother¡¯s current state. Her mother¡¯s kind and
beautiful smile seemed frozen in that frame. She immediately wondered if she could see that smile again.
Growing up, her mother had always been a pir of strength and love.
Chapter 13
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How could she let her mother fall into this helpless state? She bit her lower lip as she ced the frame carefully on the bedside
table, ensuring it was angled toward her mother. The frame was golden, adorned with embossed. designs that her mother really
liked.
Sofia was certain that no one would suspect this frame, as her mother liked to collect things like this. So, she especially chose
this and ced a small, discreet camera on it. She wanted to capture the moments inside these. sterile walls.
She made sure to ce it next to the frame with her mother and Lawrence¡¯s wedding photo.
After a while, Sofia kissed her mother¡¯s forehead and decided to leave. However, she was surprised to see Lawrence outside,
waiting for her.
¡°F- Father-¡± Sofia almost called the man by her name. This man¡¯s appearance immediately ruined her mood.
¡°| decided toe, and Dr. Mch told me you are inside. | did not want to disturb your time with her.¡± Lawrence looked lost-just
like when they heard her mother¡¯s diagnosis when she fainted for the first time. How convincing, she thought inwardly..
Sofia immediately wondered if any of his reactions were real.
She immediately made a dramatic sigh. ¡°I missed her.¡±
¡°Everyone does...¡± Lawrence said.
¡°My birthday ising.¡±Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.
Lawrence nodded. He said nothing as they walked down the well-lit hallway. Sofia knew that the man was sensitive and very
smart. So, she was quick to use her birthday for her emotions. Lawrence already knew that she would always feel emotional
around this time. Hopefully, this would be enough to exin the frame that she ced inside her mother¡¯s room..
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¡°Dr. Mch said he saw some improvements...¡± Sofia said just as they reached the door that would lead her to the parking lot
outside of the building. ¡°Tell him that we are willing to pay for everything... if that is not enough...¡± Sofia let out another sigh.
¡°Perhaps, it is time that we take her
abroad.¡±
¡°| already talked to him about it. He already rmended a few hospitals in Europe. | will let you know when the timees.¡±
¡°Thank you...¡± Sofia said as she held back her tears. These tears are not. because of her mother but because of how she had
been trying to control herself.
¡°Don¡¯t worry... | am certain she will wake up soon.¡±
Sofia nodded.
¡°It seems that is almost that time of the year,¡± Lawrence sighed. Obviously, he was talking about her birthday. ¡°I would encourage
you to book another session with your therapist...¡±
a Was +
Sofia froze. The therapist that about was someone. he had rmended to Sofia. This had been her therapist since she was in
high school! Now that she thought about it, she wondered if that therapist was someone working with Lawrence too.
Was it possible?
Sofia always wondered where Lawrence¡¯s confidence came from. If Lawrence knew about Sofia¡¯s feelings toward her mother¡¯s
rtionship with him, if he knew about the things that Sofia told her therapist, then... that would exin everything!
¡°Are you alright?¡± Lawrence asked, concernced in his tone.
m... thank you for reminding me. | have been very busy with everything else; | have yet to schedule any therapy sessions
lately.¡±
14 14:21
Chapter 13
¡°Hmmm... Charlotte just arrived; you should spend time with your sister too. You know how fragile her mental health is. It would
be best if the two of you had a session together too...¡±
Sofia nodded without saying anything. She and Charlotte had therapy in the past too. This was suggested by Lawrence to further
improve their ¡®sisterly¡¯ rtionship.
¡°It was her job,¡± Sofia said with a wry smile. ¡°You knew how stressful the industry is. If only she would agree to work under me.¡±
¡°She has her own ambitions,¡± Lawrence said. ¡°She knew that she was not exactly a Lockhart. She wanted to achieve something
using her very own effort.¡±
Sofia nodded. She was tempted to ask him about the film that Lawrence wanted to produce for his daughter. Is that considered...
her own effort
too?
However, she held back her tongue and simply smiled at the snake before
her.
Sofia did not know how good she was at controlling herself until she had to stop the urge to p the man that she had been
calling father. Oh, how she wanted to wipe that gentle smile off his face. Sadly... this was not the right time.
She quickly bid him goodbye and walked toward her car, where her driver James had been waiting.
¡°Take me to the office,¡± she uttered. James is someone that Lawrence rmended. She knew that this man was another mole,
another spy who was watching her every move. First, she needed to get rid of the people that he nted around her.
She quickly put her seatbelt on and said... ¡°I have a meeting in five minutes.¡±
Chapter 13
¡°Miss, it would take us thirty minutes to-¡±
¡°| want to be in the office in ten minutes,¡± Sofia looked at the man from
the rearview mirror.
Chapter 14
Chapter 14
Chapter 14
¡°You just fired your driver?¡± Karina lifted her eyebrow the moment she walked inside Sofia¡¯s office. As always, she was wearing a
pristine pencil skirt, this time in pink.Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.
¡°How did you know that?¡± Sofia asked.
¡°Everyone was talking about it outside.¡±
Sofia nodded.
¡°Many thought it was because of your uing birthday.¡± Karina lifted her eyebrow. ¡°What are you scheming?¡±
¡°Nothing,¡± Sofia smiled. Slowly, she is going to get rid of the people that Lawrence nted around her. The driver was simply the
first of the many. ¡°Sit. Is there anything | can help you with?¡± She leaned back in her seat and smiled at her friend.
Karina snorted. Then she sat opposite Sofia. ¡°I found something about that Doctor...¡±
¡°Tell me more...¡± Sofia said.
¡°He has a pattern of taking rich clients in that... We might be looking at fraud here.¡± Karina quickly pulled her tablet from her bag
and handed it to her. ¡°I already sent a copy of these to your email, it¡¯s encrypted. You should know how to open it.¡±
Sofia nodded without saying a word. She started reading the documents, her face turning uglier and uglier by the minute. Not too
long ago, she asked Karina to help her. She was certain that no one would suspect anything as Karina and she had been very
close in the past. Right now, Sofia does not know who she could trust so she has been very careful with her moves.
Chapter 14
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14.22
Of course, she already told Alexander about this matter and thetter assured her that he would ask his people to check out
Karina. While a little. part of Sofia did not want this to happen, she also understood that it was still better to be safe than be sorry
later on.
After a few minutes of ufortable silence, Sofia lifted her gaze and stared at her friend. ¡°I think it is best that we should stop
seeing each other in public. At least... we limit it.¡±
Karina¡¯s face immediately turned serious. Without waiting for her to respond, Sofia added. ¡°I have a secured phone...¡± she took a
small box from the drawer. ¡°Untraceable.¡± She pushed it towards her friend.
¡°You think it is getting too dangerous,¡± Karina stated. She is a smart woman. She immediately understood why Sofia asked her to
do this.
¡°You see... | do not even know how dangerous this could get.¡± And Sofia did not want anything to happen to another important
person in her life.
Karina pursed her lips. She stared at Sofia and sighed. ¡°I understand.¡± She took the box and carefully ced it in her bag.
¡°| think we should start seeing each other after working hours. Perhaps, over some drinks.¡± Sofia said. They were not experts in
espionage, but both of them knew that Lawrence already held arge amount of connections¡ªthanks to being a Lockhart for a
long time. The man must. have already nned everything, nted all the necessary people, prepared all cover stories, and
done all preparation in secret. Sofia knew that Lawrence was a very smart man. It would be strange if he did all these things
without prior preparations or confidence that he would win.
Again, this was going to be a long game of chess, and Sofia was prepared to gamble everything that she had.
¡°As for the annual meeting...¡± Karina smiled. ¡°I already prepared everything.¡±
14:22
Chapter 14
¡°Including the patents?¡± Sofia asked. ¡°That was fast.¡±
¡°Do not underestimate a strong independent woman who is hell-bent on making the ones who betrayed her friend suffer.¡± Karina
sneered.
¡°Thank you,¡± Sofia said. If this was a normal day, she would have started teasing Karina. The woman had studied all her life and
had long dered. herself single for life. It was a silly notion, yet Karina had yet to find someone. She had been on dates but
refused to settle down with anyone! Because of this, Karina¡¯s single¡ªsince-birth status had be the butt of jokes between
them.
¡°If you really wanted to thank me, then send me that cake... strawberry.¡±
¡°| know... | know...¡± Sofia nodded. ¡°I''ll send you two.¡±
Hearing this, Karina gave a satisfied smirk. ¡°The proof that you gave me was quite helpful.¡±
¡°Was it?¡± Sofia turned her head away. The proof that Karina was talking about was the trail of Lawrence¡¯s scheme given by
Alexander. It was not exactly a surprise that Karina found everything was true, and if she would not do something to prevent it
then... her name would be ruined in the design industry.
¡°So you are not going to tell me who is helping you....¡± Karina gave her a yful smile.
Sofia pursed her lips. She knew that this wasing. After all, Karina was a very smart woman. How could she not figure it all
out? ¡°What made you so sure that it was not me?¡± Sofia asked, smiling.
¡°Because... you are soft.¡± Karina shrugged. ¡°The moment you heard about the betrayal, | am certain you would have drunk
yourself to sleep and cried in your bed. Then call me the very next day.¡±
W
¡®How did she know? Sofia blinked. Was she really that... predictable?
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Chapter 14
She sighed inwardly.
¡°The Annual Shareholders will happen in a week... are you ready?¡± Karina asked, her expression turning serious. Sofia knew
that her friend was only trying to joke around to try and calm Sofia down. She must have wanted. to assure her that she was not
alone in this matter.
¡°Yes,¡± Sofia smiled. In fact, she was not supposed to join this meeting, but as the Interim CEO, she had to. She did not tell Karina
that Alexander already prepared everything for her so she was not that worried about this meeting. This was because she had
yet to analyze Alexander¡¯s end goal in this marriage.
Right now, her emotions had been in turmoil, her head was still a bit sluggish and she did not want to think of the man who
practically helped her escape her supposed doom.
After a quick discussion, Karina decided to leave and the two agreed to limit their interaction from now on. Sofia did not want to
make Lawrence suspect anything.
¡°Miss, where should | put the flowers that Mr. Beaumont sent?¡± Miss Amores suddenly interrupted her stupor. Without saying a
word, Sofia approached the red roses that were ced in a beautiful fase. She opened the card ced on top of it. On it, was a
dinner invitation for tonight.
Sofia almost snorted right then and there. However, she still maintained a smile as she took a picture of the card and sent it to
her dear sister. ¡°Dinner?¡± she asked before sending another message. Daniel.invited met and | thought it would be nice if you
joined us.¡±
[Alright...] The response came almost immediately.
Sofia smiled. She looked at the roses and said. ¡°Keep it on your table.¡± Then she turned around and went inside her office. Sofia
and Daniel will suffer the consequences of their actions very soon.
Chapter 15
Chapter 15
Chapter 15
¡°Who told you to drink too much?¡± Charlotte¡¯s voice echoed inside Sofia¡¯s t. ¡°You always know that you cannot handle your
alcohol...¡± Charlotte grunted as she held Sofia¡¯s waist. On the other side was Daniel, who was also holding Sofia¡¯s other arm.
¡°Sorry... Hek...¡± Sofia mumbled. Her eyes were already closed, and a silly. smile was painted on her abnormally scarlet face.
¡°Put me down. You can leave now...
¡°How could | leave you when you are like this?¡± Charlotte frowned.
¡°Calm down...¡± Daniel spoke, his voice soft.
¡°Calm down? Her puke¡¯s all over me!¡± Charlotte could not help butin. ¡°This is a new dress!¡± she added, irritation apparent
in her
voice.
Daniel only chuckled. ¡°And yet you are here...¡±
¡°Do you think | would want you to clean her up?¡± Charlotte red at Daniel.
m
¡°Right...¡± Sofia chuckled. ¡°How could she let you... see... my... hek... body?¡±
The two let Sofia on the bed as Charlotte pushed Daniel out of her room.
¡°Sister, you know that you cannot drink too much alcohol. How could you
ask-¡± Seeing Sofia¡¯s body fall into the soft white king-size bed, Charlotte rolled her eyes. ¡°How could I even talk to a drunk?¡± she
kicked Sofia¡¯s feet. ¡°Wake up. You need to take a bath.¡±
When Sofia did not stir away, Charlotte kicked her sister¡¯s leg again. ¡°Wake up...¡±
¡°Won''t...¡± Sofia mumbled. ¡°Just leave me alone. | need to sleep.¡±
DO
Chapter 15
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Un
UIN 14:22
Charlotte let out a sigh. ¡°I can¡¯t carry you to the bathroom. Hey!¡±
However, no matter how much she tried to kick Sofia¡¯s legs, thetter did not open her eyes. Seeing this, Charlotte sneered.
Then she opened Sofia¡¯s shirt and simply tucked her into bed.
¡°Done?¡± Daniel asked her the moment she got out of Sofia¡¯s room.
¡°Why did you let her drink?¡± Charlotte red at Daniel. ¡°You always know she¡¯s like that when she¡¯s drunk!¡±
¡°She told me she¡¯s not...¡±
Charlotte snorted. ¡°Take me home.¡±
¡°What about her?¡±T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.
¡°What about her? She¡¯s asleep. She¡¯s gonna wake up with a bad headache tomorrow. While | have puke and sweat all over me.
Take me home.¡±
¡°Can''t you call your PA?¡±
¡°It''s one in the morning!¡± Charlotte said. ¡°Besides...¡± she closed in on him, a coquettish smile on her face. ¡°I missed you.¡± Her
hand rested on his chest as she tilted her head and licked her lower lip. ¡°Don¡¯t you miss me
too?¡±
¡°Char...¡±
¡°What? It¡¯s just a question.¡± Charlotte said. ¡°I know you never want to do it
here.¡±
¡°Char...¡± There was a hint of warning in his voice.
¡°Fine.¡± Charlotte pouted as she took a step back. To keep their rtionship a secret, Daniel and her agreed not to do something
like this in the very same City where Sofia was. Daniel did not want to take some risks, and Charlotte did not want to cause
unnecessary problems.
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n
So, they limited their interaction outside of Illinois where they would go on vacation together. Still, the fact that Charlotte is a
known personality is causing them trouble.
They had to choose a secretive location to see each other. Honestly, Charlotte was tired of this. She wanted the rtionship to
be open but she could not do it¡ª at least not right now.
¡°Still, you have to take me home...¡± Charlotte said.
¡°Right.¡± Daniel was about to go to Sofia¡¯s room, but Charlotte held hist hand.
¡°Where are you going?¡±
¡°| was just gonna check on her.¡±
¡°Don''t you trust me?¡± Charlotte said.
¡°Of course, | do.¡±
¡°Then don¡¯t go inside her room.¡±
Seeing this, Daniel shook his head and smirked. ¡°Jealous?¡±
¡°How could | not?¡± Charlotte said. ¡°Can you me me?¡± Her voice turned
soft.
Daniel immediately approached her and held her chin, lifting it up towards him. Without saying another word, he kissed her lips.
¡°Still jealous?¡±
¡°Stop it,¡± Charlotte rolled her eyes.
However, instead of giving her an answer, he kissed her lips again. ¡°Again?¡±
¡°| said stop!¡± Charlotte said. However, she did not push him away. Instead, she giggled. ¡°Not here.¡±
M
MU
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ex 14:22
Chapter 15
¡°Fine... let¡¯s go. | will take you home.¡±
¡°Good.¡± Charlotte smiled. Her t was located in another building, and it had very good security. She wanted privacy, away from
the media and her fans, and that was why she chose that ce.
After a few minutes, the two of them walked out of Sofia¡¯s t. However, the moment they left, the door of Sofia¡¯s room opened.
Sofia slowly walked out, her phone in her hand.
No. She chose not to record the two, but she heard and saw everything that they just did. She had other ns. After making sure
that her doors were locked, she opened her phone and sent a text to an unknown. number.
[They are on their way out. Follow them. Take some good shots.]
Slowly, she made her way into the living room and opened the ckout curtains that revealed the beautiful view of Springfield at
night.
Then she got herself some wine and sat on her couch, mulling over the things that happened while they were having their dinner.
Charlotte. almost always never let Sofia drink too much to the point of slurring her words. Sofia recalled their conversation earlier
and snickered.
After enjoying her wine, she went back to her room to take a quick bath before sleeping. However, an unexpected call arrived
just before she could change her clothes.
¡°Alexander?¡± she asked, surprised.
¡°Open the door...¡±
¡°You- ¡°Sofia did not say another word as she ran out of her room and into the door,pletely forgetting the fact that she was
still wearing her robe and that her hair was still wet from the shower. She opened the door and saw Alexander standing outside.
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U
He was wearing his white shirt. His coat must be inside his car. His hair was a little disheveled yet it was not enough to hide how
attractive he looked.
¡°Why are you here?¡± she moved to the side, giving him ess to her t. She was about to look in the hallway to make sure that
no one was around when she heard his voice.
¡°What''s wrong with a husband visiting his wife?¡± he asked, chuckling. ¡°Do not worry... | made sure that no one was around.¡±
Sofia let out a sigh of relief. She closed the door, making sure to lock it from the inside. She quickly realized that he was already
inside her living room, enjoying a ss of wine.
¡°...¡± For a while, Sofia was at a loss for words.
¡°Is there something wrong?¡± he asked.
¡°| was about to tell you to feel yourself at home, but | can see how unnecessary that is.¡±
Want some?¡± he asked.
¡°No.¡± She eyed the empty wine ss that she ced on the coffee table earlier. Alexander must have spotted it the moment he
walked in.
¡°| just finished a meeting...¡± Alexander said. He leaned back on her couch and opened the first two buttons on his white shirt.
¡°You don¡¯t have something stronger?¡± he asked.
¡°| don¡¯t usually drink something hard...¡± Sofia said. Then she pursed her lips, her gaze lingered on his exposed.
chest for a few seconds before silently chastising herself for being such a pervert. ¡°Remind Josef to give me the brand that you
want so | can keep it here,¡± she tried to sound as casual as possible. ¡°| am going to dry my hair.¡±
Chapter 15
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OOFAN 14:22
She quickly escaped into her room. Alexander had been so natural with his actions yet she was acting like a cat who was caught
doing something. naughty. A sigh escaped her lips. Aside from Daniel, Sofia never had any other interactions with other men in
the past so she was well aware that she can be very awkward around them.
After chastising herself even more, she turned on some music inside her room and went to her bathroom to dry her hair. She
took the hairdryer from the bottom drawer and almost jumped out when she spotted Alexander¡¯s reflection in the mirror. He was
standing by the door, staring
at her.
¡°You-¡±
¡°I knocked,¡± he said.
4
#
¡°| was gonna ask if you need any help.¡±
She turned around. ¡°Help with what?¡± she asked.
¡°Drying your hair.
¡°What? Why would |
¡°| heard you were drinking. Isn''t it hard to dry your hair when you have too much alcohol?¡± He smirked and approached her.
Then he took the hairdryer from her hand. ¡°Let me do it,¡± he said.
Chapter 16
Chapter 16
Chapter 16
Sofia groggily opened her eyes, her head throbbing from a night of little. sleep. Sleeping at 3 in the morning was not something
she would rmend to anyone.
She held her head. Fortunately, it was the weekend, and she did not have to wake up early for work.
¡°Eh?¡± She blinked when she noticed she was gazing at someone¡¯s back- shirtless-naked masculine back. Then the memories of
last night flooded her brain.
No. She did not engage in anything sexual or cry in his arms again.
Exhaustion had simply led her to sleep, and somehow, he had chosen to share the bed. She shook off the panic as she gingerly
untangled herself from his sleeping form, hoping not to disturb him.
Yet, as she made her escape, he stirred and turned to face her. Panic briefly flickered inside her, but it vanished as quickly as it
came when she saw that his eyes remained closed.
Carefully slipping out of bed, Sofia thought she had seeded in her quiet exit. Just as she was about to fully escape, he
suddenly grabbed her wrist and effortlessly pulled her back into his arms. A gasp escaped her lips as she found herself back on
the bed, her face pressed against his chest.
Almost immediately, his masculine, woody yet somehow sweet smell filled her nose. Her cheeks reddened, her heart racing
against her chest:Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.
¡°Morning...¡± his voice was a little too husky for someone who just woke up. Hold on... he was awake?
¡°It''s noon...¡± she said without knowing the exact time.
¡°Hmmm...¡± his arm tightened around her.
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She fought the urge to ask him why he chose to stay in her bed. She did not want to sound too conservative, too prudish. They
were already married after all. However, she was not used to sleeping next to someone -not even to Daniel.
Just as she was about to tell him to let go, she felt his breathing turn calm once again. He was already sleeping! Sofia was
speechless!
After making sure that he was indeed sleeping, she slowly made her way out of bed and grabbed her phone from the nightstand
before running to the bathroom.
After quickly washing her face to wake herself up, she opened her phone but realized it was dead. So, she quickly plugged it in
and went to the kitchen to make something she could eat.
Since she turned neen, Sofia has lived on her own. It helped that her grandmother gifted her this t not too far away from
their ancestral house. After she graduated college, she immediately started living in this ce full-time and even began to
decorate it on her own.
¡°Have you opened your phone yet?¡± Alexander¡¯s voice interrupted her stupor. He was wearing her robe that looked too small for
his huge frame as he casually walked towards the kitchen.
¡°It was dead.¡±
¡°Probably from the calls...¡±
¡°Calls?¡± Sofia asked as she took the eggs from the pan and faced him. She ignored the fact that he already looked at home while
eating an apple he had taken from the kitchen ind. ¡°What calls?¡±
Her question immediately received its answer when he slid his phone toward her. She caught it and immediately started reading
the most. trending news.
UWIN 465 14:23
Chapter 16
[Caroline Locke with Mystery Man]
[Caroline Locke¡¯s Lover]
[Singer Caroline Locke¡¯s Secret Boyfriend]
[Heiress Caroline Locke''s Dating History]
On it were blurry photos of Charlotte and none other than Daniel in a car justst night! Some were photos while they were
inside the bar, while some were photos of them walking towards Charlotte¡¯s condo building. All of the photos were carefully taken
by someone to avoid showing Sofia on the frame.
As if on cue, her doorbell rang. Sofia¡¯s eyes immediately widened. If she was right, that should be either Charlotte or Daniel! She
immediately looked at Alexander and could only utter one word. ¡°Hide.¡± She looked around the living room that she could see
from the kitchen and was immediately relieved when she did not see any of his items behind. ¡°Now?¡± she added.
She thought she heard him chuckle, but she ignored it as she made her way to the door. Last night, she locked it from the inside,
so even if someone knew the password to her security, they would not be able to get
1. in.
¡°Charry?¡± Sofia asked when she opened the door. Charlotte was dressed in arge pink hoodie andrge eyesses that
covered most of her face. ¡°What are you-¡±
¡°Thank god, you are alright,¡± Charlotte said. She pushed Sofia and immediately walked inside. ¡°I thought something happened,¡±
she added.
¡°Why would something happen?¡± Sofia asked.
¡°Have you read the news?¡±
Chapter 16
¡°News?¡± Sofia feigned ignorance.
¡°Did you just wake up?¡± Charlotte walked towards the living room.
¡°Yes. My phone¡¯s dead. Were you trying to call me?¡±
¡°Some paparazzi took a photo of me and Danielst night and posted it just an hour ago. Luckily, they were smart enough to blur
his face. My manager is already working with thewyers to take down that fake news.¡± Charlotte calmly said.
¡°Last night...¡± Of course, Sofia had to act like she could not remember anything. ¡°Did he drive you home?¡±
¡°Last night, you puked all over me. | asked him to take me home,¡± Charlotte sat on the couch. ¡°I was in the middle of a photo
shoot when | saw the news. | immediately tried to call you, but you didn¡¯t answer.
¡°| think | had too much winest night.¡± Sofia calmly to make everything clear to the media-¡±
1. a. If you need me
¡°There is no need to do that,¡± Charlotte said. ¡°My team can handle it.¡±
Sofia nodded without saying a word. In the past, Sofia would immediately try to bury some news about Charlotte. Lawrence
refused to involve himself in his daughter''s issues, as he did not want anyone tobel him as someone who had helped Charlotte
gain her film.
Lawrence never wanted his daughter to pursue her career, but he never directly told Charlotte no. Instead, he would casually talk
to Sofia about this and, in response, earn her sympathy. Now that Sofia thought about everything, she realized that those were
nothing but maniption tactics. Lawrence would not directly involve himself in Charlotte¡¯s matters because it was Sofia who
would do it for him! In the end, everyone, including the board of directors, saw him as a very fair and honest person.
4/5
Sofia snorted inwardly.
¡°Are you sure?¡± Sofia had a worried look on her face. ¡°We can just tell them that Daniel is my boyfriend, and | invited the two of
you together.¡±
Technically, that was not a lie.
¡°Why would you do that? Some fans can be very toxic. The best course of action is to stay silent and let the news vanish on its
own.
Sofia nodded as she walked towards the kitchen. Charlotte sounded like she was concerned about Sofia¡¯s well-being but the
truth is far from this. The previous scandals about Charlotte would not just vanish on their own because it was Sofia who used
her grandmother¡¯s connection to clean it all
1. up.
Sadly, today is going to be very different from the past.
¡°Tell me if you need help,¡± Sofia said, her voice soft and gentle. The moment she turned around, the softness on her face
vanished.
She could not wait to see how Charlotte and Daniel would resolve this
storm.
Chapter 17
Chapter 17
Chapter 17
¡°Is it done?¡± Miss Alice Johnson, Charlotte¡¯s agent and publicist, looked at Charlotte the moment she got into the van. ¡°You don¡¯t
look too happy.¡±
¡°She did not say it,¡± Charlotte said. ¡°Coffee?¡± she looked at Harper, her PA.
¡°Doubleshots...¡± Harper said. ¡°But Miss Sofia always does things behind your back; you should probably not worry about it.¡±
¡°If she did not say a word this time, then we can certainly take advantage of everything,¡± Alice said.
¡°You do not want me to say anything. How can we take advantage of this issue?¡±
Alice smirked, her dark brown eyes glinted with mischief. ¡°Your sister has worked with models before. She must know that using
this scandal to make people talk about you is good. Negative press is still a kind of press. Sadly, there are things that we cannot
cross. Since that man is your sister¡¯s man, we cannot create some ambiguity about this issue or make some sort of connections
to your uing album.¡±
Almost immediately, Charlotte¡¯s face turned ugly at the mention of her album. Her manager had been bugging her in the past few
weeks, asking about those written songs. However, Sofia does not have them. This was enough to ruin Charlotte¡¯s mood.
¡°So?¡± Charlotte asked.
¡°We can release a statement. Ask your fans to value your privacy and tell them that Mr. Beaumont is someone close to your
family.¡±
¡°The Beaumont Family would not like that,¡± Charlotte said. The Beaumont Family is big on privacy. They do not have any of their
images on the Inte or social media. They have a private group of friends that do not share anything about them. ¡°I don¡¯t like
that.¡±
Chapter 17
Alice sighed. ¡°Then, we can apologize for the misunderstanding and tell them that the man you were with that night was your
sister''s man, but that would easily kill the issue,¡± Alice said, her gaze cold.
¡°We need a way to take advantage of this. You promised to release an album this year and many are expecting something.¡± Alice
reminded her. ¡°You need something to keep people talking.¡±
With an uing film and an album, people are bound to talk about Charlotte. However, Alice wanted more attention. She
wanted mystery, she wanted more news. Sadly, Charlotte does not want to attract too much attention to the Lockhart Family.
¡°However, | must warn you... this might offend that sister of yours,¡± Alice said. ording to Charlotte, the heir of the Lockhart
Family, Sofia Lockhart, was the one who disliked this kind of attention, especially to LH Group. She did not want Charlotte to use
their family name for showbusiness. Despite this, Sofia had always helped Charlotte in the past.
Just one call and Sofia would immediately solve the problem that Charlotte was facing. Alice had been banking on this
connection for a while now. So, she had been doing her best to rmend Charlotte to some directors- especially those who
lack funding.
Sadly Charlotte¡¯s acting was only mediocre at best, many still refused to let her act in their film. Because of this, Lawrence
Lockhart had been secretly using his influence to help his daughter.
Not many in the industry knew this secret. Lawrence was smart enough to hide his support for his daughter, but something like
this did not escape Alice¡¯s expert eyes.
¡°| suggest you release a snippet of what you have written so far. Add something about the expectations of everyone around you,
make it dramatic. Surely, this would gather people¡¯s sympathy. Many already knew of your background. They know that you are
trying to make a name.
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for yourself and that your father does not support your career.¡±
This was the narrative that they created around Charlotte Lockhart¡¯s persona. They changed her screen name to Caroline Locke
and intentionally released the fact that her real name is Charlotte Lockhart.
All of this was nothing but a strategy, to make someone more likable. A good pitiful story would always sell.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.
¡°You don¡¯t have to issue a statement. Just a little meaningful snippet about it and everyone will dig deeper and perhaps cause
another trending...¡± Alice smiled. In fact, the best approach in this matter is for them to keep
their mouths shut.
Charlotte always had that angelic, nice girl vibe, and Alice wanted to take advantage of that. However, some things must be done
for Charlotte¡¯s
career.
Hearing this, Charlotte pursed her lips. Alice¡¯s n would surely work if.... she knew how to write her own songs! She gritted her
teeth. ¡°I will think about it.¡± Slowly, their car moved. Charlotte looked out of the window, her gaze turning colder by the minute.
Then she snorted inwardly.
She could ignore the news but Alice was right. She needed more exposure, to get her name out there. Slowly, the corner of her
lips lifted into a smile. Then she opened her phone and sent a text to Daniel.
[I need to see you.]
¡°She left just like that?¡± Alexander sounded surprised when he walked out. of Sofia¡¯s room.
¡°She has a job...¡± Sofia calmly spoke.
DULY 14:23
Chapter 17
He chuckled behind her. ¡°Gullible.¡±
¡°| know it was not her job...¡± Sofia said. It must be Lawrence. Before Charlotte left, she received a call from someone yet she
refused to answer it. Sofia knew it must be either her father or... her manager or maybe even Daniel.
Those people must be trying to use this issue to get Charlotte¡¯s name back out there. It was exactly what Sofia expected.
He chuckled in response before sitting on the kitchen ind.
¡°You seemed too rxed...¡± she noted. ¡°Don¡¯t you have work to do?¡±
¡°It''s the weekend.¡±
¡°Are you not the CEO of Beaumont Empire?¡±
¡°Do you want me to leave?¡±
¡°No. | just-¡±
¡°So, you don¡¯t want me to leave. You should have immediately said so earlier.¡±
...¡± Sofia was at a loss for words. She only wanted to point out how CEOS are supposed to be always busy. She too, grew up in
a family that talks. about business all the time. Even Lawrence and her mother were never there during her events because of
how busy they were.
Sofia avoided his gaze as she thought of her current situation with Daniel. In fact, she always wanted to marry someone who
would spend time with her and their children.
Daniel Beaumont would have been perfect. Yet, here she was, married to Daniel''s brother.
¡°This smells good...¡± Alexander said.
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Sofia eyed the Monte Cristo Sandwich that he was already eating. Earlier, while Charlotte was talking, Sofia spent her time
cooking. However, Charlotte did not actually eat something, so now, they have four Monter Cristos.
¡°Good...¡± Alexander uttered. ¡°Didn¡¯t know you cook too...¡±
¡°Not always,¡± Sofia said as she started eating her sandwich. While they have maids in the main house, Sofia has always liked to
be as independent. as possible. When she moved to this ce years ago, she almost immediately started cooking the things
that she liked to eat.
Charlotte always told her it was weird how she liked cooking even when she could afford a chef. However, Sofia almost always
laughs at her, telling her that having such a nice kitchen would be useless if she left it unused.
In the end, Sofia started cooking more. She was no expert by any means, but she could cook all the food that she liked- like this
Monte Cristo.
When he did not say a word, Sofia chose to focus on her food, and the two of them enjoyed a rather awkward yetfortable
breakfast.
¡°Coffee?¡± he asked when he saw her coffee machine.
¡°Sure,¡± Sofia uttered as she ced all their dishes in the dishwashing. Then she watched him start brewing her coffee.
The atmosphere between them slowly turned calm as they talked about various things over coffee. This peacested for a few
minutes before a doorbell rang.
¡°That¡¯s Josef. He is here to bring me clothes,¡± Alexander said. He got up and was about to walk towards the door when he
suddenly paused and looked at her. ¡°You do not mind me taking a bath in your bedroom, right?¡±
¡°l- | have a guest room,¡± Sofia answered. ¡°I mean- if you are notfortable in my bathroom.¡±
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Chapter 17
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Alexander lifted an eyebrow, then he smirked and walked towards the door.
Chapter 18
Chapter 18
Chapter 18
Daniel impatiently waited in front of the elevator, looking at his phone as he once again attempted to dial Sofia¡¯s number. Earlier,
he had to meet. someone from Southeast Asia and was not checking his phone for any showbusiness news.
However, he was here not because he wanted the scandal to vanish but because he aimed to coax Sofia and spend more time
with her.
Of course, this n changed when he received a text from Charlotte. Nheless, Daniel had already bought some flowers with
him, thinking it would be a waste not to at least give them to his girlfriend.
[DING]
Daniel immediately got inside the elevator; however, his eyes widened just as it was about to close. Josef? Why would Josef
come here?
He opened the elevator doors and tried to call Josef, but the man was gone. Was he... hallucinating?
Shaking his head, chuckling, Daniel considered hisck of rest. Last night, he spent the night with Charlotte and woke up early
for his meeting. It was the weekend, for crying out loud, yet his brother was giving him more and
more work.
Whileining inwardly, a part of him liked it. He wanted to prove himself to the board and thought working hard was the best
way to do it.
Quickly, he pressed the floor where Sofia¡¯s t was located. Although he had asked her to move in with him, she refused, as this
t was a cherished gift. She preferred the quiet space for her work ¡ª a seemingly stupid reason, yetpletely understandable.
Daniel walked out of the elevator and immediately entered the password on Sofia¡¯s door.
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¡°Huh?¡± Error?
06 14:24
Her password had always been thebination of his and her birthday. Did she change it? Was it because of the news? Daniel
immediately. frowned as he tried calling her, but again, it went to voicemail. This time, he pressed the doorbell.
When she did not open the door after a few seconds, he pressed the doorbell again... and again.
Was she not home? No. It was the weekend. She would usually spend time in her house or office, and he had already called her
office. She was not in the building. Sofia had always been a homebody, preferring her designs. over talking to people.
Just as he was about to press the doorbell again, the door finally opened.
Daniel looked at Sofia.
¡°Hey...¡± Sofia smiled as she removed herrge headphones. She wiped the sweat on her forehead using a towel. ¡°Sorry, | was
running.¡±
¡°You do not usually exercise in your t...¡± he noted, leaning in to kiss her. However, she had already turned around and walked
inside. Realizing he was still standing at the door, she stopped and stared at him. ¡°Did something happen?¡±
¡°No-¡°Daniel said. Sofia¡¯s actions were not a surprise, as she was not a very warm person. ¡°For you...¡±
¡°Thank you,¡± Sofia epted the flowers and walked ahead of him. Daniel frowned, but he still followed behind her. For some
reason, he could feel something different about her, but he quickly concluded that it must be the stress of the uing meeting.
Charlotte had already exined everything to her. Sofia had been
stressing about this meeting, as it would be the first time she would join
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the board of directors. Because of this, Sofia was not able to write songs for Charlotte.
¡°Breakfast?¡± Sofia casually ced the flowers on the kitchen ind as she opened a bottle of wine and chugged it down.
¡°| had one with a client...¡±
That was when Sofia looked at his clothes. ¡°It¡¯s the weekend.¡±
¡°That damnable brother of mine decided to overwork me, make me his ve...¡± Daniel chuckled. He immediately removed his.
coat and loosened his tie. ¡°You haven¡¯t been answering my calls...¡±
¡°Oh, sorry. It was dead when | woke up this morning. It¡¯s in my room.¡±
Daniel nodded. Again, he felt something amiss with Sofia but decided not to ask about it. He approached her, but just before he
could hug her, she moved away.
¡°lm sweaty...¡±
¡°| don¡¯t mind...¡±
¡°| do,¡± Sofia said, her voice cold. For some reason, Daniel thought he saw some disgust in Sofia¡¯s eyes, but it left as quickly as it
came. ¡°I do mind... | smell like alcohol and sweat. | woke up with a terrible headache, and | thought... working out would remove
whatever hangover | have.¡±
¡°So, you just-
¡°Worked out,¡± Sofia walked towards the living room.
¡°Have you seen the scandal about Caroline Locke?¡± Daniel asked.
¡°It was Charlotte who told me about it,¡± Sofia said. ¡°She just left.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t mind her, she must be stressed because her management had been
Chapter 18
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M.6% 14.24
asking about her songs in the past few weeks. | swear, they did not want her to take some rest. She just wrapped up her taping,
and now they wanted her to work with the studio for her songs,¡± Daniel said.
¡°How did you know that?¡± Sofia suddenly asked.
For a short second, Daniel froze. Then he smiled. ¡°She wasining about itst night. You ¡°he shook his head. ¡°You always
know that your tolerance is low. You should stop drinking too much.¡±
Sofia stared at Daniel. ¡°Charlotte never told me about that. | assumed she was doing fine.¡± Sofia said. Now that she thought
about it, Lawrence and Daniel would always seem to pass on news about Charlotte¡¯s ¡®sufferings¡¯ while working. Naturally, the
gullible Sofia would immediately do something about it.
How pathetic.
¡°Well... she has always hated that you always helped her. She knew how stressed you were and did not want you to worry.¡±
Daniel said. ¡°You truly have a kind sister.¡±
¡°| know......¡± Sofia chuckled. ¡°I¡ª | am going to take a bath¡ª ¡° She tried to walk past him, but he was quick to block her way. Her
body immediately tensed, and her heartbeat quickened.
¡°Are you avoiding me?¡± he asked, his voice deeper than usual.
¡°What?¡± she tried to maintain a calm voice as memories of what she saw in that hotel room resurfaced in her mind. She balled
her trembling hands. into two tight fists as she smiled at him. ¡°What are you talking about?*.
He tilted his head and observed her expression. ¡°Was it because of the annual shareholders¡¯ meeting?¡±
ye
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OOFRN 14:24
¡°How about | help you rx a bit?¡± his lips lifted into a rather coquettish smile.
Four
¡°What?¡± Sofia shivered inwardly as she thought of ways to escape this man, the only thing that she coulde up with was
kicking his... crotch. However, that would ruin everything that she had so far.
¡°| need a bath too...¡± Daniel dered. ¡°Are you not going to ask me to join, you?¡±
Sofia¡¯s lower lip dropped. She- she did not know what to say. However, just before she could answer his question, Daniel¡¯s
phone rang.
Seeing the caller, Daniel immediately sighed. ¡°That damnable brother of mine wanted me to work myself to death...¡± he
immediately took a step back as he answered his phone. Seeing his back, it was as if a huge weight. was lifted from Sofia¡¯s
shoulders.
Chapter 19
Chapter 19
Chapter 19
¡°What is this?¡°Alice Johnson could not hide her irritation the moment she entered Charlotte¡¯s studio, where she was currently
recording. She waved the phone in front of Charlotte and asked for the second time, ¡°What the hell did you do?¡±
¡°What?¡± Charlotte red at Alice. ¡°It was a mere post rifying everything...¡±
¡°You just posted about that man being your sister¡¯s boyfriend and that the two of you were helping her out. People are starting to
talk about,¡± Alice. made a deliberate pause as sheposed herself. ¡°Theizens are searching for your sister. You told me
she dislikes this kind of attention, and yet you-¡±
¡°She agreed.¡±
¡°Sofia agreed?¡± Alice asked. ¡°She agreed to reveal her rtionship in public?¡± Alice found that hard to believe.
¡°Is that the reason why you interrupted my break?¡± Charlotte rolled her eyes. Sofia never agreed as Charlotte never informed
Sofia about her post on her social media.
However, she knew that Sofia would not mind. What was wrong with telling everyone that he was Sofia¡¯s man? It was not like
she mentioned her name orst name. She simply said that the man was her sister''s man.
¡°You should have told me if you wanted to post something like this.¡±
¡°| wanted to have more personality,¡± Charlotte said. ¡°I want them to know that | don¡¯t have a team checking my socials all the
time.¡± She sighed as she started massaging her neck. ¡°Look... | know that you are concerned about this matter because you do
not want to drag my father and sister, but | can assure you, they would not do anything.¡±
1/15
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Alice closed her eyes. ¡°You still do not understand it...¡±
¡°What do you mean?¡± she asked.
1.UZ.B
62 14.24
¡°If you- you simply ended the issue with a statement. | told you to drag the issue until you announce the date of your next
release. We need your name out there.¡± Alice could not seem to fathom why Charlotte would suddenly make a post exining
that she was with her sister¡¯s boyfriend.
Instead of creating ambiguity, she gave an exnation that would end the issue and therefore, lose the interest of her curious
fans.
¡°You wanted me to be kind and nice. Here | am being kind and nice,¡± Charlotte said. She knew that branding matters all the time.
Her agency wanted her to create that nice and gentle persona because of her face.
Exining everything to her fans was a part of their branding. Moreover, she did this not just because she wanted to clear things
up. It was because of something else... something that her father promised her.
She smiled at Alice.
¡°Have you read thements?¡± Charlotte asked. ¡°They were all good. Isn¡¯t that what thepany wanted?¡± A good, nice, and
kind girl who seemed bullied by her rich family is what everyone wanted.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.
Charlotte was confident that Sofia would not say anything about this matter as she was busy with everything else in the
company. Charlotte had seen Sofia with her designs and she knew that the woman would spend hours drawing and creating
without talking or even eating. She was simply too distracted to focus on the media.
Alice frowned. She opened thements and sighed. Charlotte was right. Thements were pretty nice. Some of her fans
even asked her to have a livestream with her sister.
¡°| will ask the team to check thement section of your post and
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Chapter 19
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immediately report those unpleasant ones,¡± Alice said. Right now, her primary concern was Sofia Lockhart and Daniel Beaumont.
Alice was aware of Sofia¡¯s strong personality and did not want Sofia¡¯s possible actions to affect Charlotte in any way.
¡°How was your album?¡± Alice asked.
¡°I can''t write...¡±
¡°What?¡±
0 14:24
¡°| mean... | just finished taping. Can¡¯t | get a rest?¡± Charlotte said. ¡°A few weeks should do. | just need to go somewhere and
rx, | don¡¯t know. | want to take a break.¡±
Alice¡¯s face immediately narrowed. Their schedule this year had been booked sincest year. ¡°It was your choice to sign the
contract with thepany.¡± The contract clearly states that she was supposed to have an album released in thest quarter of
the year. It was already August, and by now, the songs should have already been finalized.
However, Charlotte simply kept saying that she could not write while. acting. So, the management epted her excuse and
waited for her film topletely wrap up. And now... she wanted a break?
¡°Look, | Know you can easily pay for a breach of contract, but-¡± What about her? Alice pursed her lips. This time, she chose to
work on Charlotte. alone even though Charlotte¡¯s acting had always been mediocre.
Alice always wanted to create connections using Charlotte¡¯s family and use them to usher Charlotte¡¯s career. But Charlotte had
been very difficult about almost everything. She was the exact opposite of the kind and gentle woman that the agency wanted
her to show to her fans.
¡°| know...¡± Charlotte said. She looked at Harper, who just arrived with coffee and some snacks. ¡°I know...¡± she said and leaned
back on her chair.
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Chapter 19
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Last night had been chaotic, to say the least. She spent the whole night. with Daniel and did not have that much sleep. However,
it was also Daniel who convinced her to ept her father¡¯s proposal and clear up the misunderstanding as fast as possible.
Daniel told her that he would propose very soon, and he did not want Charlotte¡¯s fansing after him or Sofia. Charlotte tried
to argue, but at the end of the night, she agreed. So she immediately posted about it this morning. Right now, she chose to listen
to Daniel as Sofia was about to receive her inheritance.
Right now, they needed to convince her to sign the shares to Daniel as a gift for their wedding. The notion is insane, but
Charlotte knew that Sofia loved Daniel. It would not be impossible for her to do that.
Besides, Daniel assured Charlotte that everything was going smoothly. Sofia always had a soft spot for him, and he was taking
advantage of everything.
Still, a part of Charlotte could not help but me Sofia for everything. Without Sofia, she would not need to hide her rtionship
with Daniel or pretend that she liked acting and singing just so she could create her name in the industry. To Charlotte, Sofia¡¯s
existence alone was enough to ruin
her life.
Charlotte took a sip of her coffee to calm herself down. Then she started reading thements on her social media. Just as
expected, everything is going well.
However, Charlotte was not done. She looked at the time on her phone
then she smiled.
All she could do now was wait.
Chapter 20
Chapter 20
Chapter 20
Who would have thought that Sofia would end up spending the weekend holed up with Alexander? This time, the man slept in
the guest room.
However, she was not prepared for what he did next. He asked to put his clothes in her closet. Sofia smiled before she grabbed
the chamomile tea from the table.
m going to change houses very soon,¡± Sofia said. She felt that this ce was too unsafe. There were too many memories
surrounding this t, and she did not like that.
She wanted to move on from that damnable rtionship with Daniel and her sister. To do that, she needed to move to a new
house. She took a quick sip and let herself immersed in the tea.
¡°Then what do you think of this?¡± Alexander suddenly handed her his phone as he rested his elbows on the couch. They were
currently sitting in her living room, watching some cringey rom series that he insisted. on watching.
Perhaps, he thought that Sofia would like those kinds of movies. What he did not know was that she preferred watching
something scary instead.
So, when she informed him about this, he quickly stopped the series, and the two started talking about the t. He removed the
popcorn from herp and ced it on the coffee table before them. Then he leaned closer as he, too, stared at his phone.
By now, she had stopped feeling awkward about their close proximity. ¡°What is this?¡± she asked, scrolling through the pictures of
a t.
¡°A t, four bedrooms, gym, and all amenities, both indoor and outdoor pool, heated.¡±
¡°This is in Azure building?¡± she asked.
115
¡°Yes.¡± Sofia lifted an eyebrow. She tried to get a unit in that ce, but it was already sold out when she talked to the realtor. It
was one of the best ces in Springfield, not just because of the security but because it was located in the center of the city.
¡°You just bought it?¡± she immediately noticed theck of decoration in the ce. It was painted white, and there was arge
couch in the living room. Aside from that, there was nothing there.
¡°| have never stayed in that ce.¡±
¡°Then | will let mywyer call you so we can prepare the ¡±
m not selling it,¡± he stated. She immediately lifted her eyebrow, her attention snapping back to him.
¡°Then? Why show it to her?¡±
¡°We are already married.¡±
She did not know what to say to that. ¡°Of course, if you have a problem with living together-¡±
¡°No problem....¡± Sofia interrupted him. She had signed that contract, and it was clearly stated that they were going to act their
part. They have to live in one residence. The thought of the contract somehow made her blush.
For some reason, she could not help but think about the use about consent. She wet her lower lips with her tongue before she
turned her attention back to the t. ¡°Have you hired someone to design, it?¡± she asked.
¡°Not yet. You can take care of that.¡±
¡°You wanted me to-¡± she did notplete her words when she saw him nod. Then she smiled and nodded back. ¡°Alright.¡±
Perhaps he did this to make her feel better.
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Chapter 20
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Right now, Sofia suspected that he was staying with her right now because he did not want her to be alone. He must have known
how that betrayal affected her. Sofia appreciated his efforts.
Luckily for her, both Charlotte and Daniel never bothered her for the rest. of the weekend. They would send her asional
messages, and she would acknowledge it, telling them that she was busy, and the two would immediately wish her well before
they stopped responding.
The annual shareholder¡¯s meeting is buying her enough time. However, she did not know if she would be able to avoid them
after the meeting.
¡°How are you nning to reveal the cheating?¡± Alexander suddenly asked out of nowhere.
¡°Reveal the cheating?¡± Sofia looked at his steady gaze. For some reason, this seemed to contain the assurance that she
needed- the assurance that
he would be there behind her.
¡°Are you not nning to do that?¡± he asked. ¡°I did not see you as someone that... kind.¡±
Sofia chuckled this time. Perhaps, he already knew that it was Sofia herself who let someone release the images that the
paparazzi took the other day. This means that he might have already heard about her n.
¡°You just have to wait,¡± Sofia smiled. Earlier today, Sofia already saw Charlotte¡¯s statement; it was the exnation about Sofia
and Daniel. While she did not mention names, many of her fans have started digging into Sofia and Charlotte¡¯s family. She was
only waiting for someone to start the fire.
To her surprise, the fire that she was waiting for started the very next Monday. Sofia leaned back as she scrolled through the
dozens of messages on the social media site, a smile apparent on her face.
¡°Miss... those words arepletely false. | have already called ourwyers
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Chapter 20
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IN Hox% 14:25
to handle this matter. Do you want me to create something for an official social media post about this matter?¡± her secretary,
Miss Amores, asked, her face cold.
Again, Sofia nced at the post.
(Caroline''s sister is the heir of LH Group! Yet she did nothing to clear her sister¡¯s name when those images exploded.]
Sofia Lockhart is an acquaintance of a good friend of mine. Everyone knows that she was a bully.]
| believe she was the reason why my babe Caroline had to change her name andst name.:/]
#boycotLHGroup #supportCaroline]
Just a few scrolls and some media outlets already released a summary of Sofia¡¯s life.
Everything You Need to Know About Sofia Lockhart]
[The Reason Why Caroline Locke was Using a Screen Name]
Sibling Rivalry Unveiled: Sofia Lockhart used of Bullying Actress Sister, Caroline, in Shocking Scandal!*]
Sofia Lockhart Under Fire for Alleged Mistreatment of Sister Caroline]Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.
Sofia Lockhart Exposed for Alleged Bullying of Actress Sister, Caroline Fans Demand Answers]
Reading the news andments, Sofia was not able to stop herself from smiling. The Annual Shareholders meeting was upon
them, so she already expected this kind of attack.
¡°There is no need to waste our time on this matter...¡± Sofia looked at her
secretary.
¡°But.¡±
Sofia shrugged and ced her phone down. ¡°You may leave now,¡± Sofia said, smiling as she started reading the documents that
Alexander¡¯s secretary Josef sent.
Chapter 21
Chapter 21
Chapter 21
¡°Miss, the Annual Shareholder¡¯s meeting will be on Friday. Are we not going to do anything about this?¡± Miss Amores frowned as
she handed the tablet to Sofia. It had been a day since the usations started. A day since. people started bashing her because
of this bullying issue.
By now, they had already received a few calls from people working with LH Group and LH Design; most of them were asking
about the bullying issue. Many reporters tried to reach her, but she simply declined all invitations for an interview to rify the
situation.
Right now, she had told them that she was talking to her legal counsel about the matter and decided not to leave her office.
was
¡°No need,¡± she smiled. She waiting for the final move. The thing that was supposed to kill her career.
Miss Amores nodded. ¡°How about the chairman''s calls?¡± she asked.
¡°Don¡¯t answer them,¡± Sofia smiled. She knew that this was a deliberate n that was supposed to make her panic, and when
she didn''t, the calls starteding.
Perhaps whoever did this thought she would waste her time calling them, asking for support. And she would have done so if she
did not know what those people had done.
She looked at her phone. There was another call from Daniel, but since she didn¡¯t answer it, he quickly left a voice message and
sent her another
message.
She had barred them from entering the office, and by now, they must have realized that something was wrong-something was
terribly wrong.
¡°Miss, there are already fans of Miss Caroline outside... they are currently disrupting our employees.¡±
Chapter 21
¡°Call the police,¡± Sofia said. She would not release those photos if she was not confident that she could handle everything that
they would throw at her.
LH GROUP MAIN OFFICE
¡°She is still not answering any of our calls. We received news that Miss. Lockhart did not leave thepanyst night. She had
barred her family, even Mr. Daniel Beaumont from the building,¡± Lawrence¡¯s secretary Min said. ¡°Director shall we-*
¡°There is no need to call her again. | will personally visit the building,¡± Lawrence said. Despite everything, he still had a smile on
his face. ¡°Cancel all my meetings today. It is time that we y the role of a caring father.¡±
¡°But our meeting today is with the Beaumont Empire...
¡°They will understand,¡± Lawrence said.
¡°Yes, Director.¡± Min nodded.
13
¡°Ah... bring the flowers that she likes the most. Perhaps some cake too.¡±
¡°Yes, Director.¡± Min nodded.
Soon enough, the two of them were already outside of LH Design. Seeing the people outside of the building, most of them were
holding some sort. ofrge signs about bullying. There were also some police and obviously, the media.
Lawrence sneered. He never thought that Sofia would not answer any of his calls. However, Sofia had always been independent
in everything that she did.
She was always firm with her decisions¡ªfirm yet a little soft when ites to her family.
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Chapter 21
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¡°Min?¡± he called out. ¡°You already know what to do.¡±
¡°Yes, Director.¡±
UZR 6% 14:25
The moment Lawrence walked out of the car, shes of the camera immediately weed him.
¡°Mr. Lockhart, what can you say about the bullying issue?¡±
¡°Mr. Lockhart, is it true that your own daughter had been bullied by Miss Lockhart?¡±
¡°Mr. Lockhart, say something for Caroline.¡±
¡°Mr. Lockhart, is it true that Miss Lockhart had stopped producers and directors from hiring Miss Caroline?¡±
¡°Mr. Lockhart-
¡°Mr. Lockhart-
Lawrence''s expression changed when he heard those words. He stopped in his tracks and immediately looked at the reporters.
¡°Please stop spreading fake news without verifying everything. | trust that the media knows how to do their job.¡±
As expected, his words immediately caused more mor from the reporters. However, Lawrence took this opportunity to walk
past them and into the entrance of LH Designs. The security did not dare stop him as he walked inside and into the elevator.
Soon enough, he was already standing outside of Sofia¡¯s office.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.
However, Lawrence did not have to knock as the door suddenly opened, revealing Miss Amores¡¯s smiling face.
¡°Chairman, pleasee in... Miss Lockhart is waiting for you.¡±
Lawrence said nothing. He walked inside and found Sofia standing next to
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al
her table. She was staring through the wall-to¡ªceiling ss and into the people outside of the building.
¡°You have not answered any of my calls,¡± Lawrence removed his coat and gave it to Min who followed inside.
¡°Did you know?¡± Sofia asked.
¡°Know what?¡±
¡°That her fans would suddenly make up some crazy stories about bullying?¡± Sofia slowly turned towards him.
¡°Isn''t this just some ants moring for some attention?¡± Mr. Lawrence stood next to Sofia. He shoved his hands into his pockets
and looked down. ¡°Soon the chatter will die.¡±
¡°Yet it will ruin my reputation,¡± Sofia said.
¡°How could they ruin the reputation of a Lockhart?¡± Lawrence said. ¡°We all know the bullying is not true. It was Charlotte who
wanted to change her name.because she did not want to associate with us. She was the one who wanted to build her own
brand.¡±
Sofia said nothing.
¡°You are upset,¡± Lawrence stated.
Again, Sofia said nothing in response.
¡°| understand why you would feel this way. After all, the meeting is going to happen in just a few days.¡± Lawrence reminded her. It
was a subtle dig, a warning. He was giving her two ways.
First, she could maintain her silence and let it all pass. People forget, and since she was not a public figure, no one would care
about her name- except for the shareholders.
Second, she could say something, anything. She could deny the issue, rify things, or worse make Charlotte evil and reveal
that Charlotte changed her own name because she wanted to be independent from the Lockharts. Then Lawrence would release
another devastating blow that would not only tarnish Sofia¡¯s reputation but ruin her career.
The way Lawrence saw it, this was a war that Sofia could not win.
Chapter 22
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Chapter 22
¡°You wanted me to keep my mouth shut?¡± Sofia suddenly turned towards. him. Then she smiled. ¡°Father, do you really want
them to ruin my reputation because of unfounded usations?¡± she asked.
¡°Thewyers will handle everything. | have already asked the IT department to track the ones who made the usations online,¡±
Lawrence said. He had expected this reaction from her.
¡°So, you simply wanted me not to say a word...¡± Sofia muttered.
¡°At the end of the day, everything is still up to you.¡±
¡°You are not giving me that many choices,¡± Sofia smiled.
Lawrence pursed his lips. Sofia was not dumb. She probably knew that she did not have that many options. However, Lawrence
was confident that she would only choose the first option as she truly cared for Charlotte. Still, Lawrence wanted her to choose
the second option.
¡°However, that will affect how the shareholders view your name. With the Annual shareholder¡¯s meeting happening in just a few
days, it is too risky to let this issue continue,¡± Lawrence spoke. Just as he expected, Sofia¡¯s gaze
shook.
m not a public figure...¡± Sofia said.
¡°This issue will affect the clothes that you design. Soon enough, someone could spark something and tell everyone else to
boycott your clothes and the brand itself; we cannot let that happen,¡± Lawrence said: ¡°You can do what you want. | am simply
trying to tell you the possible oue of your move.¡±
¡°If |say something, some people might start another rumor about my sister,¡± Sofia frowned. ¡°I know how hard Charlotte had
worked for her
career. | cannot let a rumor ruin her.¡±
Lawrence was pleased to hear that answer. Either way, he can still release what he has on her. However, it might not have the
effect that he wanted. It was said but... it is what it is.
The effect would still be the same.
¡°Very well... | am giving you the time to decide.¡± Lawrence said. ¡°I will stand with you no matter what.¡± Seeing Sofia¡¯s teary eyes,
Lawrence patted her shoulder before he took his coat and left the office. He always knew that Sofia would be soft against
Charlotte, so Lawrence chose to use Charlotte for his schemes.
At first, Charlotte did not want to do it, but soon, she was convinced that Lawrence was only doing this for her own good.
However, the moment he left the office, Sofia¡¯s sad expression vanished. She stared at the now-closed door for a few seconds
before turning her attention towards the people downstairs.
Right now, she was certain that Lawrence was waiting for her to issue a statement, and say something about this matter. Then
he would release the giarism case against Sofia.
Lawrence was really creative with his ns so far and Sofia could not help but apud the man¡¯s efforts.
If Sofia had been alone, she would have easily fallen into his traps, but she wasn¡¯t. She balled her hands into two tight fists as
she thought about the email that Alexander just sent her. Slowly she turned towards herptop and read the email for the second
time.
Attached to it was the same information that Karina was able to secure a few days ago. It was about Doctor Mch and his past
stint in South East Asia. However, this was more detailed; it included a lot of things that Karina had missed, like sealed cases in
Indonesia.
¡°Lawrence...¡± Sofia gritted her teeth. Lawrence had actually worked with a
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murderer and asked this very same murderer to take care of her mother?Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.
How could he be so heartless?
Sofia¡¯s mother loved him. She ¡ª worshiped him!
Eunice Lockhart had given Lawrence everything that he could ever ask for, and yet he would do something like this?
That man deserves to rot in the deepest part of hell!
¡°Miss, the Chairman has already left,¡± Miss Amores said.
Sofia turned her attention to her secretary. Alexander told her that Miss Amores should be clean. However, she had asked Karina
to do a thorough background check. So far, Karina has not found anything that would tie Miss Amores to Lawrence. The same
cannot be said for the rest of Sofia¡¯s
team.
Lawrence had a few people on his payroll. One of them is Mrs. Phelps, the current Production Manager. Another one is working
on HR. Her driver should be one of those people, but she already fired him. From her initial investigation, Mrs. Phelps had given
some of her designs to Lawrence. Soon, these designs would be used in the giarism issue.
To try and cover up her tracks, she would openly talk to Mr. Oh about production among other things. She would then use this
meeting as a way to prove her innocence- after all, if she was a spy, then she would not openly talk to Mr. Oh and try to hide her
tracks.
Right now, Sofia was still trying to understand the reason why Mrs. Phelps thought this would work. There should be another
reason why she had been openly talking to Mr. Oh sadly, Sofia does not have a way to read the woman¡¯s mind.
Still, she was thankful that she was able to trace some leaks. This prompted her to be very careful about her future designs and
find out
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who she could and could not trust.
m going to break up with Daniel...¡± Sofia said, her voice almost like a whisper.
¡°Miss?¡± Miss Amores had a surprised look on her face. It was as if half of her was not expecting her to suddenly open up about
her love life while the other half could not believe what she just heard. Miss Amores
awkwardly stared at her. ¡°Do- Do you need me to get some more wine?¡±
W
Sofia blinked. ¡°No. Thank you. | only told you this because | don¡¯t want him in this building.¡±
¡°| know what to do,¡± Miss Amores said. She nodded, her face bobbing up and down as if she just thought of something important.
Then she promptly excused herself, leaving Sofia alone inside the room.
Asigh escaped Sofia¡¯s lips.
If Miss Amores was indeed Lawrence¡¯s spy, then... she could expect a few phone calls from Charlotte and maybe even from
Daniel very soon. At the moment, those two wanted her to give her shares to Daniel, and that would not happen if she broke up
with him.
So, Sofia waited and waited but did not receive a call from Daniel or from Charlotte. Aside from a text from Charlotte asking her if
she wanted her to rify the issue and Daniel asking her if she was alright, Sofia did not receive anything else.
However, this only made her more suspicious. The answer to her: confusion only arrived hourster when she was enjoying a
ss of wine at home.
Chapter 23
Chapter 23
Chapter 23
Sofia stared at the news on the tablet. Alexander had warned her that this would happen, but reading the news was enough to
disturb her.
Breaking: LH DESIGNS Interim CEO Sofia Lockhart Faces Allegations of Bullying and Design Theft]
[Controversy Surrounds LH GROUP: Interim CEO Sofia Lockhart Under Fire for Alleged Design Theft and Bullying]
LH DESIGNS in Turmoil: Interim CEO Sofia Lockhart Faces usations. of Bullying and Intellectual Property Theft]
Exclusive Report! LH GROUP¡¯s Sofia Lockhart used of Design. giarism and Workce Bullying]
LH DESIGNS Interim CEO Sofia Lockhart Grapples with Allegations of Bullying and Design Theft]
Sofia Lockhart, Interim CEO of LH GROUP, Faces Bacsh Over Design giarism and Workce Bullying]
Design Scandal Rocks LH DESIGNS: CEO Sofia Lockhart used of Bullying and giarism]
LH GROUP Shaken by Scandal: Sofia Lockhart, Interim CEO, used of Stealing Designs and Workce Bullying]
Breaking News: LH DESIGNS CEO Sofia Lockhart Entangled in
Allegations of Design giarism and Bullying]
She turned her tablet off and stared at the wine on the table, then towards the man sitting opposite her. Before she could say a
single word, her phone started ringing. It was Daniel.
She answered it but chose not to say a word.
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¡°Where are you? Why aren''t you answering the door?¡± Daniel¡¯s voice reverberated against her ears. ¡°I know you are inside. Give
me the password; let me in.¡±
¡°Do you believe the news?¡± Sofia asked.
¡°What are you talking about?¡± Daniel asked. ¡°Why would | believe something that stupid?¡±
Sofia said nothing.
¡°Now open the door. | brought food... your favorite.¡±
Still, Sofia said nothing. Daniel had always been the first one who wouldfort her in times like this. Who would have thought
that he was only doing this because of her shares?
A part of her wanted to ask him if any of it was real but ended up sighing. ¡°Please leave. | need to finish some designs. | will talk
to you tomorrow.¡±
¡°Babe-¡± Daniel tried to say a few more words, but Sofia ruthlessly ended. the call without waiting for his response.
¡°He is outside,¡± Sofia said. ¡°I believe it is time that | change residence.¡± She nced at Alexander, who sat at ease on her couch.
His legs were casually propped up on the couch, dressed in gray sweatpants, and a loose robe draped over his upper body.
Folders and his tablety casually on the coffee table.
The man was really too good at treating this as his own home,
¡°Josef bought it... | hope you do not mind?¡± he uttered when he noticed. her staring at her robe.
She shook her head.
¡°| have already prepared the guest room for you. The lockbination is naturally our wedding anniversary.¡±
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Chapter 23Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.
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¡°...¡± Sofia did not know if she would take that word seriously.
m serious.¡±
06% 14:27
...¡± Was it really the date of their wedding? She looked at him in disbelief.
Seeing this, he chuckled. ¡°You should probably call that father of yours, no?¡±
Sofia shrugged. Logically, she should call that man to avoid suspicion. However, she was not going to do that now. Instead of
picking up her phone, she poured some more wine into her ss. Twirling the ss, she watched as the velvety scarlet liquid
moved, reflecting the firece in her living room.
¡°Thank you,¡± she uttered after a few minutes of silence.
¡°Thank you?¡±
¡°| know you are busy.¡± It was not a coincidence that he immediately arrived just a few minutes after her arrival. He must have
canceled a few meetings just toe here. Perhaps, he already knew that Lawrence. would release the news today, so he
chose to apany her.
¡°Are you certain you would be alright?¡± he asked, lifting an eyebrow. ¡°I could apany you to your bedroom if that would make
you feel better.¡±
Unable to stop herself, she smiled. ¡°Right...¡± Who would have thought that the Chairman of Beaumont Empire had a hobby of
making people smile? She never thought that this would be possible¡ªnot even once.
¡°Why are you nning to leave that jerk?¡± he asked.
¡°Soon...¡± she answered almost immediately. Then she narrowed her eyes on him. ¡°Is something the matter?¡± She had actually
forgotten to ask his feelings about everything.
Da
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¡°As your husband, knowing that you have a boyfriend is naturally making me ufortable,¡± he said. ¡°Besides, Aunt has been
wanting to meet with you again. She wanted to talk about the wedding.¡±
¡°The wedding?¡±
¡°| wanted one for you, for us.¡± he chuckled. ¡°She was excited when | told. her perhaps she could help you n it.¡± He leaned
towards her, took her empty wine ss, poured some wine into it, and finished it before Sofia could say another word.
¡°A wedding for me?¡± Sofia frowned. She thought about that when she signed those papers but didn¡¯t delve deeper into the matter
as she was busy with thepany.
¡°You do not want one?¡±
¡°No, I-¡®This was The Jenny Thomas! She was well known for her fashion sense and elegant style! Who wouldn¡¯t want her to n
a wedding for them? If anything, she did not know what to say.
For some reason, she could only feel warmth in her heart. She wanted to tell him how excited she was, but once again, her
phone vibrated, interrupting the conversation between them.
She looked at it. ¡°It¡¯s Lawrence...¡± Sofia said. She quickly answered it. ¡°Father?¡±
¡°Have you seen the news?¡± Lawrence asked. Sofia chose not to answer for a few seconds before she said. ¡°Hmmm... | did.¡±
¡°Don''t worry, | already asked our team to issue a statement about this matter. For security purposes, it would be best if youe
back to the mansion. | have already sent people to get you. You-¡±
¡°No...¡± Sofia interrupted him.
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¡°Pardon?¡±
LXN6% 14:27
¡°| will not being back to the mansion,¡± Sofia said, her tone suddenly changed when she realized what this man was trying to
do. Just weeks before her birthday, a scandal like this was made to tarnish her name and reputation. On the outside, the scandal
seemed simple. However, after hearing Lawrence¡¯s words, she was certain that this man was brewing something else.
He wanted to take advantage of this issue to let her go back home and live in the same house as him!
How could Sofia not know that this man must be nning to control her every move just before her birthday!
He did not want her investigating things or talking to reporters. He would then use this reason to record all of her calls and the
people that she would be seeing.
If she was right, he would use this opportunity topletely iste her from the outside world under the pretense of keeping her
safe from the one who had been targeting her! This was all a trap!
She met Alexander''s cold gaze, and she involuntarily shivered.
If she had not met Alexander then... she would have fallen into this trap!
Lawrence would have easily convinced her to give her shares to Daniel, and Charlotte would be with her as she signed those
papers.
It was too cruel-they are too cruel.
¡°What are you talking about? You are alone. This scandal will-¡±
¡°| have ns. There is no need to concern yourself with this matter, Father. | will not let this go.¡±
There was a brief silence on the other line, so she added, ¡°The Annual
[POST
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Shareholders meeting ising. Father. | apologize for making you worry, but there is no need to concern yourself with matters
like this. | am going to handle this.¡±
¡°Sofia...¡±
¡°| know you are worried about me.¡±
¡°| promised your mother that | would take care of you.¡±
¡°And you did...¡± Sofia¡¯s voice softened. ¡°However, there are things that | need to face on my own.¡± She forced her anger down.
¡°| can assure you, father. | will get to the bottom of this and make those who wanted to tarnish my name... suffer.¡±
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Chapter 24
Chapter 24
Chapter 24
¡°Workce bullying, in general, is not only bad for LH DESIGNS but can easily affect LH Group,¡± Mr. Randy Thompson, the legal
counsel of LH GROUP, let out a sigh. ¡°I would advise Miss Lockhart to avoid the media for now. We are going to do our best to
take care of things. We have already followed all the proper protocols in case something like this happens, and we are confident
that we can resolve this matter soon. Please, Miss Lockhart, the best possible thing you can do now is to stay inside this
mansion where you are safe, surrounded by your family.¡±
¡°Is this the reason why you asked me toe?¡± Sofia looked at Lawrence, who was silently sitting next to Mr. Thompson. ¡°I
thought we already talked about this.¡±
Since she discovered that these people had been fooling her for years, this was the first time that she agreed toe to where
Lawrence and her mother used to live-the very same house that contains all the memories. she had growing up.
In the past, she frequented this house despite living on her own. She shared meals with Lawrence and her mother and would
sometimes spend the night here.
However, since she discovered their betrayal, she had avoided this ce like a gue. She did not want to recall her past. It
would only remind her that she was but a fool¡ªa gullible fool.
She couldn''t help but look around the meeting room. The room was only one of the many rooms inside this mansion. However,
unlike most rooms, this one had a cozy vibe¡ªnot too big, not too small.
Adecent-sized rectangr table sat in the middle, where Sofial identally bumped her head once trying to surprise her mom.
It doubled as a library and a meeting spot, filled with familiar bookshelves lining the walls.
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Chapter 24
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14.20
The ce smelled a bit like old books and memories-the kind Sofia used to cherish before discovering the betrayal.
Large windows let in enough light to brighten the room, and heavy curtains hung by the sides. The walls were adorned with
some ssic paintings, nothing too shy.
The floor was covered in a soft rug, and a couple offortable chairs were scattered around the table. It was a room that
witnessed countless conversations and shared meals, but now it felt different, tainted by the past she wanted to forget.
¡°| want you to hear the thoughts of an expert about this matter,¡± Lawrence calmly spoke. ¡°I know you wanted to prove your
capability, but | promised your mother that | would take care of you. As your father, | would never let those people go. Mr.
Thompson is the head of the legal counsel, and he is working with our PR team on a statement in an hour. Is that right, Mr.
Thompson?¡±
¡°Yes. Please listen to the chairman Miss Lockhart. Right now, | would suggest that you stay inside this mansion. We simply
cannot risk it.¡±
¡°| already found a ce to stay,¡± Sofia calmly spoke. She leaned back and met Lawrence¡¯s gaze. ¡°Everyone knew that | grew up
in this mansion. If someone truly wanted to harm me, then this would be the first ce that they are going to infiltrate.¡±
¡°| would never let any harm-¡±
¡°Father,¡± Sofia interrupted Lawrence. She fought the urge to start puking. How could she call this man father? Right now, she
could only me herself for everything.
If If she had not been toocent, then perhaps she would have noticed something amiss and told her mother. Her mother
would have listened to Sofia and avoided this man.
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Chapter 24
¡°| do not want to stay here,¡± she uttered.
¡°Leave us,¡± Lawrence said.
Mr. Thompson and two other people promptly left the room, leaving
them alone.
6% 14:28
¡°Is this about your mother?¡± Lawrence asked. ¡°I knew you were always in a bad mood when-¡±
¡°| just want to be alone,¡± Sofia said. She immediately got up, intending to leave the room too. She found the current atmosphere
stifling,
suffocating. Just hearing this man talk about her mother was enough to rile her up.
All she wanted was to p him, ask him how he could do something like this to them! She had trusted this man with all her life!
She had treated him as a father, a friend, a confidant, and a mentor. The betrayal truly hurt her, and she was forced to
acknowledge that now.
¡°Where are you going to stay?¡± he asked.
¡°Far away from the media,¡± Sofia uttered. She had already epted Alexander¡¯s offer to stay in his house; the security in his
building was top- notch. Sofia¡¯s hesitation did notst long. She could not possibly read Lawrence¡¯s mind. She did not know what
this man would do just to achieve his goals.
So, when Alexander offered a security detail, she epted it without having second thoughts. She was not stupid enough to
ignore her security.
¡°Sofia-¡±
Lawrence''s words were interrupted when the door suddenly burst open. ¡°Sister...¡± Charlotte¡¯s irritating voice echoed inside the
room. She stood in front of Sofia with her pink frilly dress and took both of Sofia¡¯s hands. ¡°Are
M
Chapter 24
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you alright? If you want me to help, just please tell me. | would do everything to fix this situation.¡±
0 14:28
¡°Charlotte, what are you talking about?¡± Lawrence immediately frowned. ¡°This is not something that you should say. The
company can handle the news. There is no need to involve yourself in this matter. You should leave...¡±
¡°Was it because | am not a Lockhart?¡± Charlotte asked; her eyes were already full of tears. Despite her usatory tone, she did
not let Sofia¡¯s hand go. Instead, she tightened her grip around Sofia¡¯s hand. ¡°I know | am not supposed to involve myself in the
company since | am not a Lockhart, but they are hurting Sofia. How could | let them do that?¡°¡ª
Lawrence narrowed at her. ¡°That is not true.¡±
Charlotte looked at Sofia, her face full of worry. ¡°How about you stay with me instead? My agency has offered security, and my
house-¡±
¡°| don¡¯t think we need that,¡± Sofia smiled. She slowly wriggled her hand out of Charlotte¡¯s hand. ¡°I am leaving.¡±
¡°Are you not going to stay in the mansion?¡± Charlotte asked, confusion. apparent in her eyes.
¡°No.¡±
¡°But You are safe here.¡±
m not some superstar. | don¡¯t understand why this would be a threat to me.¡± Sofia looked at Lawrence. ¡°Isn''t this just a
small scandal? People forget, father. Is there a need to panic? The meeting is going to happen, and | will be there to join
everyone.¡±
With that, Sofia walked out of the room, leaving the father and daughter on their own. The moment she walked out of the
mansion, her expression. changed. She almost could not hide the disgust and anger inside her. She
Chapter 24
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had to walk away, or she would have pped that woman.
The scandal started because of Charlotte, yet she sounded as if she had nothing to do with it. Did she think Sofia was a fool?
Sofia could not help but m her hand on the steering wheel. Then she took some time to calm herself down.
She was confident that Lawrence would not do anything to hurt her right now. After all, he should be aware that if Sofia dies
before her birthday, all the shares would be given to some charities. So, Lawrence had to wait for her birthday.
Soon enough, she realized that she was wrong.
The moment her car got out of the parking lot, she heard a loud sound.
The sudden impact jolted Sofia¡¯s car, sending a sudden shiver through the vehicle. The screech of tires and the harsh collision
echoed through the air as another car forcefully rammed into the back of hers.
The force was enough to make Sofia grip the steering wheel tightly, her heart pounding in surprise and anger.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.
She peered into the rearview mirror, trying to catch a glimpse of the culprit. The driver of the other car remained obscured,
hidden behind the twisted metal and shattered ss that now marred the back of Sofia¡¯s. vehicle. The mangled bumpers and
broken taillights painted a chaotic.
scene.
Caught off guard by this unexpected assault, Sofia took a moment to collect herself. The immediate rush of anger from the
earlier confrontation with Charlotte was now reced with a more pressing
concern.
She carefully assessed the damage, her frustration growing as she realized that her already difficult day had just taken a turn for
the worse.
Chapter 25
Chapter 25
Chapter 25
¡°The driver died,¡± the police informed Sofia as she sat in the living room. of the mansion. The incident still left her shaken, and
hearing that the driver had actually died made her heart jump. Her hands started trembling.
Seeing this, Charlotte immediately grabbed Sofia¡¯s hand, but she pushed Charlotte¡¯s hand without having second thoughts.
¡°Sig.¡±
¡°How?¡± Sofia ignored Charlotte¡¯s reaction.
¡°We are investigating this matter, but our initial findings suggest that he was already unconscious before he hit your car- in fact,
the reason he hit your car might be because he lost consciousness.¡±
Sofia¡¯s heart raced; her palms started sweating. For some reason, she could not believe that this was just an ident. The fact
that the driver died means something else is going on here.
Sadly, she does not know what it is.
¡°We will let you know once wee up with something,¡± the police said.
¡°Sister, you should stay here. | know you are too shaken up to drive,¡± Charlotte said. ¡°I believe Father already asked the maids to
prepare your
room.¡±
For a while, Sofia said nothing. She couldn¡¯t help but think about the driver of that car. He was a man in histe forties or
perhaps early fifties. He must have had a family, perhaps a wife, kids, and maybe even grandkids. She swallowed.
When she said nothing, Charlotte tried to speak. Again, she was trying to convince Sofia to stay.
IN US 14:28
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Chapter 25
Logic would dictate that she stay in the house. Even if they had other cars, she was not confident that she could still drive in her
current state. Without saying a word, she got up and started walking outside. ¡°Where are you going?¡± Lawrence asked. He
swiftly blocked her way. ¡°If you think I will let you drive while you are in this state, then you are wrong. You need to stay, Sofia.¡±
Again, Sofia said nothing. Instead, she turned towards Lawrence, her gaze nk. ¡°A car is already waiting for me outside.¡± Then
she slowly pushed him away and left the mansion without saying another word.
The moment she got out of the mansion, she immediately saw the ck Volvo waiting for her. She got into the Volvo, and the car
immediately left. the mansion.
¡°Who is that?¡± Charlotte asked, frowning. She and her father could clearly see the Volvo from the mansion. However, it was
tinted, and it was alreadyte outside. They had no way of knowing who was driving the car.
Lawrence said nothing in response. He merely walked back to his office, his hands in his pockets.
¡°Father-¡±
¡°Go back to your room...¡± Lawrence said.
¡°But what about that car? Daniel is not in Illinois; his brother sent him to Vegas. That can¡¯t be Daniel,¡± Charlotte said.
However, her father did not answer her question. Instead, he looked at her. ¡°Go back to your room...¡±
Charlotte immediately pouted. Disbelief shed in her eyes before she stomped her feet and ran towards her room. Seeing this,
Lawrence merely shook his head and started walking towards his study. The moment he walked in, he immediately spotted two
people inside.
Chapter 25
FO)
¡°Dr. Mch...¡±
ou
No
14:28
¡°| hope you do not mind me drinking your whiskey,¡± Dr. Mch smiled. ¡°A small sip of whiskey is nothing,¡± Lawrence smiled as
he sat in his chair. ¡°It is already sote at night. | am grateful that the good doctor woulde at this hour.¡±
¡°How could | ignore my employer¡¯s request?¡± Dr. Mch asked. He then finished the whiskey in his ss and ced the ss
on the table. ¡°Is there something that | could assist you with?¡± he asked.
¡°The driver is dead,¡± Lawrence said. ¡°I am going to assume that the police. would not be able to prove anything?¡±
¡°Of course,¡± Dr. Mch smiled.
Lawrence nodded. He then took a thick envelope from one of his drawers and handed it to Dr. Mch. ¡°Reliable as always.¡±
m going to take that as apliment,¡± the Doctor beamed as he took the envelope and put it in his jacket pocket.
¡°You are not going to count it?¡±
¡°Do | need a reason to?¡±
¡°No,¡± Lawrence smiled. ¡°However, | would like you to take care of something else.¡±
¡°Was it that woman?¡± Dr. Mch asked. ¡®Is it finally time?¡±
¡°Yes,¡± Lawrence said. ¡°That time has finallye. As promised,¡± he took another envelope and pushed it towards the good
doctor. ¡°Double.¡±
¡°Good...¡± Again, Dr. Mch took the money and ced it in his jacket. pocket. Seeing this, Lawrence smiled. He got up and
poured both of them some wine.
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¡°After this year, you will finally have the thing that you want the most,¡± Dr. Mch said. ¡°I would like to congratte you in
advance.¡±
Lawrence said nothing. He only gave the ss to the doctor before he finished his drink.
The two of them said nothing as they sat inside Lawrence''s study.
Meanwhile, Sofia finished the bottle of water that Alexander handed her the moment she arrived inside the car. She said nothing
and took another bottle of water, chugging it down until she finally felt refreshed.
She expected him to start asking questions about the incident. But he didn¡¯t. Instead, he simply drove the car without saying
another word. Sofia sighed. She was grateful for the silence, but she needed to speak to someone she could rely on. ¡°The driver
died,¡± she uttered. ¡°I knew this was Lawrence¡¯s n.¡± She knew that man was scheming, but it seems that she still
underestimated him.
¡°You believe he did this because he wanted you to stay in the mansion?¡± he asked, his eyes on the road. She did not know what
he was currently thinking as his face was devoid of any expression.
Sofia thought about it. Right now, that was the only thing that she coulde up with. ¡°He wanted me isted before my
birthday,¡± she uttered. ¡°This must have something to do with my grandmother.¡±
¡°She ising back?¡± Alexander asked.
¡°From Europe... yes,¡± Sofia said. Sofia had grown apart from her grandmother because of her grandmother¡¯s dislike of Lawrence
and Charlotte. However, her grandmother never missed her birthday.
Now that she was about to receive her inheritance, her grandmother would surelye.
¡°That man is truly something...¡± Alexander said. This time, Sofia
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maintained her silence. She had been blinded for so long. This gave Lawrence so much time to scheme and gather some allies.
Sofia bit her lower lip. This was no longer about her inheritance. If she wanted her mother or herself to live then... she needed to
fight back.
¡°| have already sent my people to investigate that man,¡± Alexander assured
her.
¡°Thank you.¡±
¡°Not yet,¡± he said.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.
¡°What?¡±
¡°You should not thank me yet.¡±
Sofia turned towards him and stared at his handsome side profile. She could not help but wonder what he was thinking. She then
lifted her eyebrows. ¡°What are you nning to do?¡± she asked.
However, her question never received an answer.
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Dr. Mch adjusted his tie, ensuring its perfection before he smiled at his reflection and exited his car. Stepping out into the
parking lot across. Tranquil Haven Rehabilitation Center, he took a moment to appreciate. the serene surroundings.
The dim glow of streetmps cast long shadows on the asphalt, and the crisp Illinois air hinted at the approaching dawn. The sky
transitioned from the deep hues of night to a soft palette of purples and blues.
The reason Dr. Mch chose this ce was his love for the cold. Growing up in a location without snow, living in Illinois had
always been a dream.
He tapped his jacket, ensuring the cash was still there before proceeding towards the rehabilitation center.
However, just before reaching the center¡¯s door, he heard another car nearby. Turning, his eyes widened at the sight of a police
vehicle.
¡°Dr. Mch?¡± a man in a ck uniform called out.
¡°Yes, good morning, officers. How may | help you?¡± The officer paused, scrutinizing Dr. Mch.
¡°Pleasee with us.
¡°What?¡± Dr. Mch¡¯s face immediately turned ugly.
It was almost noon when Sofia woke up. After a quick stretch, she took a bath. Currently staying in the guest room of Alexander¡¯s
house, she didn¡¯t want to go to the office right away after the incident that left her shaken. However, she knew she had to face
recent events.
After donning decent office clothing, she grabbed her things and made her
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way to the kitchen for something to eat.
UN 14:28
¡°Eh?¡± she froze upon seeing Alexander in the living room, talking on his phone.
Why was this man here? She thought he would be at his office, considering it was a workday. As the chairman of the Beaumont
Empire, he must be busy.
Luckily, he didn¡¯t notice her as he was facing the floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a view of the city. She quickly turned
around, not intending to disturb him.
¡°Ah, d that you¡¯re awake,¡± she heard him say.
She turned towards Alexander; it seemed his call had already ended.
¡°Are you going to the kitchen?¡± he asked.
¡°Y¡ª-Yes.¡±
¡°Just reheat the breakfast that | made. | did not wake you up. | know you. were not able to have a good night''s sleepst night.¡±
She stood there, unable to understand what he was trying to say. He made breakfast for her and even stayed at home. Was it all
right for her to assume he did this all for her?
¡°Ah, before | forget... Dr. Mch was arrestedst night.¡±
Almost immediately, her expression changed. ¡°What did you say?¡±
¡°Dr. Mch is a wanted criminal in more than five countries. It is only right that the police would take him in.¡±
¡°Then what about my mother?¡± She quickly checked her phone, finding missed calls from Lawrence, Charlotte, and Daniel. She
had forwarded all business calls to Miss Amores and turned her phone silent.
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When she woke up, she assumed the calls were rted to what happenedst night. She thought they wanted to convince her
to stay in the mansion, so she didn¡¯t bother opening their text messages.
¡°Do not worry... | already sent a team of doctors under your name.¡± Seeing her reaction, he quickly said, ¡°I apologize for
overstepping...¡±
¡°No. 1-¡±
¡°| received some disturbing newsst night. | chose not to tell you those things because of how shaken you were... however,
instead of waiting. | had to make a move.¡±
She frowned, not understanding what he was trying to say. What move? They agreed that this marriage was self-serving. Both
of them had their goals. Why was he doing something like this?
ea
¡°My mother died after | was born...¡± Alexander said. He walked towards the long couch and picked up a tablet, then handed it to
her. ¡°It took me long time to realize that she did not die of natural death. She had been poisoned... slowly.¡±
Sofia read the contents of the file that he opened. ¡°This poison...¡±
¡°Only avable in Asia. To be more specific, its source was only avable. in Vietnam. Smuggling can be very difficult if one does
not have a connection. For years, | have been searching for any clues of the one who poisoned my mother. To no avail.¡±
She continued reading the contents. ¡°The poison was detected?¡± she asked.
¡°Three months ago... it was detected in Vancouver. Then in ska. As far as | know, it was already in the US.¡±
¡°And you think that
¡°We found traces of it in the undaround market in Illinnic And right
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now, there is only one Asian doctor in this part of the state that has at connection to the underground market.¡±
¡°Dr. Mch,¡± she uttered. ¡°This poison....¡± After reading the first. symptoms, a part of her felt her limbs go numb. She swallowed.
¡°These symptoms...¡± It was simr to her mother¡¯s symptoms!
She found herself on the couch with him sitting beside her as she read the contents of the file for the second time.
Violet Slumber Blossom. This flora can only live within dense jungles. It has earned its notorious reputation for its potent yet
deceivingly slow- acting toxicity. Locals, well aware of its danger, refer to it simply as ¡°Lingering Lotus.¡±
Transporting this perilous nt is strictly prohibited, as its lethal potential unfolds in stages. A moderate dose induces a gradual
descent into aa- like slumber, leaving the unsuspecting victim ensnared in a web of silent danger.
Meanwhile, a higher dosage could easily kill someone. It does not have a particr smell or taste, and one can easily grind the
petals of the nt. and dissolve it in water.
¡°Do you think that he used this-¡± She swallowed her nonexistent saliva. ¡°It said that it cannot be cured?¡± she asked.
¡°At the time they published this article, there was no antidote- yet,¡± he said.
¡°Then... what about now?¡±
¡°We found something that could neutralize it, but | cannot guarantee you that it would wake up someone who was already in a
state of aa. Perhaps it could help someone who just ingested the poison.¡±
Sofia clutched the tablet. She stared at the violet flower on the tablet and
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clenched her teeth. What a cruel nt!
OOFZN 14:29
Sofia had always been hesitant about how to approach Dr. Mch, fearing he might do something crazy. Moreover, she did not
want Lawrence to detect anything.
¡°| need to know if she was given the same poison...¡± She got up and looked at him. ¡°Will you help me?¡±
¡°There is something else....¡± he too got up and took the tablet. ¡°To induce aa, it has to be given in very small doses over ten
years.¡±
Sofia¡¯s mouth dropped. She covered her mouth with her trembling hands. Ten years?
What if...
She quickly made a decision. ¡°I need you to check my blood too...¡± Sofia said as she closed her eyes. How could they be so
cruel?
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¡°Where is she?¡± Lawrence inquired the moment she answered the call. ¡°They informed me you sent doctors and took her...¡±
¡°Have you heard the news?¡± Sofia asked. ¡°That doctor is not someone wel could trust.¡±
¡°Sofia...¡±
¡°My mother is safe,¡± Sofia stated, her voice cold. She stared at the firece in the living room. She chose not to work this time
and simply stayed in the house with him. Tomorrow, the meeting would happen, and Alexander suggested that she stay at home
instead of going to the office. The arrest of Dr. Mch would make everything more dangerous, as it would make Lawrence
suspect that she knew something.
¡°Please do not expect me to trust you after what happened, Father. It was you who rmended Dr. Mch. You cannot me
me for doubting you,¡± Sofia said.
¡°I, too, was not aware that he is someone like that.¡±
¡°| heard that he had arrest warrants all over the world,¡± Sofia said. ¡°It¡¯s hard to believe that you knew nothing about it.¡±
¡°Sofia-¡±
¡°l only asked my doctors to test my mother¡¯s blood,¡± Sofia said. ¡°If | find something... Dr. Mch will rot in prison!¡± Sofia hisset.
Then she ended the call without waiting for Lawrence to say another word. She ced her phone on the coffee table as she
balled her hands into fists, trying her best to stop them from trembling.
Since Lawrence came into her life, this was the first time she had raised her voice at him. This was the first time that she actually
talked to him like this. The experience was jarring. She could not stop her lips from
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trembling, and her heart was racing like a horse. Yet, it was necessary. She held her other hand and closed her eyes.
She knew her face had already lost its color.
¡°You want one?¡± a mellowed deep voice interrupted her stupor. She lifted her gaze and found Alexander standing nearby, a wine
ss in hand.
¡°| need something stronger...¡±
He smirked and then handed her his ss. ¡°Whiskey?¡±
¡°Better...¡± Sofia downed it in one go, letting the spicy alcohol warm up her insides. ¡°I didn¡¯t know that the great chairman of
Beaumont Empire would offer me some whiskey in broad daylight.¡±
He snorted as he sat beside her. ¡°Only when | am with a beautiful woman.¡±
She arched her eyebrow. She knew that he was only trying to calm her senses, and she appreciated that. ¡°Strange...¡±
¡°What is?¡±
¡°| never knew that you like beautiful women...¡± Daniel never told her anything about Alexander. Aside from the fact that he had a
terrible. brother who was out to get him, Daniel never once talked about. Alexander''s private life.
However, the fact that Alexander was never linked to a woman made his private life a little... mysterious.
Sofia recalled Karina telling her that Alexander might be into men. Karina had gossiped about this man a thousand times
because the firm that she was working with handled a few things concerning the Beaumont Empire.
Somehow her words made him chuckle.
¡°Strange...¡± he uttered.Original from N?velDrama.Org.
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¡°What is?¡± she asked in return.
¡°| didn¡¯t know you were listening to gossip about me, Miss Lockhart...¡±
¡°| was not,¡± she immediately said.
¡°Really?¡±
¡°Really... why would | listen to gossip about you? | already have a lot on my te,¡± Sofia said.
¡°Is that so?¡±
She pouted and grabbed the wine ss that was still in his hand then she drank its contents too. She could already feel her
cheeks heating up. ¡°Some people talk...¡± she uttered. ¡°I must have heard it somewhere, but then again, there is no smoke
without a fire.¡±
He chuckled. ¡°Heard what?¡± his lips lifted into a sexy smirk as if... as if he was waiting for her to embarrass herself further.
¡°I- Nothing.¡±
¡°Heard what, Miss Lockhart?¡± he leaned closer. Almost immediately, the smell of his aftershave and a subtle hint of his perfume
filled her senses. She swallowed, blinking at him.
¡°I~ you are too close.¡± He was getting closer and closer, leaving her
breathless. For some reason, she was tempted to push him, but her hand. refused to move. Her already calmed heart once
again started drumming against her chest.
¡°What did you hear?¡± he asked, his voice sending shivers down her spine.
¡°That you have no interest in women,¡± she blurted out, feeling the tension thicken between them.
¡°And do you believe them?¡± he asked, his gaze locked onto hers, making
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her feel exposed.
¡°4
¡°Do you believe that | have no interest in women?¡±
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Sofia did not know what to say. In fact, a part of her believed it. The fact. that he was the one who approached her, asking her for
a marriage of convenience, made it so suspicious. ¡°I! would not judge someone just based on their preference,¡± Sofia said, trying
to maintainposure. Then she realized how close he already was. ¡°You are still my husband.¡±
For a while, he only stared there, the charged silence hanging between them. His eyes bore into her green eyes, and the air
crackled with an unspoken desire. His breathing was calm, but the intensity in his gaze told a different story. It was as if he was
searching for something, perhaps an emotion, or a glint of something sinister.
Slowly, Sofia¡¯s gaze lowered down to his tall nose and traced the contours of his perfect skin. She couldn¡¯t help but notice the
way his lips glistened, and the proximity made her acutely aware of his moistened lips.
Unknowingly, she swallowed before her gaze darted back to his eyes. ¡°Find something interesting?¡± he smirked.
Just as she was about to snap back, she heard someone clearing his throat nearby.
Sofia¡¯s eyes widened as she pushed Alexander away and turned towards. Josef who stood not too far away from them. Her eyes
thennded on the man standing behind Josef. Blond, blue eyes, and a smug smirk. She found him quite familiar.
¡°| apologize for disturbing you, but the doctor is here...¡± Josef said before he looked at his boss. ¡°Dr. Moore is here...¡±
Dr. Moore?
Chapter 27
Sofia frowned as she got up and straightened her clothes. ¡°Dr. Hugo Moore?¡± she asked.
¡°My... | never thought that my humble name would reach the ears of such a beautifuldy,¡± Dr. Moore smiled. He walked towards
her and was about to grab her hand when Alexander got up.
¡°You are about to examine her blood. Why are you going to kiss her hand?¡± Alexander pped the doctor¡¯s hand, his face ugly.
¡°It seems that you already heard of his name; then there is no need for a fancy introduction. Sofia, this is Hugo Moore.¡±
Hugo beamed. ¡°Please call me Hugo. Here is my-¡±
¡°Hugo, this is Sofia...¡± Alexander interrupted his words. ¡°My wife.¡±
¡°Huh?¡± Hugo froze, confusion shed in his eyes. He looked at Sofia then towards Alexander. ¡°Wife? What wife?¡±
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¡°So, you got married, and | was not invited?¡± Hugo Moore red at Alexander. ¡°And here | thought | was your closest friend!¡±
¡°We were in a hurry...¡±
Almost immediately, Hugo¡¯s eyesnded on Sofia¡¯s stomach.
¡°How long?¡± Hugo asked.
¡°When is your due date?¡± he added.
¡°No, | meant...¡± Alexander wanted to exin when Hugo held his hand towards his friend¡¯s face.
¡°She''s pale, too skinny, she looked weak. The least that you could do is take care of your wife and child.¡±
m not pregnant,¡± Sofia said. ¡°Are you not here to test my blood?¡± she asked. Hugo Moore was someone who changed the
medical industry at the tender age of twenty-one. He was a genius surgeon and had published so many journals that helped the
medicalmunity.
The reason why Sofia has heard of his glorious name is because of her mother. She tried to locate him in the past, but for some
reason, no one knew where he currently lived. Many had suspicions that he was currently working with the government in a
secret facility, but no one could pinpoint his exact location.
When her mother had beatose, she did everything to know his whereabouts, but she failed.
Hugo¡¯s expression turned solemn when he heard her voice. He quickly asked Josef to bring his tools. ¡°I have studied Violet
Slumber Blossom for years. Sadly, being poisoned by this nt would not show any signs. immediately. However, the moment it
would show signs meant that it
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would be toote.¡±
Sofia swallowed.
¡°We call it Lingering Lotus as it would linger in the victim¡¯s bloodstream for as long as it could before showing its ws,¡± Hugo
said. ¡°Are you scared of needles?¡± he asked.
Sofia swallowed. ¡°No.¡± She sat on the couch, and soon, Hugo was already taking her blood.
¡°It would take two to three days at least...¡± Hugo said.
¡°What about my mother?¡± she asked.
¡°| need your consent if you need me to take her blood too.¡±
¡°Then please do it,¡± Sofia said. ¡°If If you confirm that she took that poison, then... what would happen?¡± she asked.
¡°Unfortunately, we cannot wake her up. Yet,¡± Hugo said, his tone calm yet. somehow, she could not sense any emotion in it. ¡°I
believe Alexander already told you that there is no cure for the poison. However, we can only stop the symptoms. The earlier we
diagnose a patient, the better it would be for them. However, there is no need to worry too much about this matter. If you do not
know it yet, your husband has been donating a huge amount of money for research. Soon enough... | would-¡±
¡°Please let me donate too...¡±
¡°Oh?¡± Hugo beamed at Sofia. He looked at Alexander, who was sitting next to his wife. Then he gave him a smug smirk. ¡°Your
husband donated ten million for the initial research |-¡±
¡°Then | will give you ten million as well,¡± Sofia said. ¡°Just please do everything to find out to develop a cure.¡±
¡°Of course,¡± Hugo beamed. ¡°Your wish is mymand...¡± he suddenly
Chapter 28
took her hand and kissed the back of her palm. ¡°Mydy.¡±
R 14:29
For some reason, this gesture made Sofia shiver. What was wrong with this man? However, she quickly pushed her questions
out and focused on the current situation.
LH GROUP Main Office
Lawrence frowned as he stared at his phone. He had been waiting for Sofia to call him, but thetter seemed upset.
¡°Were you able to call her?¡± he asked his daughter, Charlotte, who was sitting on the couch not too far away from him. Despite
Dr. Mch¡¯s arrest, Lawrence still went to his office and decided to go on with his schedule.
This was a deliberate act so the authorities would not suspect him.
¡°No. Daniel said she was not answering her phone too,¡± Charlotte said. ¡°Father, do you think this has something to do with her
birthday?¡± she asked. Sofia had always been emotional around this time because it was said that her father died around her
birthday. Now that her mother was in aa, she might have been feeling a bit more down.
¡°She had been avoiding Daniel too...¡± Charlotte pouted. Lately, all Daniel could talk about was Sofia and Charlotte did not like
that! ¡°You know how much | need that song, and she had stopped writing songs too.¡± Charlotte rolled her eyes before she started
ying on her phone.
¡°Leave...¡±
¡°Huh?¡±
¡°You heard me.¡±
Charlotte looked at her father in disbelief before she grabbed her bag and
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got out of her father¡¯s office. Seeing Charlotte gone, Lawrence''s face. instantly turned darker. He dialed a number on his phone.
¡°Were you able to find out who reported him?¡± he asked the moment. someone answered his call.
¡°Unfortunately, the source was anonymous. It would have been easier for us to cover him if they did not report him to the FBI,¡± a
woman answered.
¡°FBI?¡± Lawrence''s face contorted.
¡°Yes. Before those pieces of evidence were sent to the police force in Illinois, the FBI was already informed. With how things are
going...¡± the woman said. ¡°We cannot let him talk.¡±
¡°Tsk.¡± Lawrence gritted his teeth. This case already attracted the attention of the media. There is no going back now. ¡°Do what
you must. Do not let him talk.¡±
¡°Hmmm... | already know what to do.¡±
¡°Ah...¡± Lawrence said. ¡°I want you to find where Sofia Lockhart is staying.¡±
For a few seconds, the woman on the other line did not answer. ¡°What do you mean?¡±
¡°She has been acting differentlytely,¡± Lawrence said. This was no longer the Sofia that he once knew. That Sofia would
immediately listen to his words. She might be smart, but she was still ignorant. Lawrence was confident that he could take care
of Sofia, so he had been dying his ns as he did not want to make it seem like he had something to do with the demise of
the mother and daughter. ¡°Search all the hospitals in and outside of the state. Find both Sofia and Eunice.¡±
¡°You mean, her mother is missing as well?¡± the woman asked.
¡°Yes.¡±
¡°Then if she is missing, then we should immediately check the flights that left the country after Dr. Mch was arrested.¡± The
woman said.
¡°Do what you need to know. | just want you to find that woman,¡± Lawrence. said.Original from N?velDrama.Org.
¡°| see... what about the payment?¡±
¡°| will wire it to your ount.¡±
¡°Double it,¡± the woman said.
¡°What?¡±
¡°This dance just has be more dangerous. | want you to double the payment this time.¡±
Lawrence gritted his teeth but he could not say a word to rebut the woman. Indeed. Dr. Mch¡¯s arrest has just made everything
moreplicated.
Right now, he was not sure who was behind Dr. Mch¡¯s arrest. Therefore, he cannot make a careless move.
¡°Alright,¡± he said. ¡°I will wire it to you.¡± He then ended the call and leaned back on his swivel chair. Times like this made him wish
that he had listened to his instinct and killed Sofia when he had the chance.
Sadly, he had read the will and knew that Sofia¡¯s death would immediately turn the situation worse. He pressed a button. ¡°Min, |
want you to prepare the car. We are going somewhere.¡±
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¡°If Eunice knew that you were here, she would raise hell...¡± the old man smiled as he leaned back in his ornate, mahogany chair,
its polished. surface reflecting the soft glow of the antique chandelier hanging above. His slender fingers, adorned with heavy
gold rings, sped together over a monogrammed handkerchief.
His weathered face turned away from the steam of the tea in front of them, turning towards Lawrence. ¡°Tell me... what did you
need from this old man?¡± he asked.
¡°Now, why would you assume that it was | who needed something from you?¡± Lawrence calmly said. Not many people knew this,
but he was currently talking to someone who used to be a member of the Lockhart Family¡ªWilliam rence.
Despite being a Lockhart, the seventy-year¡ªold man was forced to change his surname when the Lockhart family kicked him out
decades ago.
¡°If you came here to ask me to help Sofia, then I¡¯m afraid | no longer have the power to do that,¡± William said, his gaze clear. ¡°I
am no longer a Lockhart.¡±
¡°Now, isn¡¯t it too much for you to assume that | came here because | wanted you to help Sofia?¡± Lawrence smiled. ¡°I came
because | want to cooperate.¡±
¡°Cooperate?¡± the old man¡¯s white brow immediately raised. He narrowed his eyes at Lawrence. ¡°You wanted to ruin the Lockhart
Family?¡±
¡°Surprise?¡±
¡°Are you not Eunice¡¯s dog?¡± William snorted. ¡°What made you change. your mind?¡±
¡°Dog?¡± Lawrence snorted. ¡°I have never been her dog to begin with.¡±
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The old man nodded, understanding shing in his eyes. Then he took a sip of tea. Seeing this, Lawrence also took his tea and
tasted it, giving the old man some time to think.
Decades ago, William did something terrible to another member of the Lockhart Family. While Lawrence did not have specifics,
he knew that it was terrible enough, as the Lockharts did not hesitate to kick William out to protect their name..
14:30
However, it was not just a simple kicking of someone who was already down. The Lockhart Family removed him from their family
registry. They revoked his trust fund, warned otherpanies not to ept him, and did not grant him any inheritance that all
Lockharts would receive when they reached a certain age.
Because of this, William was forced to leave the United States and work abroad. Yearster, William was able to establish his
ownpany in Russia and found a bride. He had his own family, children, and yearster, his very own grandchildren.
When Eunice¡¯s father died, William chose to silently return to the ce where he was born. From the information that Lawrence
gathered, William wanted to die and be buried next to his parents. Eunice had granted this wish. Because of this, William is now
back in Illinois.
¡°What kind of help does an old man like me give you?¡± William asked after a few minutes of silence. ¡°Il have already given my
company to my children. | am but a useless old man waiting for his death.¡±
¡°Eunice will never wake up again,¡± Lawrence said.
¡°What did you-¡± the old man narrowed his eyes.
¡°There is no need for me to repeat my words,¡± Lawrence said. ¡°Once | be the new head of the Lockhart Family and LH
Group, | am willing to give you two percent of Eunice¡¯s shares.¡±
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¡°Sofia Lockhart is still alive,¡± William said. ¡°Isn''t it too carly for you to count your eggs?¡±
Lawrence snorted in response. ¡°I can take care of Sofia.¡±
¡°So the scandal that has been happening...¡±
¡°It is exactly a part of my n.¡±
The old man nodded. ¡°Then it seems that you already took care of everything.¡±
¡°I still need something else.¡±
6 14:30
¡°What is it?¡± the old man asked before letting out a series of coughs. The butler standing a few meters away immediately handed
him a ss of
water.
¡°Is it the best time to talk about business?¡± Lawrence asked. ¡°I can see that you are currently- ¡±
William only raised his palm towards Lawrence. He straightened his back and looked at the younger man. ¡°Continue.¡±
¡°| need you to use your sources in the underground. | want to know who reported Dr. Mch.¡±
¡°The doctor who was actually the wanted Doctor Tan?¡± the old man asked.
¡°It seems that you are still well aware of the current events in the country.¡±
The old man snorted in response.
¡°Dr. Mch is the one who poisoned Eunice,¡± Lawrence said. While this was far-fetched, he had a hunch that something else
was going on behind the scenes.
His instinct was telling him that someone¡ªanother predator-was
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watching him. And he dislikes the sensation of being watched¡ªespecially if he does not know who is watching him in secret.
¡°The man is a wanted fugitive in more than three countries. Did you really think that someone reported him to get to you?¡± the old
man snorted. ¡°Aren¡¯t you being too self-absorbed?¡±
¡°If you do not want to help me, then there is no problem-*
¡°| will help you,¡± William said. ¡°On one condition.¡±
¡°Condition?¡± Lawrence snorted. The fact that the old man thinks he is in a position to make conditions is irritating, but he still
chooses to listen to him. ¡°Go on...¡±
¡°| need ess to the old woman''s vault.¡±
Lawrence''s expression immediately changed. The old man that William was talking about should be Sofia¡¯s grandmother, who is
currently traveling around the world. She is Enda Lockhart, Eunice¡¯s estranged mother.
Enda never liked Lawrence. She was against their marriage and even forced Lawrence to sign a few documents before he
was able to marry Eunice. He truly hated that woman.
However, the fact that Enda is connected with some important figures. all around the world makes it harder for him to get
through to her. So, he did the next best thing that he could do; use Sofia.
Despite Enda hating her own daughter, she never hated Sofia. To her, Sofia was a treasure-the most beautiful, the smartest,
and the kindest. granddaughter that she had. So, Lawrence slowly poisoned Sofia against Enda. And he seeded.
Despite this, Enda had always cherished Sofia. ¡°I heard she does not have any cash in her vault.¡± Lawrence narrowed his
eyes. m going to
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6% 14:30
assume that you want something inside. A piece of jewelry? Or a painting?¡± he asked.
¡°That is none of your business.¡±
¡°Enda is something else; it would not be that easy to handle that woman,¡± Lawrence said.
¡°| will help you.¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡°Sofia Lockhart¡¯s birthday ising. If my guess is right, Enda woulde join her on that day,¡± William said.
Hearing this, Lawrence smiled. For some reason, he found his initial judgment about this man wrong. William rence is
actually not as helpless as he looks.
¡°If you can handle Enda, then | am giving you three percent-
¡°Six,¡± William said.
¡°lcan''t-¡±
¡°The Lockhart Family took my six percent when they kicked me out all those years ago. The least that | deserve is the share that
was supposed to be mine.¡±
Lawrence pursed his lips. He onlyBelongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.
came here because he knew that the old man had connections with the Russian Mafia. He never thought that William rence
would be this... bold.
Obviously, Lawrence liked the current situation very well. ¡°Then, | can only wish that we have a happy cooperation.¡± Lawrence
smiled as he got up and held his hand towards William. In response, William rence
Chapter 29
epted Lawrence¡¯s hand and smiled.
¡°To a happy cooperation.¡±
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Lawrence hummed as he walked out of William rence¡¯s mansion. He nodded at Min who opened the car door for him.
The n was already in ce, and all he could do now was wait for it to yield results. The mere thought of the Lockhart Family
bing his soon lifted his mood.
¡°Director,¡± Min said as the car started. ¡°Miss Sofia issued her own
statement on thepany¡¯s social media. This was not the one crafted by Mr. Thompson or any member of our legal council.¡±
He handed him the tablet, showing Sofia¡¯s post.
¡°That woman...¡± Lawrence narrowed his eyes at the tablet. ¡°Did she really think a simple post would turn things around?
giarism and bullying are not simple usations. Those things are taken seriously in today¡¯s society. Social media could make
a im like this erupt like arge volcano.¡±
He started reading the post and snorted.
¡°How foolish...¡±
¡°Dear LH Community,
| hope this message finds you well. I¡¯m writing to address recent concerns. about the originality of my designs. I''ve always had a
passion for creating beautiful things, especially in the realm of fashion.
Firstly, | want to assure you that every design I¡¯ve crafted at LH Designs has been a product of my creativity and dedication. |
take pride in my work, and | want to be transparent about my design process.
| have the evidence to support the fact that these designs are entirely my own. From the initial sketches to the final product,
every step was taken with care and originality in mind. | understand the importance of creativity and uniqueness in our industry,
and I''mmitted to
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upholding those values.
No 14:31
| value the trust and support of the LHmunity, and I¡¯m here to address any concerns or questions you may have. |
appreciate your understanding and look forward to continuing to bring you unique and inspired designs.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Sofia Lockhart¡±
¡°Director, shall | call Miss Lockhart?¡± Min asked.
¡°Send her a text, telling her to please cooperate with the legal council. Tomorrow, the annual shareholders¡® meeting will happen.
Does that woman think she could change the opinion of the shareholders just because of a single post? At this point, he already
started doubting hist initial assumption that someone was helping her in silence.
If someone was indeed supporting her, they would never tell her to post something like this, as it could only drag her down and
give her enemies. more chances to tear her apart.
The only thing she could do was leave it alone and slowly disappear from the sidelines. Soon, LH Group would tell her to resign
and temporarily leave the country. And Sofia would not have any other choice but to listen to the shareholders. Why was she still
struggling like this?
He closed his eyes, his lips lifted into a smile.
¡°Grandfather, are you certain you will work with that man?¡± a man approached William the moment Lawrence left. He sat where
Lawrence was sitting earlier. ¡°Lawrence Miles Lockhart would bite anyone just to
MBelonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.
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have the Lockhart Family. We cannot trust him.
3
IN DA 1431
¡°Who told you that | trust him?¡± William snorted. ¡°The fact that he gave me three percent of his shares as advance payment is
enough.¡±
¡°You.¡±
¡°If he truly thinks that he can fight against Enda, then he is wrong.¡± William chuckled. ¡°Enda is a beast in a woman''s
clothing. Her only weakness is that granddaughter of hers. | know that Lawrence knew this and that is why he is trying to tighten
his leash on Sofia Lockhart.¡±
¡°Then... what are you nning to do?¡± He poured his own tea and finished it before pouring another one. Hiding while listening
to his grandfather¡¯s conversation with that man is exhausting.
The old man leaned back. ¡°I, too, am very curious who is helping the little girl.¡±
¡°You really think that someone is helping her?¡±
¡°Have you read the reports, Andrew?¡± he asked.
Andrew nodded. ¡°It was said that Sofia disappeared after that incident. We cannot find any information about the driver of the
car.
¡°Then let us start with that. Ask someone to check all the records of cars. from Europe or Canada in the past ten years.¡±
¡°You think it was smuggled?¡±
¡°Why else would you think we cannot find any records of the owner of the car?¡± he asked. After thoroughly checking everything,
they were able to find the name of the owner connected to a Swisspany.
The owner and office of thatpany were based in Africa. The more they tried to trace it, the harder it was for them.
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This only means one thing. It was a ghostpany.
DOLYN 1431
So, the car was probably shipped inside the US using various illegal
means.
¡°Check the cameras all over Illinois. | refuse to believe that we cannot find that car soon.¡± William said. Technology is an amazing
thing. It would make anything easier.
¡°You think that whoever was driving that car is connected to the ones who reported that thing to the FBI?¡± Andrew asked.
¡°Yes.¡± How could it be such a coincidence?
However, just as Andrew was about to get up, William¡¯s butler approached them and handed a tablet to William.
¡°Miss Lockhart posted a statement on her socials. She wanted to rify the giarism issue yet she did not address the bullying
issue.¡±
¡°Tomorrow is going to be the annual shareholders¡¯ meeting yet she posted something?¡± William arched his eyebrow. He
expected her to stay quiet and listen to Lawrence yet it seems that she finally had the courage to do something against
Lawrence''s wishes. ¡°Besides Lawrence did not start this war without bullets. He is far from done.¡± Lawrence seemed confident
that
he could take care of Sofia.
This meant that he still had a lot of things that he was nning to do. Isting her from her grandmother was the start.
The old man chuckled. Everything has be even more interesting. ¡°Sofia Lockhart¡¯s weakness is her emotions. She was
exactly like her mother, and that was the reason why Lawrence easily manipted them.¡±
¡°Grandfather, what do you want me to do?¡± Andrew asked.
¡°Do what you must,¡± William smiled. The game has just be more
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interesting.
Charlotte sneered when she read the statement that Sofia posted. She could not understand why that woman suddenly thought
she could live without Lawrence and her, but she knew this was all a facade. Sofia is weak
and soft.
While she is a good designer, she grew up sheltered. She never had to take matters into her own hands as she was used to
people always solving her problems for her.
¡°Hey...¡± Daniel called out as he got out of the bathroom. The smell of his aftershave immediately made Charlotte smile. ¡°What
are you reading?¡±
¡°What do you mean?¡±
¡°You are smiling on your own...¡± Daniel said. He was wearing nothing but a towel on his lower body, showing his perfectly carved
physique.
¡°| read something funny...¡± Charlotte said. ¡°A meme...¡± She did not want to tell Daniel about Sofia¡¯s post as she did not want to
affect their current mood. She immediately closed her phone and walked towards him, a wine ss in her hand. ¡°Want one?¡±
She stood in front of Daniel, a coquettish
smile on her face.
¡°You know | do...¡± Daniel leaned closer and captured her lips. However, the long, hungry kiss that she anticipated did not happen
as he suddenly ended the kiss. ¡°Sadly, | still have matters to attend to.¡±
¡°Matters like what? It¡¯s nighttime. How could you work even at night?¡± she asked.
¡°Sofia refused to answer my calls.¡±
Charlotte immediately frowned. Sofia. It was that damn woman again.
¡°Come on... you don¡¯t have to frown like that.¡± Daniel pulled her into his arms. ¡°You knew why | wanted to talk to her.¡±
¡°Can''t you just stay for the night?¡± she pouted and batted her eyes at him. ¡°You have been talking about her in the past few days,
yet she has been. ignoring us. You always knew how she would just ghost us if she wanted to. That woman is that indifferent.¡±
Daniel shook his head. ¡°She is going through a lot right now. It is only right that | do my job.¡±
Charlotte snorted. Then she slowly pushed him away. ¡°Fine. Then leave. Why are you even here when you are going to find her?
Did you think you could find her in my ce?¡± she rolled her eyes. ¡°Since you want to be with her so much, why don¡¯t you just
propose and immediately marry her? Have kids, live in the suburbs, and just leave me alone.¡±
¡°Charry...¡±
¡°Don''t-¡± Charlotte red at him. ¡°You should stop calling me that! Just go and find her since she is so important in your life.¡±
¡°Come here...¡± Daniel said. He did not wait for her to say a word as he pulled her back into his arms and kissed her hard and
rough just as she wanted it.
Chapter 31
The muted sound of the car somehow made her feel better. Sofia looked out at the streets of Springfield, Illinois. It was still eight in the morning, and the sun cast a warm glow over the city.
August in Springfield meant clear skies and a gentle breeze that rustled the leaves of the trees lining the streets. Sofia noticed families strolling on the sidewalks, kids riding their bikes, and neighbors chatting on their front porches. The city had a peaceful charm that she always loved. It feltforting, warm, and familiar.
¡°Are you ready?¡± Alexander asked. ¡°Karina is already waiting with the media.¡±
His chuckle echoed inside the car. ¡°You truly wanted to make this as huge as possible. I never expected that fiery attitude from you.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t know if I should take that as apliment,¡± she looked at his side profile. It was Josef who was driving the car while Alexander sat next to her, reading some documents.
Apparently, his schedule today would be full, yet he still chose to drive her to the police station where she would formally file a case against the people who used her of giarism and the ones who spread lies about bullying.
She wanted to make this grand, so she had already asked Karina to invite some reporters. ¡°What about that brother of mine?¡± he asked. He was currently smiling as he read the documents, but she could immediately sense the impatience in his voice.
¡°I will take care of him.¡±
¡°Tell me if you need my help,¡± his voice turned softer, warmer.
¡°I will,¡± she did not hesitate. The fact that he was able to summon Dr. Hugo Moore was enough proof of his capabilities. This man not only had the money, but he also had connections. However, this fact alone made her wonder why he actually married her. He could take care of his brother even without her.
So, this should not be business-rted. She immediately thought of the good-looking blond Hugo standing next to Alexander. Was it possible that the two were... lovers?
He lifted his gaze, and she immediately turned her head away. She tried to hide the panic in her eyes. She was curious but decided not to pry. Their current rtionship was good as it was. There was no need toplicate things.
Soon enough, Sofia arrived a block away from the police station where Karina¡¯s car was waiting for her. She bid Alexander goodbye before getting into Karina¡¯s car.
¡°Who is that?¡± Karina immediately asked.
¡°My husband.¡±
¡°My husband,¡± Sofia said. ¡°However, we are not here to talk about¡ª¡±
¡°Hold on!¡± Karina frowned. ¡°Did I hear it right? You just said husband. As in husband?¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
¡°That long legs... It wasn¡¯t Daniel''s.¡±
Sofia smirked. She never thought that Karina would actually notice his legs. ¡°It was not Daniel.¡±
¡°Then¡ª¡± Karina¡¯s eyes turned even wider. ¡°An old rich man willing to help you with your revenge?¡±
Surprise shed in Sofia¡¯s eyes. ¡°What are you talking about? What old man?¡±
¡°No way.¡± Karina¡¯s mouth dropped. ¡°You didn¡¯t say no.¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡°You are always the type of person that would say no. Yet you didn¡¯t, which means I got something right. Was it the old part? Or the wealthy part?¡±
¡°Can we focus on why we are here?¡± Sofia immediately changed the topic. Her agreement with Alexander was confidential. So, she did not want to inform Karina about this matter. At least not right now. She wanted to focus on how to take care of Lawrence and Charlotte.
¡°Alright...¡± Karina took a deep breath. ¡°I will ignore the fact that you did not inform me... your only best friend about this matter. I will forgive you this time, but I am going to expect some exnation from you. If that exnation is not going to convince me, then I am going to cut off your ass. Do you hear me?¡±
¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡± Sofia chuckled. Karina red at her in response. ¡°I am serious.¡±
¡°I know, and I was nning to tell you about him, but the current situation is just... it¡¯s chaotic. Besides, my birthday ising, and he will be there as my escort.¡±
¡°What about Daniel?¡±
¡°What about him?¡± Sofia asked.
¡°Does he know? I am guessing he doesn¡¯t.¡±
¡°You are right.¡±
¡°Then...¡±
¡°I am going to break up with him once he proposes to me.¡±
¡°He will propose?¡±
¡°He will do it before my birthday.¡± Sofia was pretty certain that Daniel would do this before her birthday as he would want to escort her and show everyone that she already had a huge engagement ring on her finger.
¡°You are insane,¡± Karina said.
¡°Oh... I am,¡± Sofia responded, a warm smile apparent on her face.
¡°What if he would instead propose on your birthday?¡± Karina asked.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.
¡°Do you really think he would do that in front of Charlotte?¡± Sofia retorted. Charlotte had always been needy and dramatic. She always wanted the spotlight on her, and Daniel knew this. There was simply no reason for Daniel to risk attracting Charlotte¡¯s ire.
¡°Those two nned everything. What if Charlotte would agree? What if she loved your money more than that man?¡±
¡°Then I would not have a choice but to actually show them something special.¡± Sofia narrowed her eyes. ¡°But not for that.¡±
Karina frowned, her expression turning solemn. ¡°I know,¡± Karina said as she started driving her car. ¡°The reporters are outside waiting for you. Are you sure you want to do this?¡± Karina asked.
¡°This could attract even more attention to you.¡± Karina had a worried look on her face. Their firm handled a lot of cases from well-known personalities, so she knew how dangerous this move was, especially for someone like Sofia.
¡°I know.¡± Sofia pursed her lips. She looked out of the window and immediately spotted a few reporters outside the police station. For some reason, this made her heart race. She swallowed. As if sensing her thoughts, Karina grabbed her hand.
¡°My boss is already inside waiting for you. Trust him. He will help you,¡± Karina said. ¡°And I will be here.¡±
Sofia looked at Karina. The boss that Karina was talking about was actually the partner of their firm and also Alexander''s friend. Alexander had already told her that thiswyer was actually one of the bestwyers in Illinois. ¡°Thank you,¡± Sofia said. She was honestly very thankful that she still had someone like Karina who would always be there for her.
¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me. I just need that doughnut and the new boba drink.¡± Sofiaughed at that. ¡°Right. Of course, I am going to ask Miss Amores to order that for the next thirty days. Have it delivered to your office?¡±
¡°My.¡± Karina lifted her chin. ¡°You are making it sound like thirty days is a long time. Make it two months?¡±
¡°Deal.¡± Sofia smiled. Seeing her smile, Karina chuckled. ¡°Now lift your chin and stop smiling. You look really silly when you smile like that. Make your gaze colder. Think of Daniel and that woman when you talk to the reporters. It would be better if you cry too,¡± Karina smiled. ¡°People always love a sob story.¡±
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Mockhart, what can say about the bully ung usations
¡°Mio tockhart is it hur that you were bulling Carolme all ducum
Miss Lockhart Miss Caroline established her name without Group¡¯s help What can you say about this matter?
¡°MissLockhart¡±
¡°Miss Laskbart, just answer one question for us
Soha stopped walking removed therge shades covering more than half of her face, and then smiled Twill be answering
about this matter this afternoon. My secretary already sent you an invitation. Thope 1 ser everyone there. As for ise | just files. |
apologize but | cannot reveal the evidence have. Lam confident that thew will be on my side,¡± Sofia said
¡°Miss Lockhart, gianism is frowned upon in the artistic industry. What are your future ns after this scandal?¡±
Soha pursed her lips, looked at the reporter, and only smiled.
Miss Lockhart will not answer any more questions, a man suddenly intervened. He stood in front of Sofia, his face cold. ¡°It YOU
WANI Answers, you are going to wait for the conferenceter!
Seeing the man, all the reporters seemed to have lost their enthusiasm.
They faded from view as abruptly as they had emerged
of Senator
Sofia looked at Karina, who winked at her. The man before Sona was Karina''s boss, Adam Harris, the Harms and the partner of
Harris and Legacy Law Associates. He was also one of the most ruthless Lawyers in the US, well known for his ability to win
unwinnable cases
¡°Follow me,¡± Adam said as he led them towards his own car, a ck SUN waiting nearby. ¡°Just as | told you | will be representing
you from now on. Everything you are going to do, the words you are going to speak, and your ns shall be detailed | do not
want to be blindsided. | want all the facts | want receipts. | want cooperation, he said the moment the car started moving He sat
in the passenger seat with Karina and Soffa at the back of the car.
¡°| have already prepared answers to their possible questionster. | do not want you to create a sob story. You are the heir of LH
Group Thest thing the shareholders need is someone who would cry when faced with a problem.¡± Adam said as Karina
handed a folder to Sofia.
Sota nodded and epted it. Then she started reading the tiles. Slowly, her face turned solemn. ¡°You wanted me to fight fire
with fire?¡± she asked.
¡°Being calm,posed, and professional is not fighting fire with tire. It is showing that you have the emotional intellimm to
handle thepany. Adam said coldly.Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.
¡°You wanted me to hand the evidence towards the shareholders Sofia asked.
¡°Yes¡±
¡°Before the media!¡±
¡°Yes¡±
Sofia pursed her lips. So, Adam wanted her to solve everything behind the scenes
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yourare a threat. Those cacutis kojim that¡± Adam said. ¡°Miss Karina will help you out oring the shareholder¡¯s meeting We have
already printed what we currently have
So all the file She immediately understood his n You wanted them to help me out Right now, Sofia is akin to a John front of
laner solves She was alone young and considered weak
All her life Sedia hat whed on her mothes grandmother, and Lawrence Now, it is time for her to learn how to defend herself from
the sharks that wanted to devour her whole
Those people rimst have expected her to have a breakdown so they could prove to everyone that she was unstable. Then
nilit be easier for them to kick her out of her very ownpany.
Thinking bark. Sofia could only me herself for this weakness. She grew up thinking that thepany would belong to her
anyway. Her grandmother encouraged her to pursue business to intern in thepany but she refused to. She thought she
could easily survive if she followed the things that she loved
Of course, the person who encouraged her to do this was her trusted stepfather who also influenced her mother.
¡°Thank you¡± Soha said.
¡°Hmmm. Adam turned his head away and no longer spoke again. His driver then drove Sofia and Karina towards her
office
¡°You have not been answering my calls.¡± Daniel''s voice weed her the moment she arrived inside her office. She narrowed
her eyes at Daniel, who was sitting on her chair. It seems that this man was hell-bent on ruining her mood. Sofa rould only sigh
inwardly
*| visited your apartment and it turns out, you are not there Yet it seems that you have forgotten to inform me. You also seem to
have forgotten to tell me about the incident involving your car
Sofia removed her coat and handed it to Miss Amores. ¡°Are you here for an exnation? Because both of us know you are not
getting one.¡± Sofia said.
¡°What are you doing?¡± Daniel got up. He approached her
¡°Leave us.¡± Sofia turned to Miss Amores and Karina, whoplied without saying another word.
Sofia looked at the man standing in front of her. Daniel was a little shorter than Alexander In the past, she actually thought that
Daniel led it all
However,pared to his brother, Daniel was considered mediocre. For some reason, seeing him up close immediately made
Sofia angry. She wondered why this man was still acting like this in from of her.
¡°If you told me about the incident. | would have gone back home. | am certain that Alexander would understand.¡± He tried to
reach out to touch her cheeks, but she turned her face away know | have been really busy, but that was just because Alexander
forces me to travel a lot
¡°Tam tired¡± She walked past him, ming other people was something that this man was very good at
Sodra was confident that if she confronted Daniel now, thetter would immediately start ming Charlotte.
¡°Was it about Aunt?¡± he asked. ¡°I heard about Dr. Mch. Sofia, if Lhad known........
¡°No. It is not your fault? Sofia said. She then took her seat and stared at Daniel¡¯s soft expression. ¡°It was never your f
She could feel Daniel¡¯s gaze towards her, yet she chose to ignore him. ¡°How about | take a leave? You have been very stressed
the past few days. Why not take a vacation? How about celebrating somewhere warmer? Florida? Or Asia?¡± Daniel asked. ¡°Bah
or the Philippines would be nice
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¡°| have been asking you for the past few years to celebrate my birthday in those ces You always said you were busy. Sofia
Sof-
¡°It''s fine ¡°Sofia said ¡°I still have things to attend to. You should leave now,¡±
She heard a sharp sigh Almost immediately, her face turned coli
¡°Look Sofia, will you just he stared at her then let out another sigh as if he was trying to calm himself. ¡°I did not mean to
¡°| know,¡± Sofia answered. Right now, she found it almost impossible to act around Daniel. With the poisoning and everything else
happening around her. Sofia¡¯s tolerance for bullshit is quite low. She only wished that this man would leave
Very $0011
¡°| know | have been away, but this is for our future. Alexander wanted me to lead a project in Asia. | think.... | think this is my
chance to prove myself to the board.¡± Daniel said. ¡°You. of all people, should understand that, right?¡±
Sofia pursed her lips. ¡°Oh, | do she answered after a few seconds of silence.
He was right. Sofia had witnessed his struggle in the Beaumont Empire. She had seen this man spend sleepless nights for a
report.
For years, she stood by his side as he went through everything. She supported him and fought for him. In the end, he betrayed
her.
1 do understand everything.¡± Sofia smiled as the memories in her head slowly faded away.
Author¡¯s Note: The Sob Story was for Daniel. huehue...
3/3
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Daniel sighed. ¡°I apologize for being so busy. I know you need me. However, the things that I am doing now are for our future.¡±
Sofia wanted to tell him that he was only doing things that could benefit his future, not hers. But she chose to keep her mouth shut as she nodded. Seeing this, he suddenly walked around the table, decreasing the distance between them even further. Then he patted her head. ¡°I bought this for you,¡± he said as he ced a small velvet ck box in front of her.
Sofia immediately tensed. She looked at him.
¡°Open it,¡± he smiled and gestured for her to open the box. For a while, she hesitated. Then she slowly opened it and was relieved to see a small ne instead.
¡°It¡¯s a rare pink diamond. I bought it in Brunei. I thought it would suit you very well.¡±
Sofia stared at the pendant. It was a heart-shaped white gold. In the middle of it was the small pink diamond. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful.¡±
¡°Let me put it on you.¡±
¡°No.¡± Sofia suddenly pped his hand when he was about to touch the ne. ¡°I mean I don¡¯t want to wear it right now. I don¡¯t think it suits my clothes.¡± Sofia gave an awkwardugh. ¡°It¡¯s your gift, and I don¡¯t want to tarnish it by wearing something cheap.¡±
Daniel arched his eyebrow but did not ask any more questions. Instead, he lowered his head and kissed her forehead. Goosebumps skittered through her skin as memories of what he did with Charlotte filled her head.
¡°Mother wanted to finally meet you,¡± Daniel said. ¡°I know I have been dying this for so long, but I told her I wanted to marry someone. She asked me to meet you.¡±
¡°Your mother?¡± Sofia thought about the past when she wanted to meet Daniel''s mother. She asked him multiple times to set up this meeting, but he never did. This was because he wanted to prove to his mother that he could stand on his own before having a serious rtionship with any woman.
In the past, Sofia never doubted that reasoning. In fact, she admired Daniel¡¯s determination. However, as time passed by, Sofia wanted to spend some holidays with the Beaumont Family and thought it would be a nice gesture if she met his mother. Moreover, both of them had already graduated college and were at the right age to start a serious rtionship.
Still, Daniel refused.
She was almost certain that this was another ploy. With her uing birthday, Daniel would want her to slowly integrate herself into the Beaumont Family.
¡°How about this weekend?¡± Daniel asked. ¡°The annual meeting will happen today. Don¡¯t you need to at least take a small break?¡±
Sofia said nothing. Instead, she thought of Mrs. Teresa Pitt Beaumont¡ªDaniel¡¯s mother. Mrs. Teresa Beaumont is a well-known socialite in New York.
She was famous for hosting grand parties and charity events in the city. Teresa was known to be elegant and graceful, always seen in the most fashionable outfits. Her reputation as a socialite was not just about attending events; she actively participated in various charitable causes, making her a respected figure in high society.
Despite her New York roots, Teresa chose to settle in Chicago when she married into the Beaumont Family. The decision was rooted in love, as she wanted to be with the man she cared for deeply. Living in Chicago, she brought a touch of New York mour to the Beaumont household.
Her days were filled with social gatherings, fundraisers, and managing the Beaumont estate. However, beneath the polished exterior, Teresa was a caring mother who wanted the best for her sons, Alexander and Daniel.
Because of the influence of the Beaumont Bank, no one actually knew that Alexander¡¯s real mother was not Teresa. Even Sofia didn¡¯t know.
¡°Come on, babe,¡± Daniel said. ¡°We have been working so much in the past few months, we barely spend time together. Can you just spend a day with me?¡±
She had been asking him in the past. She was once a naive woman who would ask him to schedule a date so they could spend time together.
But what did this result in? He was always busy with business, traveling, and golfing with clients. Then, he would spend his rest days sleeping. She already asked herself why she settled for this kind of treatment for years. In the end, she could not answer her own questions.
¡°All right,¡± Sofia said. ¡°I will tell Miss Amores about it.¡±
¡°Good. Cancel everything for the weekend. I have a surprise for you,¡± Daniel said. Sofia was smiling, feeling certain that Daniel would propose this weekend. Meanwhile, the other half was wondering if he invited Lawrence and Charlotte for his proposal. It would be nice if he did. ¡°Alright. I still have things to prepare for the meeting.¡±
¡°You are still going?¡± Daniel asked, surprise shing in his eyes.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.
¡°After the scandal?¡± Daniel made a deliberate pause. ¡°I was thinking that it would be nice if you simply give the CEO position of LH DESIGN to another candidate for you to take a break. After all¡ª¡±
¡°I have no ns of leaving thepany,¡± Sofia smiled. Daniel must be talking about the fact that thepany was currently getting canceled because of Charlotte¡¯s fans and that bullying and giarism issue.
Again, he stared at her. From the perspective of business, leaving thepany and disappearing in silence might be a great choice but this is not something that Sofia was willing to do.
As if on cue, her phone started ringing. Then there was a knock on the door. ¡°The Director is on the other line,¡± Miss Amores said.
Sofia smiled and looked at Daniel. ¡°I am going to take this call,¡± she said, signaling it was his turn to leave and stop irritating her.
¡°Of course.¡± He tried to lean closer, perhaps for a kiss, but Sofia already turned to the other side to answer the phone.
¡°Father?¡± Sofia said. Relief shed inside her when she saw Daniel leave her office. She wondered why that man was able toe inside her office, even though she told the guards not to allow Daniel or Charlotte inside.
¡°You filed a case without informing our legal team.¡± Lawrence¡¯s voice was cold. ¡°Sofia, what are you doing?¡±
¡°I thought it was the right thing to do.¡±
¡°Not informing the legal team is NEVER right,¡± Lawrence emphasized the word never. ¡°And I know that you are perfectly capable if you make a single mistake.¡±
¡°Father, my reputation is at stake. Those... to take matters into my own hands. I need to show the board that I am capable. I know that is what you wanted me to do,¡± Sofia said. She tried to hide the sarcasm in her voice. Just as she expected, there was a brief silence on the other line. ¡°Am I right, father?¡± she asked.
¡°Of course.¡± Lawrence let out a sharp sigh. ¡°I just thought you were too young. If you keep this strong act, the shareholders will devour you like amb. Sofia, I promised your mother,¡± he made another pause. ¡°I promised her that I will protect you.¡±
¡°Yet, you were not able to protect her from that Dr. Mch,¡± Sofia said.
¡°That was never my intention.¡±
¡°I know,¡± Sofia said. ¡°I know how much you love Mother, and we are very lucky to have you,¡± Sofia added while rolling her eyes. Then her voice softened. ¡°I just thought that...¡± She let out a dramatic sigh. ¡°Never mind. I will see youter.¡±
¡°Right,¡± Lawrence said. ¡°About your mother...¡±
¡°Let''s talk about this after the meeting,¡± Sofia said. Then, she ended the call without waiting for his response.
Chapter 34
Chapter 34
Lawrence''s hands rightened around his phone right after the call ended. He narrowed his eyes as he thought about Sodia¡¯ winds
| told you, she had been acting weird in the past few days. Charlotte said. She refused to answer any of my calls and is no longer staying in her previous house¡± Charlone had already told her father about this matter in the past, but he refused to listen to her. As always
Seeing her fathers solemn expression, Charlotte sneered. Since they were younger, Sofia had always been dependent on her So, Sofa¡¯s sudden changes immediately caught her attention. She thought it was only because of stress for the annual meeting. It seemed that there were still things that she did not know. However, judging from her father¡¯s expression, those things were not anything good.
Charlotte sighed. Then she opened her social media and posted a status Naturally, it was about Sofi ¡°In the midst of life¡¯s storms, our bonds grow stronger.¡± Hey, beautiful souls.
| hope this message finds you all well. Today, my heart feels heavy, and | want to take a moment to address some recent events involving someone close to my heart. The past few days have been challenging, and I¡¯ve witnessed the tall it''s taken
want to make one thing clear- we all have our struggles, and it''s important to remember that appearances can be deceiving. This person has been used of things that | know in my heart they would never do. As someone who knows them deeply, | stand by their side.
In times like these, it¡¯s easy to jump to conclusions and pass judgment, but let¡¯s all take a step back and remember the power of understanding. Let¡¯s be cautious with our words and avoid making assumptions without knowing the full story.
This person is not just a connection to me they re a friend, a confidante, and a beautiful soul. | believe in their strength. resilience, and integrity. Sometimes, life throws challenges our way, but I¡¯m confident that the truth will prevail.
Let''s spread love and understanding. Everyone is fighting their own battles, and kindness goes a long way, Remember, we are all human, and none of us are perfect.
Sending you all love and positivity. ¡ª Caroline
Queen, your heart is as radiant as your talent! Your kindness is a beacon in this sometimes harsh world. We''re so lucky to stan a goddess like you!
Charlotte, you''re not just an actress, you''re a guiding light for us. Yourpassion shines through, making the world a better ce. Keep spreading those good vibes, queen!
he way you stand up for others is awe-inspiring! Your soul is pure gold, and we''re forever grateful to have you as our role model.
Reading the events that put her in a good light: Charlotte smiled and closed her phone However, just as she was about the face cove she received Sona¡¯s call Tam going to take this call Charlotte said as she rushed out of her father¡¯s office ¡°Hey you haven¡¯t answered my calls.
Are wealright? Do you need me toe sand. ¡°Dannel uwvited me to jom him this weekend, and 1-* The mention of Damel¡¯s name mmediately made her frown. ¡°And¡± Where are you? Idon¡¯t know if you caneT¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.
Oleolise, Dell, Charlotte sand. The call ended, and Charlotte immediately asked her driver to take her to Sota¡¯s office. Ader a few mites Charlotte was already walking inside Sonia¡¯s building. Of course, she made sure to leak this to the press. Right now, it would be nice to show everyone that she would support her sister no matter what her role as the supportive sister despite experiencing bulling has been very good she had already gained almost two hundred thousand followers, and at was growing day by day
¡°Sister Charlottes expression immediately morphed into something that showed concern. How are you?¡± She pulled Soha in a hug have been so worried. | couldn¡¯t sleep. Did you see the bags under my eyes?¡±
Tapologize for making you worry Sotia said. She slowly patted Charlotte¡¯s back, hoping that she would not lose herposure and suddenly strangle the woman.
Charlotte finally ended the hug Thave been calling you, | went to your apartment and you were not there Look | know vou are worried, but you still have me and Dad. We are always here for you. Again, Charlotte pulled her into a hug.
Seeing gesture, Charlotte smiled inwardly. She always nothing changed. It should be easy to guess that this might be because of the Annual Meeting and na had been overwhelmed by responsibilities and wanted some time for herself. Either way, it has Daniel
preparing the thing that you like iespecially asked her to order the one with fewer calories¡± Soli ling me fat Charlotte immediately pouted
Sofia answered nonchntly. that she was you gained weight since thest time that | saw you Sofa was never the type to fat-shame someone In reality, arlotte was never fat. However, this woman had the habit of insisting that she was fat so people would tell
It was always Sofia¡¯s role to say that she weighed more than Charlotte or that she had gained weight to m better about herself Sotia was not nning on doing that now,
¡°Ithought you were on a diet,¡± Sofia added. ¡°Your new film needed you to lose ten pounds, right?¡±
Why are we talking about my weight? Charlotte finally reacted after a few minutes of silence.
Sofia faked a burst ofughter just in time for Miss Amores toe with some iced coffee and the dessert that Charlotte liked
You seemed ferent, Charlotte said.
¡°Ithink Daniel''s going to propose to me very soon Sofia said. To be honest, | have slowly doubted our rtionship in the past few months simply because we have been together for years and | wanted to settle down after my birthday¡±
*You" Twanted a child,¡± Sofia looked at Charlotte. ¡°I wanted to have one before my mother woke up.¡±
¡°You wanted a child? Charlotte frowned. ¡°I mean-that¡¯s good news but have you carefully thought about it?¡± she asked. Is this the real reason why Sona changed? She thought her mother was going to die? Now, she felt like she needed to have a child and settle down?
¡°Carefully thought about what?¡± Softa asked.
¡°About having a child. You know how hard it would be for a working man to raise a child, and I¡± ¡°In to stay at home and raise my child."
Charlotte¡¯s jaw fell. ¡°You what?¡± She always knew that Sofia had been preparing herself to take over thepany. So, hearing her talking about raising her kids was indeed a surprise. What was this woman thinking? Seeing Sofia¡¯s face fall, Charlotte immediately gave an awkwardugh. ¡°I mean... it¡¯s a surprise. Inever thought that you would even n on settling down.¡±
¡°Do you think Daniel would agree?¡± Sofia asked. ¡°] mean... he just gave me this.¡± Sofia took the velvet box and handed it to Charlotte. He said his mother wanted to meet me. Char... this is what | have been waiting for, so 1-1 really don¡¯t want to mess this up,¡±
Charlotte said nothing. She simply stared at Sofia. At the end of the day. Sofia must have asked her to meet because Charlotte knew Daniel''s mother, as the two had met before. She likes pastel colors¡± Charlotte said. ¡°Pink, pastel blues, and yellow. She likes pastel-colored flowers too.
Sofia nodded. ¡°Do you think she will like me?¡± ¡°Miss Teresa is such a smart woman. iam sure she will like you, Charlotte smiled. ¡°Really? Then Sofia bit her lower lip. ¡°I should stop thinking about this now. The meeting will be this afternoon, so.¡±
Charlotte immediately reached out and held Sofia¡¯s hand. ¡°One step at a time. Don¡¯t worry iwill help you pick some clothes and then talk to my florist so she can arrange the best flowers for you.
Sofia immediately beamed. ¡°Thank you. thank you. | really appreciate it.¡±
Charlotte sneered inwardly. This was the previous Sofia that she knew. Always reasonable and someone that would always listen to her. In the past, it was Charlotte who convinced Sona to follow her heart instead of listening to her grandmother. Naturally, this created a rift between Sofia and Enda
¡°Also.......- ¡± Sofia sighed. ¡°Thank you for posting that.¡±
¡°My manager refused to let me post it for days. | have been trying to call you because | wanted to let you know about this matter. Earlier, iwas able to convince her. Charlotte sighed. ¡°I threatened to fire her if she wouldn¡¯t agree Charlotte lied without batting an eyelid.
Sofia nodded when she heard this. Now that she knew Charlotte and Daniel''s real faces, she asked herself how these two had been able to fool her for so long. Charlotte¡¯s acting is not that good. It was clear that she was lying about the preference of Daniel''s mother.
However, this was the least of Sofia¡¯s concerns. Right now, she was nning to do everything that Charlotte would ask her to do to impress¡¯ Daniel¡¯s mother..
Chapter 35
Chapter 35Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.
"Mr. Lorne Lee, it seems that you have gotten even younger," Lawrence beamed at the shareholder. After a few pleasantries, the two then started walking towards the hallway that would lead them to the main meeting room of LI GROUP.
The sole meeting room was located on the topmost floor. They were somehow surprised that there were already a few people inside.
"Good afternoon, gentlemen anddies," greeted Lawrence, and for a while, they enjoyed the moment. They walked inside the room, and Lawrence had a warm smile on his face. Everyone inside the room immediately exchanged pleasantries.
The conference room at LI GROUP stood tall on the highest floor, overseeing thendscape of the city through its ss walls. It was arge rectangr space, with a long table ced in the middle.
Each shareholder had their designated spot around the table, equipped with a microphone for effectivemunication.
At one end of the room, there was a simple stage elevated slightly above the floor, serving as a focal point for the speaker. The stage was modest, in line with the overall sophistication of the room.
"Since everyone is already here, why don¡¯t we start the meeting?" one of the shareholders said. Just as he finished speaking, the door opened, revealing Sofia with her secretary.
"Miss Lockhart, fancy seeing you here," someone said.
"Good afternoon, Miss Paine," Sofia nodded with a smile. "As the current Interim CEO, I believe my presence is needed. Or did Miss Paine forget to read the emails that we sent weeks ago?"
Miss Brianna Paine immediately pursed her lips.
"Brianna, Sofia did not mean that," Lawrence immediatelyughed. "Right, Sofia?"
Sofia wanted to say something, p back, and tell Lawrence that she meant what she just said, but she maintained a smile on her face. "I was simply curious, father."
"Of course," Lawrence said. Then without waiting for anyone to say another word, he quickly introduced Sofia to everyone else before telling them that they were now going to start.
On the outside, everyone inside the room understood that Lawrence only wanted to maintain peace and avoid any possible problems. To them, Lawrence was doing it for Sofia¡¯s sake.
Seeing this, Miss Paine arched an eyebrow but maintained her silence. She was not here to create trouble, although Sofia¡¯s appearance really surprised her. She eyed Sofia, who made herselffortable next to her.
Inside the room, there were more than fifteen people, yet out of them, there were only three women, including Sofia.
Brianna actually weed Sofia¡¯s involvement in thepany, but she was well aware that the usations against her were devastating. Brianna would never want that to affect LI GROUP in general.
Right now, the media is already asking why the INTERIM CEO OF LI Design has yet to submit her resignation. Brianna did not want the media to start asking more questions that could possibly affect LI GROUP.
Soon enough, the meeting started with a wee and introductions by the current Director or CEO of LI GROUP, Lawrence Miles Lockhart. Then they were given an overview of the agenda for the meeting, which included the future of LI DESIGN and its CEO.
"Mr. Lockhart, why don''t we start the reporting of LI Design¡¯s performance?" Mr. Lee suggested.
Sofia stood up. Today, she was specifically wearing an all-ck pantsuit that hugged her figure. She paired this with ck stilettos that entuated her height. With a smile on her face, she walked towards the tform for the speaker and looked at everyone sitting around the table.
"Good afternoon, my name is Sofia Lockhart, and I am currently the interim CEO and the head designer of LI Design."
"Ms. Lockhart," Mr. Jer Anderson, one of the shareholders, called out for her attention. "The recent allegations have raised concern among the shareholders. Before we delve into the financial report, could you please address the issues surrounding the harassment and giarism? We need to have a clear understanding of these matters."
"Mr. Anderson is right," Miss Paine said. "Transparency is crucial in maintaining the trust of our stakeholders. Can you provide more information about the steps being taken to investigate and resolve the issues raised? We need to ensure the integrity of both thepany and its leadership. Why don¡¯t we start this report with the details of the allegations?"
"Miss Lockhart, you have to understand that these issues are not simple. They could easily affect LI GROUP. Can you please enlighten us about this matter?" Mr. Lee added.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Lawrence immediately intervened. "Why not let Miss Lockhart finish her report before making your questions? I am certain that Miss Lockhart is already prepared with the answers, and I am confident that she can satisfy your concerns," Lawrence said.
Sofia was wondering what he was trying to do. However, she did not object and just smiled at everyone. Luckily, everyone agreed to have her report the financial situation of thepany first.
She started with the reports about the current financial situation of LI Design. She started with why LI Design was created, its profit over the years, and then the profitsst year.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I¡¯m thrilled to share that our profits have experienced an impressive doubling since the implementation of our new strategy. This sess reaffirms our belief in the power of adapting to the evolvingndscape, especially through our strategic use of social media. Moving forward, we aremitted to further embracing and capitalizing on these changes to ensure continued growth and sess for LI Design."
Mr. Lee interrupted, "That¡¯s nice to hear, but our priority right now is the fact that the head designer has been used of giarism. The stock of LI Design has started to fall, and soon enough, people will start asking why the CEO has not yet resigned. This will not only affect the profits of LI Design but also the whole LI GROUP."
"So please, Miss Lockhart," he leaned and smiled at Sofia. "Why not tell us about this giarism issue?"
Sofia pursed her lips. She looked at Lawrence, who did not have any intention of helping her out. Seeing the kind yet demanding look on the man¡¯s face, Sofia knew that Lawrence expected her to give up and tell everyone that they were still investigating the matter.
Without Alexander, Sofia would not have had the time to investigate this matter. This would immediately show how ipetent she was.
"Mywyer told me not to show anyone the evidence that I have. However, he suggested that I let everyone in this room sign a confidentiality agreement to safeguard this matter," Sofia said. Then she signaled Miss Annes, who was standing at the back, to start giving out the papers she was holding.
"Confidentiality?" Miss Paine arched an eyebrow.
"This usation could easily kill anyone¡¯s career. It is only right that I take this seriously," Sofia said. "So let¡¯s start with this agreement. Why don¡¯t you sign it so we can start talking about the core issues that gued LI Design?"
Chapter 36
Chapter 36
Chapter 36
¡°Here are the facts that | was able to find out. Sofia began after everyone signed the agreement. ¡°Miss Davis was someone!
knew in college. However, she failed a ss and was not able to graduate. Right now, she is iming that | giarized her
designs and wants me to pay bothpensation and to cease designing bags.¡±
Once again. Sofia gestured to Miss Amores, who handed everyone a folder.
These were lies, Sofia stated. ¡°Mywyer already filed a case and submitted the proof that we have. Obviously, | still have more
proof that | cannot show you as this might affect the case.
She smiled as everyone started opening the folders. The folders include documents, sketches, drafts, timestamps, or any other
relevant materials that can help establish my ownership of the designs and refute the giarism usations.¡±
¡°Miss Davis said that you stole everything about the design. Miss Paine mentioned.
Sofia chuckled and shook her head. That''s just not true. Miss Paine. | spent countless hours crafting those designs from scratch.
The folders contain all the evidence mywyer gathered to show that these are my original creations. There are sketches dating
back to my college days, drafts that | worked on over the years, and timestamps that prove the timeline of my design process
She continued with confidence. ¡°I understand Miss Davis''s frustration, but | assure you, every element in those folders supports
my im as the true creator. | take pride in my work, and | won¡¯t let false usations tarnish my reputation. Feel free to go
through the folders, and you''ll see the truth for yourselves. I¡¯m just here to set the record straight and continue my passion for
designing bags.
es.¡± Sofia smiled. ¡°All of my bags have a small intricate design and details that only the one who originally designed
uld know. We have already consulted an expert who could identify strokes that were used in sketching the design re prepared to
have that expert testify. Over the years, my style has changed, but the expert was able to confirm that used in this sketch still
had simrities to my current ones. If Miss Davis would show herself to the court, then | can eryone what | have.
in also do aparison of our current output. It would be better to show everyone our individual growth,¡± Sotu d
Sofia took a moment as everyone absorbed her words. She kept it simple and direct
¡°Now, this brings me to my next point, Sofia said, catching everyone¡¯s attention again. ¡°Whoever was trying to attack me was
trying to attack I.H Group. Are we going to let it pass?¡±
Everyone turned their focus back to Sofia as she continued. They just used the heir of LH Group of being a gi and a bully. |
believe whoever was responsible wanted the world to think that the Lockharts have been raised like ili
Asomber atmosphere settled in the room. Sofia¡¯s straightforward exnation made the stakes clear, and the shareholders
expressions shifted to seriousness. The usation wasn¡¯t just about Sofia: it had broader implications for the reputation of LH
Group and the Lockhart family.
She continued. ¡°We''ve built 1.H Group on principles of integrity hard work, and creativity. usations like these not only hurt my
personal reputation but tarnished the image of our entirepany. I¡¯ve dedicated myself to upholding the values that LH Group
stands for, and | won''t let baseless ims undermine that.¡±Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.
¡°To be honest, | was surprised that LH GROUP seemed to be ignoring the fact that the uing chairman of thepany was
used of something this serious,¡± Sofia said, looking at the older people inside the room.
Miss Lockhart has a point. usations like these can¡¯t be taken lightly, especially when they involve the future leader of LH
Group. We need some rity on how this is being handled,¡± Mr. Joe Anderson was the first one who broke the current
atmosphere.
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Chapter 37
Chapter 37
¡°That¡ª¡± Sofia frowned, but internally, he did not say another word. Mr. Lee was still smiling.
Part of her research was knowing what these people were doing in secret. The things that she said just now were things that Alexander had given her and some more things that she learned from her investigation.
So Mr. Lee¡¯s reaction was already something that she expected. What she never expected was the other shareholders'' reactions to her words.
Alexander had told her that her actions woulde as a surprise to them, but why did she¡ª
Soon enough, all of the other shareholders agreed that this was not good for LH GROUP. In the end, they immediately told Lawrence to focus on the matter at hand.
¡°As for the CEO position, I am going to give the floor to Mr. Lawrence Lockhart,¡± Sofia beamed. Right now, they are going to vote for the next CEO of LH Designs. She was almost confident Lawrence would be ousted from LH Group. However, since she began fighting back, Lawrence would have no choice but to nominate her.
¡°Thank you,¡± Lawrence smiled. Earlier, he never voiced any dissatisfaction towards Sofia¡¯s words. This created a facade that he supported her and might be the one responsible for all of these pieces of evidence.
¡°You did a good job.¡± Lawrence patted Sofia¡¯s back. At the end of the day, his role was to y the perfect and supportive father. He had no reason to show surprise or even act surprised.
A long time ago, Lawrence had created that persona and he is not willing to change now.
¡°Thank you,¡± Sofia responded with a smile on her face. She already expected this action from her perfect stepfather. This man would rather walk on fire and die from it than show his real face to either her or anyone else.
Lawrence nodded as he stered the proud look of a father to his daughter. Almost immediately, many of the shareholders were quick to interpret this as Lawrence supporting his daughter.
¡°There¡¯s no need for us to consider any other nominations so far,¡± Lawrence said. ¡°Miss Lockhart has been working at LH Design. You have seen the numbers. You heard her speak and now, you saw how she just handled the situation. Does anyone want to nominate a candidate for the CEO position?¡± He looked around.
The shareholders started shaking their heads, while others simply looked away from him.
¡°Then can you raise your hand if you are in favor of making Miss Sofia Lockhart the Chief Executive Officer of LH Design?¡± Lawrence asked, his gaze warm. Almost immediately, all shareholders raised their hands.
She won. Sofia beamed inwardly.
With the voting done, it was immediately decided that she would start her position the week after. Next, the other subsidiaries started their reports. Then they talked about corporate governance, strategic initiatives for the uing year, and resolutions of the current predicament that thepany was facing.
¡°Shall we talk inside my office?¡± Lawrence asked the moment the meeting ended. Contrary to his expectations, the meeting actually ended on a positive note with everyone satisfied with Sofia¡¯s actions. This was something that Lawrence never expected.
¡°You did a great job,¡± Lawrence praised as the two of them walked towards Lawrence¡¯s office. ¡°I never expected that you would find something about that woman. I already sent my team to investigate this matter but they ended up with nothing.¡±
¡°Then perhaps it is time that you fire them,¡± Sofia said, then she smiled. ¡°I am kidding.¡±
¡°Um...¡± Lawrence nodded. ¡°Then would you introduce me to the people who helped you find those pieces of evidence?¡±
Lawrence¡¯s suspicion that someone was helping Sofia in secret was now confirmed. To him, it would be impossible for Sofia to acquire these things on her own.
¡°When we have the time,¡± Sofia said. ¡°Daniel invited me to meet his mother.¡±
¡°His mother?¡± Lawrence arched an eyebrow. In the past, Sofia would always ask him about things like this. She had long considered him her father, so hearing him talk about Daniel right now seemed normal. This immediately lightened his mood.
This only meant that Sofia still trusted him! Then what was that just now? The confidence that she exuded, the eloquence, the words that she uttered¡ªwhat was all that?
¡°He asked me to meet his mother,¡± Sofia said. ¡°I believe he is going to ask me to marry him.¡±
¡°You know that your mother and I have always liked Daniel. If you are ready, I don¡¯t see any reason for you not to marry him,¡± Lawrence said.
¡°Um...¡± Sofia nodded as the two arrived inside Lawrence¡¯s office. ¡°Speaking of your mother,¡± Lawrence removed his coat and handed it to Mina, who was standing next to Miss Amores. ¡°Are you going to tell me where she is now?¡±
¡°Don''t you trust me?¡± Sofia asked.
¡°Of course, I do.¡±
¡°Then understand that what happened with Dr. Mch was an eye opener for me. I cared so much for my mother,¡± Sofia said. She did not see anything wrong with her words.
¡°Coffee please,¡± Lawrence said. ¡°Would you like some?¡±
¡°No, thank you. Just a bottle of sparkling water,¡± Sofia actually wanted to decline his offer. She was still waiting for the result of the poison test and did not want to consume anything from the people who wanted her down. However, she did not want him to suspect anything.
¡°I am your mother¡¯s husband. Perhaps, this was your grandmother''s idea, but I am going to swear, Sofia, I would never harm your mother.¡±
Sofia pursed her lips. So, Lawrence was suspecting that the one backing her is currently her grandmother. ¡°I know,¡± Sofia nodded. ¡°I know you would never harm her, but I have read the cases that Dr. Mch or Dr. Tan had done and I am not risking anything.¡±
Lawrence let out another sigh. ¡°I understand,¡± he said. ¡°Between me and Enda, it seems that you already made a choice.¡±
Sofia said nothing. She did not want to expose Alexander, and right now, her best option is to use her grandmother. Speaking of Enda Lockhart, Sofia had not seen her for months now.
Thest time she heard, she was somewhere in Europe. Her grandmother stopped calling her a long time ago.
¡°You know that is not true,¡± Sofia said. ¡°Grandmother and I... we have a veryplicated rtionship. However, she is still the mother of my mother.¡±
Sofia could only ask for her grandmother''s forgiveness in silence. Right now, she was going to use her grandmother to find out the truth about Lawrence.Original from N?velDrama.Org.
Lawrence sat opposite her, his expression grim. ¡°Your grandmother has always hated me. I always knew that she was only waiting for a reason to take your mother back. I can only hope that she would not find one to take you away.¡±
Sofia immediately wanted to p her hands. This man was indeed very convincing. This man¡¯s acting skill was top-notch!
Chapter 38
Chapter 38 cedar.
Lawrence grited his teeth as he stared at his phone. His lips curled as a steer. He could barely contain his rage.
¡°So it was its Luada. That scheming woman He always thought Enda no longer cared for Eunice after everything that happened in the pat Perhaps the woman was wa to act But way wart until now? He narrowed his eyes Was it Sofa¡¯s Hurthday Yes. Perhaps Enda knew that Sofa would becless once she received her uberance as she would be very almerable to most people around her.
Is that the reason why she chose to act now? Lawrence always knew that the womans actions in the past were suspicious. He had investigated this t kad investigated this matter but decided to shop it as he did not want to attract Enda¡¯s attention. He always knew that Fnda had been watching him in secret. And when she got too close. Lawrence had no choice but to silence Epice Locken. Now has only concern is Sofa Lockhart The fact that she revealed that it was nds who helped her could mean either one of two things. First, Sofa still trusted him and second is that this was another trap orchestrated by Endendsnds herself Min were you able to track best he sued the far away from him Thest location was in Europe Although uttered phytal sighting of her for the past three days¡± Min ¡°How about Soda?¡± he asked. He already sent his men ber around ¡°Well we are trying our best to track ber | want her location as soon as possible¡± Lawrence said as he nced at the untouched sparkling water on the table nearby this the had been acting like the father that the needed Seved But Lawrence sneered Even if nda did all the rests on Eunice. Lawrence was certain that they would not find anything Her body is already too weak: her immune system is falling The only thing that is keeping her alive is Dr. Mch. She would soon sumb to her death and this would happen even faster now ¡°What of Dr. Mch he asked ¡°Why have | yet to hear about his death ¡°Dr. Mch has been locked up in a secret facility and until now, we are still doing our best to have ess to him¡±- ¡°Secret Facility?¡± ¡°Highly secured with a new facility. Min added ¡°You think the CIA is involved? Lawrence frowned. Dr. Tan or Dr. Mch already attracted too much attention.
hard for them to get ess to him now. Right now, Dr. Mch simply needed to disappear. He is currer a threat to Lawrence and his nst There was a knock on the door, and one of the secretaries working under Min walked in ¡°Mr. Lockhart someone from the FBI is here to see you.¡± Lawrence''s expression darkened. However, he was quick topose himself as he got up and said. ¡°Take care of that and call Mr. Thompson? he uttered, his gazended on the sparkling water. Min nodded without saying another word seeing this. Lawrence got out of his office 13 Chieter N To omavady and the lowsomewhere in pre He then Special Age Mars Reynolds and brown eyes looking made the beard as if he were looking for something NOW LANEY YO Specal Ag Parker Law aked ¡°Nothing: ¡°Thanks¡± Lawrence modded and eyed Nieu bur buch kback therhadu 1 on their own. | pinu ngr table. He gENGI ¡°Are you light speaking to what yourwyer Speal Age Reynolds and To be honest, | have nothing to hide so | fear nothing However as a bosnewman | need the presence of mssv live ked min secretars. Am 19 take care of.¡± Lavorovece opened.
Kanity Thompson apopstariyd immediatly arodord themselves as part of the legal to CROU? ¡°How did you kno Special Agent, Parket asked, always her tone w (cold almost devoid of: phia. Was she traang ta only smiled awards Then Lawerner looked at Mr Thompson and theter quickly handed the two agents folders Chart & interaction ? Mch or I should.Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.
im Dr Tan M: Thangsen and cliche, but be named to of recording everything in his phones and daarv thing He had been very detailed | would of course provide you with his dry and nners if you have a fing has been recorded. Their text meeting was di a cont nce. You can look at the te Thom muni who cattle with his hand two sh Sto the agrils ¡°CCTV SWELGE Mr. Thompson''s point was simple. They are willing to cooperate as long as a warrant is provided The two agents animedutely read the reports that Mr Thompson presented Just as special Agent Reynolds opened his Thompson smiled ¡°Again Alpt the questions that needed answ Tanswer Unless of course, you are going to get We | not turther giveju ¡°Then | believe there is no need for us to stay Special Agent Parker smiled ¡°We are leaving¡± ¡°Thank you. ¡°Mr Thompson said: The moment they went out of the room Special Agent Parker''s smile disappeared ¡°That man is suspicious Lam telling you ¡°Shhh.. Let''s talk outside¡± Reynolds responded. The two of there unmediately len LH GROUP ¡°His wife was in the care of Dr Tan He had a clean reputation Everyone seemed to think that he was the best husband a caring stepfather, and someone who would do everything to keep his family safe¡± Reynolds said as he started the car na Paketa ered. De muki be eloved to be th 100 The wing the wages on above the building the let the parking lot Are you certain that we already covered perything Lawnee asked Mos CCTV and dsations were already pepared Event D Mi he will try 1266 well would be very hard to prove anything Canced He had past wash There should be no traces of the moons aside from when he visted Eumce in odlied. pani thwas ¡°Dk Wilm ve tam to know it he found our someitung 96. William 1s That man sodbe was willing to cooperate for his shares Right Walmart¡¯s secret weum William should have awork undergand that seed to the Susses and the Mana Avording to Lawrettee¡¯s research, the man had acquired his wealth bevage of thiswork Gils deal with Fnda. Aien awhile, he moved away from.
the window and started working on his and that was when he received a call from a familiar mumber old you not to callon this phone Lawren hissed as heinsted Min to leave his office and lock the door a coquet vice of a wet swed him Last named his eyes and then he let out a helpless sigh. What do you want ¡°I need money rady gave you lies Hws ago. Do you wantto die from starsation or something need Lawrence rolled his eyes as he grinned his teeth be enough grand is a hot What are you gonna do with ¡°I have debts or do you wantto a Charlotte instead the woman as am certain she would givemoney. That ¡°Tonight¡± Lawrence looked at his watch ¡°Meetat the usual somach You knowe the woman was not able toplete her words when Lawren ended the call
Chapter 39
Chapter 39
"You have been apanying me, Mr. Beaumont. This makes for quite a day," Sofia smiled upon meeting Alexander.
After the meeting, Sofia received a message from Alexander, informing her about the driver and the celebration. Outside of 11 GROUP, one of Alexander¡¯s men awaited her and escorted her to the restaurant where he was waiting.
"I believe this deserves a celebration," he smiled, already holding a ss of champagne. He tilted it towards her. "Cheers," he suggested.
Sofia looked around the elegant restaurant with wide-eyed appreciation. The ce resonated with old-world charm, reminiscent of quaint bistros in Paris. The soft glow of the chandeliers cast a warm ambiance over cream-colored walls adorned with vintage artwork.
The tables were dressed in crisp white linen, each adorned with a small vase of fresh flowers. The delicate fragrance of roses and lilies wafted through the air, mingling with the inviting aroma of the evening''s culinary delights. Polished silverware gleamed under the gentle candlelight, giving the entire setting a touch of sophistication.
She smiled and took her ss before sitting down. "Cheers." After taking a sip of the champagne, she asked, ¡°Please don''t tell me you reserved the whole restaurant just for today...¡± No one else was inside. She knew he was wealthy, but to close a restaurant for something like this? She never thought he would do something so extravagant.
¡°Nope.¡± He took the napkin and dabbed it at the corner of his lips. ¡°I own it. Or rather, Beaumont Empire owns it.¡±
¡°Right,¡± she nodded, pursing her lips as she realized how extravagant this gesture was. They were currently in one of the five-star hotels in Illinois. She didn¡¯t even know that the Beaumont Empire owned this hotel.
¡°And I am here to do an inspection,¡± he added, gesturing for the waiter. ¡°This is a Michelin-starred restaurant that specializes in French-inspired cuisine.¡± Alexander continued, a twinkle in his eye as he gestured at the man walking nearby. Impably dressed in ck and white, the man approached the table with an air of deference.
¡°Our chef,¡± Alexander exined, ¡°has trained in the culinary arts of Paris, bringing the essence of French gastronomy to Illinois. The menu boasts a delightful array of dishes, from Coq au Vin to Ratatouille, all prepared with meticulous attention to authenticity.¡±
Sofia listened with interest, smiling as she met the eyes of the chef.
¡°As part of the inspection,¡± Alexander continued, his gaze scanning the menu, ¡°I make it a point to ensure that the cuisine matches the grandeur of the setting. This ce is not just a restaurant; it''s a haven for connoisseurs of fine dining.¡±
Soon enough, they started perusing the menu.
¡°How about we start with your specialty? Something that captures the essence of this fine establishment,¡± Alexander suggested. He looked at Sofia. ¡°Do you agree?¡±
¡°Of course.¡± Sofia was never actually what they call a foodie. She liked food, but she would simply eat what was there. She was not picky.
The waiter approached to take their order. ¡°What would you rmend?¡± Alexander asked.
The waiter suggested the escargot ¨¤ Bourguignonne. Nestled in their shells, the escargot were bathed in a rich garlic and herb butter sauce.
¡°Here we go,¡± Alexander announced with a satisfied smile, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. The scent of the escargot mingled with the subtle fragrance of roses and lilies, creating an intriguing mix of aromas that filled the air.
Sofia eyed the dish, the plump snails glistening in the golden sauce. She wasn¡¯t quite sure about snails, but the presentation was undeniably elegant. ¡°Well, here¡¯s to trying new things,¡± she remarked, lifting her fork. Alexander followed suit, and together they delved into the culinary adventure before them.
The escargot proved to be a surprising delight, the vors dancing on Sofia¡¯s pte in a harmonious blend of garlic and butter.
Soon enough, the next dish arrived, and it was a sight to behold. The waiter carefully ced a dish of Coq au Vin in front of them. The aroma of the slow-cooked chicken, bathed in a savory red wine sauce, wafted through the air, eliciting a collective appreciation.
Alexander¡¯s eyes lit up with approval as he surveyed the perfectly braised chicken. ¡°Coq au Vin,¡± he dered as if presenting a cherished masterpiece. ¡°A ssic that never fails to impress.¡±
Intrigued by the rich colors and enticing scent, Sofia took a moment to appreciate the culinary artwork before her. The tender chicken, nestled in the vorful sauce, seemed to promise a journey of taste and satisfaction.
¡°Shall we?¡± Alexander suggested, lifting his fork as a cue for Sofia to join in. As they indulged in the Coq au Vin, each bite brought a burst of warmth and depth. The familiar notes of red wine and herbs melded seamlessly with the tender chicken, creating aforting and delightful experience.
Finally, the sweet finale arrived in the form of decadent desserts. The waiter skillfully presented a duo of desserts on a gleaming tter. A slice of rich Chocte Mousse Cake adorned with a dollop of whipped cream shared the spotlight with a delicate arrangement of Cr¨¨me Br?l¨¦e.Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.
Sofia¡¯s eyes widened with anticipation as the desserts were ced before them. The air around them seemed to fill with the tempting scent of chocte and the sweet aroma of caramelized sugar.
Seeing this dish, Sofia¡¯s expressionpletely changed. Memories of the past when she and her mother visited Paris resurfaced in her mind. Paris was not the prettiest ce she had been to, but it was thest ce she visited before her mother fell into aa.
On theirst day in Paris, her mother took her to a restaurant just to eat this specific dessert. Seeing the same thing in front of her quickly brought back memories of her mother.
Her mother, Eunice Lockhart, always loved food. She liked to explore and try out new things. However, her favorite was the simple Cr¨¨me Br?l¨¦e.
¡°Are you alright?¡± Alexander asked.
¡°Of course,¡± Sofia beamed, showing a dimple as she met his eyes. ¡°Thank you.¡±
He gave her a knowing look, so she added, ¡°This is the perfect way to wrap up this meal... thank you.¡± Unable to resist the allure of the desserts, she eagerly picked up her fork.
The velvety richness of the Chocte Mousse Cake melted in her mouth, while the Cr¨¨me Br?l¨¦e offered a delicate contrast with its creamy texture and the satisfying crackle of the caramelized sugar on top.
However, the thing that surprised her the most was the fact that it tasted exactly like the one she had with her mother.
Apparently, he had thought it would be a good gesture to celebrate something special with her.
Sofia did not know what to say. A warm lump formed in her throat as tears threatened to spill. ¡°You really...¡±
Chapter 40
Chapter 40
Chapter 40
Sofia was unaware of the reasons behind Alexander''s actions, but she felt a profound sense of gratitude. As tears warmed her
cheeks. Sofia nced down in an attempt to regainposure. Sensing her emotions, Alexander reached across the table and
gently took her hand.
Sofia struggled to find the right words to express the mix of gratitude and confusion within her. He gave her hand a reassuring
squeeze, his eyes meeting hers with understanding. | told you, Sofia,¡± he said softly. Tm already your husband. We''re in this
together.¡±
Just as the moment seemed to linger, a voice interrupted from across the room. ¡°Oh, darling, don¡¯t listen to him,¡± a regal voice
dered. Sofia turned to see Enda Lockhart-her grandmother, standing near the restaurant entrance.
Enda¡¯s stern yet yful gaze was fixed on Alexander. ¡°He¡¯s not your husband unless | approve of him,¡± Enda dered with
a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
¡°Grandmother!¡± Sofia immediately got up, surprise apparent on her face as she stared at the woman she hadn¡¯t seen for months.
Seeing her grandmother in person made her more emotional, but she didn¡¯t know how to react.
Her grandmother was never the affectionate one-cold, authorituive, and demanding. She always seemedposed with her
perfect bun and elegant clothing. Her words were sharp, and her gaze chilly.
However, the woman standing not too far away was different. Enda was not wearing her bun. Instead, her shoulder-length
hair was down in elegant curls. Enda¡¯s green eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as she surveyed the scene.
The regal posture remained, but there was a warmth in her gaze that Sofia had never witnessed. Her perfectly styled curls
framed a face that still held the grace of years past, softened by an unexpected gentleness.Original from N?velDrama.Org.
Draped in a flowing emerald dress that matched the color of her eyes, Enda seemed to have shed the stern exterior Sofia
remembered. The mischievous twinkle in her eye hinted at a yful side that, until now, had been hidden beneathyers of
formality
¡°Are you not going toe and greet your grandmother?¡± Enda¡¯s sudden words made Sofia flinch. This tone was the one that
Sofia was very familiar with! However, for a moment. Sofia was frozen in surprise, unsure of how to respond to this unexpected
transformation in her grandmother.
¡°Grandmother. Sofia said after a few minutes of silence. ¡°I-1 didn¡¯t know that you woulde...¡± she then looked at Alexander,
who was acting like a tree. Did he know about this?
¡°So... he didn¡¯t tell you?¡± Enda¡¯s gaze turned towards Alexander.
¡°Ihe didn¡¯t. Sofia approached Enda and kissed her cheek. In the past, the greeting would have ended right then and there.
However, this time, Enda suddenly pulled her into a tight hug
Sofia stood there, speechless, unable to react in time. To be honest, she did not even know how to react as this was the first time
that her grandmother had given her a hug so tight she could barely breathe!
Just as she felt like she was starting to suffocate, she heard Alexander clear his throat. ¡°As heartwarming as this- my wife might
need to breathe at some point. Perhaps we should take a seat and continue our reunion with a bu more oxygen in the air?¡±
Enda? Sofia was surprised to hear him call her by her first name. As far as Sofia knew, no one, not even Eunice-Enda¡¯s
daughter and Sofia¡¯s mother-called her by her first name.
Her grandmother only chuckled in response. Still, she let Sofa go, and the two went back to the table. Sofia was still slightly
flustered as she looked at Alexander. She was starting to wonder why this man invited her grandmother here. What was his goal
all along?
Chapter 40
¡°You must be wondering why | came?¡± Enda asked as she gestured for the waiter to bring her wine:
¡°Mother is safe __ she is under the care of Hugo Moore.¡± Sofia said
Now, why would you think that I just came here because of your mother?¡± Endaughed
1- ¡°Sofia awkwardly hit her lower lip. She never had one peaceful interaction with her grandmother in the past. It was always,
Sofia insisting that they take Charlotte with them or argue with her grandmother as she wanted Enda to treat Charlotte as her
real granddaughter.
Suffice it say. Sofia did not know how to handle a conversation like this with her grandmother. ¡°Isn¡¯t it because she is your
daughter?¡± Sofia asked after a few minutes of silence. At the end of the day, no mother would like to see their daughter hurt.
¡°Yet, she never treated me like her mother, Enda sneered.
She had always loved you.¡± Sofia blurted out.
Enda sheered. ¡°She loved that man more.
This time. Sofia said nothing. Indeed. Eunice loved Lawrence so much, perhaps even more than she loved her mother.
¡°Are you going to ask me why | chose to abandon your mother?¡± Enda asked.
¡°Isn''t it because you thought Lawrence was trying to deceive my mother?¡± Sofia asked.
Enda shook her head. ¡°Eunice cannot move the stocks just like that. She would not be able to move the properties without my
knowledge as well.¡±
Then? If it was not about this, then what was the reason behind her grandmother''s hatred towards Lawrence?
¡°Lawrence''s father was the reason why your grandfather died. Enda said as she epted the ss of wine that the waiter
handed her
¡°What did you just-Sofia frowned. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±
¡°Isn''t it simple! Lawrence is an orphan; his father was once employed by your grandfather. He embezzled money and was
o, but in the end-
andfather died of a heart attack. Sofia uttered.
¡°Do you really think that we would tell the public something like this? Enda smiled. ¡°Sofia as a Lockhart, you should
know better than that.¡±
¡°Does mother know about it?¡± Sofia asked.
¡°Of course, she does. She knew everything yet she still chose to marry him. She thought love would save us all. What bullshit.¡±
Enda sneered. ¡°Look at her now!¡±
Sofia frowned as she tried to wrap her mind around her grandinother¡¯s words.
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Chapter 41
Chapter 41
Soon, Sofia understood the reason why Enda refused to ept Lawrence. This conversation also revealed a few things. First, Enda tried to reach out to spend more time with Sofia, yet Eunice and Lawrence always rejected her as she would not invite Charlotte as well.
Eunice and Lawrence did not want to make Charlotte feel like she was not a family member. This reasoning seemed alright for the younger version of Sofia, as she had treated Charlotte as a real sister.
¡°Are you alright?¡± Alexander asked as he ced his coat around Sofia, shielding her from the cold chilly night.
¡°This ce is beautiful,¡± she responded with a smile as she looked at the cityscape that she could see from the rooftop. After a few minutes of silence, she added, ¡°I feel a little heavy.¡±
¡°Your grandmother is well known in the businessmunity not just because of the charities and gs that she always hosts. She was and still is the chairman of LH Group. She is a fierce businesswoman who was able to excel in a man¡¯s world.¡±
¡°She never epted Lawrence, yet she still agreed to give Mother and him a position inside thepany,¡± Sofia said. ¡°Why do you think that is?¡± Sofia had already asked this question of her grandmother, but thetter simply shrugged before drinking another ss of champagne.
If Enda was scared that Lawrence would harm the Lockhart Family, then why did she make Eunice the chairman? Was it because she wanted to keep them closer?
At this point, this was the only exnation that she had. Enda wanted to keep an eye on them, so she chose to keep them closer. She gave a job to both Eunice and Lawrence and watched from the sidelines as they performed. Then this means...
¡°Do you think she has proof against Lawrence?¡± Sofia asked.
¡°Why do you think she wanted you to visit thepany on Monday?¡± he retorted.
Sofia was about to answer when her phone started buzzing. She looked at the caller and cringed when she saw it was Daniel. Alexander shrugged when he saw his brother¡¯s name, so Sofia answered the call.
¡°Hey...¡± Daniel said. ¡°I saw the news! Congrattions.¡±
¡°Then you must have read the uglyments from Charlotte¡¯s fans.¡± Sofia smiled. Naturally, LH GROUP immediately announced that Sofia was chosen as the new CEO of LH Design.
However, this has gathered a lot of criticism from Charlotte¡¯s fans, who threatened to abandon the brand altogether because of employing a bully CEO.
This time, Charlotte did not say anything to stop her fans or issue a statement telling them that she was not bullied. Her silence spoke volumes, and now her fans assumed that Sofia threatened Charlotte.
¡°Is there a need to focus on them?¡± Daniel asked. ¡°Those people can¡¯t even afford to buy one of your designer items,¡± he sneered. ¡°Soon, the news will die down, and everyone will forget about this matter.¡±
Except Charlotte wanted all the attention, Sofia thought inwardly. Charlotte¡¯s agency must have wanted to use this scandal as a prelude to her album¡ªas a prelude to something that Charlotte currently does not have. ¡°Of course,¡± Sofia said. Since she was not a celebrity, she was not too worried about rumors like this.
¡°So, I will pick you up tomorrow? Six in the morning?¡± Daniel offered.
¡°Of course,¡± Sofia said. ¡°I will send you my address.¡±
¡°Hmmm... Alright. You should sleep early. I will see you tomorrow. Love¡ª¡± Sofia ended the call before Daniel could say more.Original from N?velDrama.Org.
The moment the call ended, he frowned.
¡°She gave you her address?¡± a familiar voice echoed behind him. Before he could answer her, he felt her start caressing his chest. ¡°You have been avoiding metely. I just received news that it might be because of her grandmother,¡± Charlotte pouted. ¡°That old woman really has a long life. When will she die?¡±
ording to Charlotte¡¯s stories, Enda was an abusive woman who hated her when she was younger. Because of this, Eunice and Lawrence decided to have less contact with her. At first, Daniel did not believe these words.
However, he soon realized that Enda was truly a beast in the business industry. How could someone like Enda Lockhart have the heart to y with her granddaughters?
Enda was a scary businesswoman. She was cold and maniptive. It would only make sense that she would not ept Charlotte as a part of her family.
¡°Enda is not in the US,¡± Daniel said. ¡°Sofia would have told me about it.¡± In the past, Daniel asked Sofia about Enda. He wanted to build a rtionship with that woman. However, Sofia immediately told him that they were not close.
She grew up without seeing her grandmother for months. Usually, the older woman would only show up before Sofia¡¯s birthday to give her a gift and then would leave to travel all around the world. Sofia did not even know her grandmother¡¯s current whereabouts at that time.
Charlotte rolled her eyes. ¡°This song is different than what Sofia wrote,¡± Charlotte said as she threw the piece of paper that she was holding away. ¡°It¡¯s not as emotional.¡±
¡°Well, this was the onlyposer that I was able to find,¡± Daniel uttered. ¡°Just alter it to your liking and then you are done.¡±
Again, Charlotte pouted. Her agent and her manager had been pressuring her to write a song for her album. They wanted her to milk the current poprity as much as possible and keep her name on the trending list before she announced the release of her new songs.
However, Sofia refused to write a song for her. Now, Charlotte could, of course, try and persuade Sofia to write a song for her, but she did not want to make it look like she was desperate. She did not want Sofia to suspect anything.
And Charlotte realized that her initial decision not to force Sofia was actually right as she had Enda behind her. She immediately thought of that strict woman with a crisp bun and sharp green eyes. For some reason, she was unable to stop thinking about her.
¡°I have ess to Sofia¡¯s t. I know she kept a few of her written songs in that ce,¡± Charlotte uttered, thinking about the not-so-perfect songs that Sofia wrote in the past.
As someone who was obsessed with her work, Sofia always seemed to perfect things. This can be seen in her designs and the songs that she wrote in the past. This meant she had to throw away a lot of failures.
Daniel was silent for a few minutes before he finally caved. ¡°Alright. I will ask her about it.¡±
¡°Thank you. You really are the best.¡±
¡°How could I watch you suffer like this?¡± Daniel smiled.
In response, Charlotte kissed his lips, and soon enough, sounds of pleasure filled the room.
4o
Chapter 42
Chapter 42
¡°Do you think I am overdressed?¡± Sofia asked Daniel as he got out of the car. She was currently wearing a pink dress with a knee-length cut, perfect for the August weather in Illinois. The dress was elegant, with a modest touch, suited for a girlfriend meeting her boyfriend¡¯s parents.
Instead of answering her question, Daniel looked around the building behind her. ¡°You moved?¡± he asked.
¡°My grandmother insisted.¡± Sofia knew that this would immediately shut Daniel up, and it seemed that it worked, as Daniel did not ask any more questions.
¡°Oh,¡± Daniel said before turning his gaze toward her. ¡°You look perfect.¡± Sofia smiled.
¡°I need to get something from your t, do you mind if we drop by? I can totally just run, and you can wait in the car,¡± Daniel said. Sofia immediately lifted an eyebrow, yet the smile on her face did not disappear as she nodded and got inside the car.
Soon enough, she was back at her building¡¯s parking lot while Daniel had to get something back from her t. How could she not know that the man was only trying to get her new password? She had already changed the password on her locks and even removed his fingerprint on them. Sofia smiled as she thought about Daniel¡¯s scheme. What was it this time? Did he perhaps not think about the fact that she now had cameras in her ce?
Not long after, Daniel came back with a smile on his face. ¡°I didn¡¯t find my favorite tie. Perhaps, I left it somewhere in a hotel.¡±
Or was it at Charlotte¡¯s ce? Sofia thought inwardly. ¡°I will try to look for it when I have the time. Was it the blue one?¡± she asked. ¡°That¡¯s your favorite, right?¡±
¡°You gifted it to me but no. It wasn¡¯t that one. Don¡¯t mind it, I can always buy a new one. I just thought I left it in your ce.¡± Sofia nodded but did not say another word. Soon enough, the car started moving. After more than an hour of driving, they finally arrived outside a mansion¡ªthe Beaumont Family mansion.
Sofia knew where the Beaumont Family mansion was located but she had yet to take a step inside this ce. ¡°Are you certain it¡¯s going to be alright?¡± Sofia asked, biting her lips as if she was nervous. In fact, she was excited about this meeting, and it was not all for good reasons.
Alexander had already assured her that he would be here to watch the show. To make matters more entertaining, he had promised to do stuff that would infuriate Daniel''s mother. ¡°Calm down,¡± Daniel said as he held Sofia¡¯s hand. The contact made her cringe. ¡°She will like you.¡±
¡°I hope so too...¡± The two then walked inside the mansion, and the first thing that greeted her was therge living room with a bespoke yet elegant interior.
¡°Daniel,¡± a woman who looked like she was still in her forties immediately greeted them. This was Teresa Beaumont. Sofia immediately stered a smile on her face as Teresa¡¯s gazended on her. ¡°And this must be the lovely Sofia Lockhart. It is a pleasure,¡± Teresa said as she pulled Sofia into a hug. Sofia reciprocated the gesture. ¡°Mrs. Beaumont, it¡¯s a pleasure to finally meet you.¡±
¡°Please call me Teresa. Shall we head to the dining area? They are already waiting for us.¡±
¡°They?¡±
¡°Your father and Alexander are here.¡±
¡°Brother is here?¡± Daniel looked surprised. ¡°What about Zoe?¡±
¡°She¡¯sing.¡±
Chapter 12
"Alexander''s ex," Daniel muttered. "Long story."
¡°Oh,¡± Sofia said as she followed Daniel and Teresa into the grand dining room where they were waiting for her. Soon enough, Teresa introduced her to the rest of the family, including Alexander, who was leaning on the doorway with a knowing smile on his face.
¡°I am sure you already know my brother, Alexander. Brother to the reality star.¡±
¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you, Mr. Beaumont.¡±
¡°Alex,¡± Alexander corrected. ¡°Call me Alex.¡±
¡°¡ªSofia acted surprised before sheposed herself and implored. ¡°Then please call me Sofia,¡± she said, shaking Alexander¡¯s hand, wondering what this man was trying to do.
¡°Shall we take our seats?¡± Just as Teresa said that, another woman joined them. Teresa introduced her to Sofia.
Sofia already knew her as she was a famous pianist, Zoe Smith. Zoe was the pianist that earned national recognition and poprity for her skillful piano performances both when abroad and in the US.
She never thought this woman would be Alexander''s ex. ¡°Miss Smith,¡± Sofia said. ¡°My mother is such a fan of yours.¡±
After a few greetings, Sofia immediately noted how Alexander¡¯s mood had changed. The smirk he wore vanished, reced by his usual chilly expression.
¡°I heard that you just became the CEO of LH Designs, congrattions. I never expected someone so young to be able to find sess as aplished as you,¡± Teresa said as the maids started serving their food.
¡°Mother¡ª¡±
¡°What?¡± Teresa smiled. ¡°It¡¯s true. Who would have thought that you would find yourself a pretty and aplished woman? Look at your brother. He is undeniably mind-blowing, yet still single.¡±
Daniel red at his mother. However, Teresa onlyughed in response.
¡°Come now. Your brother already has a woman by his side. Isn¡¯t that right, Zoe?¡±
Almost immediately, Zoe¡¯s cheeks turned red, which made Sofia speechless. So what is this current stunt?
¡°Anyway, please don¡¯t mind me, Sofia. I am just a mother who wants her son to get married and provide her with more grandchildren.¡±
Sofia gave an awkwardugh. Speaking of grandchildren, you are thepany¡¯s futuredy boss. What are your ns when you give birth?¡± Teresa asked. ¡°Give birth?¡± Sofia looked at Daniel, who was beside her. Almost immediately, Daniel held her hand under the table as if he was silently assuring her that answering his mother would be fine. Sofia smiled.
¡°I am not sure yet,¡± Sofia said. ¡°Previously, we nned to have children, but my schedule changed. I didn¡¯t think I would be able to stay and take care of them.¡±
¡°You¡ªYou are not nning to have kids?¡± Teresa¡¯s gaze immediatelynded on Daniel. ¡°You¡ªYou didn¡¯t tell me about this.¡±
¡°Mother, I¡ªThis is not final yet.¡± Daniel gave an awkwardugh. ¡°Sofia and I are still talking about it.¡±Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.
¡°What are you talking about?¡± Sofia feigned ignorance. ¡°I thought I already told you that I want to be the next chairman.¡±
Chapter 17
¡°Alright. Alright. We will talk about it when the timees. For now, why don¡¯t we enjoy this lunch?¡± Sofia smiled and nodded. However, her previous words already affected the current mood.
It seems that Alexander was right. Teresa Beaumont really wanted children and the best way for Teresa to dislike Sofia was if she did not intend to give birth.
4o
Chapter 43
Chapter 43
"You''re not nning to stay at home after your marriage?" Teresa asked as the maid started pouring them tea. Seeing Sofia¡¯s surprise, Teresa smiled. "I am simply curious."
"Would it not be better if you focused on charities and worked behind the scenes instead of directly managing apany?" Teresa asked, her gaze fixed on Daniel, who stood next to Alexander.
Daniel and Alexander had taken a break from the family scene after lunch to enjoy some golf at the park. The golfing field behind the mansion was a peaceful spot, with a lush greenndscape stretching out beneath the August sun.
The shaded area where Teresa, Zoe, and Sofia sat was surrounded by colorful flowers, adding a touch of nature¡¯s beauty to their conversation. The scent of blooming flowers lingered in the air, creating a pleasant atmosphere for their discussion.
Thefortable chairs provided a cozy ce to rx and talk, shielded from the sun by the canopy of leaves overhead.
Beyond the shaded area, the golfing field spread out, with manicuredwns and neatly arranged holes. The sound of clubs hitting golf balls asionally reached their ears, intermingled withughter and casual conversation.
It was a simple yet serene setting. Sofia quite liked this ce, except she was currently talking to her mother-inw. Byw, Teresa was already her mother-inw as she was already married to Alexander.
"No, I do not n to take a step back," Sofia answered with a smile on her face. "I was trained to lead LH GROUP. I don¡¯t think that would change any time soon. Besides, Daniel and I are not even engaged yet."
"Moreover, Daniel always knew about my ambitions..." Sofia took a sip of her tea. Alexander had told her that Teresa disliked women who were assertive and strong. She did not like women who knew what they wanted and were not willing to slow down for the sake of their rtionship.
Teresa immediately stopped working the moment she married Alexander¡¯s father. She joined some charities and did mental stuff, and Alexander thought this was the reason why she always wanted a daughter-inw who could apany her in doing something meaningful for the world.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.
"Wouldn''t it be better to step back and do something that could help the helpless? Charities would be very good for LH Group," Zoe smiled.
"Didn''t I tell you to call me mother?" Teresa looked at Zoe. "I thought we already had an understanding about this matter?" Once again, Zoe blushed.
"Oh." Sofia looked at Zoe. "I don¡¯t want to sound nosy, but when is your wedding day?"
"I¡ª" Zoe''s face turned even redder.
"Alexander and she are currently having some trouble. However, this does not mean that he is not going to marry her very soon. In fact, since Alexander and Zoe broke up years ago, he never once involved himself with any other woman. He has always been loyal, just like his father."
Sofia pursed her lips. She took another sip of her tea as she tried to hide the smile on her lips. She really needed to talk to Alexander about this matter. It seemed that he forgot to inform her that his ex would actually join them today. Sofia looked at the two men who were approaching them.
Seeing them approach, Zoe immediately got up and tried to wipe Alexander¡¯s sweat, but thetter was quick to move away. Out of nowhere, he grabbed the towel next to Sofia and used it to wipe his sweat.
Sofia wanted to tell him that the towel was supposed to be for Daniel. However, the smirk on Alexander''s face was enough to tell her that this was intentional. This man is really looking for trouble!
Alexander tossed the towel to Daniel, who caught it with a frown. "Is there going to be a problem?" Alexander asked, feigning innocence.
"No, this is fine," Sofia said, shaking her head.
Seeing this, Zoe immediately sat back down and stroked Teresa¡¯s arm. "Please don¡¯t be upset. Alexander is simply tired and sweaty."
"I apologize for showing such an unsightly side," Teresa said.
Sofia swallowed hard, hoping to avoid creating more drama. Alexander had told her he was simply not interested in Zoe, but it seemed moreplicated now. She watched Alexander take a sip of his apple juice and toss the slice into his mouth.
"Alexander, can we save this for another time? We do not have any guests," Teresa said.
"Yes, Mother. I believe I have not introduced you to my dear wife," Alexander said, looking at Sofia.
Teresa''s face turned pale. "What are you talking about?"
"Didn''t you already know? Sofia and I are married."
Everyone turned to look at Sofia, who tried to hide her amusement. Alexander continued, "Mother, you have always encouraged people to pursue their true loves. Isn¡¯t that why you always weed Zoe?"
"But I never expected you to marry someone without telling us!"
Alexander turned to Sofia. "Can you believe it? My mother encouraged this behavior. She wanted to sell me to Zoe, even though she knew I was already married."
"Alexander!" Teresa gasped. "How could you say something like that in front of Sofia?"
Alexander only shrugged. "I say what I mean. Sofia, tell them."
He slowly turned his gaze toward her, and right then, Sofia knew he was challenging her to reveal the rtionship between him and Zoe, which was nonexistent.
"Alexander, you need to stop," Teresa said. "Zoe is a guest. There is no need to insult Miss Smith."
"If you wanted me gone, you should have warned your guests before they showed up years ago, Miss Smith," Alexander said, his tone sharp. "Is it my fault that you refuse to acknowledge it? Or is it my fault that you can no longer understand simple humannguage?"
Zoe''s face paled. Without saying another word, she rushed out of the garden.
"Must you do that?" Teresa immediately got up.
"You can follow her and console her," Alexander said. "But the next time I see her in this house, I am going to file a restraining order, reveal all her messages to the media, and ruin her father."
"You¡ª"
"That was not a threat," Alexander said. "It is a warning."
"Wait until your father hears about this."
"What can my father do?" Alexander challenged. Hearing this, both Teresa and Daniel¡¯s faces turned ugly. Alexander smirked as Teresa left the garden to follow Zoe.
"What are you doing?" Daniel immediately asked the moment his mother left.
"What do you mean?"
"You could do that on another day, yet you chose to do it today when Sofia is here. Why?" Daniel asked.
"I don¡¯t know what you are talking about," Alexander shrugged.
"Did you have to ruin this moment?"
"Your mother ruined it by inviting someone who is not family," Alexander uttered.
"Fucking jerk!" Daniel muttered. "Sofia, let''s go." He pulled Sofia and started dragging her away from Alexander.
Sofia could only sigh inwardly as she looked back at the smiling Alexander. This man... is fearless. Sofia said nothing as Daniel hauled her back into the car.
"I told you he is a jerk," Daniel said as he started the car. "I apologize for letting you see that."
"I never expected the Chairman of Beaumont Empire to have that... temper." Alexander had always been gentle with her, so a part of her seemed to have forgotten that he was not a man to be trifled with.
"Thest time he did this, he sent me to Asia because Mother invited Zoe."
"Why would she invite Zoe when she knew that Alex would¡ª"
"Do not call him that," Daniel said. "Don¡¯t think I didn¡¯t notice how he was calling you Sofie. However, I am telling you now, that man is a beast. He is malicious and petty, and he would do everything to show his dominance. It is best that you avoid him."
Sofia pursed her lips. Isn''t it a bit toote for this warning? She already married the man!
The car started moving. "Tomorrow, I will pick you up. I will take you somewhere. Bring some nice beach clothing," Daniel said after a few minutes of silence. "Mother will be there. I am certain she will apologize because of Alexander."
"Will she invite Zoe again?" Sofia asked.
This time, Daniel sighed. "I never expected her to invite Zoe this time. She always thought that Alexander would still take Zoe back after she left him years ago. I believe she always thought that Alexander was someone with a heart."
When Sofia said nothing, Daniel continued. "That man is not human. He might look good, but he has ended so many careers and ruined lives because of his greed. Mother does not understand that Zoe is nothing to Alex. She chose to leave him. She cannot juste back and expect him to wee her with open arms. If she loved Alex, then she would know what kind of person he truly was."
4o
Chapter 44
Chapter 44
"Where are you taking me?" Sofia asked when she noticed that they were currently taking a different route back to Springfield.
"Somewhere special," Daniel turned towards her, a mischievous grin on his face. "It''s a surprise."
Sofia did not say another word. She was almost certain that this man would propose this weekend or in the uing days. She could not wait for him to do it, as she really wanted to leave this jerk. Obviously, Sofia was not going to do it without showing him how wrong it was for him to mess with her.
"Your mother seemed to want me to stop working if we get married," Sofia said.
"And don¡¯t you think that is reasonable?" Daniel asked. "I mean, we barely even see each other now that you have yet to take on the responsibility as the CEO. Once you started working..."
"I am going to be the chairman of LH GROUP," Sofia said. She looked at his side profile. "I am not willing to sacrifice my career."
"Isn''t it better to take a break after giving birth?"
"Or we can adopt," Sofia suggested.
"Adopt?" Daniel frowned. "What are you talking about?"
"Adopt. There are kids that need a house, a family," Sofia exined.
SCREECH.
Daniel suddenly stopped the car, propelling her forward. She frowned. Luckily, she was wearing her seatbelt, so she was not hurt. "What are you doing?" Sofia asked. "Are you trying to kill me?"
"What do you think?" he retorted, his face ugly. "Adoption? You are considering adoption?"
"Why not?" she asked. "Both of us can''t take care of a baby. The least that we can do is support someone''s child."
"Are you seriously thinking about adoption? Raising other people''s children?" Daniel interrupted her words. "Do you really think I would raise someone else¡¯s child?"
Sofia only stared at him. For some reason, she found this situationical. This man has been sleeping with her sister! Why was he acting like he truly wanted to have a child with her? His acting was indeed impable and could easily convince her if she did not know that he was sleeping with Charlotte.
"The Beaumont Family would never allow that to happen," Daniel said. "And I am certain your grandmother would never want you to raise someone who is not a Lockhart. Isn¡¯t that the reason why she has been bullying Charlotte since you were younger?"
"Bullying Charlotte?" Sofia asked. "What are you talking about?"
"You told me about that in the past, didn¡¯t you?" Daniel¡¯s expression cracked, but he was quick to mask it with confusion. "I thought you said she never included her in any events or invitations in her g? Isn¡¯t that why you stopped talking to her?"
Sofia''s lips thinned. She did not want to talk about it. "Can you take me home?" she asked.
Daniel wanted to say something, but in the end, he sighed and started the car again. "Drop me at the Garden Bay."
"You¡ª"
"Grandmother did not want me telling anyone about my location," Sofia immediately brought up her grandmother¡¯s name. She knew that Charlotte told Daniel things about Enda, so it was not a surprise that he was intimidated by the mention of the older woman¡¯s name.
"I didn¡¯t mean to raise my voice," Daniel said.
"You have been doing that in the past," Sofia said. "I know you are stressed with your brother and work, but I don¡¯t think that is healthy in a rtionship."
"You''ve changed," Daniel suddenly said.
"I did. I decided to stop taking bullshit from people." She was honestly wondering if this man would once again start a fight. In the past, she would take everything that he threw at her.
This was not the first or second time that he screamed at her during a disagreement. However, Charlotte would always tell her that this was normal in a rtionship¡ªdisagreements and fighting are healthy. ording to Charlotte, a rtionship would not survive without one.
Bullshit.
She believed that woman for years! She swallowed all of the mood swings, the screaming, the busy schedule. She took everything without saying a word because she fucking loved him.
She clenched her hands into tight fists as she realized how angry she currently was. It seemed that this jerk still had an effect on her! But what was she expecting? This man had been with her for years! How could she just move on after a few days?
There was another thick silence before they arrived at the shopping center where a few high-end condominiums were located.
"I will pick you up tomorrow," Daniel said before she got out of the car. Obviously, she did not answer him and just mmed the door before marching towards a nearby high-end shopping center.
Seeing her back, Daniel mmed his hand against the steering wheel before letting out a scream of frustration. He immediately dialed Charlotte¡¯s number. "Where are you now?" he asked.
"What¡¯s wrong?" Charlotte asked. "Did something happen?"
"Nothing. I just want to see you."
"I am ready for a script at home," Charlotte said.
"Then, I aming to see you."
"Hmmm... Alright."
Soon, his car started moving. What he did not know was the fact that Sofia was watching him from afar. Seeing him gone, she beamed. She purposely ruined their day as she did not want to spend the night with him. She realized that she could not actually stand being around him for too long, and she did not want to end her day feeling strangled.
So, she chose the best approach and caused some arguments so she had a reason to leave. That man must be going to see Charlotte now, Sofia thought. With a blooming smile, she turned around and started shopping. After a few minutes, she decided to enjoy some tea, but just before she could go out of the store, she heard Josef¡¯s voice behind her.
"Madam."
Sofia halted her steps. She looked to her left and right before looking at Josef. "Madam? Did he just call me Madam?" she asked. "Did something happen?" She remembered telling Alexander that she would spend some money to celebrate her sess. Thetter was in the middle of a meeting, and she knew this, so she did not expect him toe with her or even respond to her message. "Why are you here? What about¡ª"
"Boss is currently in the middle of an important meeting, and he would like to apologize for not being able to apany you in your shopping," Josef said.
"Oh. I¡ª" She was not really upset or anything. She just sent him a text, sharing what happened in the car and mocking Daniel. "It''s fine. Please tell him it¡¯s fine."
"He insisted on letting you use this card as an apology." Josef handed her a ck metal card.
"Really?" Sofia nked out. "He said this is his responsibility."
Sofia sighed. She, too, was using a card without a limit, so she didn¡¯t actually need one. "Give me a minute," she said as she opened her phone and immediately called Alexander. To be honest, she did not expect him to answer as Josef already told her that he was busy, but to her surprise, he actually answered after the first ring.
"Hey," Alexander said, his voice mellow and warm. It was the exact opposite of the antagonistic voice that he used in the mansion. "Did you receive the card?" he asked.
"I don¡¯t need it."
"I know."
"Then, why did you send Josef just to give it to me?" she asked. What they have is a partnership that is not based on money. Both of them are very capable of supporting themselves; moreover, they are not actually married, so letting him spend on her is a bit too awkward.
"Because I know you would refuse if I call you first."
Sofia did not know what to say.
"What''s mine is yours," Alexander said. "You would refuse if I call you first."
Again, Sofia was rendered speechless.
"Alright. I am still in the middle of a meeting. I told Josef that I will take a hundred grand from his bonus if you refuse to ept it, so..."
"You¡ª" Sofia began but was interrupted.
"Ah... you are on speaker. Everyone can hear you."
Sofia was once again at a loss for words. However, before she couldpose herself, the call already ended. Was that call on a loudspeaker? Did he actually say that?
"I apologize for his behavior, but please know that he meant no harm," Josef uttered.
"Of course..." Sofia gritted her teeth and grabbed the card. "Tell him toe and drive me hometer."Original from N?velDrama.Org.
"Yes, Madam."
"Don''t call me that," Sofia said.
"The boss told me that he would fire me if I don¡¯t call you Madam, as you are his wife."
"Right. Of course, he would say something so crazy like that. Alright. Please leave me alone," Sofia said as she gestured for him to leave. Then she turned on her heel and started walking in the opposite direction.
To be honest, she could not understand Alexander¡¯s intention. She found his train of thought very weird.
After a few minutes of walking, she finally opened her phone and called Karina. Not long after, Karina sauntered inside a caf¨¦ with a smile on her face.
"Adam said congrattions," Karina beamed before she called in the waiter to make her order. "He said he was confident that you could do it."
Sofia immediately recalled thewyer¡¯s cold expression. "Right," she narrowed her eyes at Karina. "Are you and him¡ª"
"Of course not," Karina was quick to say.
"I was just going to ask if you are working together on a lot of cases," Sofia snorted.
Chapter 46
Chapter 46
"You have been very secretivetely¡ªjust where are you taking me?" Sofia inquired as Daniel used his hand to cover her eyes. She could smell the salty air and hear the distant sound of seagulls.
As they walked, the echoes of footsteps surrounded her, mixed with the creaking of wooden boards beneath their feet. The air carried a hint of fish, a mix of sea breeze, and the lively hum of people going about their business.
"It''s a secret for a reason," he mused.
"I hate secrets..." she pouted. She thought she heard himugh, but she was honestly too angry to even say another word right now. "Okay, you can open your eyes now," Daniel said with excitement in his voice.
Sofia uncovered her eyes to a breathtaking sight. The harbor stretched out before her, filled with colorful boats bobbing on the water. The sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, casting a warm glow over everything.
"I thought you might enjoy a surprise boat ride," Daniel grinned, pointing to the horizon. Seagulls swooped and danced, their calls blending with the gentlep of waves against the boat.
Sofia couldn¡¯t help but smile. The sea breeze tousled her hair, and the faint taste of salt on her lips made her feel alive. Angry yet alive.
However, what caught her attention was naturally Charlotte¡¯s smiling face. "Surprise!" Charlotte held both of her hands up. Soon enough, Sofia spotted a few other people on what looked like a yacht. So, Daniel took her to the harbors of Chicago so he could propose in front of their families? Sofia sneered inwardly as she beamed.
"Hey... what are you guys doing here?" She tried to look for Alexander and was a little disappointed when he was not there. Alexander had already told her about his numerous meetings today, so she already knew he was noting. Still, a part of her wished that he was.
"Shall we?" Daniel held his hand towards her, and she epted it with glee. Soon, the two of them boarded the yacht. Sofia could feel the warmth of the sun on her face, and the gentle sway of the boat as they stepped onto it. The scent of the ocean lingered in the air, and the rhythmic pping of water against the hull told her they were setting sail.
"What is this?" Sofia asked Daniel.
"Just a little surprise. I want to enjoy the sunset with you and our family." Daniel sounded so sweet, she wanted to puke right then and there. How could someone be this shameless? Still, she chose to endure, as all of this would soon be over.
The yacht glided through the water, leaving the harbor behind. Sofia gazed at the open sea, captivated by the endless expanse of blue. The sun dipped lower, casting a warm glow on the horizon. Seagulls trailed the yacht, their calls joining the rhythmic melody of the waves.
Everyone on board was dressed casually, wearing beach attire that reflected the carefree atmosphere. Flowing sundresses, shorts, and flip-flops added a touch of ease to the asion. The yacht itself was simple yet elegant, with white sails billowing in the wind and a wooden deck that felt smooth beneath Sofia¡¯s feet.
Charlotte, still wearing her infectious smile, approached Sofia. "Surprised, huh?" she said, giving her a yful nudge. Sofia beamed.
"How is it?" Charlotte handed her a ss of champagne, but Sofia immediately shook her head.
"Don''t tell me you''re..." Charlotte¡¯s eyes widened, but she immediately saw the anger in Sofia''s. This time, Charlotte found it hard to mask her emotions. "Are you¡ª"Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.
"Why would you even say that?" Sofia leaned closer. "I just want to be sober for my engagement. Don''t worry, I can always have my team edit these images."
Charlotte pouted but stayed away until the sunset. "You know, I''ve been waiting for this moment for years. I don¡¯t want anything to ruin it," she mumbled, turning her head away. Until now, she did not know how she was able to stay sane. With all the things that she just discovered and the cruelty that these people did to her, it would be logical for her to finally break. But she did not. Instead, she maintained a calm facade.
Soon enough, the music, food, and drinks started flowing. This time, Daniel chose to stay by Sofia¡¯s side, simply talking about the past and the things they had gone through since they became a couple. To Sofia¡¯s surprise, Daniel actually had a lot to say. It was as if he really treasured the moments with her.
But then again, she knew all too well that these were all fake. If he truly treasured her, then why hurt her? Why betray her like that?
"I want two kids," Daniel uttered. "One would be boring. How about you?" he asked.
"I don¡¯t know," Sofia shrugged. Daniel pursed his lips, but he did not say anything to antagonize her. Instead, he nodded.
"I apologize for what happened yesterday. I know I said some things¡ª"
"It''s alright."
"No. I wanted to apologize for what happened. I was muddle-headed. I¡ªI did not expect that Alexander would ruin the moment and cause a scene. I didn¡¯t think he would ruin everything," Daniel continued.
"Until now, my father never did praise me. To him, I am the weaker version of Alexander, and I realized that I was fine with that."
Bullshit! Sofia wanted to curse. How could this man say such words while hiding those dark thoughts inside his head? How could he tantly lie to her?
"What are you trying to do?" Sofia asked. "You can¡¯t cry here... everyone is..." Sofia turned and noticed that everyone was indeed looking at them as if they were watching a show. The moment Sofia turned towards Daniel, he was already on his knees, arge diamond ring in his hand.
"Sofia Lockhart, will you marry me?"
For a few seconds, Sofia was puzzled. She stared into his eyes, wondering if there was a part of him that truly loved her. She wondered if there was a small part of him that only wanted her.
However, she quickly realized that this was all for naught. This was a liar and a cheat. Still, she smiled and nodded. "Of course," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside.
Chapter 47
Chapter 47
Teresa frowned and folded her arms as she looked at Daniel. "Can you at least find the time to focus on your uing wedding?" she asked, irritation clear in her voice. "How will you have the time to make a perfect wedding when you''re always distracted?"
"Isn''t that the reason why you wanted to postpone the wedding?" Daniel countered, rolling his eyes. He was not nning to tell his mother that he did not care about the wedding at all. All he cared about were those shares.
"Did she agree to sign a prenuptial agreement?" Teresa asked.
"I insisted that we do not sign one," Daniel replied, meeting his mother''s eyes. "It is me who refused to sign it," he added.
When Sofia heard that Daniel was cheating on her with Charlotte, she immediately thought that Alexander was simply trying to cause more trouble for his brother.
Sofia knew that for some reason, Alexander never seemed to like Daniel and would even constantly disrespect him in meetings. This would cause outbursts from Daniel as he would start thinking that he was inferior to his brother.
Seeing Daniel''s frustration made Sofia wonder if she should give her inheritance to Daniel and help him out. Increasing his shares was going to change his status inside the Beaumont Family.
Thinking back, Sofia was incredibly lucky that her grandfather did not give her ess to her inheritance until she turned 26, or she would have long given Daniel everything.
"Is it real?" Sofia asked Alexander, who was examining his ring.
"It should be," Alexander replied, shrugging and handing her back the ring.
"Do you think it''s going to be expensive when I sell it?" Sofia asked.
"I don''t know," Alexander shrugged again and handed her back the ring. Daniel actually wanted to sleep in her new ce tonight, but Sofia declined and told him that she needed to introduce him to her grandmother first.
Once her grandmother knew that Sofia was already engaged, then things would change between them; and perhaps, her grandmother would even help him inside the Beaumont Empire.
Just as Sofia expected, thispletely changed Daniel''s mood. It seemed that he was very excited to meet her grandmother, perhaps even more excited than about his very own wedding.
"You really are something," Alexander said as he handed her a ss of champagne.
"What?" she snorted.
"You actually posted that you epted his proposal despite already being married. I believe you should be more thankful that you married a very understanding husband," Alexander muttered as he sat beside her on the couch.
Again, Sofia snorted. To add fuel to the uing bomb that she was going to release tomorrow, she had already posted on her social media that she was engaged to Mr. Beaumont. Even Charlotte and a few of her executives publicly congratted her.
"I said, Mr. Beaumont. I don¡¯t remember saying it was Daniel," Sofia couldn¡¯t help but chuckle before she slowly took a sip of her champagne. As she did, her gaze locked with Alexander''s. "I don¡¯t know why those people are assuming it was the younger one when I married the older one," Sofia smirked.Original from N?velDrama.Org.
"You silly woman."
"This silly woman is your wife, sir," Sofia smiled as she took another sip of champagne. Then she raised her ss and said, "Happy engagement to me."
4o
Chapter 48
Chapter 48
Chapter 48
99%%1
Soha awoke to another headache. She clutched her head, grimacing Dann hangover¡± she thought Slowly, she turned toward the
man sleeping next to her
¡°Hey, she uttered. ¡°Hey-she nudged him. ¡°It¡¯s Monday.¡± Why is this man here¡± She expected him to be gone by moment she
woke up. Then she realized something. It¡¯s Monday
Today is the day!
She immediately grabbed her phone from the nightstand but realized that it was already dead. ¡°Hey, wake up,¡± she said as she
got out of bed to find her charger. It must be because of the calls, right?
plugging in her phone, she ran to her bag to grab her tablet, and as expected, there were already missed calls and some
However, this was not what she wanted to see. She quickly browsed the entertainment section and found what she oking for
¡°Heiress Heartbreak LH Group Scion Sofia¡¯s Fianc¨¦ Daniel Beaumont Caught in Steamy Affair with Caroline, Her Step-
¡°BEAUMONT Empire Shaken as Daniel Beaumont¡¯s Scandalous Affair with Caroline Exposed on the Heels of His Engagement
to Sofia!¡±
¡°LH Group''s Love Triangle Unveiled: Sofia¡¯s Fianc¨¦ Daniel Beaumont Caught Cheating with Caroline. AKA Charlotte Lockhart,
the Rising Star
¡°Sonia¡¯s Shocking Betrayal: BEAUMONT Empire¡¯s Daniel Caught in a Scandalous Tryst with Step-Sister Caroline!¡±
¡°LH Group Scion¡¯s Nightmare: Sofia¡¯s Fiance Daniel Beaumont Embroiled in a Scandalous Affair with Rising Star Caroline!¡±
¡°BEAUMONT Empire Rocked by Scandal: Sofia¡¯s Fiance Daniel¡¯s Steamy Affair with Step-Sister Caroline Unearthed!¡±
¡°Love. Lies, and LH Group: Sofia¡¯s Fianc¨¦ Daniel Beaumont Exposed in a Shocking Affair with Rising Star Caroline Locke
¡°Sofia¡¯s Engagement Announcement Turns Sour: Daniel Beaumont¡¯s Secret Romance with Step-Sister Caroline Revealed!¡±
¡°Scandal Hits the High Society: LH Group Heiress Sofia Devastated as Fianc¨¦ Daniel¡¯s Affair with Caroline Unveiled!¡±
¡°BEAUMONT Empire in Crisis: Sofia¡¯s Fiance Daniel¡¯s Cheating Scandal with Caroline, aka Charlotte Lockhart, Sparks
Controversy!¡±
Sofia beamed as she read the news. Her hands trembled as tears slowly fell onto her cheeks. She did not need to check the
articles, as she already knew what was in there. After all, she was the one who exposed the affair to the media.
Last night, she immediately took a picture of her engagement ring and asked Miss Amores to make a post about her
engagement. This was something that Daniel did not expect, but Sofia just made it look like she was so happy and excited to
announce to the world that she already belonged to him. In the end, Daniel was not able to stop her.
Sofia turned the tablet off. She and Karina were the ones who sent those images and other proof. Sofia took a shaky breath.
trying to steady herself. She had thought exposing the affair would be empowering, a way to reim control, but the reality
was far from that.
It was as if the world around her had crumbled, leaving her standing in the wreckage of her own emotions. Relief, sadness,
anger, and fury mingled inside her like flowingva ready to devour her at any given moment.
She already knew that this would be the oue of her actions, so she easily calmed herself down. This is just the beginning,
she thought as her eyesnded on her phone not too far away.
1/3
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Chapter 18
However, just as she was about to pick it up and open it a hand grabbed her wrist. She looked up and found Alexander not too
far away from her
Out of nowhere, he pulled her into his arms.
Sohas tears blurred the room as she looked up at Mexander. His hand on her wrist felt like an anchor, grounding her amid
emotional chaos She didn¡¯t want him to see her like this, vulnerable and shattered, but there was a strangefort in the
warmth of his touch.
She could feel his steady heartbeat as he pulled her into his arms, the warmth enveloping her like a protective shield. It was a
safe haven in the middle of the storm inside her, a ce where she could let go of the facade she had carefully built. Sofia¡¯s
trembling breaths gradually found sce in the steadiness of Alexander¡¯s presence.
¡°Didn''t | tell you not to cry from another man, again?¡± His warm and mellowed voice echoed in her ears, breaking through the
silence. Despite the scolding, there was an understanding tone, a softness that eased the sharp edges of her pain.
Sofia pursed her lips, wanting to respond but finding herself speechless. Words seemed inadequate at that moment.
ht of Alexander, sensing her struggle, didn¡¯t press further. Instead, he held her close, allowing her to lean on him as the weight of
her emotions crumbled.
In his arms. Sotia felt a strange mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. She hated that he had witnessed her tears, yet there was
an undeniablefort in the way he offered silent support.
Sofia did not know how long she cried as she just let all of her emotions out. Finally, she thought inwardly.
Sofia had been waiting. She had been hiding her pain for the perfect time. She thought about seeing the two tangled in bed. and
the only thing that she could think of was letting them suffer in the worst possible way. She had the means to do everything in
one go, but she wanted to scorch the earth.
She wanted to make it big and bold. She wanted to take away something that they liked the most and watch them suffer. Slowly,
she gathered the evidence that she had against them. She worked with paparazzi, Karina, and Alexander just for this finale.
She waited for Daniel to make this proposal. Then she epted it and immediately let the world know about it..
On the very next day, she released all the evidence that she had against them.
And just as she expected, the media immediately turned to attack Charlotte. Sofia already timed the release of some paid
¡°keyboard¡¯ warrior that will analyze what happened in the past.
They will soon realize that it was Charlotte who wanted to drag Sofia down. They would soon realize that it was Charlotte who
would create some misunderstanding, making her fans bully Sofia and then immediately apologize, making herself look like the
victim.
By now, the news already reached the ears of Daniel¡¯s father-the very same father who never praised Daniel for his hard
work.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.
¡°Don¡¯t answer it,¡± Alexander¡¯s voice echoed as her phone started vibrating once again.
¡°That''s-¡± Sofia looked at the caller ID. It was Lawrence.
¡°Let me-¡±
¡°What?¡± Before Sofia could say another word, Alexander already answered the phone. Luckily, he pressed the loudspeaker
button, giving Sofia ess to what Lawrence was saying.
¡°Sofia, where are you? Have you seen the news? | will send Min to get you. You need toe to the mansion. There is no need
to believe what was on the news. | know that you knew Charlotte enough to understand that she will never betray you
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TE
Chapter 49
Chapter 49
¡°Did she answer your call?¡± Charlotte asked her father as she dialed Sofia¡¯s number again. Lawrence frowned, his face contorting into an ugly scowl.
¡°If you had listened to me, this would not have happened,¡± Lawrence said sternly.
¡°Father, is this really the time to me me?¡± Charlotte asked, her voice tinged with frustration.
Lawrence red at her. He had warned Charlotte about the repercussions of her rtionship with Daniel, but she never listened! ¡°It must be Enda.¡±
¡°Her grandmother?¡± Charlotte asked, perplexed. ¡°The timing is just perfect. She moved, and now something like this happened. Isn¡¯t it too obvious that this was Enda¡¯s doing?¡± Charlotte frowned. She never liked that old woman.
¡°Do you think this has something to do with her inheritance?¡±
¡°Possible,¡± Lawrence replied, now calling people in the media industry to try and remove those articles. There is nothing that money cannot buy, so it was pretty easy for Lawrence to talk to some of the executives of thosepanies and offer them a huge amount of money.
However, there were still some who did not even answer his call. He gritted his teeth as he thought about the effects of what just happened to Charlotte on Lawrence¡¯s credibility.
To Lawrence, this was all Enda¡¯s doing. That woman must have been waiting for this day toe. ¡°That woman!¡± he hissed. If he was right, then Sofia should have already known about this issue even before the proposal! Yet, she epted the proposal and even posted about it online.
Because of that, many people are now calling Charlotte or Caroline Locke a homewrecker. Surely, this would affect the shareholders'' opinions of Charlotte¡¯s father!
While Lawrence was trying to reach out to some of his friends in the industry, Charlotte was busy calling Daniel over and over again. However, Daniel seemed to have forgotten his promise to always answer her calls and had been ignoring her since the scandal appeared online.
¡°Miss Harper,¡± Charlotte''s PA called out.
¡°What?¡± she hissed in response.
¡°Miss Johnson has been¡ª¡±
¡°Do not answer it! Tell her I will fix everything!¡± Charlotte barked. ¡°But Miss, she¡ª¡±
¡°I said, do not answer it. Tell her I am busy or something and bring Min,¡± Charlotte called out to Lawrence¡¯s secretary. ¡°Tell the guards not to let anyone inside LH GROUP.¡±
When the first news erupted, she quickly came to see her father. At first, she was confident that her father could remove the news online before it spread. Sadly, she was wrong.
After the first news, the second news followed, and then there was a third and a fourth. At this time, Charlotte did not know how many articles had been published online about her cheating scandal.
¡°Tsk!¡± Why is Daniel not answering her calls? Was he trying to exin to Sofia? The images are already clear. They were kissing and holding each other¡¯s hands. Unless Sofia is a fool, there is no way for her to believe Daniel¡¯s words.
Yes, Sofia had always believed Charlotte''s tant lies in the past. She always indulged Charlotte with everything. She even damaged her rtionship with her grandmother because of Charlotte alone.
She bit her lower lip as she tried to call Sofia again. After she got up, intending to go to Sofia''s office to personally talk to her, another failure sank in.
¡°Where do you think you''re going?¡± Lawrence said.
¡°I am going to talk to Sofia,¡± Charlotte said.
¡°Don¡¯t waste your time. She¡¯s not in her office or her apartment,¡± Lawrence replied.
¡°I already asked Min to search for her, to no avail.¡±
¡°Finally! What took you so long to use that brain of yours?¡± Lawrence sneered. ¡°For the longest time, you were just a pretty face with no substance.¡±
¡°Dad, is something wrong?¡± Charlotte asked, her voice shaking.
Lawrence red at his daughter. While Charlotte was pretty, she had the brains of her mother. She¡¯s greedy, yet she could not scheme properly and openly had a rtionship with Daniel Beaumont, thinking Sofia would forgive her soon. But now the scandal was everywhere!
Harper spoke up, ¡°Two of your endorsements already canceled. If this continues, then the producer of your film might dy the release¡ª¡±
¡°Damn!¡± Charlotte cursed. ¡°Do you think I am scared of those people canceling endorsements? Do they truly think I care? Leave me alone. I will fire you next time I see your face!¡±
Harper immediately paled. However, she was already so used to Charlotte''s way of treating her, so she was not that scared anymore. Harper just calmly left the office.
¡°This is why I told you to avoid the show business industry,¡± Lawrence said after Harper left. ¡°One mistake and now everyone will call you a mistress.¡±
¡°Please Father, can we not talk about this now!¡± Charlotte sat back down, slumping onto the couch. Two endorsements do not actually matter. She could still sing and¡ª
The thought of singing only made her angrier. Sofia refused to write any songs for her, and Charlotte doubted that the woman would ever write another song for her.
Charlotte already took the drafts of the songs that Sofia had written for her. She knew they would do well on the charts, but now that seemed like a distant dream.
¡°Can you just let your PR team take care of this?¡± Lawrence asked. ¡°LH GROUP has a PR team that handles all of our problems.¡±
¡°I can¡¯t. However, I will still give it to them as he does not want the shareholders to think that he is using thepany for his gain. You have been siphoning money to help with my projects. Why can¡¯t you do something like that?¡±
¡°Having a rtionship with someone is not a mistake,¡± Charlotte mumbled. Was it her fault that she liked Daniel? Was it her fault that she fell for his charms? It was not. Charlotte would like to believe that she is just a victim of her current situation.
When her father did not answer her, she got up. ¡°I am leaving.¡±
¡°Min,¡± Lawrence immediately called his assistant. ¡°Ask someone to drive her back to the mansion.¡±
¡°I am not going to the mansion.¡±
¡°Where do you want to go? To Daniel? Do you truly think he has the time to take care of you after the scandal exploded?¡±
¡°That man should be sitting in his mother¡¯s room, whining. If he was not with his mother, then he should be with Sofia or attempting to find her. Do not delude yourself into thinking that you matter to him. Do¡ª¡±
Charlotte gritted her teeth as she listened to her father¡¯s words. However, she chose to ignore most of it. She clenched her hands into tight fists. Her father¡¯s words sounded reasonable, but she found it very hard to ept. Yes, right now, she was not Daniel''s priority.
¡°I need to go to my agency,¡± Charlotte said.
¡°You are going to the agency?¡±
¡°You are not fixing anything by letting the news disappear on its own,¡± Charlotte said firmly as she met her father¡¯s eyes.
¡°Given the situation and the current position that you are in,¡± Lawrence approached his daughter. ¡°You are now a liability. There is no fixing this. All you can do is disappear and hope that Daniel will marry you.¡±
¡°YOU CAN ONLY STAY AT HOME!¡± Lawrence bellowed. ¡°Cancel all your engagements and pay the fee. Then you can hope that a decent family will ept you or I can just send you to Spain or anywhere in Europe where you will start a new life away from everyone else.¡±
Disbelief shed in Charlotte¡¯s eyes. ¡°Father, this is¡ª¡±T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.
¡°That was not me asking for your permission. That was me giving you an order.¡±
Charlotte opened her mouth and attempted to say a word, but out of nowhere, tworge bodyguards walked into her father¡¯s office. Her eyes turned wide as realization sank into her brain.
¡°Father, what are you doing?¡± Charlotte asked as she took a step back. ¡°What do you think you''re doing?¡±
Chapter 50
Chapter 50
"Do you truly want to make this family theughing stock of society?" Daniel''s mother uttered in a more dramatic tone. Considering that she had fainted when she read the news, she was already considered restrained.
Daniel frowned but did nothing. Instead, he looked at his father sitting behind his desk.
"You really wanted to kill me, don''t you?" his mother said, clutching her chest. "Having a rtionship with your sister-inw? Are you not ashamed of yourself?"
"It wasn''t supposed to be like this," Daniel muttered, his hands balled into tight fists. It was supposed to be a quick affair. He was supposed to have Charlotte and then marry Sofia, living a double life. However, he soon changed his mind.
Seeing Sofia willing to take on her responsibilities made him reconsider his actions. He never nned to fullymit to Charlotte. He even nned to slowly eliminate Charlotte from his life.
"It was just sex, and a way to humiliate her," he mumbled.
"What did you just say?" his mother asked, her voice trembling with anger.
"Nothing," Daniel uttered.
"Then do you have anything to say?" Teresa Beaumont red at him.
"Hmph," she scoffed. "At least you are smart enough to know that you are wrong. Sofia hasn''t answered your calls, and clearly, this isn''t going away. The media might not be the worst thing for her reputation, but it''s still terrible for us."
Sofia was the perfect trophy wife, someone Teresa could brag to her circle of friends about. Teresa always believed that it was their job to treat and serve their men well. This was the reason why she hated that Sofia wanted to continue working after the marriage.
Daniel sighed and ran a hand through his hair, feeling the weight of the situation. His mother''s expectations were suffocating, but he knew how to navigate them. "I''ll handle it. I''ll talk to Sofia, and I''ll make things right," he assured her, trying to ease her worry.
Teresa Beaumont crossed her arms, her eyes cold. "You better. I won¡¯t tolerate any scandal tarnishing our family name. I had high hopes for you, Daniel, and this mess is not what I envisioned."
Daniel nodded, avoiding eye contact with his mother as he thought about how to salvage the situation. Teresa, on the other hand, continued her tirade, expressing her disdain for Sofia while paradoxically hoping she would be part of the family.
Then she started cursing Charlotte. "I don¡¯t know what you see in that woman. However, while Sofia is too independent, too focused on her career, her status alone is very suitable for this family," Teresa muttered. Then she added, "Meanwhile, that starlet Charlottecks what it takes. Daniel needs a woman who knows her ce and who can enhance his status. Charlotte doesn¡¯t fit that mold," Teresa remarked, her voice dripping with disapproval. "Given the chance, Sofia is more suitable for our family than Charlotte."
"However, you should have just dumped her since you actually wanted her sister! Do you truly want to sound like a fool to everyone? A man who wanted to have his cake and eat it too?" Teresa muttered. Aplished or not, Sofia needed to understand her priorities. A woman¡¯s duty is to support her husband, not overshadow him.
Daniel pursed his lips. He had been waiting for his father to say a word, but he didn¡¯t. He was simply sitting there, listening to Teresa as if affirming his thoughts. Teresa looked at her husband.
"Why don¡¯t you talk to him?" she asked. "I know you already tried to suppress the news, but your son needs you too."
"It¡¯s impossible to suppress everything," the old man Beaumont said. "The news was strategically released in the morning, and by now, the damage is done. However, it did not significantly affect the stock prices of the Beaumont Empire. After all, Alexander¡ª"
"Why are you talking about stock prices right now?" Teresa interrupted her husband, her eyes wide. "I wanted you to talk to your son!"
Daniel left the room. Talking to his father was pointless. His father was the type of person who would only put him down while bringing Alexander up. Daniel knew this fact a long time ago. Yet a part of him still thought it might change.
Daniel was not even disappointed, much less angry. For some reason, a part of him already expected this.
That says a lot about the kind of rtionship he had with his father.
"Where do you think you''re going?" Teresa immediately turned her attention to her son.
"Away."
"What?"
"I''m going to see Sofia and fix this," Daniel said as he turned off his phone. Charlotte had been trying to call him nonstop, but he did not want to talk to her. He was already tired as he had just arrived from a business trip. Instead of sleeping, he had to face a scandal like this. He gritted his teeth and opened his work phone.
This time, he dialed Alexander¡¯s number. As much as he disliked his brother, only Alexander could help him now.
After a few rings, Alexander finally answered. "Do you need something?" a rather gruff voice echoed on the other line. Daniel already knew that Alexander and Josef were not at work today. Since he didn¡¯t know Alexander¡¯s schedule, he assumed that he was somewhere traveling.
"I need your help with something."Original from N?velDrama.Org.
"About what?"
"I need you to find my fianc¨¦e¡¯s location," Daniel sighed. "I need to talk to her in person."
"Is it because of your scandal?" his tone suddenly changed.
"So you have seen it."
"Everyone has seen it," Alexander chuckled.
"Then you already know how much I need to talk to Sofia."
"Hmmmm..." Alexander let out another chuckle. "I do."
"Please ask Josef to find her and send me her location," Daniel said.
"Are you going to help me or not?" Daniel asked, frustration building.
Alexanderughed before he ended the call without waiting for his response. Daniel could only grit his teeth as he stared at his phone.
After getting into his car, he took a keypad phone that was hidden under the driver¡¯s seat. He checked the messages and just as he expected, there were already some telling him to call.
Without wasting time, he quickly dialed the number. "I need your help," Daniel said as the man on the other line answered. "I need Charlotte to leave this country, for a while at least."
There was a low chuckle on the other line. "So now, after you have eaten your fill, you would abandon my daughter?"
"It¡¯s either that or Sofia will never forgive me," Daniel said as he thought about the fact that Lawrence would do everything just to obtain Sofia¡¯s wealth. That man had been working with him since he discovered his rtionship with Charlotte. In fact, he had been actively scheming to make Sofia marry Daniel as soon as possible.
Lawrence knew that for Sofia to be able to obtain her inheritance, she needed to be married at the time of her birthday. This had been kept secret by both Sofia and her mother, but Eunice once told Lawrence about this a long time ago.
This was the reason why Lawrence allowed Daniel to be with Charlotte; he did not want to disrupt the peaceful life that Sofia had.
AIN: Deepfake: Using AI or artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to manipte visual content or images. This is usually done on videos but can be applied to photos as well.
Chapter 51
Chapter 51
Charlotte snorted upon hearing her father¡¯s words. ¡°Leave the country?¡± she smirked.
¡°A tour around the world,¡± Lawrence said as he sliced his steak. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t hurt for you to take a break.¡±
¡°Take a break? That¡¯s what smart people do when they''re in the middle of a scandal. They take a break, away from social media. People will soon forget.¡±
Again, Charlotte snorted. She didn¡¯t know where this wasing from, but beingbeled as a cheater and a traitor wouldn¡¯t be easy for a woman like her.
She had already denied the allegations online, and even Daniel¡¯s family had issued a statement, asserting it wasn¡¯t him. Some of her fans believed her, but others seemed to have be skeptical overnight, digging into her past posts.
They used her of getting Sofia in trouble and then acting like she was the one with the big heartter on to gain sympathy. It infuriated Charlotte so much that she asked her manager to issue another statement threatening to sue them.
¡°Do you think Enda will let you off?¡± Lawrence asked, his tone calm. ¡°That woman is well-known for her petty behavior in the industry. It wouldn¡¯t surprise me if she suddenly came up with another scandal to damage your reputation.¡±
Charlotte gritted her teeth. Enda... Enda Lockhart was indeed a formidable adversary.
¡°Sofia still isn¡¯t answering my calls¡¡±
¡°I will see her at the office tomorrow,¡± Lawrence uttered. ¡°She can¡¯t escape this forever. No need to worry about her.¡±
¡°What?¡± Charlotte narrowed her eyes.
¡°It¡¯s Enda you should be worried about,¡± Lawrence said. Now that Eunice was not in their hands, it would be challenging to fight against Enda. Lawrence predicted Enda¡¯s retaliation soon. He had been working hard to gain approval from shareholders, and Charlotte¡¯s scandal wouldn¡¯t ruin this.
¡°I already scheduled a flight. First ss to Rome. You''ll be visiting the Vatican, taking pictures, and acting as if you''re unbothered,¡± he added before he savored the steak.
¡°What about Sofia?¡± Charlotte asked. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of her.¡±
Charlotte frowned. Both Sofia and Daniel weren¡¯t answering her calls, and Lawrence wasn¡¯t letting her leave the mansion. ¡°Alright,¡± she uttered before getting up. ¡°I¡¯m done eating.¡±
¡°You haven''t eaten anything,¡± Lawrence immediately pointed out.
¡°I¡¯m full,¡± she said before walking out of the dining room. The moment she arrived in her room, she quickly dialed a number. ¡°Hmmm,¡± a woman¡¯s voice answered her.
¡°Dad is kicking me out,¡± Charlotte said.
¡°That man¡¯s insane,¡± Lianne Ramirez, Charlotte¡¯s mother, immediately replied.
¡°Are you drunk?¡± Charlotte looked at the time. It was not even nine in the evening yet! Almost immediately, she started regretting calling her very own mother. Just what was she expecting to happen?
¡°Just a ss of wine is all.¡±
Charlotte did not believe that. However, she could only sigh in response. Just what was she expecting from a raging alcoholic? ¡°Your father only cares about the money,¡± Lianne uttered. ¡°And his reputation. Both of us know this.¡± Sadly, that was true, Charlotte knew it, and everyone who knew Lawrence knew it.
¡°I can¡¯t leave.¡±
¡°Why?¡±
¡°I need to talk to Daniel.¡±
¡°Ah, so you believe he will save you?¡±
¡°He said the same thing when I was pregnant with you,¡± Lianne chuckled. For some reason, Charlotte could easily picture her mother¡¯s current state. She must be on the couch, a wine ss in her hand, watching TV. Her hair was greasy, her apartment was dry.
Resentment shed in Charlotte¡¯s eyes. Again... Just what was she expecting? ¡°Do you want me to talk to him?¡± Lianne asked.
Charlotte shook her head. ¡°No.¡± It would be pointless. Her father had this obsession with the LH GROUP. She realized this when she was a teenager, and her father told her never to slight Sofia, or he would throw her into the streets, and she would probably end up like her mother.
That scared Charlotte to death. Since then, she has started hating Sofia. Why couldn¡¯t she ever disagree with her and do everything she wanted to do? Why couldn''t she express her real emotions around that woman? What was so special about her?
Charlotte quickly realized her father was after Sofia¡¯s wealth. Because of this, Charlotte slowly learned to make Sofia dance in her palm. Then she vowed to take everything away from Sofia.
¡°Then... why are you calling me? You know I don¡¯t have money. Your father owes me child support for years-¡±
BEEP Charlotte ended the call without waiting for her mother to finish her words. Then she promptly blocked her mother¡¯s number.
That woman had been insane for as long as she could remember, yet she still called her. Why?
Because she thought she could talk to her without being judged! She was her mother, after all! Almost immediately, she recalled Sofia¡¯s mother-Eunice Lockhart.
That woman was kind, nice, warm¡ªeverything that Lianne was not. Despite being her stepdaughter, Eunice never once treated her as if she were not a part of her family. However, instead of feeling grateful, Charlotte could only feel anger and jealousy.
Why did Sofia deserve to have a mother like Eunice? Why was Sofia born into the Lockhart Family while she was born from an alcoholic mother and a father who only cared about something that wasn¡¯t even his!
Charlotte fought inwardly, staring at the phone that wrapped around the past in aforting embrace.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.
She sighed in response, a spark of determination in her eyes. She headed forward with a napkin to wipe away her tears. ¡°Let¡¯s do this,¡± she murmured.
Chapter 52
Chapter 52
Sofia was unsure what she would do next. The scandal had shaken her, but she was determined to face it head-on. She knew that hiding from it wouldn''t solve anything.
As she drank another sip of her coffee, she tried to focus on the tasks ahead. What about Charlotte? She bit her lower lip, but she couldn''t avoid the thought.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.
There were too many scenarios to consider, too many pieces to fit together. She was not willing to let her business suffer because of this. She was determined to visit the house and understand what had been happening.
"Good morning, Miss Lockhart. Old Mr. Beaumont had been trying to reach you since the scandal erupted. I told him you were not taking calls at the moment but that you would call him back when you are avable. He is talking about the business in Dubai," Josef informed her, talking about an uing business venture.
Sofia''s thoughts scattered. Hearing the specifics, she expected Mr. Beaumont¡ªDaniel¡¯s father¡ªto talk about Daniel, but instead, he was calling about an uing business venture.
¡°That reminds me. I will need to check Dubai¡¯swork,¡± Alexander''s words woke her up from her stupor. ¡°For a week.¡±
¡°Oh, and the business in Dubai,¡± Josef added. Her day wasing together, and she couldn''t help but wonder if he would be there. Wouldn¡¯t it be nice to introduce him to the team soon enough? Josef finally left for the night.
"Shall we go ahead and continue what we were talking about earlier over wine?" Alexander asked suddenly after they had enjoyed dinner.
Sofia gave him a knowing smile, yet she shook her head in response. ¡°I have a very big day tomorrow. I need to rest,¡± she said, gently declining. She could only wonder what stories would unfold for her tomorrow.
Just as Sofia expected, the images that were released online did not disappear overnight, but some of the wonder about Charlotte and Daniel did. She knew it must be Daniel and Lawrence¡¯s work, but she did not care. She still had a lot of things to focus on.
The next morning, Sofia looked at her reflection in her rearview mirror. Alexander had insisted on driving her to her office, but she did not want to create more problems, so she chose to drive one of his cars instead. After making sure that her makeup was perfect, she grabbed her bag and walked out of the car, heading towards the parking lot that led to the elevator.
She frowned when she heard a familiar voice. She looked behind her and found Charlotte not too far away. Despite herrge ck shades and hood that covered her face, Sofia immediately recognized the woman she had once treated as a sister.
For a moment, Sofia wondered why this woman was here instead of being in Europe. Josef had told her that Charlotte was supposed to leavest night. Sadly, Sofia had no choice but to face the situation head-on.
She immediately turned around and started walking towards the elevator, the sound of her heels echoing against the floor. ¡°Wait,¡± Charlotte said as she ran behind Sofia. ¡°Wait, can we talk? Wait!¡± Charlotte grabbed Sofia¡¯s arm. ¡°Please.¡±
¡°This ce is full of CCTV,¡± Sofia said. She quickly made her way towards a well-lit area with good and working cameras. She was not foolish enough to let this woman try and turn the situation around.
¡°It was a mistake,¡± Charlotte uttered. ¡°Daniel and I made the mistake of falling in love.¡±
Sofia snorted. So, Charlotte came here to tell her that they were in love? For some reason, Sofia thought the woman was here to deny everything or apologize.
When Sofia woke up that morning, she was already aware of the statement that had been issued by the Beaumont Family and Charlotte¡¯s agent.
It was not them.
Apparently, someone used their photos to create a believable deep fake to cause some problems. They already threatened some legal measures against the person who was trying to ruin their reputation.
Obviously, this already attracted the sympathy of manyizens, and some even apologized to Charlotte. So, denying it would be to Charlotte¡¯s benefit.
When Sofia said nothing, Charlotte¡¯s tears started falling from her eyes. ¡°I love him. The reason why he never broke up with you is that he didn¡¯t want to see you hurt. We don¡¯t want to hurt you.¡±
Really? Now, it was Sofia¡¯s fault? Was this woman delusional? ¡°Were you expecting me to p you?¡± Sofia suddenly asked. She could not help but think that this woman was trying to audition for a show. She wanted to turn around and check for a camera crew nearby but chose not to.
¡°You can have him,¡± Sofia said before leaning towards Charlotte until their faces were just inches apart. ¡°He is all yours.¡±
Sofia did not let her emotions get the best of her. She used her other hand to remove Charlotte¡¯s hand from her arm. Then she held her head high as she walked towards the elevator, leaving Charlotte behind.
The moment the elevator doors closed, Sofia¡¯s calm face finally showed some emotion. She leaned against the walls of the elevator, clutching her chest. She did not know what Charlotte¡¯s moves were, but she was certain that it was not anything good.
Miss Amores weed her as the elevator doors opened. ¡°I have been trying to call you.¡±
¡°I am fine,¡± Sofia said as she epted the coffee that Miss Amores handed her.
¡°Daniel is waiting for you. Our guards tried to lock him out, but he threatened them.¡±
Sofia frowned. ¡°Did Charlotte send him here?¡±
¡°It seems so,¡± Miss Amores replied.
Was she trying to apologize and get her back? Was that her motive all along? Sofia wondered.
¡°Keep security on standby. I will take care of this,¡± Sofia said, and without saying another word, she walked inside her office, spotting Daniel¡¯s red face.
¡°Why aren¡¯t you answering my calls?¡± Daniel muttered.
¡°Stoping to my office more frequently and treating my staff as if they were yours. You cannot threaten them,¡± Sofia said, nonchnce apparent in her voice. Obviously, this reaction was enough to surprise Daniel.
¡°It was not me,¡± Daniel said, standing up from Sofia¡¯s chair.
Sofia ced the velvet box on the table. ¡°You may take the ring and leave.¡±
¡°Are you breaking up with me?¡± Daniel asked, his voice rising.
¡°Are you expecting me to wee you with open arms?¡± Sofia snapped back. ¡°Are you going to break up with me over some fake photos?¡± Daniel asked, anger and disbelief shing in his eyes.
This man can act, Sofia thought inwardly. ¡°Do you really think you can fool me, Daniel? Even an expert said that it was perfectly...¡± Sofia smirked.
¡°Leave. I don¡¯t want to see your face ever again.¡±
¡°I told you it wasn¡¯t me. Sofia, this¡ª¡±
¡°Why don¡¯t you go back to your mother and cry like the baby that you are? Perhaps she will be convinced that they were fakes,¡± Sofia said.
¡°You¡ª¡±
¡°You must have forgotten one thing, Daniel. I work in the fashion industry. I work with photographers. I know how to spot a fake photo.¡±
Daniel frowned.
¡°I already told my grandmother that I am canceling the engagement and will not marry you,¡± Sofia said. She walked past him, but he quickly grabbed her arm, halting her steps.
¡°Don¡¯t you trust me?¡±
¡°This?¡± Sofia looked at him. ¡°Do you really think that I could do that to you? Daniel, we have been together for years. Why would I suddenly do something so crazy when we are already nning our marriage?¡±
¡°Alex¡ª¡±
¡°I told you not to bring him into this. Now why would he do that to you!¡± Sofia asked.
¡°To attack me,¡± Daniel replied.
¡°Why would he see you as a threat? My father favored him, but our marriage would help with mypany. If anything, only Alexander would reap the benefit of our breakup.¡±
Sofia narrowed her eyes. It seemed that Daniel was right about one thing. Alexander had a hand in this as well. ¡°You really are full of yourself, Daniel. Why would your brother waste his time on you when he is already managing thepany? Do you truly believe that you are a threat?¡±
Again, Sofia snorted. ¡°Charlotte was in the parking lot earlier. She told me how in love you were.¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡°She told me the reason why you didn¡¯t dare to break up with me was that she did not want you to hurt me. Both of you did not want to hurt me.¡± Sofia smiled. ¡°So let me do the honor of breaking up with you instead.¡±
4o
Chapter 53
Chapter 53
Sofia thought back to what Alexander had told her the night before. She was determined to focus on her work today and put everything else aside.
She drank another sip of coffee and sighed. What do you want now, Charlotte? She thought to herself. She didn¡¯t want to be called crazy, but things were different now. If people found out the truth...Original content from N?velDrama.Org.
If people found out that we are really over. Look, you¡¯re the celebrity. I have no reputation to gain, but you betrayed your own sister. Do you really think you still have a ce here?
Charlotte bit her lower lip. He was partly right.
You¡¯re not like Sofia. Even if she decided to stop working today and focus on being a wife and mother, she would still be able to livefortably. She could spend the rest of her life without working.
Charlotte snorted when she heard Daniel. Better than me? As if you could say that when you were with me. Charlotte had hoped that this man would choose her. She believed that she was better than Sofia in all aspects that mattered.
¡°You said you would marry me,¡± Charlotte said.
¡°Do you really think that will happen now?¡± Daniel loosened his tie. ¡°Look, I know I got your hopes up, but I realized that you are not the type that should be in my family.¡±
Charlotte immediately narrowed her eyes. ¡°The Beaumont Family will never ept you,¡± Daniel added.
To Charlotte, his words were akin to a dull knife that was slowly being stabbed in her chest. However, instead of pain, she could only feel anger. She felt her blood boil from intense fury.
At the end of the day, Daniel chose Sofia because of their families. Because Sofia belonged to his world. Isn¡¯t thisical?
¡°Honestly, what were you expecting?¡± Daniel said, his tone cold. ¡°It is best that we do not see each other again after this. What we had is not that serious. Is there a need to ruin our future because of a mistake? Apse in our judgment?¡±
Charlotte stood there like a statue. At this point, she did not even recognize the man before her.
¡°Why was it too easy for you to say that? Was it really just apse of judgment? Was it just a mistake?¡±
¡°Please, Charlotte,¡± Daniel said. ¡°I¡¯m not sending you away because of Sofia. I¡¯m tired. I didn¡¯t have any sleepst night.¡± He took another ss of wine. ¡°My secretary can drive you back to your father.¡±
¡°Send me abroad?¡± Charlotte asked.
Daniel didn¡¯t answer. Instead, he sat on his couch and simply ignored her question.
¡°So, you want me to leave the US so you can fix your rtionship with Sofia and she will agree to marry you,¡± Charlotte said as the realization hit her like a bolt of lightning.
At the end of the day, Sofia still won. Now, Lawrence and Daniel are sacrificing her just to appease Sofia! At the end of the day, Charlotte was simply a pawn in this game.
Charlotte snorted. Her anger was about to swallow her whole. What was so special about that woman? She only had her money and family name! Why was everyone choosing her?
¡°I am warning you,¡± Daniel said. ¡°Do not attempt to talk to Sofia again. I don¡¯t want you toplicate the situation further. I will be marrying Sofia, and if you still want to be with me, then you have to ept the fact that you will remain in the background.¡±
As a mistress, Charlotte thought inwardly.
She gritted her teeth. She wanted to p Daniel and hurt him in return, but that would be too simple. Charlotte was never someone who liked to y it cool and nice.
No. She wanted to get even.
¡°Don''t you dare tell her about my ns,¡± Daniel reminded her as if he could read her mind. ¡°Your father knew about it. Unless, of course, you want your father to suffer the repercussions of our actions along with me. But you wouldn¡¯t want that, would you?¡±
Charlotte bit her lower lip so hard.
¡°You will be nothing without him,¡± Daniel said before he leaned back and closed his eyes. It took her a couple of minutes to collect herself.
The two most important people in her life just threw her away like dirty garbage to save themselves. This was the harsh reality that pped her in the face. Without saying another word, she grabbed her bag and walked out of his apartment, only to find Harper waiting for her outside.
¡°How did you find me?¡± she asked, wondering if her father sent Harper.
¡°Miss Allo, leave me alone,¡± Charlotte stated, walking towards the elevator. Since she was wearing a hood, not many people would recognize her, and she was confident that the security in the apartment building would be strict against the media. After all, this was considered a high-end apartment building in Illinois.
¡°There is something that might help you,¡± Harper said.
¡°What?¡± Charlotte finally asked.
Harper smiled. Not long after, Charlotte found herself in an unfamiliar van. She was certain that it did not belong to her father, as it was simple and crude. It was not something that a celebrity like her would typically use.
She frowned, wondering how Harper was able to obtain it.
Harper handed her an envelope. Charlotte quickly opened it, and almost immediately, her expression changed.
¡°It¡¯s all here,¡± Charlotte frowned. ¡°Where did you get this?¡±
¡°I believe that is not important. The most important thing is that it belonged to Daniel Beaumont,¡± Harper replied.
Charlotte read the information that was included. ¡°Why did you give me this?¡±
¡°You can use it,¡± Harper said.
¡°You are working for someone,¡± Charlotte red at her PA. ¡°Who? Sofia?¡±
¡°I cannot tell you who I am working for, but I can tell you that it was not Miss Sofia,¡± Harper answered without batting an eye.
¡°So whoever it is that you are working with wants me to get pregnant?¡± Charlotte narrowed her eyes. She checked the remaining contents of the envelope and realized that there was something else in there. It was a check. ¡°Ten million dors?¡±
¡°Your career is probably dead unless you do some things that are against your values,¡± Harper said. ¡°Ten million is not a small amount. It will help you out. Moreover, having a Beaumont in your stomach is going to be your ticket to an even better life.¡±
Charlotte said nothing.
¡°If you choose to do this, then you will be known as the woman who was the mother of the first grandchild of the Beaumont Family,¡± Harper said.
¡°Aren''t you scared that I will tell Daniel about this?¡±
¡°Will that benefit you?¡± Harper responded. ¡°Will your loyalty change his mind?¡±
Sofia thought back to what Alexander had told her the night before. She was determined to focus on her work today and put everything else aside.
She drank another sip of coffee and sighed. What do you want now, Charlotte? She thought to herself. She didn¡¯t want to be called crazy, but things were different now. If people found out the truth...
If people found out that we are really over. Look, you¡¯re the celebrity. I have no reputation to gain, but you betrayed your own sister. Do you really think you still have a ce here?
Charlotte bit her lower lip. He was partly right.
You¡¯re not like Sofia. Even if she decided to stop working today and focus on being a wife and mother, she would still be able to livefortably. She could spend the rest of her life without working.
Charlotte snorted when she heard Daniel. Better than me? As if you could say that when you were with me. Charlotte had hoped that this man would choose her. She believed that she was better than Sofia in all aspects that mattered.
¡°You said you would marry me,¡± Charlotte said.
¡°Do you really think that will happen now?¡± Daniel loosened his tie. ¡°Look, I know I got your hopes up, but I realized that you are not the type that should be in my family.¡±
Charlotte immediately narrowed her eyes. ¡°The Beaumont Family will never ept you,¡± Daniel added.
To Charlotte, his words were akin to a dull knife that was slowly being stabbed in her chest. However, instead of pain, she could only feel anger. She felt her blood boil from intense fury.
At the end of the day, Daniel chose Sofia because of their families. Because Sofia belonged to his world. Isn¡¯t thisical?
¡°Honestly, what were you expecting?¡± Daniel said, his tone cold. ¡°It is best that we do not see each other again after this. What we had is not that serious. Is there a need to ruin our future because of a mistake? Apse in our judgment?¡±
Charlotte stood there like a statue. At this point, she did not even recognize the man before her.
¡°Why was it too easy for you to say that? Was it really just apse of judgment? Was it just a mistake?¡±
¡°Please, Charlotte,¡± Daniel said. ¡°I¡¯m not sending you away because of Sofia. I¡¯m tired. I didn¡¯t have any sleepst night.¡± He took another ss of wine. ¡°My secretary can drive you back to your father.¡±
¡°Send me abroad?¡± Charlotte asked.
Daniel didn¡¯t answer. Instead, he sat on his couch and simply ignored her question.
¡°So, you want me to leave the US so you can fix your rtionship with Sofia and she will agree to marry you,¡± Charlotte said as the realization hit her like a bolt of lightning.
At the end of the day, Sofia still won. Now, Lawrence and Daniel are sacrificing her just to appease Sofia! At the end of the day, Charlotte was simply a pawn in this game.
Charlotte snorted. Her anger was about to swallow her whole. What was so special about that woman? She only had her money and family name! Why was everyone choosing her?
¡°I am warning you,¡± Daniel said. ¡°Do not attempt to talk to Sofia again. I don¡¯t want you toplicate the situation further. I will be marrying Sofia, and if you still want to be with me, then you have to ept the fact that you will remain in the background.¡±
As a mistress, Charlotte thought inwardly.
She gritted her teeth. She wanted to p Daniel and hurt him in return, but that would be too simple. Charlotte was never someone who liked to y it cool and nice.
No. She wanted to get even.
¡°Don''t you dare tell her about my ns,¡± Daniel reminded her as if he could read her mind. ¡°Your father knew about it. Unless, of course, you want your father to suffer the repercussions of our actions along with me. But you wouldn¡¯t want that, would you?¡±
Charlotte bit her lower lip so hard.
¡°You will be nothing without him,¡± Daniel said before he leaned back and closed his eyes. It took her a couple of minutes to collect herself.
The two most important people in her life just threw her away like dirty garbage to save themselves. This was the harsh reality that pped her in the face. Without saying another word, she grabbed her bag and walked out of his apartment, only to find Harper waiting for her outside.
¡°How did you find me?¡± she asked, wondering if her father sent Harper.
¡°Miss Allo, leave me alone,¡± Charlotte stated, walking towards the elevator. Since she was wearing a hood, not many people would recognize her, and she was confident that the security in the apartment building would be strict against the media. After all, this was considered a high-end apartment building in Illinois.
¡°There is something that might help you,¡± Harper said.
¡°What?¡± Charlotte finally asked.
Harper smiled. Not long after, Charlotte found herself in an unfamiliar van. She was certain that it did not belong to her father, as it was simple and crude. It was not something that a celebrity like her would typically use.
She frowned, wondering how Harper was able to obtain it.
Harper handed her an envelope. Charlotte quickly opened it, and almost immediately, her expression changed.
¡°It¡¯s all here,¡± Charlotte frowned. ¡°Where did you get this?¡±
¡°I believe that is not important. The most important thing is that it belonged to Daniel Beaumont,¡± Harper replied.
Charlotte read the information that was included. ¡°Why did you give me this?¡±
¡°You can use it,¡± Harper said.
¡°You are working for someone,¡± Charlotte red at her PA. ¡°Who? Sofia?¡±
¡°I cannot tell you who I am working for, but I can tell you that it was not Miss Sofia,¡± Harper answered without batting an eye.
¡°So whoever it is that you are working with wants me to get pregnant?¡± Charlotte narrowed her eyes. She checked the remaining contents of the envelope and realized that there was something else in there. It was a check. ¡°Ten million dors?¡±
¡°Your career is probably dead unless you do some things that are against your values,¡± Harper said. ¡°Ten million is not a small amount. It will help you out. Moreover, having a Beaumont in your stomach is going to be your ticket to an even better life.¡±
Charlotte said nothing.
¡°If you choose to do this, then you will be known as the woman who was the mother of the first grandchild of the Beaumont Family,¡± Harper said.
¡°Aren''t you scared that I will tell Daniel about this?¡±
¡°Will that benefit you?¡± Harper responded. ¡°Will your loyalty change his mind?¡±
Chapter 54
Chapter 54
Atoa Amores handed Sofia the files needed for signing to the LH Design headquarters. Her responses had ceased, and her schedule for the next few weeks was packed.
Sofia nodded and skimmed through the papers. They had already discussed the details of the winter show, and now she was working on the spring collection.
Fashion was not something Sofia took lightly. She had always been passionate about it, and now as the head of LH Design, she was determined to bring new ideas to the table.
The winter show preparations were done, but Sofia''s focus had already shifted to the uing spring collection. The design team was buzzing with ideas, and Sofia was excited about the challenges thaty ahead. However, her personal life caused her stress. She was managing the responsibilities of her new job and her engagement to Daniel Beaumont.
"Spring Collection. They''ve got some bold ideas that I think caught everyone''s eye," Miss Amoresmented.
"As the new CEO, they had to choose a new Creative Director and promote a few other staff. She was already in the process of picking the person who would rece her position," Sofia said, smiling. "Let''s show LH Design''s creativity and craftsmanship."Original from N?velDrama.Org.
"Is there anything else I should be aware of?" Miss Amores asked.
"Any more questions about the spring collection?"
"No," Sofia said. "Now, call everyone for a meeting. It''s time to show everyone that the scandal did not affect her. Miss Amores nodded and left the room.
As she was preparing for the meeting, Sofia noticed the woman standing behind Miss Amores. It was none other than Teresa Beaumont.
"Miss," Miss Amores started, but Teresa walked into Sofia¡¯s office as if it were hers.
"I see you''ve opened your office to visitors," Teresa smiled before she turned towards Miss Amores. "Coffee with two sugars, please."
Sofia narrowed her eyes at Teresa. How dare shee here and act like she owned the ce? "Give her coffee," Sofia instructed Miss Amores, then got up and walked towards where Teresa was sitting. "I never expected to see you sitting in my office without an appointment."
"As your mother-inw¡ª"
"Ex-mother-inw," Sofia corrected. She was not in the mood to act cordial with someone like this. Almost immediately, Teresa¡¯s expression changed.
"You are not breaking up with Daniel," Teresa insisted.
Sofia smiled but did not say a word. Instead, she sat opposite the woman. "Are you here to threaten me?" she asked.
"I would never do such a thing."
"Then why are you here, Mrs. Beaumont?" Sofia asked, her voice calm. "Because I don''t remember having an appointment with you."
"Can''t Ie without an appointment? After all¡ª"
"Your son cheated on me," Sofia said. "I don''t think you are in any position to act like nothing happened. Unless you are here to threaten me." Sofia couldn''t fathom why this woman was acting hostile towards her.
"I know it was you who led the scandal," Teresa said. "Just this alone is enough to ruin your credibility. You intend to harm the Beaumont Empire by epting the proposal and releasing the scandal the very next day. If I release this to the media¡ª"
"Ah," Sofia nodded. She leaned back and crossed her legs. So... she was able to figure it out. Sadly, she has no proof of this matter. Sofia smiled and looked at Miss Amores, who just arrived with Teresa¡¯s coffee. Seeing this, Teresa added, "Our team was able to confirm that the images are fake. It was not Daniel. There was no cheating."
"If there was no cheating, then may I know why you are here, Mrs. Beaumont?" Sofia asked, the smile on her face not vanishing. "Because right now you sound so desperate for this marriage. Am I missing something?"
Teresa narrowed her eyes at Sofia. She never expected Sofia to back down and immediately warm up to her. She was only here to inform Sofia that she knew about this woman¡¯s scheme.
"Daniel is going to marry you... and you are going to walk down that aisle with him," Teresa dered.
Hearing this, Sofia frowned. She could not understand why this woman had the confidence to actually do this kind of thing. However, now that Sofia carefully thought about it, she quickly realized that Teresa seemed so used to doing something like this.
Does this mean she has been doing this for a while now? If so, does this mean all the things that Daniel has achieved in the past were not actually something that he did on his own? Sofia did not know that Daniel actually had a mother who would do everything to protect him.
"And if I say no?" Sofia asked.
"You see..." Teresa smiled. "Daniel had leukemia when he was younger. Then he had depression and for a while, he had be suicidal."
"You are going to use mental health to scare me?" Sofia abhorred these kinds of people.
If she was right, Teresa would simply twist the narrative against Sofia. These days, gaining sympathy from social media is easy. One could easily spin a sob story of a broken-hearted man who was willing to do everything for the woman that he loved, who unfortunately left him because of something that he did not do.
"I''m trying to tell you that my son would not be able to handle all this stress that this rtionship and scandal are giving him. I hope that Miss Lockhart understands that my son has always done what he could. He grew up insecure as his father alwayspared him to his older brother."
Sofia snorted. She did not want to hear this nonsense anymore. At first, she thought this woman was just trying to intimidate her, but now she was actually going to use her son¡¯s life as a wager in her wicked game.
Why was she willing to do this just for Daniel to marry Sofia? Was she simply twisted or was there something else happening? Was this the actual reason Alexander chose to marry her?
Chapter 55
¡°Howical," Sofia sneered as she looked at the older woman before her. ¡°I did not intend to ruin your son. All I wanted was to leave the rtionship. I don¡¯t want you forcing my hand." She could not help but smile. This woman thought that something like this would be enough to intimidate her.
Was she banking on the fact that Sofia liked Daniel in the past? What a wicked woman!
¡°Whether I am forcing your hand or not,¡± Teresa smiled as she got up. ¡°Only time will tell.¡± She started walking towards the door. ¡°Ah,¡± she stopped walking. ¡°Did you know that your father died of apparent suicide as well?¡±
Sofia froze. No. Her father did not.
Seeing her reaction, Teresa smirked. ¡°I really hope you cane by sometime for the wedding nning. I am certain that Daniel would be eager that you decided to actually marry him after everything.¡±
Sofia narrowed her eyes at the woman¡¯s back. She never thought that Daniel¡¯s mother would bepletely different from her expectations. On the outside, Teresa looked like she did not know anything about business. She had overlooked the fact that she was able to stay married to a Beaumont for years!
Simply put, this woman was not simple! However, she is not going to let that woman win!
¡°That woman might be a member of the Triad,¡± Alexander said the moment she told him about Teresa. After the woman left, she focused on her job and chose to forget about her threats. Then she asked Alexander toe get her as they needed to undergo a few treatments with Hugo.
She was scheduled to have the treatment the other day but had to postpone it because of her current circumstances. As much as possible, she did not want to be seen with Alexander at that very crucial moment.
¡°The Hong Kong Triad?¡± Sofia frowned. This waspletely unexpected!
¡°I had suspicions that she is connected to Dr. Mch and might be the one who poisoned my mother.¡±
¡°Are you saying that she is-¡±
¡°She was my father¡¯s mistress. He got her pregnant when my mother was on her deathbed.¡±
Sofia did not know how to react. She stared at his handsome side profile as the car moved through the streets of Illinois. He looked rather serious, but this was nothing new as he would sometimes have this face, especially when talking about business.
¡°I am fine,¡± he looked at her, meeting her eyes before he suddenly reached out and held her hand. ¡°If it would be that easy, I would not have asked for your cooperation.¡±
Sofia¡¯s lips thinned. He was actually right. If this were easy, she would not have agreed to marry him. However, she did not know howplicated this was when she chose to marry him. At that time, all she could see was a dark abyss brought upon by her anger.
Now, she realized that making a decision while angry was a bad move.
So, does she regret it?
The simple answer is no. Alexander is definitely a very good ally. It would be hard if they were enemies.
¡°Hugo found something that could help you out. Let¡¯s hope it will be good,¡± he promptly changed the topic.
¡°Right... of course,¡± she immediately nodded. ¡°Thank you.¡± The poison alone is something that she found very difficult to handle. Luckily, Alexander had many connections. ¡°Although this makes me wonder.¡±
¡°Hm?¡± he raised an eyebrow.
¡°Did you suspect that I too... have it?¡± she asked.
¡°Yes,¡± he answered without batting an eyelid. ¡°I suspected that you have been poisoned.¡±
She nodded in response. If only it would be that easy to prove who did it. If only she had a way to trace Dr. Mch¡¯s connections. She turned her head away as she thought about the connection between Dr. Mch and Teresa. ¡°Do you think the reason why Teresa has been so confident that she could do something to me is because of her connections?¡±
Now, everything seemed to click!
Connections with the Mafia could easily boost one¡¯s confidence!
However, does this mean that her life is going to be in danger from now on?
¡°Do not worry, you are staying with me. It would be hard for her to track us.¡±
¡°Do you have someone follow us around?¡± she asked. She had been spending some time with him, but she had yet to notice anyone tailing her!
¡°There have been a few instances of people following behind us, but none of them seeded,¡± he smirked. ¡°Beaumont has a team of people working for us in secret. Deleting our social media presence, dealing with scandals, taking care of business, and everything that you could think of. Just like LH Group, Beaumont Empire has developed a team to defend and protect us all the time.¡±
Sofia nodded. She knew that her grandmother always had people following her around. She mentioned this thest time that they met. Speaking of her grandmother, Sofia sighed.
After Teresa visited her, she immediately called Enda only to be told that she was already out of the country! She was on a jet to the Maldives!
Sofia felt helpless about her grandmother, but a part of her wondered if Enda was actually telling her the truth. At the time of the call, Sofia chose not to ask any more questions. If her grandmother wanted her to know, then she would probably immediately tell Sofia!
¡°It could be from anyone. From Lawrence or Daniel or even Charlotte. So, I have actually offended a lot of peopletely,¡± she said, realizing she does not even know who is trying to hurt her anymore.
¡°Hmmm...¡± Alexander nodded. ¡°Either way, Teresa is currently not making huge moves. She would not want to attract any attention now that her son is in the spotlight.¡±
¡°Does your father know?¡± she asked.
¡°Perhaps,¡± he shrugged in response. ¡°Sadly, I stopped caring a long time ago about his thoughts.¡±
Sofia sighed inwardly. Right now, she realized something that she never thought of before.
They have nock of money or properties or things that could attract anyone¡¯s envy, but their family dynamics are extremelyplicated.
¡°Ah... here we are...¡± Alexander said as the car entered what looked like an ordinary parking lot of a building. However, the moment they entered, darkness immediately surrounded the car before she saw some LED lights around them.
Then she began to wonder about the driver. How did he know about the car park? How did he know this ce? This made her more curious about the man beside her.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.
¡°Your thoughts?¡± Alexander asked, breaking her train of thought. ¡°You seem lost.¡±
¡°I was just wondering,¡± she said, meeting his gaze. ¡°How did you find this ce?¡±
¡°Today¡¯s meeting was from Hugo,¡± he answered.
Chapter 56
Chapter 56
Chapter 56
Apparently, that is not even important. Whoever it was that he was hiding from was not someone she should know. While Sofia
had many assumptions, she also knew that Hugo would not verify anything
o she chose to close her mouth and focus on the treatment. Sot eyed therge testing machine in front of her. Hugo had
mentioned some fancy names earlier, but at the end of the day, they were testing machines meant to test poison
¡°We are ready,¡± Hugo said as he gestured for her to walk toward the patient bed, where they were going to give her the first dose
of treatment. After the treatment, weakening of the body is normal. Call me if something happens¡±
¡°Something like what?¡± Alexander asked
¡°If she were to start puking blood?¡±
¡°No.¡±
¡°Tam kidding, Only one mouse experienced that, but that was because it was already so old.¡±
For some re
sofia did not find that funny at all. She finally sat on the bed and stared at the various vials in front of her
¡°Fever and muscle pam are the worst things that could happen to a human.¡± Hugo said. ¡°Since the poison was still new to your
blood, it did not cause any damage, so getting rid of it should be easy.¡±
Soha nodded andy down, her gaze fixed on the ceiling.
¡°Now, calm down. | will start with the treatment.¡±
¡°Do you need me to hold your hand?¡± Alexander suddenly asked as he stood beside her bed.
¡°Uhno¡± She was not really scared of needles or something like that.
¡°What do you mean, hold her hand? Do you think she¡¯s a child or something?¡± Hugo rolled his eyes. Seeing Alexander''s
expression, Solia suddenly said. ¡°Yes. | need you to hold my hand¡± She was not scared of the hospital or needles, but for some
reason, she wanted to hold his hand! Almost immediately, Alexander¡¯s expression lit up like a child who just received his candy
¡°How gross Hugo said.
¡°Isn''t this why you are still single!¡±
¡°Who told you that | am single?¡± Hugo fired back. ¡°Alright. Hold each other''s hand. | will now start the treatment.¡±
And just like that, the treatment finally started.
It took Sofia almost three hours before Hugo finally said it was done. This time, she already started feeling the fatigue that Hugo
told her about Luckily, Alexander was with her.
¡°To be honest, | thought she would faint or something Hugo said. He was currently looking at some samples of her blood in his
microscope ¡°It turns out, she is responding very well. Ah should | get more blood?¡±
¡°You can try.¡± Alexander mumbled. He had been standing next to Sotia since the treatment started. Sofia asked him to leave or
even find a chair, but for some reason, he refused to let go of her hand. In the end, he stood beside her for three hours straight!
Actually, Sofa was starting to feel guilty. She never expected him to do this, but she also does not have the heart to tell him to
stop
Was she acting like a spoiled brat?
13
Chapter 56
Probably
Was she like it?
Definitely!
¡°Alright. | will do it next time. Hugo said. He finally removed his eyes from the microscope and turned toward Sofa ¡°I was night. It
is easier to get rid of the poison since it is fairly new to your system. However, | would advise you to take a few days of rest as it
could get tiring. | don¡¯t want you fainting in the middle of your office. Your husband would probably kill me if that happened,¡±
Hugo said.
Sofia said nothing. Instead, she tried to get up but immediately felt dizzy, Luckily. Alexander immediately helped her out. He
caught her body, and instead of just helping her stand, he actually lifted her up into his arms!
¡°Is that necessary Hugo asked. ¡°We have some-¡±
¡°We are leaving¡±
said. ¡°We will see you on the next treatment.¡±
¡°Hmmmm...¡± Hugo med ¡°Alright. You leave. | won¡¯t see you 0
What''s with this man Sofia wondered inwardly. However, she seemed too tired to answer her own question. So, she closed her
eyes and leaned against his chest. She thought of resting, perhaps taking a nap on their way home, but when Sofia woke up,
she was already on the bed.
She blinked, her gaze on the familiar ceiling.
She was inside his room, she thought. She stared at the warm glowing from themp next to her bed. Just as Hugo said.
she was indeed feeling very tired. Still, her grumbling stomach stopped her from falling asleep. In the end, she slowly sat on
the bed
That was when she realized that Alexander was not inside the room. The spot next to her remained untouched. Does that mean
he chose to stay in the guest room tonight?
Impossible. He had been sleeping next to her, and the two of them seemed to have a silent understanding that both of them
were still not ready for a physical rtionship, Was she wrong after all
She looked at her phone that was ced on the bedside table and took it. Seeing the time, Sofia frowned. It was already two in
the morning.
Does that mean he really slept in the guest room?
But why does this bother her so much?
She got up and wobbled toward her robe. Her stomach was grumbling, begging for her to eat anything. Slowly, she got out of the
room and tiptoed toward the stairs. To her surprise, however, she heard Alexander¡¯s voice nearby.
It seems that he was talking to someone,
Ameeting?Original from N?velDrama.Org.
So, he was still in his office, working?
¡°| understand...¡± Alexander said. ¡°I have already checked the contracts, and | will get back to you very soon... uhuh... yes. That
would be perfect. My secretary will take care of everything. Yes About that project-¡±
Sofia did not mean to eavesdrop, but for some reason, the more she listened to him, the more she wanted to listen to his
cold voice. Slowly, she peeked into the small gap in the office door and found him in front of hisptop. He was sitting on the
table, wearing his white shirt while having a cup of coffee.
2/3
11:42 Sat, Mar 2
Chapter 56
So, he was indeed having a specting, but it was already two in the morning. Does this mean that his employees are still working
at this time? Isn¡¯t this against thebor code or something?
Still, this is no longer Sofia¡¯s concern. She was about to continue walking toward the kitchen when her gazended on his
face.
Currently, Alexander had a serious look on his face as he listened to someone¡¯s report. His lips were thinned, and his perfectly
carved eyebrows were slightly furrowed, giving the impression that the report did not impress him. Aside from this man¡¯s very
good skin, the structure of his face was very good too.
If he were not born wealthy, he would probably be some model and would be perfect for a magazine¡¯s center page. Being
shirtless would suit him. She immediately debated if walking on a runway would suit him too. He is tall and definitely someone
that would look good wearing those clothes but the fact that other people would be staring at his body does not actually sound
too go
After all, he is alrea
ried man.
¡°A penny for your thoughts?¡± a deep mellowed voice
interrupted her stupor.
as
ies]
SEND
Chapter 57
Chapter 57
Sofia became so engrossed in her thoughts about Alexander¡¯s n model that the light next to her startled her. Lost in her musings, she took a step back only to misjudge the distance and found herself tilting backward, arms iling in futile attempts to steady herself.
In the nick of time, strong arms wrapped around her, preventing her fall. She found herself caught in the firm embrace of Alexander. Their eyes met, and his intense gaze sent shivers down her spine.Original from N?velDrama.Org.
She felt her heart skip a beat.
"Careful there," he said, his voice smooth with a tone that resonated through her, sending shivers down her spine. Sofia stuttered out gratitude, trying to regain herposure. His hands lingered on her arms for a moment longer than necessary, the warmth of his touch leaving an indelible mark on her.
She cleared her throat as she tried her best not to notice their close proximity.
"Thank you," she managed to utter, her voice a tad breathless. He nodded, a subtle smile ying on his lips. "You surprised me." Unsatisfied with her own response, she added, "I didn¡¯t see you. I mean, I saw you sitting on the chair but I did not see you standing next to me. So, uh..."
Seeing the yful smile on his face, Sofia stopped talking. She could feel her cheeks heat up like she was about to explode. What is going on now?
"I-I should probably go. You should go back to your meeting," she said.
"Were you looking for me?" he asked.
"No. Of course not."
"Hmmm," he nodded.
"Really. Why would I look for you? I was about to go to the kitchen to eat something. Right. I am hungry, and I¡ª" Sofia continued to stand in front of Alexander, the awkward tension hanging in the air like a thick fog. She shifted on her feet, trying to break the silence with a forcedugh.
"Yeah, hungry. I was just hungry," she mumbled, avoiding his intense gaze. His teasing smirk only intensified the awkwardness. Why was she talking like she was trying to lie her way out of this? She was really hungry! That was the reason why she was here!
He stepped a bit closer, the proximity making her heart race again. "Hungry for what? Or should I say, hungry for whom?" he teased, his voice low and suggestive.
Sofia¡¯s cheeks flushed even more. Her eyes widened, unable to process his words. Was he... was he flirting with her? Did she really hear him say that? Was she hallucinating?
Perhaps this was part of the treatment? "I-I don¡¯t know what you''re talking about. I just wanted a snack. Maybe a sandwich or something," she said.
Alexander leaned in slightly, his lips dangerously close to hers. "Is that so?" he whispered, his breath sending shivers down her spine.
Sofia felt her breath hitch. She took an involuntary step back. Alexander¡¯s teasing smile widened, and he continued to yfully toy with the moment.
"Looking for a midnight snack?" he asked. At this point, Sofia¡¯s mind was already buzzing with ideas for a midnight snack, and only a few of them involved eating actual food that would fill her stomach.
Sofia could almost taste the unspoken desire in the air. She bit her lip nervously, feeling a maic pull between them.
"I should go," she stammered, attempting to regain some semnce ofposure. But as she turned to leave, Alexander¡¯s hand gently caught her arm, pulling her back towards him. The closeness was overwhelming, and for a moment, their lips were dangerously close, almost grazing each other.
"How about Ie with you?" he asked.
"What?" she replied, bewildered.
"To the kitchen," he added with a sexy eyebrow raise.
"Oh." Why was she thinking that he woulde with her to the bedroom?
"I was busy earlier, so I ordered something. I hope you don¡¯t mind. I can help you heat it if you want?" She blinked. Why was she thinking about something else again?
Was this some sort of side effect from the treatment? Sofia¡¯s mind turned into a whirlwind. It was buzzing, tempting her to do something about her desire.
A charged pause filled the room before he finally released her, a wicked smile ying on his lips. "Shall I help you heat it?" he asked. "Let¡¯s go," he said as he grabbed her hand and slowly pulled her towards the kitchen.
This time, Sofia followed behind him without saying another word. She eyed his hand that was holding hers. It wrapped around her small hands like a nket. She found it warm and somehow assuring.
Soon enough, Sofia watched as he expertly heated the soup and some other food using the microwave. "How are you feeling?" he asked.
"Lightheaded," she uttered. "Like my mind refused to process anything." She immediately regretted thinking about him in a magazine. That must be the reason why her head started buzzing with some suggestive ideas, right?
"Hmmm," he leaned towards her. She quickly leaned back. "What are you doing?" she asked.
"I was going to see if you have a fever."
"You are leaning closely¡ª"
"With my forehead."
Sofia¡¯s heart pounded in her chest as Alexander¡¯s forehead pressed gently against hers, his hand securing her waist. The warmth of his breath on her skin sent a shiver down her spine, and she couldn¡¯t help but feel a maic pull between them.
Just what exactly is this man doing right now?
"Hey," she mumbled. "Are you doing this because you think I won¡¯t remember this tomorrow?" she stared at his incredible eyes. Up close, they looked even more beautiful.
Damn! She always knew that he was good-looking, but this is simply...
She really wanted to sound casual despite the fluttering in her stomach, but how could she do something like that while staring at someone as good-looking as this man?
"And why wouldn''t I want you to remember this?" he asked.
"Then..." she swallowed. "Are you flirting with me right now?" She wanted to pretend not to notice and that it was not bothering her. But she couldn''t.
She did not see any point in any of that. After all, they were already married under thew. She bit her lower lip, attempting to steady her racing thoughts.
"Maybe?" he asked.
The unspoken tension between them felt like uncharted territory. She took a deep breath.
"Well, I mean, legally, we are married, right? So, it¡¯s not really flirting. Just... yful banter between spouses," she offered a tentative smile, unsure of where this conversation was heading.
His eyes bore into hers, the yful glint intensifying. "yful banter, huh?" he echoed, his hand on her waist tightening slightly. "I think we can do better than that."
Before she could react, his lips hovered over hers, the warmth of his breath sending a thrilling shiver through her. Sofia¡¯s breath caught in her throat as their lips almost met, a hair''s breadth away from a kiss. The tantalizing nearness left her wanting more.
His lips barely grazed hers before he pulled away, leaving Sofia breathless and yearning for something she couldn¡¯t quite name.
DING
"Food¡¯s ready," he smiled as if their lips had not just almost touched.
Chapter 58
Chapter 58
Sofia wished she could remain in bed the next day, but she had responsibilities she couldn''t ignore. She walked into her office a little groggy. Alexander had suggested she stay at home, but she thought better of it. Miss Amores'' words echoed in her head as she settled into her routine.
¡°Coffee,¡± she mumbled while massaging her temples. She really did not feel well, but she preferred hiding in her office than staying with him in his room, in his bed. She could not fathom how she survived the night after that encounter. All she knew was that he seemed to enjoy teasing her-adoringly.
She hated how her heart raced or how she blushed despite feeling unwell. He easily made her feel like a teenager, and she liked it. Miss Amores ced the coffee in front of her.
¡°We have a photoshoot this afternoon, right?¡± Sofia asked.
¡°Everything has been prepared. The location has been decorated well. I sent images of the decorations done by our teamst night to your tablet,¡± Miss Amores said, handing her a tablet.
¡°Right,¡± Sofia examined the images and nodded. ¡°Good.¡± Then, she took a sip of her hot coffee, hoping it would make her feel better or at least more awake.
¡°Miss, Mr. Lockhart called this morning. He said he would drop by and talk to you. Shall I let him in?¡±
¡°Let him in,¡± Sofia said. Her grandmother assured her she would take care of Lawrence, but it was not yet the time. Her grandmother told her that someone might be supporting Lawrence from behind the scenes, and she wanted those people toe out before making her move. Miss Amores nodded.
¡°Here¡¯s the thing you asked me to find the other day,¡± Miss Amores handed her a folder. Sofia¡¯s expression froze.
¡°You found something?¡± she asked. Due to her current situation, she had to limit her contact with Karma. However, there were various ways for them to exchange information and one of them was through her secretary.
Her secretary checked her email and scheduled her day, having ess to most of Sofia¡¯s things. Moreover, Alexander told her that she could trust Miss Amores. So, she had asked Karma to contact Miss Amores directly, and thetter would take care of it. One of their codes was to inform her about the thing she asked Miss Amores to find.Original from N?velDrama.Org.
She quickly opened the folder and soon saw a lot of details. The more she read, the tougher her expression became. It seemed Lawrence had been busy for quite a long time now. Sofia had already fired her driver, but she could not find any logical reason to fire the Production Manager Mrs. Phelps, as she could not find anything against the woman. She had asked Miss Amores to look into the woman¡¯s financial records, reports, and previous projects, but she could not find proof that the woman was working for Lawrence.
The leak she found earlier could not be used against Mrs. Phelps. The woman was working under LH Design, a subsidiary of LH Group. Mrs. Phelps could simply use this fact to her advantage, iming she provided vital information to the COO of LH Group.
Because of this, Sofia had been doing her best to find something else¡ªsomething that could finally nail this woman down. ¡°Call Mrs. Phelps and have security on standby,¡± Sofia said, her voice serious.
Finally, Karma found something! It turned out that Mrs. Phelps had been secretly colluding with a rivalpany to steal LH Design¡¯s innovative product designs. Instead of beingmitted to herpany¡¯s sess, she had been funneling confidential information about uing products, manufacturing processes, and technological advancements to apetitor.
To cover her tracks, Mrs. Phelps had set up awork of middlemen who acted as intermediaries between her and the rivalpany. These middlemen discreetly provided the stolen information in exchange for hefty sums of money. The rivalpany, in turn, started producing counterfeit versions of LH Design¡¯s products, flooding the market and eroding LH Design¡¯s market share.
Just like otherpanies, LH Design had problems with counterfeiting. They had been working with authorities to try and reduce the fake products made abroad. However, Sofia did not see this problem going away as the market for fake products had berger over the years.
Who would have thought that someone was directly giving the design technology to counterfeiters?
Not long after, Mrs. Phelps walked into her office, a gentle smile on her face. That¡¯s right. The woman had been working here for more than ten years. She was one of the first employees of LH Design and was considered an expert in her field.
Before Sofia knew about Lawrence, Charlotte, and Daniel, she actually thought of giving the woman a promotion. Sofia knew that she would soon take over LH Design as the heir of LH Group. Her mother wanted her to gain experience, and that was what she had been doing since she started working under LH Design.
However, it seems that there are things that she must experience as the uing head of LH Group, and this is one of them. Sofia gestured for Mrs. Phelps to sit on the couch as she got up and walked towards the single-seater. ¡°Something serious happened with the production,¡± Mrs. Phelps said, smiling.
¡°Do you want coffee?¡± Sofia held her cup to her lips as she observed the woman¡¯s reaction. Right now, Mrs. Phelps looked really calm¡ªtoo calm. The woman was already in herte forties. If she was right, she would turn fifty soon.
¡°Tea would be fine, thank you,¡± Mrs. Phelps said. Miss Amores left the room to get her tea.
¡°So far, production has been fine. This was all thanks to your hard work,¡± Sofia smiled.
¡°Thank you for your praises, but this was not just because of me. I have a team of hardworking people behind me,¡± Mrs. Phelps said humbly. On the outside, this woman was the perfect team leader. She¡¯s warm, she¡¯sforting, yet she would not hesitate to delegate tasks to her team or reprimand them if they made a mistake.
To put it simply, the woman was a really good leader.
When the position of creative director opened, many expected her to apply for the position.
¡°What do you think of thepany so far, Mrs. Phelps?¡± Sofia asked.
¡°Thepany is doing well. However, we need to make some adjustments when ites to our goods. I believe it is time that we add some luxurious items, something that would cater to a more upscale market,¡± Mrs. Phelps continued, sipping her tea as Miss Amores returned with it.
Sofia nodded, taking in Mrs. Phelps''s suggestion. ¡°Luxurious items, you say? That¡¯s an interesting perspective. What kind of products are you thinking about?¡±
Mrs. Phelps leaned back in her chair, considering the question. ¡°Well, I was thinking of introducing a line of premium essories¡ªhigh-quality materials, elegant designs. It could elevate our brand and attract a different set of customers, ones willing to pay a bit more for something exclusive.¡±
Sofia thought about it for a moment. ¡°That''s an intriguing idea. It could diversify our offerings and open up new opportunities. I appreciate your forward-thinking approach.¡±
Mrs. Phelps smiled, seemingly pleased with Sofia¡¯s response. ¡°Thank you, Sofia, I believe in adapting to market trends and staying ahead. It¡¯s essential for thepany¡¯s growth.¡±
Chapter 59
Chapter 59
¡°What?¡± Mrs. Phelps¡¯s facial expression immediately changed. ¡°Sofia, I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. Why would I betray you?¡± She chuckled as if the mere idea of betraying Sofia was somethingical. ¡°Whoever is saying this must know that you wanted me to be the next creative director and wanted to ruin my reputation. But you already know that, right?¡±
Sofia pursed her lips, unable to understand why the woman seemed so calm. Was it because she was innocent, or was she simply good at pretending? Sofia knew it was thetter.
However, Mrs. Phelps¡¯s calmness almost caught her off guard. If she were naive, she would have immediately believed the woman. After all, Mrs. Phelps had been working under thepany for years. It would be reasonable if someone just wanted to malign her.
Without saying another word, Sofia ced the folder on the table. She smiled at the older woman. ¡°Then please exin this matter to me, Mrs. Phelps.¡± She opened the folder, and almost immediately, Mrs. Phelps''s expression changed. The folder contained not just documents, but also images from the CCTV showing her log-in on herputer at the time the transaction was made.
¡°Actually, I thought the scheme was quite good...¡± Sofia said. ¡°I almost did not realize that something was wrong until I started monitoring mypany closely.¡±
Mrs. Phelps squinted at the folder, flipping through the evidence. ¡°I don¡¯t know how those got there, but this can¡¯t be right. I would never betray thepany. Someone¡¯s trying to set me up.¡±
Sofia leaned forward, her eyes steady. ¡°Mrs. Phelps, these aren¡¯t just random usations. We''ve got your transactions, your logins, and the CCTV footage. It¡¯s pretty clear-cut. What¡¯s your exnation?¡±
Mrs. Phelps stuttered for a moment, thenposed herself. ¡°I... I don¡¯t know how those transactions got linked to me. Maybe someone''s using my credentials without me knowing. This is a setup, Sofia.¡±
¡°Someone using your credentials to send confidential info to ourpetitors? That sounds like a stretch. Why would anyone do that to you specifically?¡± Sofia raised an eyebrow.
¡°I don¡¯t have an answer for that, but I¡¯m innocent. You have to believe me, Sofia.¡±
¡°Mrs. Phelps, I trusted you. You were part of thispany for over a decade. I even considered promoting you. Why would someone frame you?¡± Sofia sighed, her disappointment evident.
¡°I... I don¡¯t know. But I didn¡¯t do this. I swear.¡± Mrs. Phelps bit her lip, looking genuinely perplexed.
¡°I want the truth. Are you involved in this, or are you really just an unfortunate victim of a setup?¡± Sofia leaned back, studying Mrs. Phelps. She had more than enough proof to nail this woman, but she was giving her the chance to exin herself.
This was because Mrs. Phelps was one of the first workers of LH Design that Eunice Lockhart loved so much. Eunice trusted the woman, and Sofia wanted to know why Mrs. Phelps was willing to break that trust.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.
¡°I don¡¯t know how this happened, but I didn¡¯t collude with anyone. I¡¯ve given my best to LH Design, and I would never jeopardize that.¡±
Sofia sneered. ¡°You know... my mother trusted you so much.¡± Sofia knew that it was Eunice herself who hired the first workers of LH Design. Her mother had been proud of that fact. "Yet you betrayed her...¡± Sofia suddenly ced more evidence on the table.
This time, she knew it was over.
¡°If I didn¡¯t have these, I wouldn¡¯t have believed that you are working for them.¡± Sofia snorted.
The photos on the table captured moments that left little room for doubt. The first one showed Mrs. Phelps talking to a shady-looking middleman in a dimly lit alley, exchanging what seemed to be a bundle of papers. Sofia pointed at it, her voice firm.
¡°Exin this, Mrs. Phelps. What¡¯s happening in this picture?¡± Actually, Sofia knew what was happening in these pictures. Mrs. Phelps found it hard to send emails using herpany email or any other personal email.
So, she chose to print the documents. It would be cleaner that way.
Almost immediately, Mrs. Phelps stammered, her eyes flickering over the incriminating image. ¡°I... I don¡¯t remember this. It must be doctored or something.¡±
Sofia shook her head, her patience waning. ¡°These pictures are crystal clear, and they match the time of the transactions. What about this one?¡± She slid another photo across the table.
The photo showed Mrs. Phelps with a sly grin, handing over a USB drive to a person d in the rivalpany¡¯s logo. Sofia¡¯s eyes bore into Mrs. Phelps as she awaited an exnation. Again, she knew that Mrs. Phelps was using this method to avoid any traces.
¡°I can¡¯t exin that. Maybe it¡¯s someone who looks like me,¡± Mrs. Phelps stammered, her defense faltering.
¡°Someone who looks like you, making deals with ourpetition? Believable indeed.¡± Sofia scoffed. She did not hide the sarcasm in her voice.
¡°Mywyer has been made aware of this, and they are¡ª¡±
¡°No.¡± Mrs. Phelps suddenly interrupted her.
¡°Theft of Trade Secrets, Corporate Espionage, Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) Vition, Fraud and Deceit, Breach of Fiduciary Duty, and many others.¡± Sofia smiled. ¡°Can you imagine what your children will say when they know where you got the money that you used to take them to Disnend?¡±
¡°You¡ª¡±
¡°Wouldn''t it be good if the cops show up while you are in the church with your family and friends and just... arrest you?¡± Sofia smiled.
This time, Mrs. Phelps finally faltered. She paled, her eyesnding on the photos.
¡°Those are mere photos. Obviously, I also have a copy of the CCTV footage nearby showing you driving your car in and out of that area. I have more than enough proof to ruin your life.¡±
Mrs. Phelps¡¯s face now looked like a sheet of paper.
¡°Of course, I can opt not to file a case. I can consider the fact that you and my mother used to be so close,¡± Sofia said, the smile on her face not vanishing. ¡°As long as you give me proof that Mr. Oh is working with you.¡±
Sofia suddenly got up. ¡°I don¡¯t have time, Mrs. Phelps. Unlike my mother, I am not a very patient person. I just lost my sister and my fianc¨¦ and now, I am doubting if I can trust Lawrence.¡± She walked towards her table. ¡°I am giving you a week.¡±
She then turned towards Mrs. Phelps. ¡°It is either that or you are going down alone.¡±
¡°How did you know Mr. Oh is working with me?¡± Mrs. Phelps said.
¡°I don¡¯t think I owe you an exnation,¡± Sofia said. ¡°Do you?¡±
¡°No.¡± Mrs. Phelps cleared her throat. ¡°So if I testify...¡±
¡°Too basic,¡± Sofia interrupted her. ¡°I need evidence. Real evidence.¡±
Mrs. Phelps pursed her lips. ¡°I understand. I will give it to you, but what about me?¡±
¡°You are going to resign after a week. You will not be given anypensation, but thepany will not file awsuit against you. I am certain you were able to save a huge amount of money from your lucrative business, so I don¡¯t think you still need thepany. You and your family shall leave Illinois and start a new life somewhere and... we can simply forget everything.¡± Sofia smiled.
¡°You are going to let me go?¡± Mrs. Phelps said.
Sofia simply shrugged.
¡°Without any charges?¡±
Again, Sofia shrugged with the same smile on her face.
¡°I understand,¡± Mrs. Phelps had aplicated look on her face. ¡°Then I am leaving now.¡± Sofia nodded and stared at the older woman''s now hunched back.
Once alone, Sofia patted her chest, her strong exterior crumbling.
It was really hard to pretend to be strong in front of the people that she once trusted the most. Sadly, this was a necessary move. She needed to grow; she needed to learn.
Sofia found her chair, and as if on cue, Miss Amores walked in with a bottle of water in her hand. Sofia smiled and thanked her secretary.
¡°Uh... Miss Amores hesitated for a few seconds.
¡°What is it?¡±
¡°There is some food delivery guy outside saying that... it was from a certain Mr. Beaumont. I know that your fianc¨¦¡ª¡±
¡°Let him in,¡± Sofia smiled. Sofia knew that it was not sent by Daniel but by the other Mr. Beaumont.
Chapter 60
Chapter 60
Sofia wiped her face, trying to clear her mind from the overwhelming stress.
She felt the creeping anxiety and a myriad of conflicting emotions.
She could never ept the heroism of betrayal.
She needed to reschedule the meeting with Fnds to exin thetest developments. Tankseat supported the sudden change of ns, but Sofia was unsure of the exact ramifications. Nevertheless, she moved forward with her decisions.
"This is not just about cutting contact; it''s about maintaining professionalism," she thought, feeling the burden of responsibility weighing on her shoulders.
Sofia started to say something but hesitated. Instead of talking, she looked directly at the older man before her. She had no intention of letting him control the narrative.
"I''ll handle this," she muttered, steeling herself for the confrontation.
"Let''s talk about the photos," she began.
"We don''t need to discuss it now," he interrupted.
Sofia''s temper red. "You refused to let me marry Daniel Beaumont," she used.
"Our grandmother just gave you the photos when you told her about the engagement. Why would she suddenly hand those over unless she had ulterior motives?" Alexander''s name lingered in the air.
"Your grandmother has always hated me," Charlene interjected. "She never wanted us together."
"That''s not entirely true," Sofia shot back. "This isn''t about hate; it''s about power and control."
Charlene and Lawrence exchanged nces. "We all know this is about you and Charlene," Lawrence finally said. "Your grandmother thinks your mother and I... that we wanted to take you away."
Lawrence made a gesture to his secretary, who promptly ced a folder in front of Sofia. She opened it and her expression changed instantly. "You''re suing me for my mother¡¯s health care?" she asked incredulously.
"It''s not about the power of attorney," Lawrence replied calmly. "I just want to ensure my wife is properly taken care of."
"You''re the one who ced her in a facility run by a psychopath," Sofia retorted, closing the folder with a sharp snap.
"I had no knowledge of Dr. Mche''s actions," Lawrence protested.
"And you think the court will believe that?" Sofia hissed. She saw no reason to be cordial anymore.
Lawrence''s face turned ugly for a moment, but he quicklyposed himself and smiled. "It seems your grandmother taught you well. To be honest, I''m quite disappointed. All I wanted was to see your mother, my wife."
Sofia''s headache intensified, and she wanted to get this over with. "The only reason grandmother hasn¡¯t kicked you out of thepany is because of my mother. Don''t ruin that. I don¡¯t want to see my mother¡¯s face when she realizes that her husband is no longer in thepany she loved most."
She knew Enda hadn¡¯t kicked Lawrence out because she suspected he was working with the real people responsible for her husband''s death.
"My mother will remain in that ce until the doctors tell me what¡¯s wrong with her," Sofia dered. "I''ve asked them to study the diagnosis and examinations that Dr. Mch did. I''ll do everything to make that man rot in hell."
Sadly, that might not happen anytime soon. However, she was hopeful that Hugo would help her mother out.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.
Lawrence shook his head. "I hope you tell your grandmother that she already seeded in breaking up my family. She won." With that, Lawrence got up and walked out of her office without another word.
Once he left, Sofia immediately leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes.
Lawrence had been working with LH GROUP for so long that he had earned the trust and perhaps loyalty of a few members of thepany. Meanwhile, her grandmother wasn''t focusing on thepany right now; she was determined to find out who killed her husband.
Sofia felt helpless.
Now that she had shown her fangs to Lawrence, she had to prove that she wasn¡¯t all bark. She needed to show him that she could bite too!
Chapter 61
Chapter 61
Just when Sofia thought her day couldn''t get any worse, Miss Amores informed her that there was a problem with their recent photoshoot.
How could she have so many problems in just a day? Was this the consequence of acting like an adult? Sofia wanted to curse, but this was simply her fault.
In the end, she got up, took some medicine to ease her headache, and then instructed Miss Amores to bring her into the area where they had the shoot. The moment they arrived, Sofia was immediately greeted by chaos.
¡°Miss, the photographer refused to shoot the new model, and the old model said they are going to pay for the contract as they do not n to be our ambassador anymore.¡±
¡°Our brand ambassador?¡± Sofia frowned. Jean Smith was an actress and a model who became their brand ambassador justst year.
¡°Miss Smith refuses to cancel the contract.¡±
¡°Yes, but she is letting her team talk to us. They said they will pay for the cancetion of the contract.¡±
Sofia narrowed her eyes. ¡°So, we have no model and our photographer refuses to shoot the recement one?¡±
¡°Yes,¡± Miss Amores confirmed.
¡°Have you tried calling the other models?¡± Sofia asked. Surely, they had other models that they could use, right? When she was still the creative director, she had contacts with a lot of models who wore their clothes for their online store.
She had experienced something like this in the past, but she was able to sort it out. Sadly, the current photographer, Mr. Franks, might be different.
¡°Have you tried calling for recements?¡± Sofia asked.
¡°We did. But we can¡¯t find anyone in Illinois right now.¡±
¡°How about another photographer?¡± she asked.
¡°None.¡±
Sofia sighed. ¡°Give me my phone,¡± she uttered. Miss Amores gave her the phone, and Sofia immediately sent a message to Alexander.
[Hey, are you busy?]Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.
[No.] The reply came almost immediately. Then came another: [Do you miss me?]
[Can you help me with something?] she asked.
[Anything.]
This man was the CEO of argepany. Why was he replying so fast? Was he really this idle? Impossible, Sofia thought inwardly. Thepany that she was currently managing was not even asrge as the Beaumont Empire, and yet, she was already drowning with work! Just as she was about to send another text, her phone started ringing.
¡°Hey,¡± she immediately answered. Who would have thought that Alexander would even call her? ¡°Hey, are you alright?¡± His voice was soft. ¡°Do you need me to send someone to help you?¡±
¡°No.¡± Sofia walked farther away to try and find a quiet spot. ¡°Do you know a famous model or a photographer for an emergency shoot?¡± she asked. ¡°Someone that is already in Illinois, if that¡¯s possible.¡±
¡°Did something happen?¡±
¡°We are supposed to have our photoshoot for our new clothes for our online app. Jean Smith suddenly canceled and is even willing to cancel the contract.¡±
¡°Send me your current location,¡± he said. ¡°Can you help me?¡±
¡°That¡¯s a really small matter.¡±
Relief shed inside Sofia. ¡°Alright.¡±
¡°And don¡¯t give your phone to anyone.¡±
¡°Oh...¡± Sofia said, recalling her calls earlier.
The only reason why she gave it to Miss Amores is that she asked her secretary to answer the rest because her head was still aching, and the pain reliever was not doing anything to help her out. So, she asked her secretary to take care of all uingmunication on her phone. ¡°Good. I''ll see youter.¡±
Then the call ended.
What about her model?
He said he would help, right?
He said it, right?
¡°Miss, the photographer is here,¡± Miss Amores called out.
¡°Alright.¡± Sofia immediately went back to where the photographer was waiting for her. ¡°Mr. Franks, it¡¯s nice to see you.¡± Mr. Franks was a well-known fashion photographer who had photographed a lot of renowned actors and models for magazines.
This man¡¯s schedule had always been full in the past. In fact, she was aware that Mr. Franks was no longer avable for the rest of the year.
¡°Miss Lockhart. It¡¯s nice to finally meet you.¡±
Sofia smiled at the man wearing afortable hoodie; his blue hair was especially attractive under the lighting inside the room. She was not able toe during the contract signing as she was not the CEO then. ¡°Do you want coffee or¡ª¡±
¡°I was promised to have Miss Jean Smith as my model today,¡± Mr. Franks directly said. ¡°The contract stated that I have to shoot Miss Smith. I cannot ept any model changes.¡±
While Sofia was a little surprised at the man¡¯s bluntness, she knew that something like this was considered normal in the fashion world.
Mr. Franks¡¯ attitude was already well-known in the industry. He was one of those photographers who had a very strict work ethic. Sometimes, he would refuse to shoot models because of reasons like the model beingte or the model being sick.
He didn¡¯t like models who didn¡¯t know their job and would not hesitate to scream at someone who did not perform well under the camera. Despite this, the people in the industry respected him.
¡°Mr. Franks, Miss Smith is currently under the weather. I really do apologize for the inconvenience. I am¡ª¡±
¡°Then I should just wrap up. What¡¯s the use of staying here if I can¡¯t shoot Miss Smith?¡±
¡°We are doing our best to¡ª¡±
¡°Perhaps your best is not enough,¡± Mr. Franks harshly said. He narrowed his eyes at her. ¡°There is no way to reschedule anything as my schedule is already full until June next year. Even if you beg me to reschedule, I won''t do it. Moreover, I would never trust yourpany again, given the fact that you cannot even handle your models well. Not having Miss Smith here is considered a breach of contract. Mywyers will be talking to yours for the appropriate fees.¡±
¡°Mr. Franks¡ª¡±
¡°Please stop wasting my time, Miss Lockhart. I was honestly expecting a lot from LH Designs. I can¡¯t say that this incident did not disappoint me.¡±
¡°What about me?¡± A voice suddenly echoed behind Sofia.
Sofia turned and immediately, surprise shed in her wide eyes. Not too far away from her was someone that she met not too long ago.
¡°Jenny Thomas.¡± Mr. Franks immediately beamed when he saw the woman who was wearing a simple ck shirt and jeans. ¡°My lovely Jenny Thomas!¡±
¡°Markyyy Franks...¡± Jenny Thomas¡ªAlexander¡¯s aunt¡ªbeamed at the middle-aged man before eyeing Sofia. ¡°I was outside when I thought I heard your loud and ugly voice. Who would have thought that you were actually here?¡± Jenny smiled before pulling the photographer for a hug. ¡°And to think that I would once again see you acting like this, ah...¡± she sighed in an exaggerated fashion.
¡°And you still like walking around without a bodyguard. What did I tell you about this?¡± Mr. Franks kissed both of Jenny¡¯s cheeks; his demeanor was aplete 180 from what it was earlier. ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me. Why are you here?¡±
¡°I was really shopping at a nearby mall...¡± Jenny said. ¡°When I received my niece¡¯s text message.¡±
¡°Niece?¡± Mr. Franks immediately arched an eyebrow as he looked at Sofia. ¡°Miss Lockhart is your niece?¡±
Before Sofia could answer, Jenny already pulled her towards her. ¡°I wanted her to call me mother, but she already has one... what do you think? Do you see some resemnce whatsoever?¡± Jenny beamed. Obviously, she was joking as Sofia and she do not have a resemnce at all.
Mr. Franks looked at Sofia and then towards Jenny. Then he looked at Sofia and then towards Jenny. ¡°What? Say it. Isn¡¯t she just as beautiful as me?¡± Jenny blinked herrge beautiful eyes.
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Sofia felt like she did not need to ask any more questions about Mr. Franks'' rtionship with Jenny. She leaned her back against the chair and closed her eyes. Despite how much she tried to stop herself, she honestly felt a little lightheaded. Yet, life went on.
¡°Good. Yes. That¡ªhold¡ª Hold on to that position. Then give me a little smirk. A little arrogance. Now make it clean and nice. I need gentleness. I need a woman in love¡ª" Mr. Franks'' loud voice echoed as he started shooting Jenny. To be honest, Jenny was excellent, and no one could deny that.
¡°Miss Amores, were you able to get in touch with the previous model?¡± Sofia asked.
¡°It seems that they already nned to post online and wanted to finish signing all the paperwork. Her manager ising to the office tomorrow with the fees.¡±
¡°Hm,¡± Sofia said. ¡°What do you think about all this, Miss Amores?¡± she asked.
¡°May I be honest?¡±
¡°Go on,¡± Sofia said.
¡°I think they wanted to negotiate the contract. They must be thinking that you would give them a better one, considering that you are the new CEO of thepany.¡±
Sofia nodded. Actually, this was what she thought too! There was a deliberate n behind it. But why was she not scared that Sofia would expose her to the paparazzi? Miss Amores excused herself as there was another call.
¡°Miss.¡±
¡°Hm?¡± Sofia opened one of her eyes. ¡°What is it?¡± she asked.
¡°Well, Miss Smith¡¯s manager said that Miss Smith wille for the shoot.¡± Miss Amores had a confused look on her face. ¡°She wanted to speak to you.¡±
¡°What?¡± Sofia frowned. ¡°Give me the phone.¡± Miss Amores immediatelyplied.
¡°Hello,¡± Sofia said.
¡°Is this Miss Lockhart?¡±
¡°Speaking,¡± Sofia said.
¡°Miss, I would like to personally apologize for what happened just now. It seems that there was a misunderstanding on our part. Would you be avableter today? We are already on our way to the shoot and¡ª¡±
¡°Since Manager Li wanted to breach the contract, I already asked our legal team to deal with it. What Manager Li can do instead is to wait for thewyers to talk to you about it. Obviously, since Manager Li wanted to breach the contract, then I am going to assume that you are already aware of the repercussions¡ªthe financial ones.¡± At the end of the day, breaching a contract will cost them millions. Sofia is not going to let go of that.
¡°Miss, there is a misunderstanding and¡ª¡±
¡°We already found someone to rece Miss Smith,¡± Sofia interrupted the manager. ¡°But I believe you already know that.... don¡¯t you?¡±
Sofia handed the phone back to Miss Amores. "Inform the legal team to proceed with the necessary actions. I want this over with as soon as possible.¡± She was already expecting another issue to arise after this incident.
She nced at Jenny, who was wearing an all-white sundress. With subtle makeup on, Jenny looked like a woman in her prime. ¡°Shall we leave?¡±
Sofia wanted to personally thank Jenny for saving her this time. She knew she could call on Alexander and she was really grateful for his help too! However, Jenny had other requests, but she actually came and saved Sofia¡¯s already chaotic day.
After the shoot finally ended, Sofia immediately informed the team toe with them for dinner. She booked not just for Mr. Franks and Miss Jenny Thomas but for all the staff who worked today.
Sofia smiled at Jenny. ¡°You have my heartfelt thanks. I assure you I will be there whenever I am avable. Besides, I really do not have problems doing photo shoots for LH Design.¡±
The two briefly talked about the legal aspect of this matter. Sofia wanted Jenny to be the new ambassador of the brand, and Jenny agreed without any hesitation.
¡°Isn¡¯t someone your age a bit too old to be angry?¡± Jenny asked, her tone teasing. ¡°I mean your brand seems to focus more on younger women.¡±
¡°We are slowly changing the overall theme of the brand. We are going to produce more luxurious items and are nning to focus more on being something that all types of women can wear,¡± Sofia gently smiled. Actually, this was her mother¡¯s dream. Eunice wanted to create a brand that would be avable to all women regardless of their size, color, and body shape.Original from N?velDrama.Org.
Her mother was unable to implement this as she was managing the whole LH Group. Now that Sofia was already the CEO of LH Design, she was nning to do what her mother had always wanted.
The team arrived at the reserved restaurant, but just as Sofia got out of the car, a familiar face greeted her.
¡°Do you have the time?¡± Daniel asked as he approached her.
¡°Daniel, what are you doing here?¡± Sofia asked. But most importantly, how did he know where she was? She eyed Miss Amores, who immediately shook her head silently, telling her that it was not her who informed Daniel. Sadly, she¡¯s with a team of other staff. One of them could easily inform Daniel about her whereabouts.
¡°I don¡¯t have the time,¡± Sofia said.
¡°This matter is urgent.¡±
¡°Thedy already said that she had no time.¡± Jenny smiled as she approached the two. ¡°This has nothing to do with you,¡± Daniel did not even look at Jenny. ¡°Come on, Sofia¡ª¡±
¡°If you really wanted to talk, then schedule an appointment with Miss Amores. We can talk in my office.¡± Sofia tried to walk past him, but he grabbed her arm, his hand tight.
¡°We need to talk,¡± Daniel said. By now, this small interaction already gathered the attention of the other staff who arrived in the van. Luckily, Miss Amores instructed everyone to go inside the restaurant first.
¡°Daniel, let go. I have nothing to say to you.¡±
¡°But my mother¡ªDaniel said.
¡°I don¡¯t care what your mother did. I have nothing to say to you.¡±
¡°I know she talked to you.¡±
Sofia snorted at that. ¡°So?¡±
¡°Can we do this somewhere else? My car is¡ª¡±
¡°We are done talking,¡± Sofia uttered. ¡°Now let me go before I decide to escte things.¡±
¡°I didn¡¯t ask her to do that,¡± Daniel said. Still, he did not let go of her arm.
¡°Daniel, please let her go,¡± Jenny said, the smile on her face was already gone. ¡°Will you stop embarrassing yourself?¡±
¡°I said¡ª¡±
¡°I know this has nothing to do with me.¡± Jenny suddenly held her phone and snapped a picture. ¡°But I can always post things on my socials and tell everyone that I helped a young woman out when her crazy ex tried to drag her to his car.¡±
¡°You¡ª" Daniel¡¯s face reddened.
¡°Now, be a good boy and let her go,¡± Jenny said. This time, Daniel actuallyplied. He gritted his teeth and looked at Sofia. It looked like he wanted to say more things but stopped himself. Instead, he walked out of the parking lot, leaving Sofia alone.
Sofia immediately let out a sigh of relief when the man left. She did not know what type of game Daniel was trying to y, but she knew that she did not like it.
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Chapter 63
Daniel kicked the pebbles near his car. Unable to contain his anger, he kicked his car before he screamed. The frustration that had been building inside him since the breakup was eating him from the inside out. It was only a few days, and he could hardly contain it.
He nced at the restaurant before he opened his phone and dialed his mother¡¯s number.
¡°Dearest!¡± Teresa Beaumont smiled as she answered the phone. ¡°I have been trying to call¡ª"
¡°Mom, can you not talk to Sofia again?¡± Daniel interrupted his mother. There was a brief silence on the other line.
¡°What are you¡ª I never talked to Sofia!¡±
His brother shamed him for being such a ¡®mama¡¯s boy¡¯. However, Daniel never asked his mother to intervene in his personal life. ¡°Please don¡¯t,¡± Daniel''s tone immediately turned harsh. ¡°She must have wanted us to fight. She must have said something bad about you,¡± Daniel guessed. And that bothered him. Sofia could not even bother herself to call him to discuss his mother¡¯s behavior or what his mother did to her. He thought this would soon pass, and she would soon forgive him.
He knew her. She was not vindictive or someone who would ruin anyone''s life just because of one mistake. Moreover, Sofia loved him. However, the reconciliation that Daniel hoped for might never happen because of his mother!
¡°She is not like that, Mom,¡± Daniel said. ¡°She would never say anything bad about you. However, just please don¡¯t do anything harsh. I promise you, I will fix this.¡±
¡°How could you say that! That woman is¡ª¡± Teresa cleared her throat. ¡°I have talked to my friends, and it seems that Sofia¡¯s grandmother might be the one who did this. That might be because she dislikes you. Even if you and Sofia would reconcile then¡ª¡±
¡°I don''t care,¡± Daniel said.
After Sofia¡¯s birthday next week, she would have ess to all of her wealth, and that includes her shares in the Beaumont Empire. Her grandmother would not be able to do anything about that.
If Sofia decided to give him the shares, then Daniel would be ecstatic. However, he needed to obtain her trust once again. That will only happen if they get back together, which might not happen now because of his mother.
¡°What do you like about that woman?¡± Teresa asked. ¡°She¡¯s not that pretty. Rich, yes. But how could you have a wife who intends to work while your kids are at home? She doesn¡¯t want to start acting like a proper woman. How could you¡ª¡±
¡°Enough,¡± Daniel hissed.
¡°Daniel!¡±
Daniel ruthlessly ended the call without waiting for his mother to say another word. He really was not in the mood to discuss this now. He turned his phone off and once again looked at the restaurant. He nned to wait for Sofia to leave so they could properly talk.
However, his thoughts were interrupted when a car suddenly parked next to his¡ªa car that he recognized. Daniel immediately frowned.
¡°Daniel,¡± Alexander smiled as he got out of the car. ¡°Fancy seeing you here.¡±
¡°Older brother,¡± Daniel gave a perfunctory greeting. If he was right, Jenny Thomas¡ªAlexander¡¯s aunt¡ªmust have invited him here. ¡°Are you going to see¡ª¡±
¡°Nuge,¡± Alexander said.
¡°You knew that Sofia was there, right?¡±
¡°And?¡±
¡°Take me with you.¡±
¡°Shameless,¡± Alexander smirked. ¡°Why cheat on her if you still want to be with her?¡±
¡°You¡ª¡±
¡°I know the cheating scandal,¡± Alexander said, the same smile on his face. ¡°But that is none of my business.¡± Alexander said, seeing his back slowly disappear into the dark, Daniel gritted his teeth.
As she epted the juice drink that the waiter handed her, Sofia smiled. ¡°Thank you.¡±
¡°You are not going to drink?¡± Mr. Franks lifted his eyebrow slightly, his voice loud enough for Jenny to hear. Immediately, Jenny¡¯s eyes widened as she turned toward Sofia¡¯s stomach.
¡°No,¡± Sofia immediately shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s not what you think. I am just not feeling too well, so I¡ª¡±
¡°Are you sure?¡± Jenny asked.
¡°Yes.¡± She should be a hundred percent certain that she¡¯s not pregnant. After all, she and Alexander have yet to consummate their marriage. They agreed that physical attraction cannot be stopped, but they are taking things slowly.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.
Obviously, Jenny did not believe her. However, instead of saying another word, she simply winked at her and continued eating her food. Sofia could only shake her head, smiling at Jenny¡¯s antics. She did not realize that the great actress actually had a very yful side to her.
¡°Please excuse me. I am going to the restroom.¡± Sofia wanted to drink another pain reliever to hopefully keep her up. However, she could not do it in front of everyone else. She immediately got up and started walking towards the restroom. However, her gaze started turning blurry.
Suddenly the world around her started spinning. She quickly leaned against the wall, hoping it would be enough to support her. It wasn¡¯t.
Slowly, her limbs were losing their strength. Then her gaze turned ck. ¡°Damn it,¡± she mumbled just before she fell into someone¡¯s arms. A familiar smell assaulted her senses. She tried to open her eyes but was unable to do so.
¡°Silly girl,¡± Alexander¡¯s voice echoed next to her ears. ¡°You should have called me,¡± she thought she heard him say before consciousness finally left her.
Daniel sighed as he leaned against his seat. It was getting colder outside, so he was forced to sit in his car while waiting for Sofia. While he didn¡¯t know when she woulde, he was nning to wait¡ª
A sudden sh of red lights interrupted his stupor. He immediately frowned as he looked at the police who stopped just behind his car. Did something happen? He quickly opened his phone, prepared to call awyer just in case these cops would do something crazy.
Just as he expected, one of the cops knocked on his window. ¡°We got a tip about someone bothering and harassing customers around here. You got any idea what that¡¯s about?¡± the officer said.
Daniel raised an eyebrow, a bit surprised. Then he started cursing Alexander inside his head. That man must have called the cops on him! ¡°Harassing someone? I haven''t seen any harassment here. I have been here for a few minutes, waiting for a friend.¡±
¡°Actually, some witnesses said that the man who harassed a woman was in this car. Would you mind showing me your license and registration please?¡±
¡°Witnesses, you say?¡± Daniel snorted.
¡°Yes. We have multiple eyewitnesses¡ª¡±
Again, Daniel snorted. For some reason, he was not nning to show any identification. He knew his rights.
To his surprise, however, the police did not stop him when he drove off. He was nning to go back and continue waiting for Sofia. However, when he got back, Alexander¡¯s car was no longer on the premises.
Seeing that the car that Sofia used was still there, Daniel merely shrugged and once again started waiting.
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Chapter 64
98%
¡°They already left?¡± Daniel¡¯s cars started humming with dirty thoughts when the security of the restaurant informed him that
everyone had already left- all customers. What about Sofia Where the hell is she?
Earlier, only her secretary left, so he thought she would be going out with Jenny Thomas.
He was wrong.
It turns out he had been waiting here for nothing!
He opened his phone and immediately dialed his brother''s number. Sadly, Alexander was not answering his call.
¡°Damn it!¡± Daniel hissed before going back to his car. It was already the dead of the night. He had been waiting there for hours
thinking Sofia woul
igree to talk to him given all his effort!
What more did she want?
Why was she ming him for a mistake that he made because of her? Sofia had been very busy with her work- both of them
were. However, unlike Charlotte, who made an effort to travel to him and see him, Sofia stayed rooted in this damn city, working
her ass off for something that she would eventually get!
Besides, once they got married, he was already nning on asking her to stop working. Wouldn''t it be good if he worked for LH
Group instead?
He started his car and disappeared into the night.
Meanwhile, Alexander was staring at Sofia¡¯s sleeping frame on the bed.
¡°You called me here in the dead of the night just to see if she¡¯s alright?¡± Hugo frowned. He was sitting opposite his friend. ¡°Didn¡¯t
| already tell you? She might have a fever, and that¡¯s normal. Her body is fighting something.¡±
¡°Lower your voice. You are making too much noise.¡± Alexander said. ¡°Besides... did you want me to call another physician?¡±
Hugo immediately stopped talking. Obviously, he wouldn¡¯t want anyone to know that there was something inside Sofia¡¯s body.
¡°Let''s go outside...¡± Alexander said, and the two went to his study ¡°Did you notice any improvements?¡± he was asking about
Sofia¡¯s mother, Eunice.
¡°Unfortunately not,¡± Hugo made himselffortable on Alexander¡¯s plush sofa. ¡°However, this is already within my expectations.
She had ingested the poison for years. She might not be as worse as your mother but | do not see her waking up very soon.¡±
Seeing how Alexander¡¯s face darkened at the mention of his mother, Hugo added, ¡°There is no need to worry. We are doing our
best to reverse the effect of the poison. We already stopped it from spreading but the damage has been done.¡±
¡°And that damn Dr. Tan?¡± Alexander asked as he poured some wine into his own cup.
¡°He is slowly giving away information about his connections in Asia, but we do not have anything concrete. The fact that he is
working with them is making it harder.¡±
Alexander narrowed his eyes. After everything that the man did, he is actually secretly working for the CIA now? However, this
does not surprise him anymore. ¡°Did he reveal anything about the Triad?¡± he asked.
¡°Not for now. But | believe he would not have a choice but to reveal something about them soon...¡±
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Chapter 64
Alexander nodded. He leaned against the table.
¡°You really do like her ¡°Hugo noted as he got up and got his own drink.
¡°What made you think that | don¡¯t
¡°What about Zoe?¡± Hugo asked
¡°What about her
¡°She has yet to leave the country. Your good mother had been trying to invite her back, but she had been refusing everything
¡°What makes you think | am interested in knowing anything about her?¡± Alexander asked. Hugo, Zoe, and Alexander were once
really close when they were younger. However, things have changed.
¡°Right. Of course. Lapologize
¡°There is nothing to talk about¡±
¡°Come on
as he took a sip of his wine. ¡°Then let¡¯s talk about your wife...¡± Hugo smiled.
Why are you being so nosy?¡± Alexander red at him.
¡°How am | being nosy
However, Alexander did not give him an answer. Instead, he finished his wine and opened hisptop so he could start working
once again. He canceled a few meetings in the past few days so he could be with Sofia. So now, he is doing his best to get all
those money back.
Seeing him busy with work. Hugo snorted. ¡°I am leaving. Don¡¯t call me again for a cold or fever. The expected recovery will be a
day or two. Let her body fight the poison. No need to panic. This will not affect her uterus.¡± Hugo said before giving Alexander a
meaningful smile.
LOCKHART MANSION
¡°Good very good...¡± Lawrence snorted as he heard news about Charlotte who agreed to settle down in Spain for the time being.
While many of Charlotte''s fans actually believed that she was not a cheater, those images still affected her clean and pure
reputation in some way.
It would be better if she stayed away for some time and let the people forget..
However, this was not enough to make Lawrence calm down.
Sofia was now showing signs of disobeying him, and he was not happy about it. He needed to teach her a few lessons.
¡°I need you to tell Mr. Oh about the previous n...¡± Lawrence instructed Min as he started tapping his fingers on the table in
front of him. He knew that Enda was not in this country. She¡¯s busy enjoying thest years of her life. She had been
socializing and attending events abroad. ¡°We need to have it implemented as soon as possible.¡±
That woman was very scheming, so Lawrence chose not to lower his guard. However, this does not mean that he is not going to
make his move!
Enda¡¯s tentacles in thepany have weakened. She was no longer the boss that she thought she was.
Min nodded and reminded him of his meeting. This time, Lawrence got up and left the mansion with Min. Soon enough.
at Lawrence walked side and saw an old man sitting alone inside a cubicle
To think that you would actually meet me at this hour.¡± Lawrence started The restaurant was already closed, and no one ele ande
from the three of them was there. ¡°In this ce.¡± Lawrence looked around
The restaurant was a Chinese joen you could tell by the rednterns hanging around and the little golden cat statue by the
vetranie, warning its pas The ce had this cozy vibe with wooden tables and chairs, and those paper cemats with Minese
podiac signs on thems
High from the hangingnes cast a warm glow, making the ce feel mysterious. The walls were decked with med pictures of
Chinesendscapes and some calligraphy
However, what surprised him as smally the fact that this was located in the middle of the city. He thought William rence would
meet him somewhere more secretive. But he chose to meet him in the middle of the city.
¡°Do you want to meet me d
¡°Steering in a more secret
already know that | amOriginal from N?velDrama.Org.
chuckled
The older man chuc
have been better. Lawrence said. ¡°Enda is breathing on my neck. She must
¡°You already gave me the shares. ¡°William said. There is no reason for her not to know it.¡±
¡°However, it seems that the heiress of LH Group is not as stupid as you think.¡±
The heires? Was he here to talk about Sofa He expected William to talk about Enda instead!
¡°She is working with someone and that someone is not her grandmother
¡°He¡± his eyesnded on the tablet on top of the table
¡°See for yourself.¡±
Lawrence opened the tablet and almost immediately his expression changed. ¡°This is-
¡°She¡¯s staying in the same building as Alexander Beaumont. He had been secretly protecting her with bodyguards. They are also
driving to work almost everyday¡±
The Beaumont Family Lawrence¡¯s expression darkened. Was Sofia working with Daniel''s brother instead of Enda?
Seeing his reaction, William chuckled ¡°Do not mistake that man he might be young but he is as ruthless, perhaps even more
ruthless than that of his grandfather. You do realize how the Beaumont Family was able to build their chain of hotels, righter
Lawrence said nothing as he stared at the image of the man sitting next to Sofia in the car. Everyone knew how ruthless that
family was. In the past, the Beaumont Family only had a few hotels in the US. However, they aggressively created an empire by
forting buyouts and hostile takeovers.
There have been a lot ofwsuits in the past that involve the Beaumont Family but all of them vanished when Alexander became
the CEO. Some said that it was settled in silence but a few of the businesses knew that Alexander used the influence of the
Beaumont Family to silence those who wanted to attack hispany.
It was a ruthless approach. But it worked.
Sull how did Sofia start working with Alexander? That man is known for his ruthlessness and arrogance! What was happening
here?
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Chapter 61
For some reason, Lawrence felt like he was missing crucial information.
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Chapter 65
Alexander Beaumont.
Lawrence never expected the man to suddenly protect Sofia. However, it seems that the game has be even more
complicated
¡°Thank you for your help. Lawrence said.
¡°Alexander Beaumont is not someone that you can easily intimidate. | tried to find connections between him and Sofia Lockhart. |
expected some shares, secret transactions, or rendezvous, but | couldn¡¯t find anything. | suspect that this cooperation just
happened a few months back.¡±
Lawrence narrowed his eyes. ¡°A¡±
¡°That is a possibility. Again. | was
ling me that the one who reported Dr. Mch might be him and not Enda?¡±
je to find anything else noteworthy. However, the man had ess to more information, especially outside of this country. It would
not surprise me that he would use this so Sofia Lockhart would trust him and work with him.
Now that Lawrence thought about it. Enda seemed busy overseas! He assumed that this was Enda¡¯s work and always
underestimated Sofia! It turns out someone else was working with Sofia!
¡°Why do you think he is doing this?¡± Lawrence asked. This was something that confused him. The man literally has everything.
He could get any business or woman that he wanted. So... why? What is he getting out of this cooperation?
That | do not know.¡±
¡°Do you think Daniel knew?¡± Lawrence asked.
¡°Probably not.
Lawrence pursed his lips. He never heard of any rivalry between the brothers. Their rtionship seems to be decent. Alexander
had been giving Daniel some projects abroad. But then again, he doesn¡¯t know what has been happening inside the Beaumont
family.
¡°Very well... thank you for this information.¡±
¡°And here is what | have against Enda. ¡°William smiled as he handed him a smaller envelope.
Lawrence opened it. Almost immediately, his expression changed. ¡°This is...¡± Inside the envelope were images of Enda and a
younger man-a man who looked like he was still in his forties. Tan, is tall, and muscr.
He narrowed at it.
For some reason, the man looked a little familiar.
¡°Isn¡¯t he someone working for her?¡± he asked.
¡°Her bodyguard... A married one. He¡¯s been working with her for years, and she had grown protective of him.¡±
The images were not exactly something that could cause a scandal. There was another image of Enda epting the hand
that the guard offered while she was getting out of her car. There was another where the bodyguard was using his hand to
protect Enda¡¯s face from the sun.
There was another one with Enda wearing a swimsuit in a pool; his bodyguard was applying some sunscreen on her back.
Aside from this, there were many images of her talking andughing with him.
11:43 Sat, Mar 2
Chapter 65
¡°These images are not-
They have been very discreet.¡± William said.
¡°Do you think this is enough to bring her down? You know how easy it is to sway public opinions these days. Lawrence said.
¡°Indeed.¡± William easily agreed. ¡°Those are not enough to cause a scandal, but they would raise some eyebrows. If we use
those images and then this ¡°William handed him another folde-a bigger one. He opened it, and his expression immediately lit up.
¡°Simone ire had properties all over the world?¡± The name of the bodyguard is Simone, and it seems that he has many assets
under his name! This ¡°Do you think this is-
¡°How else would he be able to afford all those things?¡± William storted. ¡°So far.. those are the only things that we were able to
dig: however. | believe Simone could have even more things under his name. Perhaps things that he is not even aware of like a
bank ount in Switzend
ompany, or many more. William offered him a smile. This is something that
could ruin Enda¡¯s name.¡±
Lawrence nodded. An older womans actually using the money of thepany to sustain her boyfriend''s lifestyle! Isn¡¯t that
something very attractive in the eyes of the public? However, this isn¡¯t the East! This is the US.
Most businessmen don¡¯t actually care about propriety. All they care about is money. So what if she likes younger men? So what if
she¡¯s paying him?
He needed to be careful about this matter as he did not want to shoot his own foot.
will take care of things. Lawrence said. Despite this not being able to cause a scandal, it is still something that he could use to
decrease Enda¡¯s influence inside thepany! ¡°If there is nothing else, then | will take my leave
¡°Hmmm do not forget my other shares...¡±
¡°Min will take care of it. Lawrence smiled. ¡°To another happy cooperation.¡±
The moment he got into his car, Lawrence examined the documents and the images again. It seems that they were taken a long
time ago. This meant that William already had them even before Lawrence approached him
It seems that the old man really wanted revenge on the Lockhart Family
Lawrence smiled. Yes. He needed to use the hatred of the old man for his own goals.
¡°I need you to schedule a meeting with Mr. Digorry tomorrow. Lawrence is now prepared. He is now going to start slowly
swallowing thepany from the inside. Lawrence had no choice but to make some changes to his previous ns as Sofia was
working with someone that is not Enda. ¡°Make it discreet
¡°Yes, sir, Min answered.
When Sofia woke up the very next day, it was already noon. She jolted up; her mind was a little sluggish but it was better
than before she fainted.
Right!
She fainted!
How did she-Alexander! He was there! He caught her when she fell!
Memories of his smell filled her senses. The softness of his voice echoed inside her head just before she lost consciousness.
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It seems that he really was there to save her. A smile appeared of her lips as she got out of the bed
Then her expression changed.
She was already wearing her pajamas! For some reason, this made her face hot. She quickly calmed herself down. What if it
was actually Jenny who changed her clothes? Or Alexander¡¯s mail?
She opened her phone and saw a message from Karina, asking to meet her ASAP. After a quick response telling her that she
would be avable this afternoon. Soha went to the bathroom to clean up before walking out of the room.
To be honest, she expected to find Alexander in his study, but he was not there.
Did he leave?
Sofia scolded herself inwardly.
What was she expecting? The m
smpany to run!
That was when she thought she heard some grunting,
Grunting
She frowned and followed the grunts into another room, which she quickly realized was the gynt room. Sofia pecked into the
room, and there he was. Alexander was wearing headphones,pletely immersed in his workout. He was doing pull- ups, each
movement showcasing his incredible strength. His body was lean and muscr, something that Sofia predicted.
Her eyes lingered on the defined muscles, and for a moment, she forgot why she had entered the room. The rhythmic grunts and
the flexing of his arms held her attention. Unconsciously, she bit her lip, feeling a warmth spreading through her..
Suddenly realizing she was intruding on his private moment, Sofia cleared her throat to announce her presence. Alexander
turned, his headphones hanging around his neck, and a surprised expression crossed his face when he saw her standing there.
¡°Hey Sofia smiled.
Instead of saying a word, he stopped what he was doing and strode towards her.
Seeing him glistening with sweat somehow made Sofia panic. She took a step back, but he quickly caught her arm. ¡°Careful.¡± he
uttered. ¡°I¡¯m sweaty.¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.
¡°Huh?¡± Sofia blinked. What does that mean, exactly?
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Chapter 66
"How do you feel?" he asked, concern etched all over his face.
"Fine. I mean, better than yesterday," she turned her head away, avoiding his naked upper body.
"Do you want to eat something?" he asked.
"No," she shook her head almost immediately. However, the moment she said it, her stomach started growling. She met his gaze. "I mean..."
He chuckled in response. "Let¡¯s go," he said before pulling her towards the kitchen. "I already asked your secretary to bring the things that you needed to sign tonight. For now, you take more rest, sleep, and eat."
Sofia¡¯s lips thinned. In the end, she nodded. For some reason, something warm inside her chest started spreading. She could not seem to exin it. Unbeknownst to her, a smile already appeared on her lips as she followed him towards the kitchen.
After nights of drinking himself to sleep, Daniel finally felt like he was going to have a fever. He felt like throwing up as his head pounded like a drum. Groaning, Daniel opened his eyes and found himself sprawled on the couch, tangled in a nket. The room spun a bit, making him squeeze his eyes shut again.
His mouth tasted like regret, a mix of stale beer and something unidentifiable. Sitting up slowly, he winced as his stomach protested. It felt queasy, like a rollercoaster that never seemed to stop.
The sunlight stabbed through the curtains, hitting him right in the face. He squinted, trying to remember what happenedst night. Empty beer bottles scattered on the floor hinted at a wild night he wished he could forget.
Dragging himself upright, Daniel stumbled toward the kitchen for a ss of water. The floor felt uneven beneath his feet, and his movements were as graceful as a newborn giraffe.
As he chugged down the water, a flicker of regret crossed his mind. He had already told himself that he would not drink alcohol but ended up having one when he arrived.
The thought of Sofia shed in his head like a storm. After Sofia refused to talk to him, Daniel¡¯s anger surged like wildfire. He felt desperate like he was drowning, and Sofia was the only lifeline he needed. In his mind, what happened with her sister wasn¡¯t entirely his fault.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.
Regret gnawed at him, but a stubborn me of frustration burned even brighter. He wanted her back and needed her forgiveness, but it felt like trying to catch smoke with bare hands.
If she only agreed to talk to him, then everything would be over. He could exin everything, and she would then forgive him.
Sadly, she refused to talk like a normal adult!
Daniel gritted his teeth, anger apparent in his eyes.
After chugging his water, he went back to the living room to try and find his phone. Sadly, it was dead.
"Tsk..." Daniel narrowed his eyes at his phone. He was tempted to throw it against the wall but restrained himself. What if Sofia called him?
After some time, he finally found his charger and charged his phone as he made some instant noodles for his breakfast. He knew that his mother called himst night, but he had already restricted her number. The thought of his mother only made him more upset. Why does she have to involve herself in everything that Daniel does?
Daniel¡¯s thoughts were interrupted when he heard a soft gasp. He looked towards the door and found his mother standing with wide eyes as she looked at the state of his apartment.
"What did you¡ªWhat happened here?" Teresa Beaumont¡¯s gazended on her disheveled son. "You¡ªWhat¡ª" she looked at the empty bottles of wine and beer on the floor.
The living room was a mess, like a tornado tore through it. Empty bottles scattered everywhere, and the smell of old beer hung in the air. The couch looked like a battlefield, nkets thrown around like he had a fight with someone. Daniel¡¯s attempt at cleaning up was as messy as the chaos he created.
The sunlight sneaking through the curtains exposed the aftermath of a wild night. The TV remotey on the floor, an abandoned and lonely bag of chips imed a corner of the coffee table, and the scattered cushions seemed to have given up on being in their proper ces.
It was a disaster.
"Why are you here, mom?" Daniel ignored his mother¡¯s reaction as he focused on his phone. He turned it on, hoping to see some messages from Sofia.
"I called your office. Your secretary let me know that you were nowhere to be found. Of course, I am worried. Your father¡ª"
"If you are here to talk about Dad, then just leave," Daniel said. His mother was always worried about his father¡¯s opinion of him. At one point, Daniel was worried about what he thought of him too.
"How could you talk to your mother like that?" Teresa walked inside, approaching Daniel. "Marjorie wille this afternoon to clean this ce up. Go back to the mansion. Your father and I¡ª"
"We both know that¡¯s not going to happen," Daniel said.
"Daniel!" Teresa frowned, clearly unimpressed at her son¡¯s attitude towards her husband. She then gestured for her personal assistant, who was bringing some groceries, to clean the ce up. "What have you done to yourself?"
"That is none of your business." Daniel examined the contents of his phone. Aside from the messages from his secretary and mother, no one else had sent him a message.
"You are my business!" Teresa sat next to her son. "Let''s go clean yourself up. We need a proper conversation."
"If you want to convince me to¡ª"
"Clean yourself, and then we talk!" Teresa said. "You need to understand that I only approached Sofia to have her forgive you."
"Do you think that will work?" Daniel looked at his mother.
"What¡ª"
"All my life, you have been trying to fix every imperfection. All my life, you have been doing all the work behind the scenes."
"You¡ª"
"You donated just after every examination and miraculously, I had the highest score even when I didn¡¯t know a single thing!" Daniel got up. "And now, you wanted to threaten someone like Sofia?"
"Daniel, you are not going to talk to your mother like¡ª"
"I will talk to you however I want! You are¡ª"
SLAP.
A loud smacking sound reverberated inside the room. Daniel looked at his mother, his expression nk. Seeing this, Teresa immediately said, "Daniel... I..."
"Please leave. I don¡¯t want to talk," Daniel said.
"Daniel, this is important. You¡ª"
"I said leave me alone!" Daniel bellowed inside his apartment. "I don¡¯t want to talk right now."
"I need to talk to you about Sofia¡ª"
"You are not going to talk to her or involve yourself in my business," Daniel said. "I will fix everything without your help."
"But¡ª"
Seeing Daniel''s cold gaze, Teresa stopped talking. "Fine," she said before she grabbed her bag and marched out of Daniel¡¯s apartment. The moment the door closed, she stopped walking, her eyes narrowed. This was all Sofia¡¯s fault, she thought inwardly. That woman was intending to ruin everyone else around her.
She then thought about the images that she received just this morning. It was of Sofia and Alexander. It turns out that the one working with Sofia was Alexander¡ªDaniel¡¯s brother!
Why the hell would he suddenly hurt Daniel so much? In Teresa''s eyes, Daniel was clearly the innocent party. He was merely a victim of his brother''s insidious scheme.
Now, Daniel was talking back to her, and she was forced to hurt her precious son! Clearly, this was all part of Alexander''s ns! That man was truly evil!
She always knew that Alexander was ruthless, but she never expected him to target her rtionship with her one and only son.
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It had been three days since Sofia had received the treatment, and so far, her body was doing well. Justst night. Hugo had told
her that there had been a lot of improvements in her blood,
In two more weeks, she would be ready for the second stage of treatment. Sadly, Hugo had also informed her that her mother¡¯s
condition remained the same.
cht... | think you should wear the red dress.¡± Karina, her friend, said while sitting on the plush chair inside Sofa¡¯s office ould
highlight your curves.¡±
That¡¯s a mermaid dress. It won¡¯t befortable,¡± Sofia replied. In front of them were clothes that Sofia had designed herself.
Today, their goal was to choose a dress for her birthday.
Karina nodded, considering Sofis one? It¡¯s pretty and looksfy
Yeah,fort is key. But the red one looks stunning on you. What about the blue
Sofia examined the blue dress, ruher fingers over the fabric ¡°This is nice, and it feels soft. But is it too casual for the
asion
Karina leaned back, tapping her chin. True, true. We want a bnce. Oh, how about the ck one? ssic and elegant What do
you think?¡±
Sofia held up the ck dress against herself and studied it in the mirror. ¡°ssy, but maybe a bit too serious. It¡¯s a birthday party,
after all¡±
¡°Got it! What about the floral one? It¡¯s festive and not too formal Karina grinned, showing her dislike for floral colors.
¡°You know, | like this. It¡¯s cheerful. But will it match the venue? Karina shrugged. ¡°We can make the venue match the dress. Easy
fix! What else do we have here?¡± They continued discussing each dress, weighing the pros and cons. Casual formal. vibrant, or
subdued the choicesid out before them.
¡°You know, this birthday | mean it¡¯s not like there will be a lot of people there, thanks to yourst-minute changes. Karina said
Originally, her grandmother really wanted an extravagant birthday, but she made somest-minute changes. They could
announce the fact that she would be one of the board of directors after her birthday instead. She wanted to celebrate this
inside thepany- with the employees.
On her birthday, only executives would be invited. She decided not to invite socialites that she had not even interacted with in the
past. Luckily, her grandmother agreed. So, her birthday had be smaller. The three guests that her grandmother originally
nned became fifty.
¡°| told her... we can make this as grand as possible. After all, receiving her inheritance is not going to be a small milestone.¡±
Enda¡¯s voice suddenly echoed behind them. Sofia froze for a few seconds before she turned and saw the dashing woman
wearing an all-ck ensemble.
¡°Grandmother...¡± Sofia smiled. ¡°Howe you are here?¡±
¡°So now | don¡¯t have the right to visit my only granddaughter?¡± Enda lifted an eyebrow She then looked at Miss Amores. ¡°I
need coffee. No sugar or milk.¡±
¡°| thought you were still in Europe?¡± Sofia said before she kissed her grandmother¡¯s cheeks.
¡°| was... a couple of hours ago,¡± Enda looked at Karina. ¡°You look dashing Karina. How have you been? | hope Adam has
been treating you well?¡±
Sofia immediately looked at her grandmother and tried to signal her to stop talking about Adam. However, her grandmother
either did not understand her meaning or simply wanted to tease Karina.
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¡°Hello, Mrs. Lockhart...¡± Karina smiled. ¡°Adam is just being Adam. | am certain he is enjoying himself though.¡±
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¡°Ah... thatwyer can be very tough. | told him once he would never find someone because of his arrogance. Not even a fake
one would survive. To this day, |ugh at his grandfather for not having a grandchild despite Adam''s age:
¡°Isn¡¯t he only thirty-three?¡± Karina asked.
¡°His grandfather is nearing his eighties.¡± Enda smiled.
¡°Oh..¡± Karina and Sofia nodded at the same time.
¡°Very well.. sing
here. Let me help you pick out a dress.¡± Enda immediately said. ¡°Bring it in...¡± she
the doors to Sofia¡¯s office opene, and two men wearing ck suits wheeled in more
Enda said. ¡°Clothes that your mother designed in the past.¡±
ha¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Then- How she looked at the clothes find realized that they were something she had not seen in the past.
¡°She said it was too luxurious, and LH Design was not ready for them.¡± Enda walked towards a ck dress. ¡°I agreed with her
and kept the dresses in a safe vault.¡± Enda then gestured for Miss Amores to ce her coffee on the coffee table nearby
Sofia was speechless. The dresses in front of her were of various colors and designs; however, it looked like most of them had
intricate embroidery.
Sofia¡¯s eyes widened as she scanned the array of dresses in front of her. ¡°Wow, these are... fancy.¡± She picked up a ck dress
with subtle dragon embroidery. ¡°Look at this, Grandma. Dragons on a dress!¡±
Enda chuckled. ¡°Your mother was into mythical creatures. Dragons were her favorite. Thought you might like them too./
Sofia grinned, examining the intricate details. ¡°Definitely. Dragons are cool. And this white one here has butterflies! Look, Karina,
butterflies!¡±
Karina ran her fingers over the delicate butterfly patterns. ¡°I love it. So whimsical. And these pastel pink dresses with tiny flowers
are adorable.¡±
Enda nodded in response. Perhaps seeing Sofia this excited made her a little excited too as she was unable to hide the spark
in her usually cold gaze. ¡°Your mother was quite the artist with embroidery. She loved bringing life to her designs.¡±
Sofia moved to the flesh-colored dress, noticing intricate patterns resembling vines and flowers. This is elegant. The embroidery
is so detailed. How did she do this?¡±
dress Enda shrugged. ¡°Magic fingers, | suppose. She had a way with needles and threads.¡± She then pointed to a gray
adorned with subtle swirling patterns. ¡°Gray with a touch of mystery. Your mother always knew how to add a little intrigue to her
creations.¡±
Sofia¡¯s gaze fell on a red dress with bold phoenix patterns. ¡°And this one... phoenixes! That¡¯s fierce. | can¡¯t believe she kept
these hidden.¡±
Enda smirked. ¡°Your mother believed in timing. She said LH Design wasn¡¯t ready for these. But now, it¡¯s time.¡±
Just as the two started talking about the rest of the design, Karina received a call on her phone.
¡°Speaking of the devil...¡± Karina said.
Chapter 67Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.
¡°That must be Adam tell him his grandfather missed him.¡± Enda smiled as Karina ran out of the room. ¡°That child_she would
be perfect for Adam.¡±
¡°How did you?¡± Sofia¡¯s eyes were wide, but Enda only responded with a shrug. Not long after, Karina came back and told
Sofia that they had an emergency and now Adam wanted her there. Seeing her friend run out of the room after bidding her
goodbye
made Sofia smile.
However, she really had no time to waste as there were a lot of dresses in front of her. In the end, the two spent two more hours
just talking about the design and embroidery of the dresses. After Sofia finally made her choice, she tried the dress on and was
surprised to know that it perfectly fits her! She honestly thought that they would need to do a few alterations but it turns out
everything was good.
¡°Now as for the wedding d
the dresses that your moth
grandmother said. ¡°I would really like to n your wedding with you. | can give you ed in the past.¡±
¡°She was able to design wedding dresses too?¡± Sofia asked.
¡°Of course!¡± Enda said. ¡°She started doing it the moment she was informed that she was pregnant with a girl.¡± Enda
smiled. ¡°Your mother... That child she only started changing when she married Lawrence.¡±
The mention of Lawrence seemed to ruin Sofia¡¯s mood. However, she knew that her grandmother would not just mention that
man without a goal. Sofia took a sip of her tea to calm her nerves. Luckily, Lawrence seemed to have stopped trying to call her.
However, it made her even more alert. She knew that the man would not go down without a fight
¡°Lawrence sent his daughter abroad.¡± Sofia said. ¡°He is not making any bold movementstely...¡±
¡°Is he not?¡± Enda smirked. Without waiting for Sofia to answer, she asked her assistant to give Sofia an envelope. Sofia
quickly opened it, and almost immediately her eyes widened.
¡°This is-
-Sent by Lawrence. He wanted to establish the fact that | am already an older woman who was trying to support a younger boy
toy. How shameless. Sofia pursed her lips as she examined the photos once again. To be honest, without any context, it does
look like her grandmother and the man in the photos was having an indecent rtionship. Then this man...¡± Sofia looked at her
grandmother.
¡°That is Simone ire...myte sister''s son,¡± Enda answered casually. Then she smiled. ¡°Ah... to be honest, | wanted him to
take these photos. Who would have thought that he would actually fall for a trap?¡±
Trap? Sofia met her grandmother''s eyes.
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Chapter 68
"Verment that schemed... wife... Beades this cooperation... Family, or at least the shot in wasted the public to know the suddenly warm about Kitsunder. However, Sofia chose not to delve. They were together because they ringed for their father¡¯s hand. You are not that good to begin with. Coupled with the fact that you really came here to ask me such a thing. I know you dislike your brother," the real estate world is vast, yet you ¡ª was wet virtually the one studying test as your own building,¡± Letur asked. Kirsander deaded. He only stared at his brows, frowning.
"Your rtionship with Daniel... Tour sur wanted any Kangany," Arzaller started. He wanted to marry Sofia to own her shares in Beaumont Empire, and..."
Then why not give him my position?" Alexander asked in a challenging tone. "You seemed very convinced that he is capable. Make him the chairman, make him the CEO."
His father did not answer. "Take it that you only consider him as your son because you like his mother," Alexander smirked. "Please, this is not the time to talk about the past."Original content from N?velDrama.Org.
"Of course," Alexander smiled. "Although this whole thing makes me wonder where your stand is about cheating. Sadly, I recalled what you did to my mother¡ªwith the woman that she considered her friend nheless."
"You¡ª" Arthur hissed, his face turning ck.
Alexander only smirked and watched his father¡¯s expression. "I mean if this incident was able to confirm one thing, it is the fact that Daniel is indeed your son."
Alexander stood. Seeing Alexander''s reaction, the older man calmed himself down. "You will fix this."
"Fix what?"
"Your brother has been holed up in his ce for days. Your mother is getting worried."
"My mother is dead," Alexander said, his face devoid of any expression. "Or have you forgotten that? Perhaps you wanted me to remind you how she died?"
Arthur paused but eventually continued speaking while ignoring Alexander¡¯s remarks. "Teresa is getting worried."
"And you don¡¯t like it when she¡¯s worried?" Alexander asked. Instead of responding to his provocations, Arthur sighed. "I don¡¯t want to see my family broken just because of a woman."
"Ah." Alexander smiled. What would this man do if they knew that the woman who was trying to ruin his perfect family was already his daughter-inw? "Right. Of course. It is my responsibility to fix everything even when I am not involved in the cheating," Alexander said.
"Don''t worry. Josef will add this to my already full schedule." He got up and closed the buttons on his suit. "However, as I wanted to entertain you, I have a flight in ten minutes. I will be leaving the country."
His father said nothing. Instead, he only watched Alexander leave his office with his secretary. After a while, his father also left his office and immediately went back to the mansion.
"What did he say?" Teresa immediately asked the moment he arrived.
"Nothing."
"What do you mean by nothing?" Teresa asked, her eyes bloodshot. She had been trying to rummage her brain on how to harm Sofia, but she quickly realized how strong Alexander¡¯s influence was. Alexander¡¯s people are all over Sofia, and there is simply no other way to get to her without informing Alexander! Just what kind of deal did that woman have with Alexander?
"Sofia Lockhart will soon receive her inheritance after her birthday, which will happen in a few days. I believe Sofia used that as a bargaining chip," Arthur said. He knew theplicated dynamics of the Lockhart Family. He heard about Lawrence Lockhart and his growing influence in LH Group.
He knew that Enda Lockhart was slowly losing her influence. Sofia was far from ready to be the new CEO of thepany. Sofia grew up away from Enda, up with the softer Eunice and Lawrence. The shareholders would make sure of that.
"You think she is about to make Alexander even more powerful?" Teresa asked. The current status quo inside the Beaumont Empire is unique. It was because Alexander¡¯s grandfather decided to give all of his time to Alexander instead of Arthur. This made Alexander the Chairman and Arthur a mere director inside thepany. Right now, Alexander holds all the power inside thepany. Sofia would give those shares to Alexander, then wouldn¡¯t he be even more powerful?
"That is the only reason why Alexander agreed to help her."
Teresa didn¡¯t understand this. She heard about Enda Lockhart in the past, and she knew that the woman was very good in business. She is ruthless and could easily swallow apany she wanted to. However, she did not help her granddaughter. Instead, she let her granddaughter ask for some other man¡¯s help? What is going on here?
"What about Daniel!" Teresa asked. "Did Alexander say he is going to help his brother?" She knew that the question was silly. Why would Alexander help Daniel? Everyone in this family knew how Alexander disliked his own brother. However, he was still a member of the Beaumont Family! They are all members of the Beaumont Empire! The least he could do was help Daniel.
"He did not say¡ª"
"He is your son. Can¡¯t you at least convince him to help his own brother?" Teresa asked. "What kind of father would bend in front of his son? What kind of father would let his other son suffer?"
To her surprise, Arthur only snorted in response.
"Did you just¡ªhey! Where are you going?" she asked when Arthur started walking away from her. "Hey! Arthur! I am still talking to you!"
"I have a conference meeting. Don¡¯t bother me."
"Arthur! What about Daniel!? Are you going to let him suffer?"
This time, Arthur stopped just before he could take a step towards the stairs. "Your son cheated on Sofia Lockhart. He slept with her sister and thought she would forgive him simply because she loved him. If that is not stupidity then... what is?"
"You¡ªHey! Listen to me! You¡ªI am talking to you! Don¡¯t you dare walk away from me! Arthur!"
Again, Arthur stopped walking in the middle of the stairs. "If you wanted to yell at someone then you should start yelling at yourself."
"You¡ª"
"We both know what you did. Your son knows it, hid it, and betrayed his brother. Now, he is going to reap what he sowed. Just like you."
Teresa''s eyes bulged as if they were about to jump out of their sockets. However, she was not able to say another word. She simply had to re at Arthur''s back as he continued walking towards his home office. After a while, the sound of a door mming echoed through the mansion.
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¡°Here are the specifics of the party. Miss Amores handed Sofia a file for tomorrow''s birthday celebration. She had been busy in
the past few days, running around for thepany and the event
While her grandmother had already handled most things for her, there were still tasks she needed to attend to, such as photo
shoot with her grandmother using various dresses her mother designed, double and triple-checking the guest list. finalizing the
menu with the restrictions and preferences of the guests, and many others
She could have focused on these tasks weeks ago, but she was too preupied with her personal matters, leaving her no
choice but to handle everything at thest minute
nder was out of the country, allowing her to concentrate.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.
en she heard a familiar voice. She immediately turned around and was surprised to see Daniel in the glot of LH Design Why was
this man here?
ready asked security not to let him in.
Why are you here?¡±
¡°Is it tue?¡± Daniel asked, his voice a little hoarse. This prompted Sofia to examine the man before her. Daniel had really lost
weight: his face looked a little pale, with dark bags under his eyes. His hair was a mess, and so were his clothes.
What''s
¡°Are you currently living in a building owned by Alexander?¡±
Sofia immediately frowned. She always knew that someone would find out about her current arrangement. Luckily, it seems that
their source thought that she was living in the same building but in a different apartment.
¡°Is it tue?¡± Daniel took a step towards her.
14
¡°| don¡¯t think that is any of your business.¡± Sofia nodded at Miss Amores, who immediately went to get their car, leaving Sofia
and Daniel alone.
¡°Really? Of all the people you really asked for my brother¡¯s help
Sofia snorted. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about.¡±
¡°You know what he did to me.¡±
¡°| also happened to know that you had a rtionship with my sister.¡± Sofia answered almost immediately.
¡°What are you- ¡°Daniel''s eyes suddenly widened. ¡°You are you doing this to-¡°he rushed towards her, surprising Sofia. Then he
held both of her arms. ¡°Are you involved with my brother!?¡±
Sofia immediately flinched. However, before she could answer, Daniel added, ¡°You really dared to be with my brother just to get
back at me! Are you out of your mind? Do you not know what kind of person Alexander is? You- You really
¡°Let me go Sona hissed, her expression turning serious. Daniel was never the type to hurt a woman- or at least that¡¯s what she
thought in the past
¡°Then answer me! Daniel demanded. ¡°Did you or did you
¡°| said let me go.¡± Sofia raised her voice. This time, she pushed him away from her. However, Daniel did not budge. Instead. his
grip on her arm tightened. Feeling cornered. Sofia quickly kicked Daniel right in the crotch. He let out a loud groan and
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doubled over in pain, releasing his grip on her arms. Sofia stepped back, breathing heavily.
you
¡°Are out of your mind?¡± Sofia asked. ¡°You really dare toe in here and use me of things? Do you really think | am as low
as you?¡± Sofia red at Daniel who struggled to stand upright. ¡°I know you and Charlotte started your rtionship years ago, so
don¡¯t you dare.. make me the viin! It was you who cheated on me! And | have evidence to prove that.¡±
As if on cue, her car also happened to arrive. ¡°Now don¡¯t you dare let me see your face again, Sofia said. ¡°Or | will ruin your life!¡±
she hissed before marching towards her car
Once inside, Sofia patted her chest, her face paling. She thought Daniel and Charlotte were done bothering her!
It seems that she was wrong!
However, this made her wonder if Daniel had really lost his mind. What is he doing? Didn¡¯t he love Charlotte? Why was he trying
Tow Sofia around? Did he really think that she would get back with him after what he did? But why? She gritted
her te
She had so many questions and really needed an answer right now. Sadly, Alexander is still not in the country.
¡°What is Charlotte doing these days?¡± Sofia asked.
¡°Miss Charlotte is currently in Spain, Miss Amores said. ¡°She has been visiting a lot of ces nearby. Aside from that... she
hasn''t been doing much.¡±
So now, Charlotte is obediently staying in Spain? Sofia narrowed. Did she miss something?
¡°Miss, | think | mean- May | speak my mind?¡± Miss Amores asked.
¡°Please do.¡±
¡°It looks like Miss Charlotte is waiting for something¡± Miss Amores said. ¡°This is from someone who has been around for years. |
have met Miss Charlotte a couple of times, and | seem to notice that she is not someone who likes to stay idle for too long¡±
Sofia nodded. She actually agreed with Miss Amores. With that, she opened her phone and sent a text to Alexander. [Sorry to
disturb you, but | have a quick question... She thought about sending a smiley face but ended up removing it. She did not want
to sound silly in front of him.
She knew that Alexander was busy, so she knew that he would not reply anytime soon. After a while, she decided to send a
second text. [Do you happen to know if Charlotte was really in Spain?]
After sending this message, she closed her phone and leaned back. Then she took a deep calming breath. She¡¯s getting tired of
Daniel and Charlotte. She really wanted to get this over with.
Her thoughts were interrupted, when her phone started vibrating
¡°Karina?¡± Sofia answered the call.
¡°Have you seen thetest tabloid news?¡±
¡°Huh?¡± Sofia frowned. ¡°What''s it about?¡±
¡°It''s your grandmother!¡± Karina said.
¡°What? Wait... hold on. Let me check.¡± She took her tablet and checked out some news. Almost immediately, her expression
changed.
¡°Eh?¡±
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$44 Sat, Mar 2
Chapter 69
[Chairwoman Enda Lockhart, 70, Finds Love Again: A Heartwarming Tale of Late-Life Romance!¡±]
[Ageless Love: LH GROUP Chairman Enda Lockhart¡¯s Surprising Rtionship Revealed!]
[Love Conquers All: Widow and LH GROUP Chairman Enda Lockhart Embrace a New Chapter in Life.]
[Age is Just a Number: LH GROUP¡¯s Leading Lady, Enda Lockhart, Redefines Love in Her 70s!]
[Late Blooming Romance: Enda Lockhart, 70, Breaks Stereotypes with New Love Connection.]
98%1
Seeing the headline made Sofia chuckle. All the headlines seemed positive; it seemed that they were supporting the rtionship.
However, how could Sofia not know that this could affect thepany? Negative media coverage and public scrutiny may
tarnish LH GROUP¡¯s reputation!
Itsee
Lawrence just started making a move-a day before Sofia¡¯s birthday!
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Chapter 70
Chapter 70
¡°Lol, Chairwoman Fnda fmding love in her 70s Is this a joker what? 1)
¡°Ageless Love? More like Ageless Hype! Who cares about a 70-year-old¡¯s romance? #rollingmyeyes)
¡°Chairwoman Fnda¡¯s love story is breaking stereotypes? Yeah, the stereotype that grandmas should focus on knitting, not
dating GrandmaGoals
gine being 70 and still making headlines for your love life. Can¡¯t she just enjoy her retirement and stop being a tabloie
tion? #Overit
Conquers All | bet it didn¡¯t conquer the negative impact on LH GROUP''¡¯s reputation. Good luck with that, hairwoman!
GROUPTroubles¡±
70 and embracing a new chapter in life? More like L| GROUP embracing a PR nightmare! #PublicityStunt¡±
Sofia took a deep breath as she read thements online. Who would have thought that her grandmother would one day face
thesements? Luckily, it seemed like her grandmother didn¡¯t mind it at all. Sofia nced at the older woman who was sitting
to her.
Both of them were now preparing for Sofia¡¯s birthday event. While Sofia¡¯s makeup artist was doing her hair. Enda was doing
her makeup. She had her eyes closed while listening to a podcast.
¡°Stop staring at me or | would melt.¡± Enda uttered, her voice still calm.
¡°The news about you are you not concerned about it?¡±
¡°Why would ¡± Enda opened one of her eyes. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter...¡± she uttered. ¡°Do you truly think that the opinions of those
people matter to me?¡±
Sofia pursed her lips. It is not about other people¡¯s opinions that worries her. It was the opinion of the shareholders.
¡°Why can¡¯t you just enjoy your day?¡± Enda said, smiling. ¡°Whoever released that news wanted to ruin your day, and it seems
that it was affecting you. Besides... today is your birthday and the one who will escort youter was still not here.....
Sofia looked at her reflection. In fact, she was already getting worried as Alexander had yet to inform her of his arrival time. She
let out a sigh.
¡°Don''t tell me you have not received any updates from him?¡± Euanda asked. In response, Sofia shook her head.
¡°Then call him!¡± Enda said.
Actually, Sofia had debated if she would call Alexander. She did not want to impose too much on him. To Sofia, the man has
helped her a lot. He was running a business empire yet he had always been there for her. She felt like she had yet to show him
her sincerity.
Naturally, she knew he was only doing this for the shares, but sti
Alexander doesn¡¯t actually need those shares to secure his position. She felt like their transaction was no longer fair to Alexander
at all.
Luckily, her grandmother did not pry anymore, and Karina arrived for her very own makeup and hair styling. Karina, Sofia, and
Enda will be arriving at the venue together.
¡°Happy birthday...¡± Karina beamed the moment she walked in. Then she handed her a small box. ¡°Open it tonight. After the
party.¡±
¡°Thank you... you didn¡¯t have to-
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¡°Really Karina asked-
Sofa smiled in response
198
For the next few hours the three of them talked about random things that fo not involve huxiness To Sofia curpirive, hier
grandmother was actually knowledgeable in the field of gossip! She knew who was sleeping with whom theating with their
husbands and wives and many others
For a while. Sofia was able to rx and pastugh
The moment they finished their makeup, it was already four in the afternoon. Sofia needed to do a few more photo shoots before
the party started at six
After what telt like forever. Soffa finally finished everything
masked
Sofia shoo bead. Then she smiled. ¡°Hey | had just gotten single. Why can¡¯t | just enjoy it on my birthday!¡± Still, she was a little
droppointed that Alexander would not be able to make it on time. However, she understood that he was busy with his jo
Besides was not a part of his responsibility at all.
Son enough, the trio arrived at the venue of the event, and justas they expected, those who were invited were already there
waiting for them
The venue was super fancy, like those ces you see in movies. Everything was all ck and gold, shiny and sparkling The
walls were draped in these ssy fabrics, and fancy chandeliers were hanging from the ceiling. The atmosphere was rather
posh, something that she already expected as her grandmother personally involved herself in this event.
In the muddle of the room there was this massive cake, standing six feet tall It was all decked out in ck and gold too.
utching the theme On top of the cake, there were 26 candles all lit up, making it look like a birthday dream.
The tables were all set with fancy ck and gold tablecloths, and there were these cool centerpieces that looked like golden
sculptures The whole ce had this vibe like. Wow I¡¯m in some ritzy party
As Sofia walked in, she couldn''t help but feel a bit overwhelmed by how extravagant everything was. It was like stepping into a
whole different world. People were already there, chatting and happing on fancy drinks, all dressed up to the tunes.
Seeing this, she tried to shake off the disappointment about Alexander not being there yet and decided to focus on enjoying her
birthday bash. After all, it wasn¡¯t every day you turned 26 and had a cake towering over you like a skyscraper
¡°Congrattions on your birthday, Miss Lockhart, an older gentleman who she knew was her grandmother¡¯s friend. Mr. Rames,
smiled at him
¡°Mr. Rames it is a pleasure to see you again¡± Sofia smiled. She had met the older man in passing when she was younger.
However, since she was not that close to her grandmother, she did not have any intention of getting close to her grandmother¡¯s
contacts.
However, tonight is different.
Sofia had the intention of enjoying the night and knowing a lot of people
¡°Rames it is a pleasure to see you again¡± Enda united. She was standing next to Sofia, and since they arrived, she had been
introducing a few people to her-something that Sofia was very thankful for
¡°You look dashing as always. Mr. Rames said ¡°Ah, this is my grandson, Leandro Rames. He is going to be the future of Rames
Corporation.¡±
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create his own startup at twenty-seven Fnda asked ¡°Look at you and your proud
Me Ramey said
Soda smiled as she watched her mother random and be a social butterly in front of her. She always knew that Enda was
a very smart woman and had seen this ample of times however, seeing her interact with other businessmen was past simply
different
Hello Men Loch Leandro said.
Me Bames. Sofia shook the mans
ans hand
ing to stars talking about busine
ne soon. How about we take this time to
Sofa blinked Leo was tall man with ck hair and browneves. He is definitely someone that could be an actor by today¡¯s
standards but for some reason, she found him not as good-looking as Alexander.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.
The fact that she was entlyparing this man to Alexander made her horrified. However, just before she could ept Lis offer:
m echoed behind her.
¡°Amally, she would not be able to dance with you a smooth familiar voice made her heart tremble. ¡°After all, she already
promised her first dance to me. Isn¡¯t that right. Sofa
Sofa looked at the man who stood beside her. It was none other than Alexander.
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¡°Mr. Beaumont, Leandro seemed at a loss for words when he saw Alexander. Do you two know each other?¡±
Instead of answering. Alexander looked at Sofia, ¡°Shall we?¡± He held his hand towards her. This time, the epted it without
saying another word.
As they stepped onto the dance floor, the music took control of their movements. They swayed together, the world around them
tadiny. Sofia could feel the gazes from everyone, some curious, others judgmental as if they had just seen a
deme
1. But she didn¡¯t care.
cy glided across the floor, the soft melody creating a bubble of intimacy around them. Sofia lifted her gaze er¡¯s calm and
reassuring eyes. For a moment, they were alone, the opulence of the room and the prying
i),
floor became their haven, movements choreographed by the music. As they swayed, Alexander spoke, his words g a subtle
tension to the atmosphere. You look beautiful.¡±
¡°| didn¡¯t think you woulde,¡± she smiled.
¡°| promised you. | woulde. Didn''t I?
¡°You were busy,¡± she uttered.
¡°You are a priority.
Their bodies moved in sync with the music.
¡°Busy doesn¡¯t mean uninterested,¡± Alexander whispered, his breath sending a shiver down Sofia¡¯s spine.
She blushed. What was that supposed to mean? And why does her face feel so hot? She wanted to bury her face in Alexander''s
chest but stopped herself; after all, they were in a public space.
Luckily, there were no reporters around as they were not allowed to go inside the venue.
¡°It seems that there were many young gentlemen around you who wanted to ¡®build¡¯ connections, he muttered as he twirled her
around the dance floor.
¡°What do you mean?¡± she asked.
¡°| knew that many wanted to know you better when they heard about your engagement with Daniel, but | never expected them to
be this many, he smirked. ¡°Sadly, you are already married.¡±
¡°Oh, it was grandmother''s friends,¡± Sofia noticed this the moment she arrived at the venue. She did not know if her grandmother
did this on purpose, but most of the people she invited were allowed a plus one, and most of them brought their bachelor
grandson.
The moment they arrived, Enda immediately started introducing her to everyone. However, she ignored them as she found
everythingical.
Her grandmother knew that she was already married. While Enda did not say anything else aside from that one time when
she warned her about being with a Beaumont, she never showed any signs that she was against this marriage.
Enda knew that all the proper procedures had been done. Sofa and Alexander both signed a prenuptial agreement, and none
of them would lose a fortune once they divorced.
¡°| don¡¯t know what was thinking,¡± Sofia smiled.
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11:44 Sat, Mar 2
Chapter 71
¡°Perhaps to make me aware that you are one of the most sought after women in Illinois?¡± he chuckled at that.
¡°Says the man who could practically have any y woman that he wanted,¡± she said.
m already a married man¡±
¡°Of course, Sofia smiled at that.
¡°| apologize for beingte. There were some problems in thepany,¡± he said after a few minutes of silence.
98%1
¡°You don¡¯t have to apologize,¡± she quickly responded. For some reason, his serious tone made her heart race. What exactly is
happening right now? She immediately pushed all of her thoughts out of her head.
Luckily, the music ended, and now they had to go back to where Enda and the others were.
¡°Mr. Beaumont Enda beamed. ¡°I am so d that you were able toe.¡±
¡°Please Eul
Die Alexander. Hello, Mr. Rames.¡±
¡°Alexander, Mr Lames enthusiastically greeted. Sofia already knew that Alexander was well-known in the business industry. but
she never expected him to attract this much attention!
For some reason, this made her think thating inte was intentional on his part as he did not want to take the attention away
from her. She looked at Alexander''s side profile as he interacted with Mr. Rames and a few other businessmen who decided to
greet him as well.
Seeing him in front of many people somehow gave a warm feeling in her chest.
¡°Look at them,¡± Karina mumbled next to him. ¡°I''m sure they are going to start talking about business again.¡±
¡°Where is Adam? Sofia asked. Earlier, Adam arrived and took Karina away.
She did not know where the two went and simply assumed it had something to do with a case that they were handling together.
¡°How would | know that?¡± Karina asked.
¡°Really?¡± Sofia lifted an eyebrow, her tone teasing.
However, instead of getting flustered, Karina only smiled. ¡°How about you and that man? | saw what was happening earlier.¡±
¡°What do you mean?¡± Sofia asked.
¡°Stop feigning innocence. | saw it.¡±
¡°What did you see?¡± Sofia epted the champagne that Karina handed her.
¡°How he held you?¡±
¡°We were dancing, Karina of course, he would hold me.¡± Sofia was tempted to roll her eyes.
¡°That man likes you.¡±
¡°Right.¡±
¡°You don¡¯t believe me?¡± Karina asked.
¡°Of course not.¡±
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Chapter 71
He wouldn''t marry you if he doesn¡¯t like you¡±
Sofia pursed her lips Right. Of course.
Actually, it is easier to think that Alexander would not marry her if he didn¡¯t like her. However, the fact that their marrage was
simply a deal-a contract was not going away anytime soon
There was just something about the two of them... something that seemed to be stopping them from stepping into the next stage
of their rtionship. But hey! They are cordial! They are friends, and he takes care of her Moreover, she was thankful that they
were not enemies.
¡°How about you? Karina asked.
¡°What about me?¡±
¡°Don''t you like him?¡±
Sofia stopp
Does she like him? ¡°What''s not to like?¡± she responded. He is perfect and kind.¡±
¡°Kind!¡± Karma |__utted. You really are calling him kind?¡±
¡°He is kind¡±
¡°Maybe to you. But that¡¯s only because he cares about you.¡±
Sofia finished her champagne and said nothing.
To be honest, everything has been very chaotictely, and she was not able to have the time to think about her personal feelings.
Perhaps, one day she would take some time to really sit down and analyze why he married her, but that time is not now.
¡°Huh...interesting,¡± Karina said. Almost immediately, Sofia turned her head only to see Alexander with none other than Zoe
Smith! ¡°Isn¡¯t that Z Smith? The pianist Your mom likes her a lot, right? Why was she here? You didn¡¯t tell me she would be
invited.¡±
¡°| didn¡¯t know,¡± Sofia looked at her grandmother, who was still talking to some other businessmen. She could not understand why
her grandmother would suddenly invite Zoe on Sofia¡¯s birthday as Zoe and Sofia were not friends at all.
Moreover, Sofia checked the guest list and knew that Zoe was not one of them. Again, Sofia¡¯s gazended on Zoe. Unlike Sofia,
who was wearing a red embroidered dress, Zoe was actually wearing a golden dress that reminded Sofa of the dresses that
Greek gods and goddesses would wear. It hugged Zoe¡¯s body, entuating her curves.
To be honest, Zoe looked really good standing next to Alexander who was wearing a ck suit. Actually, the two looked good
together.
Something about her train of thought seemed to create some chaos inside her chest. Just as she thought Alexander would agree
to Zoe¡¯s request for a dance, thetter simply walked away
¡°Eh?¡± Karina blinked. ¡°Did he just...¡±
¡°He walked away.¡± Sofia mumbled. However, something about Alexander¡¯s actions made her happy.
¡°That¡¯s Z Smith. She is very avable, and | heard from the grapevine that her ailing grandfather wanted her to marry
someone.¡±
¡°Oh? Was it because of Adam?¡± Sofia smiled.
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Chapter 71
¡°Well, they had a blind date once. Adam waste because of our client.¡±
¡°And
¡°He waste for two hours, so......
¡°He- two hours?¡± That man made 7. Smith wait for two freaking hours? Sofia did not know what to say!
However, now Alexander just walked out when Zoe asked him to dance with her. Isn¡¯t this an insult? The poor girl did nothing
wrong
1
However, this was no longer Sofia¡¯s business. Tonight was her birthday, so instead of delving into the matter, she chose to get
another champagne while talking to Karma and other guests. It took her a couple more minutes when she noticed that Alexander
was no longer in the hail
¡°He might be at 11 balcony was
rina said. Hearing this, Sofia immediately made her way to the back of the hall where a quiet
¡°Hey, Sofia said when she saw Alexander smoking on the balcony. | didn¡¯t know you smoke, she uttered.Original from N?velDrama.Org.
¡°| hate smoking¡± he said, crushing the cigarette under his foot. The embers flickered and died as he ground it into the floor She
turned her head towards the night sky that stretched before them. Since this balcony was located at the back part of the building
it does not have any lights and this immediately made the view better.
¡°If you are tired. why not.¡±
Did someone tell you how beautiful you look tonight? he interrupted her.
Her gaze sprang back to his as she smiled. This is the second time that you asked me that question. Many told her how beautiful
she was tonight but for some reason, she thought those were mere empty words.
¡°Then let me say it again, you look perfect
She smiled. ¡°Thank you¡± She wanted to ask him if this was the reason why he was hiding here but chose not to. Instead, she
chose to simply enjoy the atmosphere with him.
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For a while, the two of them gazed at the stars without saying another word. The cold air of Chicago made its presence known,
causing Sofia to shiver. Almost immediately, she felt his coat around her.
¡°Thank you¡± she said, looking at him before adding, ¡°For everything
He said nothing in response. Instead, he merely stared at her, his gaze unreadable. For a moment, the world around them
seemed to stop, and her heartbeat grew louder as it drummed against her chest.
he air crackled with unspoken tension. Their eyes locked, and a maic pull seemed to draw them closer. Sofia felt a ngling
sensation, a subtle electricity that charged the space between them. The silence held a promise, and the intensity of heir gaze
spoke volumes.
Without breaking eye contact, he leaned in slowly, closing the distance between them. The moment hung in the air,
suspended in anticipa
shared connection.
Sofia¡¯s breath caught, and the cold night seemed to ignite with a warmth that radiated from their
their lips met.
Well that didn¡¯t actua, nappen.
Just as she closed her eyes, she heard someone clear their throat behind them. Almost immediately, the tension around the
air broke.
It was as if a cold bucket of water was poured into her soul as she realized what was about to happen.
They were about to kiss!
¡°Chairman...¡± It was Josef. Thankfully, it was only Josef! ¡°Young Master Daniel- Before he could finish his words, someone
suddenly pushed him to the side.
To Sofia¡¯s surprise, the perpetrator was none other than Daniel.
Daniel''s eyes narrowed into icy slits. The anger that had simmered beneath the surface for weeks, fueled by the sting of rejection
and the sight of Sofia with another man, erupted in an instant.
He whipped his head around, his voice sharp as a knife. ¡°Josef,¡± he hissed, the single word dripping with venom. ¡°Get lost.¡±
Josef, taken aback by the sudden hostility, stammered, ¡°B-but Young Master-
Daniel cut him off before he could finish. ¡°I said, get lost! This doesn¡¯t concern you.¡± His voice boomed.
Sofia watched in stunned silence as Daniel turned back to her. What is this man doing here?
¡°And you,¡± he turned his harsh gaze toward Alexander, his voiceced with barely contained rage, ¡°what do you think you''re
doing with my fiance?¡±
Alexander, surprised by the audacity of the usation, smirked. You mean ex-fiance, don¡¯t you?¡± he pointed out.
¡°What are you doing here, Daniel?¡± Sofia asked. ¡°I don¡¯t remember sending you an invite.¡±
Daniel ignored her, his full attention fixated on Alexander.
¡°| always knew you were out to hurt me. You already took everything away from me, and now.... you wanted Sofia too?¡±
¡°Josef, call security. Have them escort Daniel out,¡± Sofia said. Luckily, Josef immediately made a move.
Daniel snorted in response. ¡°So, the reason why you refuse to even talk to me was because of this man?¡±
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Chapter 72
¡°Isn''t it funny how you can easily turn things around?¡± Sofia hed. ¡°It was you who cheated on my sister How dare you drag Alex
into the trouble that you made yourself?¡±
¡°Alex?¡± Daniel uttered, his gaze dark. He had warned her not to dill him Alex!
¡°We''re done, Daniel. | don¡¯t want you ruining my birthday party Please leave now.¡±
¡°Done? You can¡¯t just throw away years like that, Softa! We were meant to be together!¡±
¡°That was unnl you cheated on me Sofia¡¯s voice shook. At the es! of the day, it wasn¡¯t her who threw away the years they
pent together. It was him!
And yet, he really has the audacity to act like she did something wrong?
¡°It was you...¡± Daniels are focused on Alexander ¡°You did this didn¡¯t you?¡± Daniel''s face contorted. Before Alexander- could say
another
nel suddenly approached them and grabbed Sofia¡¯s wrist. ¡°Let¡¯s go... let''s talk in private. This
man-
¡°Let me go
¡°Let''s¡±
¡°Let her go!¡± Alexander hissed
Before Sofia could react. Daniel suddenly lunged towards his brother, his fist clenched tight. But Alexander was faster. He
sidestepped the blow with case, twisting Daniel''s arm behind his back. A surprised yelp escaped Daniel''s lips as he struggled
against the hold.
¡°Let go of me!¡± he roared, his face contorted i
¡°Not until you calm down,¡± Alexander said calmly, his voice firm but steady. He wasn¡¯t trying to hurt Daniel, just to prevent him
from hurting anyone else.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.
Just then, the balcony door swung open with a bang. Two security guards rushed in with Josef.
¡°Take him with you,¡± Alexander said as he pushed Daniel toward the guards. ¡°Call the police. We will be pressing charges.¡±
¡°What the heck, Alexander!?¡± Daniel hissed as he held the arm that Alexander twisted.
¡°Get him out of here,¡± Sofia spat, her voice shaking slightly. She had been with Daniel for the past few years, yet she had never
seen him that violent! Sadly, it seemed that themotion already gathered the attention of a few people as she could see a few
of them standing by the door.
This time, Alexander held her hand. He met her gaze. ¡°Let''s go.. he uttered, However, before she could say a word, Alexander
suddenly carried her like a princess in his arms.
She let out a surprised gasp.
What is this man doing? Then he strode out of the balcony and walked towards the venue. Under everyone¡¯s gaze. Alexander
carried her out of the ce and took her into his car.
¡°No news of this will go out...¡± Alexander said as he looked at Josef.
¡°Yes, sir.¡± Josef nodded.
Seeing this, Alexander drove away from the venue with the dazel Sofia next to him.
For a while, none of them spoke a word, and to be honest, Sofia preferred it like this. Just as she thought they would stay like
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Chapter 72
this forever, she felt something cold hit her face.
Confused, she looked around, only to realize the familiar sensation of wind whipping through her hair. She nced up, a gasp
escaping her lips. The roof of the car, previously a solid shield against the night air, was now gently folding back. transforming
the previously enclosed space into an open-air convertible
She turned to him and saw him give her a gentle smile. ¡°Let me take you somewhere...¡± he uttered, his voice deep.
Where?¡± she asked.
He didn¡¯t respond for a few minutes before he smiled and said, ¡°A secret.¡±
Sofia arched an eyebrow. Then her eyes turned towards the road. A smile appeared on her face.
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¡°Happy birthday,¡± Alexander said as they stood on the Skydeck of Willis Tower. He stood beside her, his arms around her waist
as they stared at the beautiful view of Chicago.
The wind whipped yfully at their hair as they gazed out at the sprawling cityscape below. The vastness of it all took their
breath away, a seemingly endless sea of buildings stretching out in all directions. Directly below, like tiny ants scurrying about,
cars moved along the intricate web of streets, their headlights twinkling like scattered stars.
In the distance, the inky darkness of Lake Michigan met the star-studded sky, making it hard to tell where one ended and the
other began. The cool night air carried the faint hum of the city below, a constant luby beneath the vast, glittering spectacle.
¡°This is beau peaceful this p
¡°Open it,¡± he said.
| said, smiling. She never thought that he would take her to this ce. However, she liked how s. She looked at him and noticed
a small velvet box in his hand.
She epted the box and immediately opened it. Almost immediately, her eyes widened. ¡°This is. It was a ring- a simple yet
elegant pink diamond ring. For some reason, this ring made her think about how far she hade. From being with Daniel and
Charlotte to being alone. At one point, she used to tell herself that living alone without her sister and boyfriend would not be
possible.
But here she is.
Alive and well.
And she is with someone like Alexander.
¡°Thank you,¡± she smiled. ¡°May | wear this now?¡±
¡°Of course,¡± suddenly, he took the ring from the velvet box and ced it on the middle finger of her left hand. ¡°It suits you.¡±
¡°Thank you,¡± Sofia lifted her head and met his eyes. This man really made her birthday a little more special.
¡°You should stop that.¡±
¡°Stop what?¡± she blinked, confused.
¡°Staring at me like that.¡±
¡°Huh? What is there something wrong?¡± she asked.
For a few seconds, Alexander just stared at her, maintaining his silence. However, before the atmosphere turned awkward, he
said, ¡°It is making me want to kiss you.¡±
Sofia¡¯s heart almost jumped out of her chest. Almost immediately, her heart started racing, and her face turned hot. However, for
some unknown reason, she did not turn her head away. Instead, she stared at his eyes. Her grandmother¡¯s warning echoed
inside her head. ¡°Are you asking permission to kiss me?¡± she asked.
¡°| wouldn¡¯t kiss a vulnerable, broken-hearted woman who is only looking for a quick rebound.¡± His answer came without even
batting an eyelid.
¡°Who told you that | am looking for a rebound?¡± she just got married for crying out loud! ¡°I-¡± Sofia was not able to finish her words
when his lips came crashing against hers. She immediately stilled, her heart drumming so loud against her chest.
The world around them seemed to fade away as Alexander''s lips met hers. The unexpectedness of it stole her breath for a
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98%1
moment, leaving her frozen, His kiss was firm, insistent, yet surprisingly gentle, sending a jolt through her that left her knees
weak.
Sofia felt a flicker of something she hadn¡¯t experienced in months- a spark of desire, a yearning she thought she¡¯d buried. deep
within. Her initial shock gave way to a hesitant response, her lips parting slightly as if in surprise, then meeting his in a tentative
touch
The kiss deepened, a silent conversation unfolding between their lips. It was a dance of exploration, a testing of boundaries..
tis touch ignited a warmth inside her, a.slow burn that spread through her body, chasing away the lingering chill of her
nt heartbreak.
senses were heightened. The scent of his cologne, fresh and clean, filled her head. She could feel the warmth of his body ressed
against hers, the subtle rise and fall of his chest with each breath. Each touch, each brush of their lips, sent a new wave of
shivers down her spine, leaving her breathless and wanting more.
Despite his h
ds, the way he was holding her, the urgency in his kiss, all spoke a different story.
And she liked it.
This just made her realize how much she liked him.
Sofia¡¯s arms snaked around his neck as his hand held her waist firmly.
She did not know how long the kisssted. All she knew was how good it felt.
When the kiss ended, Sofia immediately tried to catch her breath. Her lips felt... swollen. Yet something about it made her want
tough
Damn it.
When was thest time she had kissed someone so passionately
Daniel and she were both busy. They seldom saw each other, and when they did, she would invite Charlotte with them. Daniel
neverined, so she thought he liked that setup. However, this also meant that they did not have the time to be intimate
with each other. She knew it was silly, but she was content with that arrangement.
She thought this would change once they got married.
Well...
¡°Can we stay in this ce a little longer?¡± she asked.
¡°Of course,¡± he responded before kissing the top of her head.
Sofia leaned into his side, a content sigh escaping her lips. The city lights twinkled below them, a million tiny stars against the
velvet night sky. The earlier turmoil in her heart had faded, reced by a warmth that spread through her like sunshine.
This was unexpected, a spark in the midst of a whirlwind. But as she nced up at him, a soft smile ying on his lips, she
couldn¡¯t help but embrace the feeling. Maybe, just maybe, this wasn¡¯t a mistake after all.
The rest of the night unfolded in stolen moments ofughter and whispered conversations.
However, this interaction immediately gave her a problem the moment they arrived at his ce.
¡°You take a bath first.¡± Alexander said.
In response, Sofia blinked. Her already calm heart once again started beating as if it wanted to jump out of her chest. ¡°Right.¡±
she quickly turned around and thought she heard him chuckle, but she ignored it as she made her way into the bathroom.
Chapter 73
They had been staying in the same ce the same room and sleeping in the same bed test of the tune but they had yet
most to do anything sexual
They agreed to let all happen when u happened. This was a part of the rule. There would always beers in this rtionships
and Alexander was pretty good at enforcing those les
However, alter that kiss
Sofia could not help but wonder if something would happen tonight Just the thought of it somehow made her nervoud Why the bOriginal from N?velDrama.Org.
acting like a virgin? She bit her hiss as she stared at her selection
and decided to check her phone to tell her grandmother that she was already home Then she sent a elling her not to worry as
she was still alive Afterughing at her own silly text, she turned her phone
cher hair. Then she turned the water on the rub
ater cascaded into the porcin tub ailling the room with aforting steam Sofia dimmed the lights, creating ting glow.
Reaching for a scented bath bomb, she tossed it into the water, watching as it tizz
nd swirled releasing a calmingvender aroma.
he stripped off her ches the lingering warmth of the city might lingering on her skin. As she stepped into the tub, a sigh of pure
contentment escaped her lips The hot water enveloped her, washing away the day¡¯s stresses and leaving her muscles pleasantly
rxed
She leaned back against the cool tile, closing her eyes and letting out another deep breath. Her mmd drifted back to the kiss, the
memone
emory sending a pleasant tingle down her spine. Maybe, just maybe, this new chapter in her lite held more promise than she
initially thought
Asmile yed on her hips as she reached for a scented bath oil ready to indulge in a moment of pure self-care. As she
smoothed the oil onto her skin, she couldnt help but feel a thicker of anticipation for what the night might hold. This new chapter
was just beginning, and Sofia was ready to embrace it, one rxing bath at a time.
SEND GIFT
COMMENT
Chapter 74
Chapter 74
Sofia awoke facing the intricate patterns of the red curtains. Despite the smile adorning her face, attempting to stretch, she frowned upon recalling the bathroom incident, which urred after her bath. She couldn''t help but bury her face under the nket.
"How did I end up falling asleep in the tub?" In the end, he had to check on her, and that was when it happened. Alexander, with his hair unkempt and sleep clinging to his eyes, leaned against the bed, the sight sending shivers down her spine. The memory ofst night was something more primal.
"Maybe you should let me tuck you in tonight," he murmured, his voice husky with a hint of mischief.
The safest way to spend the night, she thought, her voice barely a whisper. She couldn''t deny the allure of staying tangled in the sheets with him. It felt really great, she mumbled, the words etching into her mind.
Alexander propped himself up on one elbow, his gaze still holding hers. The air crackled with unspoken desire, the yful banter morphing into something more intimate, a delicious awareness raging between responsibility and a yearning she couldn''t quite ce.
The smell of freshly brewed coffee wafted into the room, snapping the tension-fed silence. Alexander''s smile turned soft as he scratched the back of his neck. "I already made breakfast. Care to join me before you head out?"
She hadn''t even noticed the smell of coffee when she woke up! How ridiculous! Tangled in the sheets with the shirtless Alexander, only in his pajamas, the fabric clinging to his form, she felt a wave of warmth wash over her. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating Alexander, who stood shirtless at the counter. He turned, a yful grin spreading across his face.
He gestured towards a te piled high with golden brown pancakes, crispy bacon, and fluffy scrambled eggs. Beside it sat a steaming mug of coffee and a delectable-looking Monte Cristo sandwich cut in half.
Sofia¡¯s stomach rumbled, betraying her earlier denial of the enticing aroma. The sight of the breakfast spread, with its mix offorting ssics and a touch of indulgence, made her smile widen.
"Wow," she breathed, stepping closer. "This looks amazing."
He winked. "Thought something hearty was in order afterst night''s adventures."
His words sent a blush creeping up her neck. "Coffee?" he asked.
"Yes, please," she mumbled, "Make it ck. No sugar." She needed the bitterness of the coffee to wake her up from all this.
"If you tell anyone that you made breakfast for me, they probably won''t believe me," she smiled.
This man was feared in the business world! No one would believe that he had the habit of making breakfast for a woman. "I don¡¯t usually make breakfast for anyone."
Taking a tentative bite of the fluffy pancakes, Sofia savored the sweet, buttery vor. "This is seriously good," she mumbled through a mouthful.
"I¡¯m taking that as apliment."
Sofia smiled. This was not the first time that she tried his cooking, but it still amazed her every time. To be honest, just the fact that he is a very good cook was something that she would not associate with his persona in the business world.
"It''s already noon," he said. "Are you still nning to work? You can call Miss Amores and have your files sent here."
"No. There¡¯s no need. I have a meeting in the afternoon with the board," Sofia said. "How about you?"
"I can have my meeting in the office."
"Oh..." Sofia nodded before she took a sip of her coffee. As expected, the bitterness jolted her awake. It was like a kick in the head¡ªa good kick, of course.
"I received a call that Daniel wanted to get inside the buildingst night. I asked security not to let him in a few weeks ago. I believe he realized that we are still together and wanted toe."
To Sofia¡¯s surprise, the mention of Daniel''s name did not immediately ruin her mood. In fact, she felt like this was but a casual conversation about an acquaintance. She lifted her head and looked at him. "Are you going to tell me why you actually decided to offer me marriage?"
"What do you mean?"
"I meant..." Sofiaposed herself. To her, the best time to talk about crucial issues is while both of them are in a good mood! "You can get my shares without marrying me."
"I just wanted to keep you safe. I don¡¯t want you suddenly changing your mind and marrying my brother instead."
"That¡¯s it?" she asked. She refused to believe that he did not have some sort of mysterious reason for marrying her.
"That and... you are my fianc¨¦e."
"Huh?"
"Your grandmother did not tell you," he chuckled. "I am only iming what¡¯s mine, to begin with."
"What-What are you talking about?"
"How about youe with me?" he asked. "After breakfast, of course."
Sofia could only nod in response. She thought about the past, trying her best to recall if she was engaged when she was younger, but she couldn¡¯t remember anything.
After breakfast, Alexander took her to Jenny Thomas''s house, where he showed her images of their parents. Those were images of Sofia¡¯s father and Alexander¡¯s mother.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.
Sofia was unable to say a word.
"They were not really lovers," he chuckled. "However, they agreed to have their children marry each other."
"Can you tell me why this was the case?" Sofia asked.
Jenny entered the study with a tray of snacks. "His mother used to say that your father was really smart and it would be nice for his child to marry hers. I told her she was stupid," Jenny rolled her eyes. "However, we lost contact with your father when he went to Europe."
Jenny made a deliberate pause. "The next thing we knew, he already passed. It took us a long time to realize that he had a daughter."
"I told Alexander about you when I heard that you were Daniel''s girlfriend," Jenny said. "Naturally, I did not want Daniel to marry you instead." Jenny pointed at another image of her, Alexander¡¯s mother, and Sofia¡¯s father together.
Who would have thought that they actually knew each other?
Sofia would never have thought about this! However, everything was really clear. There was even a yearbook of them! It seems that they went to the same high school and became friends.
The thought of her father somehow made her chest a little heavy. She wondered what life would be if her mother did not marry Lawrence. If she was still with Sofia¡¯s father.
Surely, her mother would be alive and well.
"Can you tell me about my father?" Sofia asked. Sadly, she doesn¡¯t know anything about the man because her mother did not say much about him. When Sofia was big enough to understand, she had already epted Lawrence as her new father.
"Of course," Jenny smiled and started talking about Sofia¡¯s father.
After hours ofughter, Sofia and Alexander left Jenny¡¯s house with smiles on their faces. Sofia actually spent the rest of the day at Jenny¡¯s house! However, she was able to casually do it without guilt as she was also there for another business.
Sofia wanted Jenny to be the new ambassador of LH Design, and Jenny agreed without asking any questions.
"Thank you," Sofia smiled as Alexander drove back to his ce.
"For what?"
"For everything..." Sofia said. Alexander did not need to tell her why he did not tell her about their parents¡¯ connection when they met. She understood that the man wanted to save her from Daniel, and what better way to do it than to show her Daniel''s true colors?
Knowing about her father, despite the bittersweet nature of it, brought a sense of closure. It wasn¡¯t just about filling the gaps; it was about understanding her own story, the one that had shaped her into the woman she is today.
As Alexander drove, the familiar streets of Springfield seemed different, imbued with a newyer of meaning. They held not just memories but also a connection to her heritage, a thread that stretched back in time and intertwined with the man beside her.
A soft smile tugged at her lips as she turned and stared at his side profile. However, this smile did notst too long when she saw two police officers waiting for them in the lobby of their ce.
¡°Are you Miss Sofia Lockhart?¡±
¡°Yes,¡± Sofia frowned, her heart already racing against her chest.
¡°Then pleasee with us to the hospital," the police officer said. "We are here investigating a woman that we found this afternoon, and we have reasons to believe that the woman is someone that you know very well.¡±
Chapter 75
Chapter 75
The sterile scent of disinfectant greeted Sofia as she entered the morgue. Harsh fluorescent lights illuminated the room, casting an unsettlingly cold blue glow. Stainless steel tables lined the center, each one draped in a white sheet with bodies lying beneath.
A tremor ran through Sofia as Alexander tightened his grip around her arm. She couldn''t tear her eyes away from the figure on the closest table.
¡°It is her,¡± she tried to maintain herposure but was unable to. Fortunately, Alexander was already holding her in his arms. ¡°It is Mrs. Phelps,¡± she mumbled, a wave of nausea washing over her.
¡°Are you sure?¡± one of the officers asked.
She nodded gently as Alexander rubbed her back.
¡°Unfortunately, we cannot tell you anything right now. We are trying to contact Mrs. Phelps¡¯ family.¡±
¡°My secretary will provide you with everything that you need,¡± Sofia said. She had already called Miss Amores and even Karina.
¡°Shall we leave this ce?¡± Alexander said. In response, Sofia looked at the officers who escorted them outside.
¡°Thank you so much for your help, Miss Lockhart. We found your calling card on Mrs. Phelps¡¯ clothing, so we immediately called you. Please expect another visit from us in the next few days,¡± the officers said.
Sofia could only nod in response. She and Alexander then went back to his ce.
A heavy silence clung to them as they entered the apartment. The warmth and familiarity of the space did little to dispel the chill of grief and suspicion that hung over Sofia.
Sinking onto the couch, she ran a hand through her hair, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. Mrs. Phelps¡¯ death felt like yet another cruel twist in theplex web she was caught in, a web spun by deceit and maniption.
¡°It has to be Lawrence,¡± she finally broke the silence, her voice low andced with anger. ¡°Or maybe Mr. Oh. He has been too convenient in all of this.¡±
Alexander sat beside her, his hand resting on hers, offering silent support.
¡°I have already discreetly begun investigating,¡± he assured her, his voice firm. ¡°My people are digging deeper into Mrs. Phelps¡¯ past, her connections, and anything that might shed light on what happened. I also did an in-depth investigation of Mr. Oh.¡±
Sofia appreciated his efforts, but a knot of worry remained in her stomach. ¡°Finding out who killed her won''t bring her back,¡± she said softly. ¡°But it will make sure they don¡¯t get away with it.¡± Her voice trembled slightly as she recalled herst conversation with Mrs. Phelps.
At that time, she had asked her to gather evidence that could harm Mr. Oh. Sofia wanted something concrete against Mr. Oh, and Mrs. Phelps would have been the perfect pawn.
She never expected this to happen. Sadly, she didn¡¯t have any specifics about Mrs. Phelps¡¯ death, and she could only wait for the police toe up with something.
The very next day, the news of Mrs. Phelps¡¯ demise had already spread inside the office. Sofia could not help but frown the moment she walked into her office.
Last night, she did not have much sleep as she thought about Mrs. Phelps¡¯ death. In the end, she felt like a walking zombie.
Sofia¡¯s mind reeled. The pieces just weren''t fitting together.
¡°Then let me be honest with you,¡± she said. ¡°This was something that I found out a while ago... I wanted to talk to Mrs. Phelps about it, but I never had the chance to.¡± She handed a folder to Agent Emily. ¡°Those are the documents that Alexander gave me about Mrs. Phelps¡¯ involvement in counterfeiting LH Design¡¯s products.¡±
¡°Many of my designs have been sold on various websites even before weunched them. This prompted me to investigate, and this is what I found out,¡± Sofia added.
¡°And you have yet to confront her about this?¡± Special Agent Marcus asked.
¡°No. Not yet. I wanted to but... I have been very busy in the past few days. As you know, I just became the CEO of thepany. My birthday was just a few days ago, and we encountered a few problems along the way.¡±
¡°Then may I ask where you were two days ago?¡± Special Agent Emily asked.
¡°It was my birthday two days ago, Agent Parker. I had more than twenty people with me at an event with my grandmother. As for where I spent the night... I was with Mr. Alexander Beaumont. In his t. Just the two of us.¡± Sofia smiled.
Agent Parker and Agent Reynolds exchanged a brief nce, a silent conversation passing between them.
¡°Thank you for your honesty, Ms. Lockhart,¡± Agent Parker said finally. ¡°We appreciate youing forward with this information. The documents you provided will be included in our investigation.¡±
Sofia nodded. ¡°Besides these documents, did you notice anything strange about hertely?¡± Special Agent Parker asked.
¡°Nothing really. Before I became the CEO, we used to interact a lot as she was the production manager; however, it was not on a personal level. I have been busy with my work, and since I was not overseeing everything at the time, I didn¡¯t notice any problems in thepany.¡±Original content from N?velDrama.Org.
The two agents nodded.
¡°Ms. Lockhart,¡± Agent Reynolds began, leaning forward slightly. ¡°You mentioned you weren''t close to Mrs. Phelps on a personal level. However, as the CEO and someone who recently uncovered evidence of potential wrongdoing within LH Design, we find it curious that you wouldn¡¯t confide in your production manager, especially someone who¡¯d been with thepany for over two decades.¡±
¡°Perhaps,¡± Agent Parker added. ¡°You could shed some light on your current rtionship with Mrs. Phelps. Were there any recent disagreements or conflicts you''d like to share?¡±
¡°Of course, I told her about my concerns. In fact, I believe this was the reason why it took me a long time to discover the problem,¡± Sofia said. ¡°As I mentioned earlier, our interactions were primarily professional. While I had no reason to distrust her, I also wouldn¡¯t consider her a confidante in personal matters. When I discovered that she was involved, I stoppedmunicating my worries, and at that time, it seemed like a logical move as I just transitioned into my new role.¡±
¡°However,¡± Sofia continued, ¡°I did notice a change in her behavior recently. She seemed stressed and workedte more often. But I didn¡¯t think much of it at the time. If you have questions... feel free to ask anyone else in thepany. I know a few people who have been working with her for more than ten years now.¡±
The two agents quickly thanked her. ¡°Onest thing...¡± Special Agent Parker said. ¡°May I know the people who you sent to investigate Mrs. Phelps?¡±
Sofia already expected that the agent would ask something like that. So she smiled and handed her a card. ¡°Mr. Alexander Beaumont of the Beaumont Empire. His connections are rather vast. Asking for his help was a very logical thing to do.¡±
Again, the two agents looked at each other. ¡°Thank you so much for your cooperation. If you remember anything else, please don¡¯t hesitate to contact us,¡± Special Agent Parker said, handing Sofia her card.
¡°Thank you,¡± Sofia said in response.
Parker nodded. ¡°Right, another question.¡±
¡°What is it?¡± Sofia asked.
Chapter 76
¡°Dr. Mch is the one who took it,¡± Sofia answered.
¡°Did you know that Dr. Mch...¡±
¡°I am not aware,¡± Sofia calmly said.
However, on the inside, she was already fuming. Dr. Mch poisoned her mother at the request of Lawrence. However, she could not tell these people that.
¡°Thank you for your cooperation,¡± Special Agent Parker smiled. She got up and shook Sofia¡¯s hand, and the two agents left her office without saying another word.
¡°Did you have to say that?¡± Special Agent Reynolds asked his partner.
¡°Did I lie?¡± Emily asked.
¡°We cannot prove that Lawrence is involved in this smuggling ring,¡± Reynolds said.
¡°We cannot find anything on Sofia Lockhart. However, clearly, she has been distancing herself from her stepfather and stepsister. She even moved her mother into an unknown hospital. I believe she knows something. Baiting her was the best course of action.¡±
¡°You really...¡± Agent Reynolds shook his head before he started the car.
Meanwhile, Sofia was still sitting on the couch as she thought about everything that Lawrence did. Sadly, she could not find any tangible evidence. A voice recording is not enough!
She needed something that she could touch. She needed Dr. Mch to confess, but that man was a dead end. The government is already working with him because of his knowledge of poisons.
She needed something more.
After a while, Sofia got up and went back to herputer where she finally had the chance to examine Mrs. Phelps'' files. However, just as she expected, there was nothing noteworthy in those files. She knew that Mrs. Phelps would be smart enough not to put anything important on herputer.
But... what about herptop? After a few minutes, she sent another text to Alexander asking him if he was busy tonight. The reply was only a smirk, which for some reason made her check her heart.
¡°When you asked me if I would be busy, I didn¡¯t think you would want me to drive you around...¡± Alexander said the moment he drove out of the parking lot of Sofia¡¯s building.
Sofia looked at him. ¡°You could easily say no.¡±
¡°Do you really think I would say no to you?¡± he responded. Sofia smirked in response. ¡°I need to go to Mrs. Phelps¡¯ house...¡± she said. ¡°And distract the people.¡±
¡°Huh?¡±
¡°I meant her family.¡±
¡°What do you want to do?¡± he asked.
¡°I want to get herptop.¡±
¡°Just borrow it,¡± Sofia said while staring out the window.
¡°And that¡¯s why you need a distraction?¡± he asked, incredulous.
¡°Yes. I just need to copy some files. Then I will return it immediately.¡±
¡°You can easily distract someone,¡± Sofia was almost certain about this. This guy looked like a celebrity. He was handsome and tall, and his car was pretty nice. He could easily attract anyone¡¯s attention while Sofia sneaked inside Mrs. Phelps¡¯ house to copy the files.
To her surprise, however, Alexander stopped the car at the side of the road. ¡°Why did you stop?¡± she asked.
¡°Are you serious?¡± he asked.
¡°Well...¡±
¡°Do you realize how attractive you are?¡± Alexander said. ¡°Do you really think that people will not notice you?¡±
A wave of frustration washed over Sofia. Alexander¡¯s words were true. Her initial n, while seemingly clever in her desperation, was riddled with holes. She had been so focused on finding a solution that she hadn¡¯t stopped to consider the practicality or even the legality of her actions.
She met his gaze, defeat evident in her eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t know what else to do,¡± she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. ¡°There has to be something I can do to take Lawrence down, to prove what he¡¯s done.¡±
Alexander sighed, the amusement fading from his eyes
Here is the corrected version of Chapter 76 of the provided text:
¡°Dr. Mch is the one who took it,¡± Sofia answered.
¡°Did you know that Dr. Mch...¡±
¡°I am not aware,¡± Sofia calmly said.
However, on the inside, she was already fuming. Dr. Mch poisoned her mother at the request of Lawrence. However, she could not tell these people that.
¡°Thank you for your cooperation,¡± Special Agent Parker smiled. She got up and shook Sofia¡¯s hand, and the two agents left her office without saying another word.
¡°Did you have to say that?¡± Special Agent Reynolds asked his partner.
¡°Did I lie?¡± Emily asked.
¡°We cannot prove that Lawrence is involved in this smuggling ring,¡± Reynolds said.
¡°We cannot find anything on Sofia Lockhart. However, clearly, she has been distancing herself from her stepfather and stepsister. She even moved her mother into an unknown hospital. I believe she knows something. Baiting her was the best course of action.¡±
¡°You really...¡± Agent Reynolds shook his head before he started the car.
Meanwhile, Sofia was still sitting on the couch as she thought about everything that Lawrence did. Sadly, she could not find any tangible evidence. A voice recording is not enough!
She needed something that she could touch. She needed Dr. Mch to confess, but that man was a dead end. The government is already working with him because of his knowledge of poisons.
She needed something more.
After a while, Sofia got up and went back to herputer where she finally had the chance to examine Mrs. Phelps'' files. However, just as she expected, there was nothing noteworthy in those files. She knew that Mrs. Phelps would be smart enough not to put anything important on herputer.
But... what about herptop? After a few minutes, she sent another text to Alexander asking him if he was busy tonight. The reply was only a smirk, which for some reason made her check her heart.
¡°When you asked me if I would be busy, I didn¡¯t think you would want me to drive you around...¡± Alexander said the moment he drove out of the parking lot of Sofia¡¯s building.
Sofia looked at him. ¡°You could easily say no.¡±
¡°Do you really think I would say no to you?¡± he responded. Sofia smirked in response. ¡°I need to go to Mrs. Phelps¡¯ house...¡± she said. ¡°And distract the people.¡±
¡°Huh?¡±
¡°I meant her family.¡±
¡°What do you want to do?¡± he asked.
¡°I want to get herptop.¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.
¡°Just borrow it,¡± Sofia said while staring out the window.
¡°And that¡¯s why you need a distraction?¡± he asked, incredulous.
¡°Yes. I just need to copy some files. Then I will return it immediately.¡±
¡°You can easily distract someone,¡± Sofia was almost certain about this. This guy looked like a celebrity. He was handsome and tall, and his car was pretty nice. He could easily attract anyone¡¯s attention while Sofia sneaked inside Mrs. Phelps¡¯ house to copy the files.
To her surprise, however, Alexander stopped the car at the side of the road. ¡°Why did you stop?¡± she asked.
¡°Are you serious?¡± he asked.
¡°Well...¡±
¡°Do you realize how attractive you are?¡± Alexander said. ¡°Do you really think that people will not notice you?¡±
A wave of frustration washed over Sofia. Alexander¡¯s words were true. Her initial n, while seemingly clever in her desperation, was riddled with holes. She had been so focused on finding a solution that she hadn¡¯t stopped to consider the practicality or even the legality of her actions.
She met his gaze, defeat evident in her eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t know what else to do,¡± she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. ¡°There has to be something I can do to take Lawrence down, to prove what he¡¯s done.¡±
Alexander sighed, the amusement fading from his eyes. He reached out, gently taking her hand in his. ¡°I understand your frustration,¡± he said softly. ¡°But what you¡¯re proposing could put you in even more danger. We need to be smart about this!¡±
His words resonated with her. She knew he was right. Rushing into things, fueled solely by her anger and desperation, could lead to disastrous consequences.
¡°So... what do we do?¡± she asked, a flicker of hope rekindling in her voice. ¡°If I can¡¯t get into Mrs. Phelps'' house, is there anything else we can try?¡±
Alexander pondered for a moment, his brow furrowed in thought. ¡°We need to approach this strategically,¡± he finally said. ¡°Instead of focusing solely on Lawrence, we might have better luck investigating thepany itself. Perhaps there are financial irregrities, hidden transactions, or discrepancies in thepany records that could point towards his wrongdoings.¡±
Sofia¡¯s eyes widened. Thepany records? But wouldn¡¯t Lawrence have covered his tracks? Besides, she already checked this and came up with nothing! Lawrence would be smart enough to hide everything! After all, he had been doing this for years!
¡°Lawrence is undoubtedly cunning,¡± Alexander acknowledged. ¡°But even the most meticulous criminals leave traces, especially over an extended period. We just need to know where to look and how to interpret what we find.¡±
¡°While a direct approach like examining surface-levelpany records might not yield immediate results, there are other avenues we can explore. I already talked to a forensic ountant, someone specializing in uncovering financial fraud. They have the expertise and tools to analyzeplex financial data, identify hidden patterns, and potentially unearth discrepancies Lawrence might have missed.¡±
Sofia pursed her lips. No. She needed something more than that. ¡°Thank you,¡± she uttered. Alexander had been very helpful since this started. ¡°However, I have something else in mind...¡± she narrowed her eyes.
¡°You know William Crone?¡± she asked.
Alexander nodded. ¡°Yes, I do.¡±
¡°Then you know he has been hanging around my stepfather a lot recently.¡±
¡°Yes, I¡¯ve noticed.¡±
¡°William knows that you and I are working together. In exchange, perhaps he¡¯s buying out shares from smaller shareholders of LH Group.¡±
Sofia paused, looking at Alexander. ¡°If he secures enough shares, he would have the margin to challenge my leadership on the board.¡±
Alexander''s face turned serious. ¡°You¡¯re right. We need a clear picture of who the shareholders are and who might be working with Lawrence.¡±
Sofia sighed, feeling the weight of the situation. She needed a n to dismantle Lawrence¡¯s web of deceit. The forensic ountant was a good step, but it felt like she was up against an invisible wall.
She needed to be more strategic.
Chapter 77
Chapter 77
The crash of shattering ss broke the tense silence in the mansion. The sound was punctuated by Daniel¡¯s near-hysterical screams. Furniture toppled, and expensive vasesy in pieces on the marble floor. The air hung thick with the scent of cologne and seething rage. Daniel flung another antiquemp, which exploded into a shower of white fragments. ¡°This isn¡¯t fair!¡± he bellowed, his voice cracking with a mixture of anger and hurt. ¡°Why are you not doing anything about your son?¡± he demanded, ring at his father.
¡°Daniel, please,¡± Teresa Beaumont was already crying as she tried to stop her son fromshing out. ¡°Daniel, calm down.¡±
¡°My brother is currently with my ex-fianc¨¦e, yet you are not doing anything to stop it? Father, I know you always favor my older brother, but this...¡± Daniel¡¯s eyes were full of rage as he red at his father.
¡°Take him outside,¡± Daniel¡¯s father said. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see him around this ce.¡±
¡°So you¡¯re going to kick me out?¡± Daniel hissed. ¡°Is this the only thing that you are good at? Kicking your sons out?¡±
¡°Call him back!¡± Daniel roared, his voice thick with a slur that hadn¡¯t been there before. ¡°Tell him to stop messing with my life!¡±
Arthur¡¯s jaw clenched tight. ¡°It is not your ce to interfere in Alexander''s life. Nor is it my ce to interfere in his personal choices.¡±
¡°So it is his ce to mess with my life!¡± Until now, Daniel could still see his brother¡¯s smirk when he saw them on that balcony. ¡°He¡¯s messing with my life!¡± Daniel repeated, his voice rising. ¡°He has no right to go after Sofia!¡±
¡°That¡¯s between Sofia and Alexander,¡± Arthur said firmly, his voice low and dangerous. ¡°Stay out of it before you do something you¡¯ll regret.¡±
¡°I already regret it!¡± Daniel shouted, throwing another fistful of something at the wall, missing a framed portrait by a hair. ¡°Tell him: I regret ever thinking he was a decent brother!¡±
¡°Daniel, stop this! You¡¯re hurting yourself! Please,¡± Teresa cried out, trying to grab Daniel¡¯s arm.
He swatted her hand away, his eyes zing. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me! This is all your fault too! If you hadn¡¯t¡ªYou¡ªThis is your fault!¡± Teresa flinched, tears streaming down her face.
¡°Leave,¡± Arthur hissed. ¡°Leave now before I call the cops.¡±
¡°Arthur! How could you kick your son out?¡±
¡°You can leave too if you want to,¡± Arthur said. ¡°Both of you have been throwing tantrums because of Alexander. Since you truly wanted to intervene, then go and talk to him.¡± With that, Arthur walked back to his study, ignoring the mother and son.
Seeing this, Daniel was unable to contain his anger. He always thought that Sofia woulde back to him. He always thought that she would be back soon! That she would forgive him for his mistake! After all, they have been together for years!Original content from N?velDrama.Org.
Who would have thought that she would actually go to Alexander? A primal roar escaped Daniel¡¯s throat, raw and full of pain that twisted his features. He stumbled back, knocking over a chair that ttered to the floor. It was a childish reaction, he knew, but the image of Sofia in his mind,ughing with his brother on that damned balcony, sent a fresh wave of fury crashing through him.
The servants stayed away. This was not the first time Daniel had a tantrum like this, but she already consulted a specialist and she was assured that what happened in the past would not happen again as long as Daniel continued taking his medication.
Who would have thought that this would happen again?
Naturally, Teresa immediately med Sofia for this mess. Something like this would not have happened if she had simply forgiven her son. Instead, that woman made things moreplicated!
After what felt like forever, the medical personnel finally arrived and helped calm Daniel down.
Seeing her son sleeping peacefully on his bed, Teresa could not help but grit her teeth. ¡°Are you really not going to involve yourself in this matter?¡± Teresa asked. ¡°You are a coward! What kind of father would abandon their child like this?¡± She red at Arthur, who stood silently beside her.
However, instead of saying a word, he simply snorted and left Daniel¡¯s room.
Obviously, this only made Teresa even more furious. Who would have thought that Daniel actually loved that woman? No. This was not love. This was an obsession!
Teresa allowed herself to be consumed by her rage as she stepped out of Daniel¡¯s room. Then she went to the balcony and made sure that no one was around before she dialed someone¡¯s number. ¡°I need you to take care of Sofia Lockhart,¡± Teresa uttered.
¡°Really?¡± A voice suddenly echoed behind her. Teresa flinched. She immediately turned around and found Alexander standing not too far away from her. ¡°You¡ªWhy are you here?¡± Why was she not warned that Alexander was back in the mansion? Then she recalled how she told her maids not to disturb her as she was inside Daniel¡¯s room.
¡°I heard someone just threw another tantrum.¡± Alexander took a step towards her.
¡°You¡ªGet away from me,¡± Teresa said as she took a step back.
However, Alexander did not stop. ¡°You are not going to hurt Sofia,¡± he said, his voice as cold as his gaze.
A gasp escaped Teresa¡¯s lips, her heart hammering against her ribs. ¡°Alexander,¡± she stammered, her voice cracking with fear and surprise. She didn¡¯t expect him to arrive just in time for her to call her people! ¡°I wasn¡¯t...¡±
Alexander¡¯s gaze remained icy. ¡°You were about to make a grave mistake, Teresa.¡± He stepped closer, each step echoing ominously in the silent hallway. ¡°Sofia has nothing to do with what happened. It was your son who made a mistake. Don¡¯t you dare bring her into this mess.¡±
Teresa wanted to argue, to justify her actions. She wanted to scream and shout, fueled by her anger at Sofia and the helplessness she felt watching her son spiral, but under Alexander¡¯s cold stare, her words stuck in her throat. Teresa wanted to say so many things, but right now, she couldn¡¯t say a single word. She only med herself.
¡°Are you still punishing him for what he did in the past?¡± Teresa said. ¡°I just told you, I didn¡¯t hurt your mother. I¡ª¡±
¡°Bullshit,¡± Alexander sneered. ¡°Do you really think I¡¯m still the five-year-old boy that you met that time?¡±
¡°I¡ª¡± Teresa paled. There were a lot of things that she regretted doing in the past, but she did not have the courage to say it in front of Alexander. ¡°He is your brother.¡±
¡°Right, of course, he is,¡± Alexander smirked. ¡°A three-year-old toddler making a mistake is cute, but a neen-year-old boy who clearly knew the difference between right and wrong is a different story.¡± Alexander stopped walking just in front of Teresa. ¡°Listen, bitch...¡± he uttered, his voice dark. ¡°The only reason why you are still alive is that I wanted you to suffer for what you did to my mother. You are unscathed now, but I can assure you that if you touch a single strand of Sofia¡¯s hair, you will suffer.¡±
¡°You¡ª¡±
¡°Along with your son.¡± Alexander gave her a sadistic smile that sent shivers down her spine. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t actually want your son to suffer along with you, right?¡±
¡°Alexander...¡± Teresa¡¯s hand started trembling. The air crackled with tension, thick enough to choke on. Teresa¡¯s voice trembled as she tried to speak, but no sound emerged. Her mind raced, searching for a way out of the suffocating situation, but every avenue seemed blocked by Alexander¡¯s chilling words and menacing presence.
His cold, calcting gaze held hers captive, stripping away any shred of defiance she might have harbored. ¡°Tread carefully, Teresa. I am no longer the weak boy of the past.¡± Alexander said before he suddenly patted her shoulder. ¡°Now, it seems that everything ended up fine. I suggest that you put him in rehab or a facility. That would be good for his mental health.¡± On the outside, Alexander sounded like a caring and kind brother. But Teresa knew what he really meant by his words. He wanted to send Daniel away. ¡°He is your brother, Alexander. Your own flesh and blood,¡± Teresa said. ¡°Don¡¯t go too far.¡±
¡°What are you talking about?¡± Alexander asked. ¡°Sending him to a facility would be good for him. Keeping him away from Sofia is going to heal him. Unless you wanted him to read the news about Sofia¡¯s uing wedding with me!¡±
¡°What?¡± Teresa felt like a cold bucket of water was poured into her soul. ¡°You¡ª¡± Seeing the smirk on Alexander¡¯s face, Teresa knew that he was not merely joking.
He really intends to marry Sofia!
¡°You cannot do this!¡± Teresa gasped, horror apparent in her eyes. ¡°How could you marry your brother¡¯s fianc¨¦e? You¡ªWhat the hell do you think you¡¯re doing? Are you out of your damn mind!¡±
¡°Why can¡¯t two people who like each other get married?¡± Alexander arched an eyebrow. Then he suddenly chuckled, ¡°Stop being so dramatic, Teresa. Everything has been taken care of.¡±
Instead of feeling relieved, Teresa felt even more panic. ¡°Yes, he is evil to the core,¡± she thought, as Alexander left. All she felt was extreme fright. That man is wicked.
Chapter 78
Chapter 78
¡°A special board meeting?¡± Sofia narrowed her eyes as she read the email again. It seemed that Lawrence was making his move. Something must have happened to change his ns. She quickly read the details and frowned.
Lawrence had called for a special meeting with the board to discuss her grandmother''s health. Enda was already in her 70s, so it was easy for people to wonder if she was still fit to handle thepany. Meanwhile, with Eunice still in aa, the only possible solution was to pass the responsibility to Eunice¡¯s daughter¡ªSofia.
It would be nice, but Sofia herself knew that she was not prepared to handle a conglomerate. She was raised to think that she would handle it one day, but she knew she stillcked the proper training and would not be confident enough to take up that responsibility and risk thepany that employs thousands of people.
She opened her phone and dialed a number. "Hey," Karina¡¯s voice came from the other line.
"Hey, how was it?" Sofia asked, curiositycing her voice.
¡°We are working with the authorities,¡± Karina replied. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we will do everything we can toplete it.¡±
"Thank you," Sofia let out a sigh of relief. She then ended the call and looked at the file that Alexander sent. This was about Daniel. Apparently, Daniel was taken to a facility to heal. Alexander did not really talk about the reason why he was taken to a facility, but Sofia already had her guesses.
Daniel mentioned how difficult his life was when he was younger. This was because of the constantparison and the tant disregard from his father. Because of this, he was diagnosed with various mental illnesses and was taking some prescription drugs.
However, Sofia never thought that their breakup would prompt Daniel to fall that hard. After all, he still had Charlotte. Speaking of Charlotte, the woman had been silenttely and, honestly, this was worrying to Sofia. She couldn¡¯t understand why Charlotte would just agree to leave after everything. Alexander told her that Charlotte was obediently staying in Europe. In fact, she had been posting a lot of images on her socialstely. It seemed that she was enjoying her vacation.
Charlotte had yet to call Sofia. She also stopped sending her messages or tagging Sofia in her posts. Which was honestly good, but then again, Sofia could not help but feel that she was missing something.
She let out a sigh and closed the email. She was no longer Daniel¡¯s woman. This has nothing to do with her. Whatever happens from now on has nothing to do with her anymore.
¡°Miss, here is your schedule for the rest of the week,¡± Miss Amores said as she started reading Sofia¡¯s schedule. Somehow this made Sofia smile. She simply listened before she asked Miss Amores to get her a cup of coffee. Then she started working again.
The next few days were just peaceful. Sofia had been very busy creating strategies for the future of thepany. With the rise of social media, Sofia thought it would be very important to involve herself in the process of creating a buzz in the world of social media. To do this, she had meetings with various influencers as she wanted to send some of their clothing to influencers for them to promote online.
Soon, the minutes turned into hours and hours into days. The day that Lawrence scheduled was only two days away. However, Lawrence was not exactly in a very good mood.
"Leave me alone," Lawrence muttered as he mmed his fist on the table, his eyes ring at the papers before him.
The FBI had been sniffing around his operations. They had been tracking his shipments for a while now, and Lawrence knew that any misstep could lead to his downfall.
"They¡¯ve been watching me for months," he snapped, his voice barely a whisper. "Like clockwork, each operation had lined my pockets with millions. But now, I need a bigger score. I''ve exploited LH Group¡¯s subsidiaries to forge connections, making my ns easier to execute. Blinded by greed, I poured even more money into the recent shipments, expecting a windfall."
Then the news hit. The FBI had busted the smuggling ring. Luckily, Lawrence had been clever enough to stay out of the direct line of fire. He¡¯d used his money to manipte others into doing the dirty work. However, the sting of losing tens of millions was undeniable. Those smuggled goods, destined for various states, were supposed to be his golden ticket.
"Who snitched?" Lawrence growled, his eyes narrowed.
"I''m on it," Mr. Oh replied, his jaw clenched. He, too, had lost a significant amount in this failed scheme. "Whoever tipped them off will pay."Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.
Everything, down to thest detail, had been meticulously nned to ensure the smuggled goods remained hidden. Now, their carefully constructed house of cardsy in ruins.
Lawrence paced the room like a caged animal, his frustration simmering. "We can¡¯t afford any more slip-ups, Mr. Oh. The FBI is breathing down our necks, and if they find even a shred of evidence linking us to this mess, we are done for." He was done for. This time is crucial. He needed the money for his ns.
"Agreed. We need to cut our losses and lie low for a while. Let the storm pass before making any further moves," Mr. Oh, who looked usuallyposed, looked pale and shaken.
Lawrence was pacing with a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Lying low isn¡¯t my style. We need to find a way to salvage this."
"But how? We can''t risk another operation while they¡¯re still watching."
Lawrence pondered for a moment, then said, "There''s one way." After a few hours, Lawrence found himself inside another restaurant with Mr. William rence.
"I see you still decided to see me," William smiled, his voice a little croaky. "Is there something I could help you with?"
"Do you still have connections in Russia?" Lawrence said. In response, the old man only smiled.
"I believe you already know about the recent arrests. With your ess to the ck market, I believe you already know that they are somehow connected to me."
"The smuggling ring that the FBI had been following aroundtely is rted to you?" William lifted an eyebrow.
"Stop feigning ignorance," Lawrence said. The smuggling ring had been his hope. He needed the money that it was bringing. He could obviously approach other people, but he had once worked with William.
He thought it would be better to work with William than with other people. Besides, William was also really careful because of Enda. They have amon enemy.
The old man chuckled. He slowly took a sip of his tea before he asked, "What is it that you want this time?"
"I need another safe passage for my goods," Lawrence said. "Just assure that it would be evenly distributed in the states."
"Fifty-fifty sounds about right," William immediately added.
Hearing this, Lawrence let out a sigh of relief. "When ites to business, I knew that the old man would agree."
"I can only offer you sixty-forty," Lawrence said. "Fifty-five, forty-five and this is my bottom line."
"Deal," William immediately agreed. After talking about the specifics, Lawrence happily left the ce, thinking that everything had been fixed. With William¡¯s backing, he was almost confident that everything would go well this time.
"Hehehehe," William started chuckling the moment Lawrence left, hisughter echoing inside the closed Japanese restaurant. "How did you know that he would actuallye here to offer me something like this?" William asked without looking at the person who walked out of the shadows. Slowly, this person walked and sat opposite the old man.
"Because I was the one who reported the shipments," the other person was none other than Sofia. She looked at William, a smile appearing on her face.
"So, you guessed it," William nodded.
This time, Sofia did not say a word. On the outside, she lookedposed and confident, but she couldn''t lie to herself. Talking to someone like William honestly made her nervous. However, she came here for a reason.
She was going to fight Lawrence, fight fire with fire. And this was just the start. "It seems that you are just like Enda all along," William said.
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Chapter 79
Chapter 79
William narrowed his eyes at Sofia. This was an unexpected turn. He never expected the woman toe here on her own and talk to him.
His vast illegal businesses had alwaysnded him in trouble for as long as he could remember. It seemed that this time was no different.
And was Enda even aware of this?
"I told you... I simply guessed," Sofia smiled.
His connections in the ck market were well-known, but that was why he wanted to avoid the attention of various individuals. However, Enda had always warned her granddaughter not to involve herself in these matters.
"Then would you like some tea? This is a tea that I personally brewed," William said.
"Thank you, but I would rather we talk about business," Sofia said.
"Then what do you want to talk about?" William asked.
"Lawrence''s shipments," Sofia said. She had been listening to Lawrence¡¯s conversation earlier, but he only said that he would be sending William the details once everything was fixed on his end. Aside from this, Sofia had nothing. "I need everything."
"And in exchange?" the old man said.
"I will ask my grandmother not to involve you when she drags Lawrence down."
Somehow, this made the old manugh. His old shoulders shook as he tried to contain hisughter. "Little girl, it seems that you are still inside your safe bubble."
"What made you think I am scared of Enda?" the old man continued.
Sofia pursed her lips in response. She only stared at the old man. Again, she lookedposed and calm. It was as if she already expected this reaction from him. However, on the inside, Sofia¡¯s heart was beating so fast, it was almost the only thing that she could hear.
Luckily, the light in this ce was not good, or the old man would have immediately noticed how pale she currently looked, even with her makeup on.
"Then what is it that you want?" she asked.
"Your grandmother has something that belonged to me," William said. "To put it simply, it was once mine. Her family took it when they kicked me out. I want you to give it to me."
"Tell me the details about it," Sofia said.
"It''s a music box," William said, his voice softening slightly as his gaze drifted to the window. "A small, wooden one with a carved ballerina on top. It wouldn¡¯t be worth much to anyone else, but it held memories for my parents."
He looked back at Sofia, his eyes hardening again. "It was thest gift they ever gave each other before they... before they passed away."
Sofia¡¯s facade remainedposed, but a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes. This wasn¡¯t what she had expected. It wasn¡¯t money or power, but a seemingly insignificant object.
"And you think my grandmother stole it?" she asked, her voice carefully neutral.
Sofia tried to maintain herposure, even though the mention of the music box struck a chord with her. It made her wonder about the old man''s past and the circumstances that led to his current situation. However, she couldn''t afford to show any weakness now.
"Yes," William replied. "Her family took it from me, and I want it back."
Sofia pursed her lips, thinking about her grandmother¡¯s warnings. She knew that Enda had a lot of secrets, but she never imagined they would include something like this. She had to be careful.
Meanwhile, her grandmother also refused to divulge much information about her past. Sofia knew she had to tread carefully. ¡°I will talk to my grandmother,¡± Sofia finally said. ¡°But you better be forting with the details about Lawrence¡¯s shipments.¡±
William smiled, a knowing look in his eyes. ¡°You remind me of Enda,¡± he said. ¡°Determined and stubborn. I respect that.¡±
Sofia gave a small nod. ¡°Thank you for your time,¡± she said coolly. She did not want to stay in this ce any longer.
¡°I thought you wanted to know more about Lawrence?¡± William asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
¡°If you think I cannot find out the details myself, then you are mistaken,¡± Sofia replied. With that, she walked out of the restaurant and jogged towards the car that was waiting for her outside.
The moment she got into the car, she immediately let out a sigh of relief. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she muttered. Almost immediately, Josef, who was driving the car,plied.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.
¡°That old man is cunning,¡± Alexander said. ¡°Are you alright?¡± he asked.
¡°I am fine,¡± Sofia said. Alexander had been listening to her conversation with William just outside of the restaurant. Aside from this, he had people stationed outside, ready to help Sofia if they encountered a problem. Because of this, Sofia confidently walked inside that ce. ¡°I never expected Lawrence toe tonight.¡±
It turns out that the ce and date that Mrs. Phelps sent her before she died was the ce where a new shipment of smuggled goods would arrive. Luckily, they were able to figure it out and immediately reported it to the police.
Because of this, the goods were confiscated, and many people were arrested. Sofia was then informed that the one behind the smuggling lost millions as this was a really huge shipment. While they were not able to find any connections between Lawrence and the smuggled goods, Sofia still assumed that this would have caused him a few problems¡ªespecially in the amount of money that he lost.
Now, Lawrence was well known for always being clean and smart. He never had any issues in thepany, yet everyone knew how Enda disliked him. Because of this, the board had been waiting for him to make a mistake and had been watching his every move.
This was the reason why it would have been very hard for him to take a move when it came to money involving thepany. With that said, losing a few tens of millions would surely affect him.
So, she immediately thought about people who could help Lawrence, and the one person that came to her mind was none other than William rence.
Alexander had given Sofia information about William in the past. She knew he was not a simple man. He started his illegal connections abroad¡ªmore specifically in Russia and Europe.
He was able to build apany and a life for himself and his family. However, his ties to the mafia never disappeared.
So why would Lawrence ignore those ties? Lawrence would definitely take advantage of this and try to work with William again.
And, Sofia was actually right! Lawrence indeed appeared, asking to work with William again. Naturally, this made Sofia happy. It seemed that Lawrence¡¯s facade was going to crumble very soon!
Chapter 80
Chapter 80
Chaper 80
Thank you all!
Acsitence seule theOriginal from N?velDrama.Org.
ined his toned with gone incern that resonated with file tiesve he heart and soid of 1 Comp for decades Her wowing lelerdig
wat so through top and ballenges alike at fate everyone seemed to notice a decline in her bed words everyone deeply
hive guided
He paused,x gare sweeping across the faces of the assembled cholders Timot here to rm you boo Tbelieve cal to be
wampact with all ed you who are not only farines partners but also part of the LI Group family Ender well being is paramount,
and 11 live it¡¯s time for us to conside the future of thepany
Acollective sich ripplest through the room a testament to the weight of Lawrence¡¯s words. He held their attention he sore
absolutely necessary Ourpany statality and continued mess have always been Enda¡¯s top priority, and I¡¯m content she
would want the same
¡°As you can see in the folle is in front of you, the cumint
coman and
nison of many people online However, this doesn¡¯t.endben Many.investore haver calle
attracted the
about this matter When the news that the thawomm¡¯s mate partner had duple properties abroad that were already under tus
name, many people simply started doubting the chairwoman¡¯s capabilities to distinguish right from wrung As you can see.
¡°Lawrence made secate pause Whas affected the shares Many had been mocking thepany for having a senile chanwoman,
among other things¡±
He looked around and observed the
tions from Mr. Lee, Miss Paine, and the other shareholders. ¡°Tos clear this situation needs careful handling We need to act swiltly
to protect not only the chairwoman¡¯s health and reputation but also thepany¡¯s stability, and the trust of
ore. | propose a two-pronged approach. Firstly, we need ensure that the chairwoman receives the best possible. care and
support. We should explore the best options avable, sparing no expense. To do this, | would like to let woman take some
assessment that would prove she is all capable of handling thepany
rence looked around the room, hts gaze lingering on each shareholder. Secondly, we need to address the public
statement acknowledging the situation while ception and investor concerns lead-on We''ll release a fran mphasizing the
charwoman¡¯s dedication to thepany and hermitment to good governance. Additionally, we need o demonstrate strong
leadership and assure everyone that Loup remains in capable hands
He paused again, letting his words sink in. | understand this is suggestions and ideas on how we cutiuavigate thus chi for LH
Group
sitive matter, and | value your input. I¡¯m open to your th transition and continued suci ess
Sofia mumbled inwardly as she listened to Lawrence talk As always, he sounded very charismatic and confident. It was
something that could easily sway anyone into following his works
¡°Mr. Lockhart it seems that this meeting is just about the tablod news, Miss Paine said. ¡°The numbers that you presented us
aren''t exactly relevant as the data were only for three days. Please do not insult our intelligence
¡°Tapologize, Miss Paine, Lawrence said, his voice remaining cal despite the slight tremor in his hand. However, the threes day
data is just a glimpse into arger trend. We''ve seen a conceming decline in investor confidence, and we need to take
immediate action
He cleared his throat and continued, ¡°But you¡¯re right, there are other issues at hand, | wouldn¡¯t be here if they weren''t serious.
Lately, Enda¡¯s behavior has raised red gs. We''ve witnessed instances where she well, where she seems disoriented.
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Chapter 83
Lawrence i-sitated. Its eyes dickering around the room beforending on Sofia, who at with her arms crossed her expression u.
readable. He pressed on. There have been moments where sheughs inappropriately or seems lost m thoughts from he past
Recently, ille at a business meeting she spent the entire time reminiscing about herte husband even addressing him as if he
went
Amurmur rippled the sugh!
touch of urgency. ¡°No
coupled with the question ai
¡ªreholders exchanged worried nces. Lawrence continued, his voice gaming
these personal details if it weren''t for therger context. These incidents. pany funds for personal travel.¡±
He paused, then gestured to ask of documents on the table. These, for example, are receipts for private jet travel-trips Enda
took for personal reasons, notpany business. | understand that Enda has dedicated her life to LH Group and | wouldn''t
question hermitment if there weren¡¯t such concerning signs.¡±
Lawrence continued. ¡°Just today. | received another email from an environmentalist stating their concern about these various
trips
Sofia continued listening. This man truly sounded so convincing even she was convinced that he was telling the truth. Sofia
pursed her lips. She was tempted to say a word, but she knew that she had to wait for the right opportunity.
¡°So, what does Mr. Lockhart propose Mr. Lee asked, frowning just like most of the shareholders present.
¡°| suggest that we ask the Chairman to have an assessment. This is not only for our peace of mind but for our investors. | believe
this will do good for thepany Lawrence said, his gazending on Sofia. ¡°Don¡¯t you agree with me. Miss Lockhar
¡°| honestly don¡¯t see any reason why | should disagree with you, Sofia smiled. She did not miss the surprise in Lawrence¡¯s eyes.
¡°My grandmother is already in her seventies: it is only normal for people to start worrying about the future of thepany. Given
the fact that her only daughter is still sick, many would wonder who will manage thepany once my grandmother retires.¡±
Since Mr. Lockhart is showing so much concern for my grandmother, | am very grateful and would like to vote to demand health
assessment as soon as possible. This would not only ensure that Miss Lockhart is healthy; it would definitely assure
Sofia gracefully smiled.
our inve
ut how to handle this situation when she received the email. She thought about fighting back and insulting wever, all of this would
highlight how immature she was
trying to use Lawrence of kicking her grandmother out of thepany, it is best that she simply agrees and is for Lawrence¡¯s
concern.
one in this room knew that Lawrence was a caring father and husband. They also knew that he had been lowering his in front of
Ends because of how much he loved Eunice Aside from this, these people knew that Lawrence was Ally good with business!
So, she is not going to shoot her foot and show her hostility towards the person currently running thepany. In fact, she was
nning to do the opposite.
¡°Since Miss Lockhart already agreed, | don¡¯t see any reason why should disagree, Miss Paine immediately chimed in. ¡°I agree
with Miss Lockhart¡¯s sentiments. It is indeed important that we prove that the Chairwoman is still healthy and wise. | vote to have
an assessment for the Chairwoman¡¯s health.¡±
¡°Obviously, the Chairwoman can decline this,¡± Mr. Anderson, another one of the shareholders said. ¡°However, | do agree with
Miss Lockhart and Miss Paine. Yes. We need to assure everyone else that our chairwoman is perfectly fine.¡±
After this, the rest of the shareholders agreed as well
¡°As for those images. Sofia said before she gestured to her secretary to give the shareholders the files that she was holding ¡°The
man in the images is my grandmother¡¯s nephew, Simone ire. | do not see the point of exining something like
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this as this as encof anyone¡¯s business somone ss the son of my grandmother¡¯s sister who passed away and gave a huge
amount of mheritance to her som
In the folder that she had given them w DNA test that proved her grandmother and Simone were indeed rted talve showed
images of Enda and h
Mona ire for her stage:
sec online was the fact that she ha
actress and singer from the past. She changed be ed in her early twenties
bter who mimed
affe family: shat sister was my grandmother Soda smiled
Seeing everyone''s various reactions Soda added ¡°This information was purposely hidden by the Lockhart Family as they did not
want to associate themselves with someone in the industry at that. My grandmother and 1 do not care about the opinions of the
other people However | believe it is best that we exin some matters to everyone just to clear my grandmother¡¯s name.¡± She
then sent a beautiful smile towards Lawrence
In response. Lawrence smiled at her as if he
new this cater before he started his presentation
Thank you for clearing it all up. Sofa Lawrence looked at everyone, a slight smile
reiten his face
Soda nodded and observed everyone''s reaction. It seems that everything is going well. However, why was it that this was not
giving her the relief that she thought she would have
The answer to her own question came in the form of a phone call However, since she was still in a meeting Sofa¡¯s phone
Sedly, when the meeting ended and Sofa was able to answer the call it was already toote
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Chapter 81
Chapter 81
Sofia reclined into the plush leather seat, trying to gather her thoughts. The phone in her purse vibrated, and she recognized it as the hospital. With trembling fingers, she answered.
"This is Dr. Lee from St. Jude¡¯s. It¡¯s about your grandmother."
A strange emptiness gnawed at her despite the seemingly sessful day. ncing at the caller ID, apprehension tightened in her stomach.
A voice, tight with barely suppressed emotion, filled the car. ¡°Ms. Lockhart, we need you toe down to the emergency room immediately. It¡¯s about your grandmother.¡±
The world seemed to tilt on its axis. The voice continued, but Sofia barely registered the words, her mind reeling with the chilling announcement: Helicopter crash, missing, critical condition.
Sofia felt as if a cold bucket of water had been poured inside her soul; the world around her seemed to narrow. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision. Grief, sharp and unexpected, mmed into her like a physical blow, stealing the air from her lungs. Her carefully constructed facade from the meeting crumbled, leaving behind a raw vulnerability.
"Miss, Miss Amores?" the driver immediately asked when he noticed her reaction.
"Bring me to St. Jude¡¯s," Sofia said as the phone slipped from her hand and hit the car floor. She fumbled as she tried to pick it up. ¡°Yes, I am still here. I wille as soon as possible." Sofia wiped the tears from her eyes and forced herself to calm down.
Just as the call ended, she received another call. This time, it was from Alexander.
"I will see you at the hospital," he told her when she said that she already knew about the ident. Traveling from thepany to the hospital took at least forty minutes and, to Sofia, this felt like forever.
The moment she arrived at the hospital, she immediately went to the emergency room where she saw Alexander along with Josef. Unable to stop herself, she crumbled into his arms. In the car, Sofia did not have the chance to show her emotions. She forced herself to calm down, to think, to analyze the situation. She did not have the time to be vulnerable.
In front of Alexander, all the tears that she was trying to control flowed like streams. In response, Alexander held her as she sobbed in his embrace. The familiar scent of his cologne offered a brief sense offort amidst the turmoil of emotions. The weight of the day, the tension from the meeting, and the sudden news of her grandmother¡¯s ident all came crashing down upon her.
A choked sob echoed in the sterile hospital corridor, a stark contrast to theposed image she had projected only moments ago. Tears stained her cheeks, smudging her carefully applied makeup, a physical manifestation of the emotional turmoil within.
When her cries subsided into hups, she pulled away from Alexander, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. Shame pricked at her, a flicker of self-consciousness at disying such vulnerability.
¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she mumbled, her voice rough with emotion. ¡°I just¡¡±
¡°Miss Lockhart?¡± an older man that Sofia had met in the past called out. ¡°I am Dr. Lee¡ we have met before? I checked your mother¡¯s condition in the past.¡±
Sofia nodded, shaking the doctor¡¯s hand. ¡°Dr. Lee¡¡±
¡°Shall we talk privately?¡± the doctor nced at Alexander. Sofia nodded but she did not let go of Alexander''s hand.
¡°He¡¯s my husband,¡± Sofia said. The doctor simply nodded in response. Dr. Lee then led them to a small, quiet room off the main corridor. His face was etched with concern as he spoke, his voice gentle yet firm. ¡°Ms. Lockhart, I understand this is an incredibly difficult time.¡±
He paused, his gaze flickering between Sofia and Alexander. ¡°There was a helicopter crash earlier today. Your grandmother, unfortunately, was one of the passengers. Thankfully, the wreckage was located after several hours of searching.¡±
Sofia¡¯s breath hitched, and she squeezed Alexander¡¯s hand tighter.
¡°However, the situation is critical,¡± Dr. Lee continued. ¡°We managed to locate Enda, but she sustained severe head trauma and multiple injuries. Medically speaking, she has suffered a traumatic brain injury. While she is still technically alive and showing minimal brain activity, the chance of her regaining consciousness is, unfortunately, very slim.¡±
Sofia¡¯s mind reeled. The words ¡°brain dead¡± hung heavy in the air, unspoken yet deeply understood. Tears welled up in her eyes again, blurring her vision. She clung to Alexander for support, his presence a lifeline amidst the storm of emotions.
¡°We are doing everything we can to keep herfortable and provide the best possible care,¡± Dr. Lee assured them. ¡°But I want to be realistic with you, Ms. Lockhart. The next few days will be crucial.¡±
¡°Where did it happen?¡± Sofia asked. She knew that her grandmother had been traveling a lot, but she did not have any specifics of where she was. All she knew was she left the US a few days after her birthday.
She had been busy as everything had been chaotictely, but they had been calling and texting each other. Their rtionship had gone from zero to texting each other every single day. She started sending her funny images, and her grandmother started sending her images of her travels, swimming pools, the moon, flowers, and various other things.
And just as she thought everything was going well, her grandmother¡
Unable to stop herself, Sofia started crying in Alexander¡¯s arms once again. The room blurred as Sofia¡¯s sobs echoed once more. Alexander held her close, his silent support a source offort in the face of overwhelming grief. Dr. Lee, watching them with understanding, answered her question softly.
¡°The crash urred in a remote area of ska,¡± he exined. ¡°The dense forest and challenging terrain made the search and rescue operation incredibly difficult. It took several agonizing hours before they located the wreckage.¡±
A shiver ran down Sofia¡¯s spine. Images of her grandmother, vibrant and full of life, shed in her mind. But what was she doing there? Sofia thought she was in Europe.
Gently, Dr. Lee continued, his voice a gentle thread of hope. ¡°Rescue teams were able to identify your grandmother in the debris. They immediately prioritized her transportation back to Chicago, where she could receive the best possible care. Don¡¯t worry, we will do our best to take care of Enda.¡±
Sofia wiped her tears, a flicker of gratitude breaking through the fog of grief. Even in that moment of overwhelming sadness, she clung to the knowledge that her grandmother wasn¡¯t alone, that she had received prompt medical attention.
¡°We understand this is a lot to process,¡± Dr. Lee said, his voice filled with empathy. ¡°Do you have any questions, or would you like some time alone?¡±
Sofia leaned into Alexander''s embrace as she looked at the doctor with tear-filled eyes. ¡°Can we see her?¡± she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Dr. Lee nodded gently. ¡°Of course. We''ll take you to her room after the forty-eight-hour observation period. However, please be prepared. The sight may be difficult¡¡±
Sofia nodded. She knew that her grandmother was hiding a lot of things from her.
¡°Then¡ I will leave now,¡± Dr. Lee said and promptly left the room.
A wave of confusion washed over Sofia as Dr. Lee exited the room. The news of her grandmother¡¯s ident had brought a torrent of emotions, leaving her feeling overwhelmed and disoriented. But one question gnawed at the edge of her mind, refusing to be silenced.
¡°Alexander,¡± she began, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Why was Grandma in ska? I thought she was in Europe?¡±
¡°We will find out once this is settled. Let me take you outside. You need a change of clothing. I already asked Josef to buy clothes and food.¡±
Sofia nodded without saying another word. Her grandmother told her that she was investigating the death of Sofia¡¯s grandfather, but aside from that, she refused to give Sofia any details whatsoever. The woman had simply too many secrets, Sofia didn¡¯t know where to start.
The moment they got out of the room, a familiar person immediately caught her attention. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Sofia asked Lawrence.
¡°I immediately came when I heard¡¡±
¡°You are not wee here.¡± Sofia decided to drop the facade. She only acted cordially for the sake of the shareholders. Now that they were alone, Sofia was once again acting coldly towards Lawrence. She did not see any point in faking it anymore.
¡°Sofia, please¡¡± As usual, Lawrence looked like a hurt puppy. Sofia immediately wanted to scream at the man. She wanted to me him for everything! First, he took away the chance for Sofia to be closer to Enda. Then he poisoned her mother. Now, he wanted to take thepany away from her.
Yet, this man was the first one who came when he heard about Enda¡¯s ident. Was he trying to provoke her? Was he trying to watch her suffer?
For a while, she was tempted to p him in the face.
¡°I suggest that you leave now, before I make you,¡± Alexander¡¯s voice was chilly. ¡°Mr. Beaumont, I don¡¯t think this is something that you¡ª¡±
¡°Do not test me. Say it again,¡± Alexander frowned.
Lawrence red at Alexander and then towards Sofia. ¡°Very well,¡± he uttered. ¡°Since you are forcing me to leave, then I will. However, we need to issue a statement and immediately hold another meeting,¡± Lawrence suddenly smiled at them.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.
¡°We cannot actually let the media know that our Chairwoman is dead, right?¡±
¡°She¡¯s not dead!¡± Sofia wanted to scream, but Alexander held her closer as if reminding her that losing herposure now was not going to benefit her.
¡°I guess I will be seeing youter for the emergency meeting?¡± Lawrence smirked before he walked away, leaving the fuming Sofia and Alexander alone.
Sofia took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. ¡°I can¡¯t believe he¡¯s here, trying to manipte the situation,¡± she muttered, her voice shaking with anger.
¡°Let¡¯s not waste our energy on him right now,¡± Alexander said softly. ¡°We need to focus on your grandmother and what¡¯s best for her. We¡¯ll deal with Lawrenceter.¡±
Sofia nodded, leaning into Alexander¡¯s embrace. ¡°You¡¯re right. I need to be strong for her.¡±
As they walked out of the hospital, Sofia couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that there was more to her grandmother¡¯s ident than met the eye. The fact that Enda was in ska, when Sofia thought she was in Europe, nagged at her. There were too many unanswered questions.
Once outside, Josef approached them with a bag of clothes and some food. ¡°Here you go, Sofia. I got everything you might need.¡±
¡°Thank you, Josef,¡± Sofia said, taking the bag. ¡°I appreciate it.¡±
¡°Let¡¯s get you changed and have something to eat,¡± Alexander suggested. ¡°You need to take care of yourself too.¡±
Sofia nodded, grateful for Alexander¡¯s support. They found a quiet corner where she could change into the fresh clothes Josef had brought. The simple act of changing out of her work attire and into something morefortable made her feel a bit better, even if only momentarily.
After changing, Sofia sat down with Alexander and Josef to eat. She picked at the food, her appetite diminished by the day¡¯s events. ¡°I can¡¯t stop thinking about why she was in ska,¡± she admitted. ¡°It doesn¡¯t make sense.¡±
¡°We¡¯ll find out,¡± Alexander reassured her. ¡°Right now, we need to focus on her recovery and be there for her.¡±
Sofia nodded, though her mind was still racing with thoughts and worries. She knew Alexander was right, but she couldn¡¯t help feeling that something important was being kept from her. As they finished their meal, she made a silent promise to herself to uncover the truth, no matter what it took.
Returning to the hospital, Sofia felt a renewed sense of determination. She would be there for her grandmother, support her through this critical time, and find out what had really happened. With Alexander by her side, she felt a glimmer of hope that they could get through this together.
Back in the hospital, they met with Dr. Lee again. He briefed them on Enda¡¯s condition, confirming that the next forty-eight hours would be crucial. Sofia steeled herself for the days ahead, knowing that she had to be strong for her grandmother.
As they were about to leave, Sofia turned to Dr. Lee. ¡°Thank you for everything you¡¯re doing for her,¡± she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
¡°We¡¯re doing our best,¡± Dr. Lee replied with a reassuring smile. ¡°Stay strong, Ms. Lockhart.¡±
Sofia nodded, taking a deep breath. With Alexander¡¯s arm around her, she walked down the hospital corridor, ready to face whatever came next.
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¡°If this goes on, the one that will suffer the most will be you,¡± Karina said. With Enda out of the picture, the next capable
person to be the chairman might just be Lawrence.
Right now, people inside and probably outside thepany trusted Lawrence the most. Sofia was simply too young to rule
conglomerate, and many businessmen might see it like this.
Sofia looked at Karina. Right now, her grandmother¡¯s physician is still monitoring her condition. This meant that she needed to
wait before she could see Enda. First, it was her mother. Then it was Enda.
¡°| need all the specifics that you could find out about the ident,¡± she answered. Right now, her concern was her
grandmother¡¯s well-being. However, she also understood that she was in a very delicate situation right now.
¡°Mr. Beaumont already stopped the media from releasing the news...¡± Karina said. ¡°But we cannot hold it for too long. Adam said
that someone would probably leak it, and... ¡°The stocks will definitely go down.¡± Sofia felt a surge of anger towards
Lawrence.
This was already expected from the man, but how dare he use her grandmother¡¯s condition to his advantage? She knew he was
hungry for power, and this was his chance to take control of thepany. But Sofia wouldn¡¯t let him win. She had to be strong,
for her grandmother, for thepany, and for herself.
¡°| won''t let him take everything away from me,¡± Sofia¡¯said, her voice filled with determination. ¡°I will find out what happened to
Grandma, and | will make sure thepany is in good hands Karina nodded in agreement.
¡°We''ll get through this together, Sofia. But for how, you need to rest. You can¡¯t help anyone if you''re exhausted.¡±
Sofia knew Karina was right. She had been crying for hours, and her body was starting to ache. However, she refused to leave
the hospital. ¡°It seems that they are still having a hard time knowing the reason for the ident,¡± Alexander suddenly chimed in.
He just walked in after a phone call with Josef. ¡°My people are already working on it. However... | agree with Karina. You need
rest.¡±
¡°| don¡¯t want to leave my grandmother,¡± Sofia was foolish enough to let Lawrence hurt Eunice- her mother. Now, Sofia would
never let him do something to harm her grandmother. ¡°I already arranged security to secure this ce. You need to rest,¡±
Alexander uttered.
¡°He is right, Sof...¡± Karina said. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, | will stay here for a few more hours and | will call you if anythinges up but right
now, you need to go home. You have apany to run. Staying here and crying... wouldn¡¯t do you any good¡ª or yourpany
any good.¡±
Again, Sofia knew that her friend was right. Taking a deep breath, Sofia finally conceded. The weight of her responsibilities
settled heavily on her shoulders. Tears welled up again, blurring her vision. ¡°Alright,¡± she choked out, her voice thick with
emotion. ¡°I''ll go home and get some rest. But promise me you''ll call the moment there¡¯s any news about Grandma?¡±Original content from N?velDrama.Org.
Karina squeezed her hand gently, her eyes filled with concern. ¡°Of course, Sofia. | won¡¯t leave your side until you¡¯re back.¡±
Alexander, ever the pragmatist, offered his arm. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Sofia. We cane backter, once you¡¯ve had some rest.¡± Sofia
nodded, leaning into Alexander''s supportive hold as they left the hospital room.
As they walked down the sterile hallway, a wave of exhaustion washed over her. Grief, worry, and the weight of thepany¡¯s
future were a heavy burden to bear. But amidst the storm of emotions, a tiny flicker of hope remained. At least, she was not
alone. Alexander and Karina were still with her.
Alexander then drove her back to his ce, which was just minutes away from the hospital. Sofia barely registered them entering
the building, her mind still swimming with a million worries. Alexander, sensing her state, took charge gently.
He led her inside, the warm air and soft lighting a wee contrast to the stark hospital environment. A pot of chamomile tea
steamed on the table, a sweet aroma filling the air.
¡°Sit down, Sofia,¡± Alexander said softly. ¡°I''ll get you the tea.¡± He then poured the tea into a mug with a reassuringly thick handle.
Sofia observed him, a strange sense of calm washing over her. His movements were deliberate, not hurried.
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At this moment, amidst the chaos, she felt safe. ¡°Thank you,¡± she whispered, epting the mug. They sat infortable silence,
sipping the calming tea. As the warmth spread through her, Sofia¡¯s eyelids began to feel heavy.
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Alexander, sensing her fading energy, spoke up. ¡°Why don¡¯t you get to bed now or if you prefer you can shower...¡± his voice.
trailed off before he added. ¡°I''ll be here when you wake up.¡± Sofia nodded, the idea of sleep surprisingly appealing.
¡°Then I''ll just sleep.¡± Not too long after, Sofia found herself in thefort of Alexander¡¯s King-size bed. Alexander pulled the
covers up over her, his touch gentle but firm. He tucked her in like a child, a small, almost forgotten memory surfacing in Sofia¡¯s
mind. Her mother used to tuck her in like this, humming a soft luby.
¡°I''ll be here,¡± Alexander promised, his voice a low murmur before he kissed her forehead. ¡°Thank you...¡± Sofia said. He
responded with a low hum. With a heavy sigh, Sofia closed her eyes.
Seeing her breathing slowly turn calmer and slower, Alexander got up and made sure that the blinds were closed before he
turned the light of the bedside table off, only leaving a small light nearby. Then he made his way into his office.
As Alexander entered his office, his secretary Josef looked up, concern etched on his face. ¡°Is everything alright, Mr.
Beaumont?¡± Alexander sighed, the weariness from the day evident in his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s been a rough one, Josef,¡± he admitted,
removing his jacket and draping it over a chair.
He gestured to the documents in Josef¡¯s hand. ¡°What have we got?¡± Josef set the folders down on the desk.
¡°The usual reports, sir. Market analysis, uing negotiations, and a few urgent matters that require your immediate attention.¡±
He hesitated, then added, ¡°But perhaps these can wait until the morning? You look like you could use some rest.¡±
¡°Do we have anything about the ident?¡± he asked. ¡°Unfortunately, that ce is known for its rain. ording to our people, it
would be hard to go into that ce- especially at night. They are waiting for the weather to clear up early in the morning so they
can start searching for the debris to find out what caused the ident.¡± Josef answered.
ska was well known for its snow. However, there are also areas in ska that were simply well-known for having so much
rain! Enda and her team crashed in an area where it rains more than 200 days a year! The weather was simply unpredictable.
Sadly, no one seemed to know why Enda would go to that ce.
¡°Alright. You should go home or... go to the guest room and sleep,¡± Alexander said, his eyes already on
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¡°We were able to stop any reports as of now, but Mr. Beaumont said anything could happen in the next 24 hours,¡± Miss Amores
said as she handed Sofia her report. Sofia already expected that the media would soon find out what happened. However, she
was still thankful for Alexander¡¯s help.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.
She nodded in response before walking towards the boardroom where the shareholders were going to have their meeting to
decide the future of thepany now that Enda was no longer capable of being the chairman.
¡°Sofia...¡±
Sofia stopped walking when she heard a woman¡¯s voice behind her. ¡°Miss Paine...¡± Sofia said.
¡°How is she?¡± Miss Paine did not beat around the bush. Right now, all major shareholders are aware of the ident.
¡°The doctors are currently observing her...¡± Sofia said. ¡°We are hopeful.¡± However, she was made aware just this morning when
she woke up that even if Enda woke up, it would be impossible for her to be the woman she once was.
This was because of her age. She¡¯s already in her seventies, and she was lucky to have even survived the ident!
¡°| hope that everything will go well...¡± Miss Paine said; her face was devoid of any makeup. It was also obvious that she decided
to dress in a simple manner, opposite to what she used to dress in the past. ¡°Your grandmother and I... are friends.¡±
¡°| know,¡± Sofia nodded. ¡°Shall we go inside?¡±
¡°Of course.¡±
The two women then walked inside the boardroom, and just as expected, the others were already there, waiting for them.
¡°Sofia...¡± Lawrence said concern etched across his face. ¡°How are you holding up?¡± he asked as he approached her.
m fine... thank you,¡± Sofia found her seat. She could feel everyone¡¯s gaze on her but chose to ignore the pressure that came
along with it. ¡°Is everyone here?¡±
¡°Yes...¡± Mr. Lee said. Just like Miss Paine, the others seemed to have somber expressions on their faces.
¡°Then let me start the meeting...¡± Lawrence got up. ¡°Yesterday... our Chairman Enda Lockhart was involved in an ident.
She¡¯s currently in the hospital. | am certain that most of you are aware of her current state?¡±
As always, Lawrence looked and sounded professional. He was calm and collected, not an iota of excitement could be seen in
his eyes. This man was good-too good!
Sofia noticed murmurs rippling through the room as Lawrence finished his statement. Mr. Lee cleared his throat, his voice
raspy.
¡°Mr. Lockhart, with all due respect, the board needs to know the full extent of Mrs. Lockhart¡¯s condition. How long is she
expected to be out? Can you give us a timeframe?¡±
Sofia narrowed her eyes. It seems that Mr. Lee wanted her to tell everyone that her grandmother might not be waking up and if
she will, there is no way for her to work as the chairman!
Lawrence¡¯s lips formed a thin line. ¡°The doctors are still evaluating. However, they¡¯ve made it clear that Mrs. Lockhart¡¯s recovery,
if any, will be a lengthy process.¡±
¡°We understand the delicate situation, Mr. Lockhart. But thepany needs stability. We need someone to step in and lead us
through this uncertain time,¡± Miss Paine said.
¡°Exactly. We need an interim CEO, someone who can handle the day-to-day operations until Mrs. Lockhart recovers, or...¡± Mr.
Anderson trailed off, his gazending towards Sofia.
Sofia sighed inwardly. While she understood that business is business, these people seemed very enthusiastic to change her
grandmother, right? These people knew Enda and Eunice for decades yet at the sign of trouble, they immediately turn
their back on them.
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Isn''t thisical?
Sadly, this was reality. After all, this is a dog-eat-dog world.
As the silence stretched on, Lawrence finally spoke, his voice calm and measured. ¡°I understand your concerns. And while |
believe Mrs. Lockhart would eventually resume her position, the board¡¯s right to appoint an interim CEO is undeniable.¡±
He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. ¡°Therefore, after careful consideration, and with the sole purpose of
ensuring thepany¡¯s continued sess, | am willing to take on the role of interim CEO until Mrs. Lockhart¡¯s return.¡±
Immediately, murmurs washed over the room. However, Sofia remained calm. This was already within her expectations. Today,
she did note here to create more chaos. She came here to witness this event so she could etch Lawrence''s reaction inside
her head.
One by one, the shareholders voiced their agreement. Miss Paine, Mr. Lee, and even Mr. Anderson, all nodded in approval. Sofia
felt a cold wave of anger wash over her. To be honest, she expected one of them to voice out their concerns. But then again,
Lawrence was indeed perfect in his job.
This man must have been waiting for this to happen for such a long time. He yed everyone so well-really well.
Right now, Sofia knew that there were no other options but to make this man the Interim CEO. Why, you ask? It was because of
Lawrence''s exemry performance. He yed the role of a good husband, a good father, and a stepfather. He never showed
greed around the shareholders and the numbers were adding up.
He was good at his job, and as much as Sofia hated this man, numbers don¡¯t lie. Sadly, the people inside these rooms only
cared about the numbers.
Soon enough, the discussion turned to public rtions (PR). Miss Paine, known for her sharp marketing instincts, emphasized
the importance of crafting a carefully worded public statement about Enda¡¯s ident. A collective nod of agreement followed.
Sofia knew Lawrence¡¯s polished image and impressive track record would be crucial in maintaining investor confidence during
this turbulent time.
Finally, they delved into the specific content of the public statement. Hours flew by as they meticulously deliberated each word,
ensuring it conveyed the right message without revealing sensitive details.
By the time the meeting concluded, exhaustion settled over the room. Sofia, however, felt a different kind of weight. While she
acknowledged Lawrence¡¯s capabilities, the power shift left a bitter taste in her mouth.
¡°Sofia?¡± Lawrence¡¯s voice interrupted her stupor just as she got up to leave the room. The others already started leaving, and
she found no reason to stay in this ce. ¡°Do you have a minute?¡±
Sofia looked at Lawrence. ¡°Is there something that you need?¡±
¡°| know there have been a few misunderstandings but... | would like to let you know that | am here... in case you need someone
to talk to.¡± Lawrence said, making sure that the others heard his words.
Sofia¡¯s lips thinned, but she did not say another word. She was tempted to simply p this two-faced man but she didn¡¯t. ¡°Thank
you,¡± she said. ¡°I will keep that in mind.¡± At the end of the day, her image matters. Currently, she is not just Sofia Lockhart. She is
the only Lockhart who stands in between Lawrence and the power that he wants.
However, the moment the other shareholders left, Lawrence¡¯s facade also fell. The kindness in his face vanished. ¡°Aren¡¯t you
going to congratte me?¡± he asked.¡±
¡°Congratte you for what?¡± Sofia asked. Isn¡¯t this just an Interim CEO? A temporary position?
¡°Don''t tell me you still hoped that Enda would survive? | mean... | meant no disrespect, but the woman has been around for
decades. Isn''t it time for her to meet the creator?¡±
¡°You-¡±
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¡°Go on...¡± Lawrence smirked, ¡°p me,¡± he said in a challenging tone.
Sofia narrowed her eyes. This man was provoking her. She must have wanted to show everyone that Sofia could not handle
stress and therefore not suited to lead. ¡°You will regret this,¡± Sofia said. ¡°I promise you to make you regret everything that you did
to me, to my mother and my family!¡±
With that, Sofia turned around and strode out of the room.
AIN: | have done a lot of research and it turns out something like this is quitemon in the business world. Shareholders will
devour you. People will smile at you and stab you in the back. However, you cannot even do anything about it if they are doing
their job well. T.T
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¡°To be honest, | expected her to have something up her sleeve,¡± Miss Brianna Paine snorted as she smiled at Lawrence. Right
after the meeting, Brianna chose to go to Lawrence¡¯s office.
¡°What were you expecting? She knows what¡¯s good for her. Without Enda or her mother, she would be useless. Besides...¡±
Lawrence smiled. He still possessed a lot of things up his sleeve.
What Lawrence did not include in that meeting was the fact that Enda¡¯s boyfriend Simone was with her during the crash.
However, unlike Enda, the poor man did not survive. Lawrence knew that Sofia was aware of this.
This news alone was enough to put Enda in a bad light.
¡°Don''t forget what you promised me when you finally took over thepany,¡± Brianna smirked. She had known Enda for a
few years now Sadly, friendships don¡¯t exist in business. There are only profits.
¡°Of course,¡± Lawrence said. ¡°I don¡¯t need
to
you remind me of such things.¡±
¡°Still, you need to be wary. Cornered rats usually fight back,¡± Miss Paine said.
¡°She¡¯s more bark than bite, Brianna,¡± Lawrence chuckled, leaning back in his chair. ¡°Sofia¡¯s a talented woman; I''ll give her that,
but shecks the ruthlessness thispany demands. She¡¯s too sentimental, too attached to the past.¡±
Brianna nodded a predatory glint in her eyes. ¡°Agreed. But underestimating your opponent is never a wise move. Remember,
she still has ess to thepany¡¯s resources, and she might just surprise us.¡±
Lawrence scoffed. ¡°Let her try. I¡¯ve been nning for this moment for years. Enda¡¯s ident was simply the final push |
needed. With her out of the picture, and her precious granddaughtercking the stomach for a fight, thepany is practically
mine for the taking.¡±
¡°Since it seems that you already have everything taken care of, then... | believe my worries are for nothing,¡± Brianna smiled. She
then got up. ¡°I will see you again... Chairman.¡± She then walked out of Lawrence¡¯s office. The moment she left, the smile on
Lawrence''s face vanished.
He was winning. Everyone watching the show would know that.
However, a part of him seemed to think that he still missed something crucial.
¡°Are you certain that the Beaumont Empire is not making a move?¡± he asked Min, who was standing behind him.
¡°No, sir. Mr. Beaumont is not doing anything at all.¡±
Lawrence frowned. By now, he expected Alexander Beaumont to put up a fight to support Sofia. He expected the man to secretly
buy some shares too. However, it seems that his initial analysis of Sofia and Alexander¡¯s rtionship was wrong.
The Alexander that he knew from the business world would never do anything that would not give him profit. That man must
have agreed to protect Sofia only because of the shares that she holds inside the Beaumont Empire,
It seems that Alexander was not nning to get involved.
While that is good, Lawrence finds it too unbelievable.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.
Alexander is a businessman like him. The Beaumont Empire had been known for its ruthless takeovers. So, it wouldn''t make
sense for him not to take advantage of this opportunity and swallow the whole LH GROUP.
¡°Keep watching,¡± Lawrence said. He cannot exactly just focus on this man alone as he has so many things going on right now.
He looked at the time. Tomorrow, the shipment that would change his life would arrive in the US. William rence already
informed him that everything would go smoothly.
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informed him that everything would go smoothly.
3 68%
This time, Lawrence was more confident as Enda- who had been secretly sabotaging him- did not have the means to do it
anymore.
Very well...
He smiled. Perhaps he was worrying out of nothing.
Everything is going his way, is there a need to think about useless things?
¡°Sir...¡± Min interrupted his stupor.
¡°What is it?¡± Lawrence asked.
¡°We received some news...¡±
¡°News?¡±
¡°It seems that Enda Lockhart... just passed away.¡±
Sofia looked at the list of things in the folder that Josef handed her. ¡°You didn¡¯t have toe here,¡± she said. ¡°Alexander needed
you.¡±
+5
¡°Mr. Beaumont wanted me to personally hand the details,¡± Josef said as the car smoothly made its way towards LH DESIGN.
Her grandmother was still not awake, and the doctors were observing her state. Because of this, Sofia chose to go to EH
DESIGN and keep her mind busy.
The reality was now sinking inside her.
This world is cruel and brute. One mistake and those shareholders would probably try to bite her too. Again, she focused her
attention on the paper in front of her. On it, were lists of Lawrence¡¯s illegal activities that started two years ago.
Sofia scanned the documents, a cold rage simmering beneath the surface. Each page revealed a new web of deceit spun by
Lawrence. Every transaction, every shipment, every shady contact meticulously documented, painting a damning picture of his
duplicity.
Josef watched her, his expression grim. ¡°Mr. Beaumont suspects Lawrence has been skimming profits for years,¡± he said, his
voice barely a whisper. ¡°These documents seem to confirm his suspicions.¡±
Sofia¡¯s jaw clenched. ¡°He¡¯s been using thepany for his own dirty business?¡± The reason why Sofia was not able to find out
anything about this man, the reason why he seemed so clean was that she never thought that he would involve himself in illegal
dealings.
She thought Lawrence would probably siphon money out of thepany. So, she asked some financial experts to study the
numbers.
Sadly, she found nothing wrong with it.
In fact, the growth of LH GROUP has been very steady since Lawrence started working in that ce.
Josef nodded. ¡°It appears so. Mr. Beaumont believes these activities are somehow connected to Dr. Mch.¡±
Sofia clenched her jaw. Dr. Mch is an expert on herbs and poison. ¡°What is this?¡± she asked.
¡°Mr. Beaumont believed that Dr. Mch might be involved in the Triad. The reason why he was able to escape Vietnam in the
past was that he sought their help.
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+5
Sofia frowned. She recalled Alexander telling her that his stepmother Teresa Beaumont might be involved in the Triad too. This
was the only connection that he could find between Teresa and the poison that killed his mother. Dr. Mch.
For some reason, Sofia felt like they were now getting closer and closer to the truth.
Slowly, she closed the folder, exhaustion apparent in her eyes.
¡°Tonight, some new shipments will arrive in the US. We have already prepared everything,¡± Josef said.
She nodded. Luckily, the address that Mrs. Phelps left her pointed to those shipments. Moreover, William rence already
decided to work with them. While Sofia could not actually trust the old man, she was somewhat confident about this operation
because they already informed the FBI and the authorities. She¡¯s very hopeful that this would be the thing that could bring
Lawrence down.
The vibration of her phone interrupted her stupor. She immediately answered it and almost immediately, her face paled.
¡°What did you what did you just say?¡± she asked. ¡°Grandmother Did you just say that my grandmother is dead?¡±
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Chapter 85
For years, Sofia wondered how it would feel to have a good rtionship with her grandmother. Just as she finally had the chance
for that to happen, her grandmother left.
She nced at the flowers surrounding the urn. The scent of lilies hung heavily in the air, a stark contrast to the vibrant woman
they were honoring. Sofia traced the smooth surface of the urn, the polished wood cool against her fingertips. It felt so final, a
cruel punctuation mark on a life well-lived.
Around her, murmurs of condolence swirled, distant like underwater echoes. Sofia wanted to cry too, but the tears wouldn''t
come. Was it strange? Probably. All she felt was a hollow ache in her chest, a suffocating numbness.
Earlier, at the hospital, the doctor¡¯s words echoed in her ears: ¡°peaceful passing,¡± they had said. But there was nothing peaceful
about this. It felt more like a theft, a cruel joke that snatched away the one person who had truly understood her in this whole
mess.
Alexander stood a few paces back, his face etched with stoic grief. ¡°My condolences. ...¡± a voice suddenly caught her attention.
Sofia¡¯s eyesnded on the old man in a wheelchair. This was none other than William rence. ¡°Your grandmother was... a very
respectable woman.¡±
¡°Thank you,¡± Sofia said. She offered William rence a tight smile, silently acknowledging his kind words. It had been a
whirlwind since her grandmother¡¯s passing. News had spread quickly, and the outpouring of support had been overwhelming yet
comforting.
Enda, ever the nner, had left specific instructions for her own goodbye. She didn¡¯t want a grand affair filled with distant
acquaintances.
Instead, she desired a small, intimate gathering ¡ª just two hours for close friends and family to share memories and celebrate
her life. The scent of lilies, Enda¡¯s favorite flower, filled the room, a gentle fragrance that mingled with the soft murmurs of
shared stories andughter.
She looked around and noticed a few members of the Lockhart Family, faces she had not seen in the past. Sadly, she was not
that close to this side of the family as her mother-Eunice, and Lawrence cut off contact with most of them when they refused to
ept Lawrence and Charlotte into the family.
Most, if not all, members of the Lockhart Family were quite close to Enda. And just like Enda, they initially declined
Lawrence''s request to take on the Lockhartst name. The fact that Lawrence married her mother didn¡¯t automatically mean that
he, along with his daughter, was wee at any event.
Because of this, Sofia grew up without attending Lockhart Family events as her mother refused toe without Lawrence and
Charlotte. Young Sofia never asked questions, and when she grew up, she too developed a sense of protectiveness over
Charlotte.
At one point, she hated the members of the Lockhart Family for not epting Lawrence and Charlotte. William, along with his
grandson, found their own seat just as Sofia continued talking to a few other people.
¡°Wherever she is... | am certain she was satisfied with the life that she lived.¡± A woman suddenly interrupted Sofia¡¯s stupor. Sofia
looked at the woman who stood by her side. In response, the woman stared back at her. Green eyes-just like hers. ¡°I have not
seen you since you were a child...¡± the woman added. ¡°You do remember me... right?¡±
¡°Annabelle Lockhart...¡± Sofia mumbled.
m your Aunt. You should call me that.¡±
Sofia pursed her lips. Anna is a well-known member of the Lockhart Family. However, she could no longer remember meeting
the woman once. Anna is actually her mother¡¯s second cousin and has been living in Europe all this time. She would onlye
back to the US to attend family events.
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However, before Sofia could answer, Anna already walked away, her back straight. A bittersweet ache settled in Sofia¡¯s chest as
she watched her unfamiliar, aunt disappear into the crowd.
The two hours of the wake Enda had nned were drawing to a close. The air, thick with the scent of lilies and the murmur of
shared memories, felt heavy with both grief and love.
¡°Are you alright?¡± she heard Alexander''s voice behind her.
¡°| should ask you the same thing...¡± she turned around and smiled at him. ¡°You have been with me since yesterday.¡± She
couldn¡¯t understand why he would suddenly cancel all of his ns just toe here. This was no longer part of their deal.
Strangely enough, his presence gave her a little bit of confidence
¡°You wanted me to leave my wife at a time like this?¡± he arched an eyebrow. A blush heated Sofia¡¯s cheeks. ¡°It wasn¡¯t my
intention to cause trouble,¡± she mumbled, her gaze flickering back to the urn. It was a weak defense, and they both knew it.
Alexander stepped closer, his voice a low murmur that sent shivers down her spine. ¡°No trouble at all,¡± he said. She didn¡¯t know
if this was intentional, but somehow Sofia felt a little warmer. It was as if he moved to protect her from the cold.
Sofia cleared her throat, the sudden awareness of his nearness throwing her off bnce. ¡°We should probably head out soon,¡±
she said, her voice barely a whisper.
¡°Hmmmm..¡± Sofia could feel his warmth starting to spread around her. Being with him was indeed veryforting.
¡°He¡¯s here...¡± Karina¡¯s voice interrupted her stupor. ¡°Lawrence Lockhart just arrived with the shareholders of LH GROUP.¡±
Sofia¡¯s lips thinned. Her expression turned cold as her eyes moved towards the entrance. Almost immediately, she found what
she was looking for. Lawrence Lockhart.
The man walked in wearing an all-ck crisp suit, his expression morose. What fakery!
¡°Is it time?¡± she met Karina¡¯s eyes.
¡°Yes,¡± Karina said. ¡°Everything is ready.¡±
¡°Good.¡± Sofia turned towards Lawrence. ¡°You came...¡± she said.
¡°How could | not?¡± Lawrence said. ¡°My condolences...¡± Lawrence said. ¡°Enda has been... she was not just the pir of
support for LH GROUP. She is LH GROUP herself¡±
What a load of nonsense.
Sofia wanted to curse. Instead, she turned her attention towards the other shareholders. ¡°Thank you foring.¡±
Aripple ofmotion spread through the room as Lawrence, d in a mourning suit that seemed a touch too perfect, took a
seat with the other shareholders.
Sofia watched him, her blood turning to ice despite the warmth radiating from Alexander beside her. His condolences, dripping
with false sincerity, were a bitter pill to swallow.
Just as she was about to address the assembled group, the heavy pak doors at the back of the room swung open
with a bang. Two sharply dressed familiar people walked in. Almost immediately, Sofia¡¯s gazended on Lawrence, who was
strangely staring at her as well.
For a moment, their gazes met. She could sense the confidence in the man¡¯s eyes, perhaps even arrogance.
Not for long, Sofia thought inwardly as her gazended on the two people who walked in. They were none other than Special
Agent Emily Parker along with Special Agent Marcus Reynolds.
Tomorrow''s Affairs
Chapter 85Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.
¡°Miss Lockhart...¡± Emily Parker greeted her. ¡°I apologize for barging in here unannounced. But we are looking for Mr. Lawrence
Lockhart?¡± Emily scanned the crowd and immediately found who she was looking for.
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¡°Why cannot you take me out of this ce?¡± Lawrence hissed at Mr. Thompson, the legal head of LH GROUP. Next to Mr.
Thompson was anotherwyer that is working with him. He red at the two. ¡°What they have were all hearsay!¡±
Mr. Thompson held Lawrence¡¯s gaze with a steely glint in his eyes. ¡°We understand your frustration, Mr. Lockhart. We are
already working on getting you out as soon as possible,¡± he said, his voice calm but firm. ¡°However, the FBI does not operate on
hunches. They have evidence, and unfortunately, it''s quite damning.¡±
Atty. Arian Smith, the otherwyer that he hired, chimed in. ¡°The witness testimonies, financial records, and even those
seemingly insignificant documents you dismissed as ¡®hearsay¡¯ ¡ª they all paint a very clear picture, Mr. Lockhart.¡±
m paying you for these things. Can you not make it go away? | am innocent. | have nothing to do with smuggling and those
other things that they used me of doing!¡± Lawrence gritted his teeth. He was not upset about these usations as he was
almost positive that they had nothing against him. What he was angry about was seeing Sofia¡¯s face when they arrested him.
¡°Those things were just pictures anyone can paint! Lies and exaggerations to bring me down!¡±
Mr. Thompson leaned forward, his voice dropping to a low murmur. ¡°The picture they¡¯ve painted, Mr. Lockhart, involves a
complex web of shellpanies, suspicious money transfers, and shipments arriving from known smuggling routes. It¡¯s a web
that, unfortunately, seems to lead directly back to you.¡±
Lawrence''s face flushed a deep crimson, his bluster fading. The color drained from his knuckles as he gripped the armrest of the
chair.
¡°There¡¯s no way they can prove | knew anything about this!¡± he sputtered, but the defiance in his voicecked its earlier
conviction.
¡°The burden of proof lies with the prosecution,¡± Mr. Thompson acknowledged. ¡°Our job is to poke holes in their case, to raise
doubts. But right now, Mr. Lockhart, the evidence is stacked against you. Our best hope lies in convincing the judge that the case
is weak enough to be thrown out before trial.
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. ¡°However, if the case goes to trial, and they manage to present apelling
narrative with all this evidence...well, let¡¯s just say the future for LH Group, and for you, Mr. Lockhart, wouldn¡¯t be pretty.¡±
¡°What do you meanpelling evidence? They can¡¯t have any evidence since | had nothing to do with it!¡± Lawrence said. He
made sure to get rid of any evidence that included Mrs. Phelps who stumbled upon their operation by ident. Everything has
been taken care of.
¡°The evidence-¡±
¡°What evidence are you talking about!?¡±
¡°We understand your anger, Mr. Lockhart. But anger won¡¯t help us here. We need to focus on the facts, and the facts they¡¯ve
presented paint a very different picture.¡± Mr. Thompson said.
¡°What facts?¡± Lawrence roared, his voiceced with desperation. They are pulling things out of thin air! | have been framed, | tell
you! Framed by Sofia, that ungrateful little-¡± Lawrence took a deep breath as he tried to calm himself down. ¡°Tell me about the
company...¡± he had been in this ce for hours now. Moreover, the shareholders saw his arrests. He was certain that this would
have certain effects on his rtionship with them! ¡°What about Sofia? Did she do anything?¡±
No. His current concern was not Sofia but that smirking man who stood behind him during his arrest. Alexander Beaumont. It
was not a coincidence that Dr. Mch was arrested by the FBI just a few months ago. The one behind everything must be
Alexander Beaumont.
¡°Miss Lockhart is currently not doing anything. However, we need to focus on more pressing matters.¡± Atty Smith said.
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Lawrence red at her. ¡°More pressing? What could be more pressing than this.... this lie they''ve concocted?¡±
Mr. Thompson sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. ¡°The news of our arrest has be a media frenzy. News vans are
swarming the building, reporters are camped outside, and the shareholders are in an uproar.¡±
Lawrence''s face went pale. He had not considered the public fallout. Images of him in handcuffs, stered across every news
channel ¡ª the thought was sickening.
¡°The shareholders?¡± he croaked, his voice barely a whisper. ¡°What are they saying?¡±
35)
¡°Panic, mostly,¡± Mr. Thompson said grimly. ¡°The stock price is plummeting. Investors are pulling out. It¡¯s a full-blown crisis, Mr.
Lockhart.¡±
Lawrence sank back in his chair, the bravado he had disyed earlierpletely gone. This was not just about the usations
anymore. His carefully crafted image, his power, his entire empire it was all crumbling around him.
¡°This was all Sofia¡¯s work!¡± he rasped. ¡°This must be that little witch¡¯s scheme!¡± She must beughing at home now. He was
certain of it.
¡°The media tried to get a hold of her during the funeral, but Mr. Beaumont seemed to have increased all security personnel and
the media were thrown out. | tried to see her, but Mr. Beaumont is currently doing everything to stop anyone from seeing her.
Apparently, she was mourning for her grandmother''s death.¡±
Grandmother...
Lawrence frowned.
Was it possible that it was Enda who did this instead?
¡°| want you to find out everything about the evidence that they were talking about,¡± Lawrence said. ¡°And do everything that you
can to take me out of this ce. Do you understand me?¡± Lawrence hissed. First and foremost, he needed to get out of this hell
hole. He will take care of Sofia once he is out.
¡°Also... | need something to cover up the news.¡± The news about his arrest was not good. He needed some diversion¡ª
something that the PR of thepany could easily solve. Covering up a scandal with another scandal has been normalized in
the industry. ¡°And | want it tost for a week...¡± at least.
¡°Yes, sir.¡± Mr. Thompson said. ¡°Il am already working on the specifics. Right now... we are going to wait for the agent in charge to
take you to bookings and then here''s what¡¯s going to happen next...¡±
Lawrence listened with a dull ache in his head as Mr. Thompson outlined the next steps. Thewyer¡¯s calm demeanor was a
stark contrast to the storm raging inside Lawrence. He felt like a general who had just lost a crucial battle, his meticulously
nned campaign falling apart at the seams.
¡°First things first,¡± Mr. Thompson said, ¡°the FBI will take fingerprints, and photos, and get your basic information. Then, they''ll
decide whether to hold you overnight or release you on bail.¡±
¡°Bail?¡± Lawrence scoffed. ¡°Of course, | will get bail! How much?¡±
Mr. Thompson hesitated. ¡°The amount will depend on the severity of the charges. But considering the nature of the
usations...¡± he trailed off, leaving the sentence unfinished. ¡°However, smuggling charges are usually bable so we do not
have to worry about that.¡±
Lawrence''s scoff died in his throat.
¡°Next
¡°Mr. Thompson continued, ¡°we''ll fight for your release. We''ll need to see the evidence the FBI has against you and start
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Chapter 86
building a defense strategy,
Lawrence nodded curtly, a sliver of hope flickering within him. Lawyers. Strategies. Maybe, just maybe, they could weasel him
out of this mess.
+5
¡°As for the media firestorm,¡± Atty. Smith chimed in, ¡°We¡¯re working on a damage control n. We can¡¯t erase your arrest, but we
can try to manage the narrative.¡±
¡°How?¡± Lawrence asked, desperate for any crumb of good news.
Atty. Smith pursed her lips. ¡°We''re exploring options. Perhaps a pre-emptive press conference announcing your full cooperation
with the investigation. Or a strategic leak about a new phnthropic venture by LH Group to distract the public.¡±
Lawrence grimaced. A press conference? Phnthropic ventures Those were all bandages on a gaping wound. But in the
absence of better options, he would not object.
Just then, the metallic ng of the door opening pierced the tense silence. A familiar FBI agent stood there.
¡°Mr. Lockhart,¡± he said, his voice t. ¡°Time for booking. Please follow me.¡±
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*BANG*
Lawrence tossed aside the folders given to him by Mr. Thompson. ¡°What is this?¡± Since prosecutors were legally obligated to
provide copies of all evidence, including witness statements, financial records, documents seized during the investigation, and
physical evidence, Lawrence and his team ofwyers were able to review a list of what they would present in court.
¡°You''re telling me that Mr. Oh... made a deal? He made a deal?¡±
¡°Mr. Lockhart,¡± Mr. Thompson began, his voice calm despite the storm brewing, ¡°the evidence is clear. Mr. Oh has cut a deal with
the prosecution. He¡¯s agreed to testify against you in exchange for leniency in his own sentencing.¡±
Lawrence shoved the papers away with a disgusted flick of his wrist. The folders tumbled to the floor, spewing documents like a
burst pifiata. ¡°That sniveling coward!¡± he spat. ¡°He knew everything! Everything! We practically built the damnpany
together!¡±
¡°Apparently, Mr. Oh¡¯s loyalty has its limits,¡± Attorney Smith said.
Lawrence let out a humorless bark of augh. ¡°Loyalty? What loyalty? That weasel was swimming in the same pool of money as
me! Now he¡¯s spilling it all just to save his own skin!¡±
He paced the room like a caged lion. Mr. Oh¡¯s betrayal was a fresh wound on top of the gaping hole in his carefully constructed
world. ¡°This changes everything! We need to re-strategize. We can¡¯t trust anyone!¡± Lawrence eximed. He never expected that
guy to just immediately give him up! What a coward!
What he didn¡¯t know was the fact that Mr. Oh was currently receiving his visitor at that moment. Mr. Oh nced at Alexander
Beaumont, his gazeplicated.
¡°You promised to protect my family. Lawrence is probably going to kill them to stop me from talking. | need you to do it as soon
as possible,¡± Mr. Oh said.
¡°| already took care of that,¡± Alexander smirked. Mr. Oh nodded, his shoulders a little slumped. His gaze thennded on the
woman sitting next to Alexander. Sofia Lockhart.
For years, he had underestimated the woman and thought she was not capable of what her grandmother could do. He was
wrong.
Oh. So wrong.
Until now, Mr. Oh could still recall what happened just a few days ago. To be exact, this happened before Enda¡¯s demise. As
always, Mr. Oh waste for dinner.
He had just finished doing a lot of things for Lawrence. It was already ten in the evening when he pulled up outside his house. To
his surprise, however, his wife was still enjoying some wine with none other than Sofia Lockhart.
The moment he saw Sofiaughing with his wife, Mr. Oh froze, his eyes wide.
Who would have thought that she would daree into his house and even to his family?
¡°Honey, I¡¯ve been calling you,¡± his wife, Kenny, smiled as she walked towards him, a half-filled wine ss in her hand. ¡°I tried to
tell you that Miss Lockhart came to visit for some important files.¡± Kenny widened her eyes on him as if she was trying to tell him
something. ¡°Did you know that she designed that bag that you gifted me on our anniversary? Howe you failed to mention
this to me? | have been telling you that | like that bag so much!¡±
¡°l-You know that | have been busy,¡± Mr. Oh said. To be honest, he doesn¡¯t know what Sofia is currently doing here; however, he
knows that it wouldn¡¯t be anything good. ¡°I Miss Lockhart, | didn¡¯t know you woulde to my humble
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abode.¡±
¡°Mr. Oh is really entertaining. How could you call this ce humble?¡± Sofia smiled at him.
¡°Honey... may | talk to Miss Lockhart in private?¡± Mr. Oh immediately looked at Kenny.
¡°Of course. She¡¯s here to discuss some business, after all. Do you need me to prepare some snacks?¡± Kenny asked.
¡°No.¡±
¡°Of course,¡± Sofia interrupted Mr. Oh. ¡°Snacks would be lovely.¡± She then handed Kenny her wine ss and smiled at Mr. Oh.
¡°Shall we?¡±
Almost immediately, Mr. Oh took her to his home office.
¡°Miss Lockhart-¡±
¡°Lawrence doesn¡¯t know I¡¯m here...¡± Sofia said. ¡°Unless you wanted me to leak this.... secret rendezvous?¡± Sofia lifted an
eyebrow, confidence oozing from her gaze. Mr. Oh¡¯s eyes narrowed as he wondered what Sofia was so confident about.
¡°Then- May | know why Miss Lockhart is currently here? | don¡¯t remember¡ª
¡°| know about the shipments...¡± Sofia said.
¡°I-¡± Mr. Oh¡¯s heart skipped a beat when he heard her words. ¡°What shipments is Miss Lockhart talking about?¡±
+5
¡°| also know that you had something to do with Mrs. Phelps¡¯ death,¡± Sofia said. ¡°Yet, | decided to sit on it as... | was a coward.¡±
Sofia smiled.
¡°You-¡±
¡°But then... | decided to fight fire with fire.¡± Sofia added. ¡°So here | am...¡±
¡°Ah... before you do something stupid, then you should know that | have people outside the house. | also have my men outside
of your illegitimate daughter''s house.¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.
¡°You.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong. This is not a threat. Rather... this is protection. For when Lawrence tries to harm you.¡±
¡°What did you just-¡± Mr. Oh¡¯s face paled. He stared at Sofia in disbelief. How did it alle to this? Just what the heck wen
wrong?
¡°Now... shall we go ahead and start talking?¡± Before Mr. Oh could answer, there was a knock on the door, and Mrs. Kenny Oh
walked in with some snacks in hand, a huge smile stered on her face.
The tapping of Alexander¡¯s fingers against the table pulled him back out of his stupor. His gaze focused on Sofia, who was very
calm and collected. Again, this was not the Sofia that he knew.
¡°Staring is rude...¡± Alexander said. ¡°If you wanted to say something then... please do so. We only have a few minutes left before
some agents wille to tell you about your new identity?¡±
That¡¯s right. Because of what Mr. Oh knew about thisrge syndicate from Asia that is working with Lawrence, he and his family
would need new identities to protect them.
¡°Lawrence is dangerous... he is more dangerous than anyone | knew.¡± Mr. Oh said. As someone who worked closely with
Lawrence and has met Dr. Mch countless times, he knew how dangerous they really are. To be honest, he already expected
Sofia to know about the poisoning, but she never once asked about it.
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However, he was not nning to tell Sofia about what he knew. No. The woman walized into his life and ruined everything -his
ns, his family, his money! To Mr. Oh¡¯s mind, Sofia deserves what she and her mother will soon have.
Their conversation, however, was interrupted when Special Agent Reynolds walked in with another agent who would take care of
Mr. Oh¡¯s new identity.
To Mr. Oh¡¯s surprise, Sofia did not leave. Instead, she approached him and lowered herself until her face was just on the same
level as his. Then she whispered. ¡°I know about the poison..¡±
Mr. Oh¡¯s eyes immediately widened. Then Sofia added. ¡°What do you think should | do next? Put something on your food or your
daughter''s food?¡±
¡°You-¡±
However, Sofia already straightened his back. ¡°Enjoy your new life, Mr. Oh.¡±
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¡°It seems that Lawrence still thinks that he has a chance to get out of this,¡± Sofia said, smiling as she looked at the news.
It had already been a week since Lawrence was allowed bail. Court cases like this took time, and that was a sad fact. However,
the shareholders had already asked for Lawrence to be reced and for him to resign as the CEO of thepany.
The scandal had caused them to lose too much money. Currently, the stocks were still going down, and everyone was waiting for
LH GROUP to make their move. Sofia¡¯s gazended on Karina, who was sitting right across from her with her coffee in hand.
Karina had been working too hard to build a case against Lawrence. Sofia had been very grateful for her friend. ¡°This donut is
literally perfect,¡± Karina said as she sliced her favorite chocte-zed donut. Next to the donut was a steaming hot coffee-her
fifth for the day. ¡°And that man is going to rot in prison.¡±
Sofia did not answer. Instead, she took a sip of her coffee. She couldn¡¯t wait to see everyone¡¯s reaction during the meetingter
on.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.
¡°So, | heard something crazy,¡± Karina said. ¡°| heard that some paparazzi have spotted your sister on a flight back to the US.¡±
¡°You read the gossip tabloids?¡± Sofia asked, smiling.
¡°You don¡¯t seem to be affected?¡± Karina fired back, smirking at her.
¡°Why would that affect me?¡± Sofia asked. Was she a celebrity?
¡°You have all the evidence that is enough to remove her from
Hollywood,¡± Karina said. She was talking about the video that she took in that closet.
¡°And?¡±
¡°Why not just end her career?¡± Karina asked.
¡°Because it¡¯s not worth it,¡± Sofia said. The only reason why she didn¡¯t unleash the evidence was that Charlotte decided not to
pursue the matter and simply left. Meanwhile, Daniel was currently receiving some
treatment for his ¡®mental health.¡¯
¡°You are too generous.¡±
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m not,¡± Sofia chuckled. She married Daniel¡¯s brother. At the end of the day, her husband was more handsome, wealthier, and
overall better in everything. She was not someone who would continue delving into the past and let it consume her.
All the things that happened made her realize that even giving them a small time of her day was not worth it. Those two
completely deserved each other. Why would she stop them from having each other?
¡°What if they they realized that you married you know who?¡± Karina asked.
This time, Sofiaughed. She could not imagine how chaotic it would be.
¡°So, when are we doing dress shopping?¡± Karina asked while shoving another slice of donut in her mouth. Seeing her friend
enthusiastically eat in front of her while wearing an all-white suit made Sofia want tough. As someone without a sweet tooth,
she wouldn''t be able to understand her friend at all.
¡°Soon... once we announce it.¡± Actually, she was intending to wear the wedding dresses that her mother designed. Her
grandmother managed to keep the dresses safe. So, she was very excited to check them out.
¡°And you are nning on announcing it?¡± Karina asked. ¡°I mean... Hold on... are you going to do it to save thepany?¡±
Because of what Lawrence did, thepany is currently in shambles. The investors are currently doubting the heir of the
company-Sofia Lockhart. However, announcing her marriage to Alexander Beaumont would change everything. This time, they
would not only look at Sofia¡¯s potential but also her potential as someone rted to the Beaumont Family.
Sofia smiled, not saying another word. Actually, doing something like this would immediately solve the problem. The investors
would see this as a cooperation between the Beaumont and the Lockhart Family.
¡°No. You are not going to do that,¡± Karina said. ¡°I know you. You are stubborn. You are probably going to prove to those people
that you are capable. That you can run thepany. That you are the perfect heir.¡±
Again, Sofia did not answer. Instead, she looked outside the cafe, her mind swirling with ideas.
Actually, her initial n was to do what Karina said just now. Prove to the
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shareholders that she was capable and that she should be the next CEO of thepany despite her young age. She
wanted to look them in the eye and tell them how they messed up by choosing Lawrence.
However, she does not intend to do that.
Sofia actually realized something after everything that happened to her, and that was... she has money. She could live the rest of
her life without worrying about anything; her children can do that as well. So... why would she do something that she was not so
passionate about?
Why would she try to impress the people that she doesn¡¯t actually like?
This was not some idealistic novel. This is reality.
She knew that right now, she was not prepared to take over thepany. She needed more time to train, to learn.
She was not arrogant enough to dere that she was some strong independent woman and scheme her way into apany.
She doesn¡¯t want to risk the jobs of thousands of people by mismanaging a conglomerate.
To some people, this might be considered a weakness, maybe even stupidity. But Sofia doesn¡¯t care. She would only get to live
once! Why do something that she doesn¡¯t actually like?
For the first time in her life, Sofia finally made something that could change the course of her future.
¡°By the way...¡± Karina¡¯s words were interrupted when her gazended on a certain someone who just walked inside the cafe.
¡°Hey- What are you-¡±
*SPLASH*
Sofia jolted upright, coffee sshing out of her mug and onto the pristine white tablecloth.
¡°What the...?¡± Sofia sputtered, scrambling to grab a napkin and dab at the spreading stain on her blouse.
Her gaze snapped towards the direction where the water came from. Her face immediately turned ugly when she saw Charlotte
standing there, a half-empty ss of water dripping in her hand.
She didn¡¯t actually see Charlotte walk towards her!
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¡°What the hell do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± Karina got up, she pushed Charlotte away, and helped Sofia dry her clothes.
¡°It was you
who did it...¡± Charlotte said, her eyes burning with rage. ¡°I know it was you who wanted to get rid of my father and me. It was you
who framed him for something that she didn¡¯tmit.¡±
Sofia snorted. ¡°Frame him?¡± She got up and stood in front of Charlotte.
Then...
*SLAP*
Aloud pping sound echoed. The cafe fell silent. Even the tter of spoons against mugs seemed to stop as everyone stared,
wide-eyed, at the unfolding scene.
Sofia¡¯s hand burned. Who would have thought that Charlotte¡¯s face was actually so thick?
Charlotte stumbled back, a hand flying up to cradle her stinging cheek, eyes wide with disbelief.
For a second, Sofia stood frozen, her own hand throbbing. It wasn¡¯t something she ever thought she¡¯d do, violence was never
the answer she craved. Yet, the sudden attack, the vile usations, it had all been too
much.
¡°You daree in here and spout lies?¡± Sofia finally managed, her voice tight with anger. ¡°Your father brought this on himself,
Charlotte. Don¡¯t try to pin it all on me.¡±
¡°Lies?¡± Charlotte shrieked. ¡±
| always knew you never liked my father but to force him out of thepany? You know he loved LH GROUP just as much as he
loved your mother!¡±
Sofia wanted tough at that. ¡°Are you sure you wanted to scream and cause some scene in front of people who already started
taking a video?¡± Sofia smiled. ¡°Are you sure you wanted them to hear what | was about to say about what you and your father
did?¡±
¡°You.¡±
¡°Go on...¡± Sofia smiled. ¡°Try me.¡±
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¡°| didn¡¯t think she would actually run away crying like a child!¡± Karina mused. ¡°What was she trying to do? You''re not a celebrity.
It''s not like she can ruin your reputation or something.¡±
Sofia said nothing. What was Charlotte trying to do exactly? She wracked her brains but could not seem to find out anything.
However, she had more pressing matters to attend to at this very moment. The shareholders¡¯ meeting is about to start
¡°Why can¡¯t | see her?¡± Daniel asked his mother, his expression cid. ¡°Did she know | am currently here?¡±
¡°She does know that you are here...¡± Teresa responded before she took a sip of her tea. ¡°Why don¡¯t you give her some time to
think things through? | think this... space is better for both of you.¡±
Daniel pursed his lips. He looked around the garden which almost felt like a heaven of tranquility. A low stone wall separated the
patio from the rest of the space, creating a cozy nook. Honeysuckle vines climbed the wall, their sweet fragrance heavy in the air.
Bright sshes of color dotted the scene ¡ª roses in various hues of pink and red bloomed alongside vibrant purplevender
bushes.
Asmall fountain trickled merrily in the center, its gentle sound a soothing counterpoint to the frantic thoughts swirling in Daniel''s
min Sadly, these were not enough to calm his inner thoughts down. ¡°I don¡¯t need to stay in this ce... the doctor said | am
showing some progress. Did you talk to him about my release?
Teresa''s gaze immediately gotplicated. To be honest, she does not want her son to go out of the walls that surround this
ce. This was because of Alexander and Sofia. Lately, some news and even the socialite of Illinois had been talking about the
fact that they were always together. Many were aware that Sofia and Daniel used to be together and that Daniel was Alexander''s
brother but those two simply don¡¯t care.
¡°Ma, | need to marry her,¡± Daniel said. ¡°You know that... right?¡±
Teresa pursed her lips. After a series of therapy with her and a specialist, Daniel finally revealed that the reason why he wanted
to marry Sofia was
not just because of what she would bring to the table but because he liked
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her, and he thought she liked him too.
Daniel then started talking about Charlotte and how it was only a mistake. Charlotte was an easier woman to please. He would
buy her coffee and she would smile and hug him.
Meanwhile, Sofia seemed to have always had that obsession with ruling thepany. She can be cold and likes to iste
herself, especially when she is busy with a certain project. Daniel sighed, the sound lost in the gentle murmur of the fountain.
He ran a hand through his hair, the manicuredwn a stark contrast to the turmoil within him. Sure, Charlotte was easy. Easy to
please, easy to spend time with, easy to forget about everything else for a while. But their connection never went deeper than
that. It was like a warm summer breeze pleasant but fleeting.
Sofia, on the other hand, was a storm. Unpredictable, powerful, and utterly captivating. There were moments of sunshine,
laughter, and shared dreams, but also long stretches of cold rain, where she retreated into her own world, leaving him both
frustrated and strangely drawn in. At the end of the day, it was just a small mistake-nothing that couples therapy would not be
able to fix.
¡°| know, honey. Just¡ª just give her time.¡± Teresa answered after a few minutes of silence. ¡°She is currently grieving. She¡¯s ina
dark ce. She wille around.¡± Until now, Teresa still doesn¡¯t know what that woman would do. Theirpany was in turmoil,
but she was not showing signs of trying to rule thepany. ¡°This ce is quite lovely. Why not stay here for a couple more
months and-¡±
¡°What about my wedding?¡± Daniel asked.
¡°Honey...¡±
¡°If | stay here for too long, that man might probably steal my fianc¨¦e away.¡±
¡°Daniel-¡°Teresa doesn¡¯t know what to say. The specialist told her that Daniel was getting better. He was getting calmer. But that
might just be because of the medicine that he was taking.
¡°Never mind that. Let¡¯s talk about something else....¡± Daniel suddenly changed the topic and started talking about thepany.
Currently, Daniel was on leave, yet he insisted that his secretary take his
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work inside the facility-something that the specialist did not allow. Her son was indeed a workaholic; he had been raised as one.
Sadly, it seems that his father and brother don¡¯t appreciate the things that he did for them. Teresa gritted her teeth as Alexander¡¯s
warnings echoed inside her head. After a few hours of talking about random things, Teresa finally decided to leave and let her
son rest. She walked out of the facility, exhausted.
Daniel seemed very calm throughout the conversation. There were no signs of aggression or anger. However, this was not the
Daniel that she knew.
he let out a sigh and internally cursed Sofia for the umpteenth time. If the woman had only forgiven her son then this wouldn¡¯t
have happened!
¡°Take me home...¡± she ordered the moment she got inside the car. This whole thing was making her so stressed; she could now
see new wrinkles on her face every single day! She leaned back and closed her eyes.
When Teresa opened her eyes, she already arrived at the mansion. ¡°Madam... we might have a problem.¡± One of the maids said
the moment she walked out of the car.
¡°What is it this time?¡± Was it Zoe or that damn Alexander again?
¡°Miss Charlotte Lockhart insisted on seeing you. We tried to tell her no, but she threatened to-¡±
¡°To what?¡±
One of the maids paled. ¡°She said she would tell the media that the Beaumont Family abandoned their... grandchild.¡±
The maid¡¯s words echoed inside her head like a tolling bell, ¡°What did you just-¡±
¡°Madam please don¡¯t be mad. We were forced to let her in because she started screaming that she was pregnant with young
master Daniel''s child.¡±
¡°D- Daniel¡¯s child?¡± Teresa staggered. All colors drained from her already pale face. ¡°Did she just say... it was Daniel¡¯s child?¡±
¡°Yes so-¡±
¡°Did you call your master?¡± Teresa asked.
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¡°No. We tried to call you but your phone was-¡±
¡°Good. Gather everyone who heard her say those words and wait for me in your quarters. Do you understand?¡± Teresa asked.
¡°Yes, Madam.¡±
¡°Now... take me to that woman,¡± Teresa said.
Not long after, she finally saw the shameless woman in the garden enjoying her tea. ¡°Miss Teresa...¡± Charlotte got up and
smiled. ¡°I know you probably do not know me but I¡ª
¡°| know who you are...¡± Teresa interrupted her. ¡°Please take a seat.¡±
¡°Miss Teresa, the maids must have already told you about the incident earlier. However, | can assure you it was just a
misunderstanding. They didn¡¯t scream at me and try to drag me away from the mansion. | just¡ª | saw the security and |
panicked so | started crying. | believe it was my pregnancy. However, please don''t fire them... those people did not mean to
startle me or your grandchild.¡±
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Teresa did not know what to say.
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Chapter 90
Teresa¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°You are telling me that you are pregnant with my son¡¯s child?¡± she questioned.
¡°| have never been with another man aside from Daniel,¡± Charlotte stated, tears welling up in her eyes for some reason, which
immediately irritated Teresa. Why was she crying? What the hell was wrong with this woman? Weren¡¯t they just talking!?
¡°This is something that Daniel and |... | know we made a mistake, wemitted a grave sin against my sister Sofia, but |¡ª¡±
Charlotte lowered her gaze again.
¡°That child cannot exist,¡± Teresa said calmly. ¡°There are various methods. | can immediately call someone-¡±
¡°| do not intend to kill my child.¡±
¡°What?¡± Teresa arched an eyebrow, wondering if she had heard correctly. Was the woman actually thinking of keeping the child?
¡°Wouldn¡¯t this ruin your career?¡± Teresa asked. ¡°Daniel would not marry you. This would only ruin your future. This would prove
that you and my son indeed have an affair. To think that you would actually keep it.¡±
Charlotte lifted her gaze back to Teresa. ¡°How could a grandmother suggest something that horrendous?¡±
¡°It is only practical. Right now, my son has issues that he needs to face on his own. He is not fit to be a father. | do not want
you expending more things on him or affecting his recovery. So... it is best that you terminate this pregnancy as early as now.¡±
¡°And if | say no?¡± Charlotte asked.
Teresa smirked. ¡°It seems that you have misinterpreted something...,¡± she smiled. ¡°That was not a question nor was | asking for
your permission. That was... an order.¡±
Charlotte stared at the woman in disbelief. She never expected the Beaumont Family to be this ruthless! To think that they would
actually try to kill their own blood?
When she heard about what happened to her father, the first thing that she did was call Daniel. The two of them had stopped
communicating when she left the US. However, she was desperate for his help.
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Sadly, Daniel seemed to have blocked her or changed his number. Luckily, the results of her test finally came back positive. It
turns out that the procedure that she did immediately bore some positive results.
The physician told her that the likelihood of her bing pregnant after one procedure was quite high simply because of her
lifestyle and health. She never thought that it would actually happen in a month!
The physician advised her to rest and to take some time off after the result. But how could she do something like that when her
father was about to be incriminated by something that he didn¡¯t do?
Charlotte was convinced that Sofia framed her father just to get back at her. So, she came back and immediately confronted
Sofia.
Sadly, she quickly realized how wrong she was.
The Sofia that she knew was no longer there. She had changed!
Her helplessness took her to this ce.
As someone who was carrying the blood and flesh of the Beaumont Family, she expected them to wee her. Sadly... she
was wrong.
¡°How could you do that to your own blood?¡± Charlotte asked, her face already turned red from her anger.
¡°Blood...¡± Teresa only smirked before she elegantly raised her teacup and took a sip. She then savored her tea before she
added. ¡°What you currently have is but blood. A fist of blood.¡±
¡°You-¡± Charlotte gritted her teeth. It was not actually her intention to announce this pregnancy prematurely. She was nning to
keep this a secret for a few more weeks, but she truly had no other choice. She suddenly got up. ¡°Since the Beaumont Family
refuses to ept my child, then | can only-¡±
¡°Sieve her...¡± Teresa said.
¡°What-¡± Before Charlotte could say another word, two guards
approached her and held both of her arms. ¡°What are you doing!? Let me go! Let me go!¡± She tried her best to push them away,
but the two men were quite strong. ¡°I said let me go!¡±
¡°Foolish...¡± Teresa said. Despite themotion, she remained seated, a smile apparent on her face. ¡°Did you really think that
we would wee you with open arms?¡± she snorted, her face arrogant. ¡°You are thinking
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too much of yourself. Aren¡¯t you just a starlet? An entertainer? You perform for money, no? Like a clown... but better looking.¡±
¡°You-¡±
¡°So, please... don¡¯t even think that you can dirty the blood of the Beaumont Family. That will never happen.¡±
¡°You-You are ruthless!¡± She had heard about Teresa before. They had met at a few events in the past. On the outside, the
woman seemed very charismatic, soft-spoken, and kind. She had many charities and was well known for her honest behavior.
Who would have thought that behind all this... behind everything was a ruthless woman that would hurt her own grandchild!?
¡°Keep her to the guest room and¡ª*
¡°Go on!¡± Charlotte said. ¡°If you think you can handle what is going to happen next, then go on.¡±
¡°Oh?¡± Teresa arched an eyebrow. She pursed her lips and stared at Charlotte¡¯s resolute expression. ¡°The littlemb dares to
threaten a wolf... in a wolf''s den? Howical.¡±
¡°| already asked someone to release the news of my pregnancy to the media. | also included proof of my rtionship with your
son. If | disappear... they would know it was the Beaumont Family.¡± Charlotte said
¡°So?¡±
¡°You.¡±
¡°So, your fans will think that the Beaumont Family took care of you, and then... what is going to happen next?¡±
Charlotte stared at the woman in disbelief. Just- just what kind of person was Teresa Beaumont? She was no longer the kind
mother-inw that Charlotte always dreamed of having. Right now, she was but a beast- a ruthless one!
¡°Do you think your disappearance will matter?¡± Teresa smirked. ¡°Your fans will stop talking about you after a month. They would
probably forget about you after a year or two. Isn¡¯t that sad?¡±
Charlotte red at Teresa. She knew that the woman was right- sadly.
¡°Then what If | tell you that | included something that would ruin your
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son?¡± Charlotte asked.
¡°Oh?¡±
¡°Daniel wanted to marry Sofia because he wanted her shares. He wanted to fight against the tiger of the Beaumont Family-
Alexander Beaumont. Do you think he will take this lightly?¡±
Hearing this, Teresa immediately narrowed her eyes.Original content from N?velDrama.Org.
¡°You can check my phone. A timer was in there... if | do not get out of this ce thirty minutes after you arrive... then my people
will release everything to the masses. If you think that | still care about my reputation... you are wrong. | already have enough
savings tost me and my child a lifetime. My father might probably go to jail, and Sofia will push me out of this country. | don¡¯t
care if the people will hate me, but what if Alexander knows that his younger brother is trying to screw him?¡±
Seeing Teresa¡¯s reaction, Charlotte chuckled. ¡°Right... | heard Alexander is the real person in charge of the Beaumont Empire.
Daniel told me that even their father would not dare fight against Alexander. He also told me that the reason Alexander hated him
was because of a mistake that he made in the past. He knew that you poisoned Alexander¡¯s mother and¡ª¡±
¡°Enough!¡± Teresa hissed, her face already so red it looked like she was about to explode. ¡°Enough of this!¡±
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¡°Do you not understand anything?¡± Teresa chided. ¡°To think that you are a daughter of someone like Lawrence Lockhart, yet you
are actually this stupid.¡± Teresa arched an eyebrow.
¡°We cannot intervene in this matter, or our enemies will think that we have something to do with your father and this smuggling
ring that the government is trying to destroy. Do you think we are that stupid?¡±
¡°But my father is innocent.¡±
¡°Innocent?¡± Teresa smirked. ¡°Did you truly believe your father is a saint?¡±
¡°He is not. He might havemitted some sins but... he would not do something so stupid as this. He worked so hard to slowly
crawl his way up to the top of the food chain. Why would he risk everything for something like that?¡± Charlotte came here
because she was helpless. She thought that the support of the Beaumont Family would help her father. However, she never
thought that Mrs. Teresa Beaumont would be this useless.
It was a good thing that she knew a few pieces of information about Teresa and the Beaumont Family- information that was
enough to ruin their perfect family image.
Charlotte was forced to reveal her cards when Teresa threatened to harm her unborn child. Because of these cards, Teresa
asked her people to let Charlotte go, and they finally had the chance to have a decent conversation.
However, it seems that Teresa is still not convinced that she is worth helping.
¡°| never thought of doing something pointless,¡± Teresa said. ¡°Why would we involve ourselves in your matter when it has nothing
to do with us? Besides...¡± Teresa narrowed her eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t you know that Alexander Beaumont is currently helping your sister?¡±
¡°What?¡± She heard rumors and even saw some gossip about the two online. However, she never thought that Alexander
Beaumont would involve himself in the matters between the Lockhart Family. ¡°I¡ª | don¡¯t understand. This has nothing to do with
Mr. Beaumont. Besides, Sofia doesn¡¯t exactly have anything that could give him. Mr. Beaumont was a man who was even
greater than Lawrence. He has the wealth, the power,
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and perhaps women.¡±
¡°Besides, Mr. Beaumont is your son... can¡¯t y
you-¡±
¡°Let''s stop wasting each other¡¯s time,¡± Teresa said. ¡°I do not owe you any exnation. The only reason why | am letting you go
now is because of what you told me earlier. However, you do not have to act confident around me. | still do not ept you in the
family. You may raise that child as yours, but that child... will never be one of us.¡±
¡°You.¡±
¡°Daniel will never marry you nor will he father that bastard of yours. However, | will allow you to live but do not mistake this as
benevolence. | only wanted to see how far you will go until you... terminate that pregnancy yourself,¡± Teresa said. ¡°You may
leave...¡±
¡°What about my father?¡±
¡°What about your father?¡± Teresa asked. This matter doesn¡¯t really concern her so she was not interested in involving herself.
Besides, Alexander¡¯s warnings still echoed inside her ears until now. Alexander is currently helping Sofia. Right now, she doesn¡¯t
want to provoke Alexander anymore as she knows how ruthless that man is.
She doesn¡¯t want Alexander to harm Daniel just to hurt her.
¡°Leave... you already know where the door was. There is no need for me to escort you out.¡±
Charlotte gritted her teeth as she red at the woman before her. How could someone be this ruthless?
¡°Can''t you at least let me see Daniel?¡±
¡°And why would you want to see my son?¡±
¡°He needed to know that he has a child.¡±
¡°Says who?¡± Teresa lifted an eyebrow. This time, Charlotte was unable to answer her question. She let out a sigh before she got
up and turned towards the exit. Today, she will never forget the suffering that she experienced in front of this woman.
However, just before she could go out of the mansion, therge gates opened, a ck Maybach drove straight inside. Seeing the
familiar car, a small light of hope suddenly appeared inside Charlotte. She quickly
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made her way towards the car.
¡°Mr. Beaumont...¡± she called out the man who just got out of the car. ¡°I am certain that we have not met before, but | am
Charlotte Lockhart. | am Sofia Lockhart¡¯s stepsister and | carry the child of Daniel Beaumont.¡±
Alexander looked at Charlotte. ¡°Then-
¡°4
¡°Alexander, | didn¡¯t know you woulde...¡± Teresa¡¯s voice interrupted him. ¡°This- you do not have to listen to this nonsense. ¡±
Teresa said. She never thought that Alexander would actually appear at a time like this! ¡°This woman simply wanted money and |
¡°| just want my child to live!¡± Charlotte screamed. ¡°All | wanted was for my child to survive.¡±Original from N?velDrama.Org.
¡°Live?¡± Alexander looked at her stepmother and then turned his attention towards Charlotte. ¡°You do understand that lying to a
Beaumont would directly forfeit your life, no?¡±
For a few seconds, Charlotte was speechless. Alexander should not be that old. So, what was this suffocating atmosphere
coming from him? She swallowed as she tried topose herself.
¡°I¡ª 1am not lying. We can do a DNA. | heard they can do something like that even to a pregnant woman. | am willing to prove
that this is Daniel''s child!¡±
¡°Then Josef...¡±
¡°Master...¡±
¡°Arrange a guest room for Miss Lockhart. Call the physicians. We need to arrange a DNA test and if it was proven that this is-¡±
¡°Alexander! What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± Teresa asked her gaze wide. She never expected that Alexander would
immediately budge. ¡°This woman is lying if¡ª"
¡°If she¡¯s lying then we could just punish her... isn¡¯t that right? Mother?¡± Alexander smirked.
¡°This woman was only after the wealth of the-¡±
¡°And you know that because?¡± Alexander asked.
a
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¡°Was it because you can smell it from her?¡± Alexander asked. Seeing Teresa¡¯s startled expression, he took a step towards the
woman. ¡°Was the stench too familiar? Were you able to recognize your own stench...
mother?¡±
¡°You-¡± Teresa was ready to p Alexander but instead, she balled her hands into fists.
¡°Josef... what are you waiting for?¡± Alexander smirked.
¡°Yes, Miss Lockhart, please follow me..
Alexander smiled as he watched Charlotte¡¯s slightly hunched-back follow Josef. ¡°If that child is indeed the child of my brother,
then... | shall protect it.¡±
¡°You-
¡°If something happens to that child... | would immediately think it''s you, mother. So... you should be very careful.¡± Alexander
smiled.
¡°What are you talking about?¡¯
However, Alexander was already walking away from her. Seeing the man¡¯s proud back, Teresa gritted her teeth. She cannot let
that child live as it would only tarnish her son¡¯s reputation and may even worsen his current state. However, she also could not
carelessly touch her because of Alexander.
Moreover, if this matter reaches her husband then... she was certain t he would agree with Alexander too! How did this happen?
Just years a Alexander was not doing anything against her.
She always knew he hated her for what happened in the past but he loved his father and would not want to see his father¡¯s
broken heart. For years, he stayed away from the Beaumont Family and instead focused on
running the Empire.
Why did he suddenly change? Just what the hell happened?
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LH GROUP
¡°We are in unanimous decision to ept Lawrence Lockhart¡¯s resignation,¡± Mr. Lee said, his expression unreadable.
Mr. Lee¡¯s voice echoed in the opulent conference room, bouncing off the polished mahogany table., Silence, thick and heavy,
followed his pronouncement. Unlike the usual murmur of agreement or polite disagreement, there was only the nervous
clenching of fists and the rustle of expensive clothing.
The recent smuggling scandal has shaken the very foundation of LH Group. Stocks had plummeted, and whispers of panic
danced on the tongues of every employee. Here, at the board table, the air was thick with a different kind of tension.
Lawrence Lockhart¡¯s resignation, a carefully worded document delivered that very morning,y syed on the table like a
discarded hand. It was a formality, a public acknowledgment of the inevitable. Yet, the weight of that resignation pressed down
on each board member.
Mr. Anderson, a portly man with a perpetually worried expression, dabbed his forehead with a monogrammed handkerchief. Miss
Paine, known for her sharp wit and sharper tongue, remained
uncharacteristically quiet, her gaze fixed on the intricate floral pattern of
the rug.
Across from them, Sofia Lockhart sat with a cold indifference that masked a simmering satisfaction. The public might see
Lawrence''s departure as a noble sacrifice, but Sofia knew better.
It seems that now, the shareholders who were ever wary of scandal had lost all faith in their chosen sessor.
At one point, Sofia wanted tough in their faces and tell them how foolish they had been to be fooled by Lawrence himself.
However, wasn¡¯t she just like them a couple of months ago?
Aghost of a smile yed on Sofia¡¯s lips as her gaze met Mr. Lee¡¯s.
¡°While Mr. Lockhart¡¯s resignation has been epted,¡± he began, his voice measured, ¡°we must address the issue of session.
The board previously expressed its interest in Mr. Lockhart assuming the chairmanship after... well, after recent events.
However, the current
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Chapter 92
circumstances necessitate a reevaluation.¡±
The room remained silent, each member waiting for the other shoe to drop. Sofia knew this was where the real battle would
begin. The chairmanship of LH Group was a coveted prize, and with Lawrence Lockhart out of the running and Enda¡¯s death,
the wolves were circling.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.
¡°First and foremost, we need to project stability. A press release announcing Mr. Lockhart¡¯s resignation and the board¡¯s
commitment to a smooth transition is paramount. We''ll need clear messaging that emphasizes our unwavering dedication to
ethical business practices.¡±
He paused, letting his words sink in. Miss Paine, finally looking up, spoke with a hint of her usual sharpness, ¡°And who will be
appointed acting chairman in the interim?¡±
This was a crucial question. The acting chairman would be the face of LH Group during this critical time, and their actions could
significantly impact investor confidence. All eyes turned to Mr. Lee.
¡°The board will convene a special meeting within the next week to discuss the selection process for a permanent chairman,¡± he
exined. ¡°In the meantime, | propose that the role of acting chairman falls to amittee of three board members. This will
ensure a coborative and transparent approach during this sensitive period.¡±
Amurmur of agreement rippled through the room. Amittee would help to quell any usations of favoritism and
demonstrate the board¡¯smitment to good governance.
¡°Who will be on thismittee?¡± Mr. Anderson piped up, his voice trembling slightly. Everyone had been wanting to ask this
question, yet no one had been able to voice anything... until now.
Mr. Lee steepled his fingers, his gaze sweeping across the table. ¡°I propose myself, Miss Paine, and Ms. Lockhart.¡±
Sofia¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Being on themittee meant significant influence in choosing the next chairman. It was a power
y, a subtle acknowledgment of the shifting tides within thepany.
She met Mr. Lee¡¯s gaze, a silent challenge passing between them. This was far from over. The fight for control of LH Group had
just begun, and Sofia, no longer an outsider, was now a yer at the table.
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Chapter 92
As the one with thergest shares in thepany, many people would think that she would immediately use this opportunity to
be the chairman. However, she knew this was not the right time for that. With her votes alone, Sofia was confident that she
could actually have the position if she wanted to, and perhaps, these foxes around her were expecting her to grab this
opportunity and be the chairman of a conglomerate.
Sofia cleared her throat, the sound sharp and clear in the tense silence. All eyes darted toward her, curiosity and a hint of
wariness flickering in their gazes.
¡°While | appreciate the proposedmittee, Mr. Lee,¡± she began, her voice calm and measured, ¡°I believe ensuring true stability
requiresplete transparency in the selection process for the new chairman.¡±
Amurmur rippled through the room again. Miss Paine leaned forward, a spark of interest glinting in her eyes. Mr. Anderson,
however, seemed to shrink back slightly in his seat.
¡°What exactly do you have in mind, Ms. Lockhart?¡± Mr. Lee inquired, his voice betraying a hint of curiosity.
Sofia straightened in her chair, her gaze sweeping across the faces of her fellow board members. ¡°First,¡± she stated, ¡°we need to
establish a clear set of criteria for potential candidates. This should include proven leadership experience, a deep understanding
of our industry, and an unwaveringmitment to ethical practices.¡±
She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing. ¡°Second, the selection process itself should be open and impartial. We
should consi engaging a reputable search firm to identify qualified candidates. This will demonstrate ourmitment to finding
the best person for the job, not just someone within our immediate circle.¡±
Atense silence followed. Sofia knew this wouldn''t be an easy sell. The old guard, ustomed to backroom deals and power
ys, might resist the idea of a transparent search. But she also knew that the recent scandal had shaken investor confidence,
and amitment to openness was crucial to rebuilding trust.
¡°Finally,¡± Sofia pressed on, her voice firm, ¡°we need to ensure shareholder involvement in the final decision. Perhaps a shortlist
of qualified candidates could be presented for a shareholder vote. This would show that we value the voice of everyone invested
in the future of LH Group.¡±
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Chapter 92
Mr. Lee stroked his chin thoughtfully. An interesting proposal, Ms. Lockhart. It would certainly be a departure from our usual
practices, but perhaps a necessary one in these circumstances.¡±
Miss Paine chimed in. ¡°I second that. Transparency breeds trust, and trust is what we desperately need right now,
The room remained abuzz with murmurs. While some, like Mr. Anderson, seemed hesitant, others, sensing the changing tide,
appeared intrigued by Sofia¡¯s suggestions.
¡°Although...¡± Miss Paine smiled. ¡°I am quite curious why Miss Lockhart is advocating for transparency when you have the right to
be the chairman yourself. Are you not going to grab this opportunity?¡±
Finally... Sofia smiled inwardly. The moment that she has been waiting for hase.
¡°As much as | wanted to continue my grandmother¡¯s legacy, there are other things that | must focus on, Miss Paine,¡± Sofia said.
¡°Things
that you must focus on?¡± Mr. Lee asked.
Sofia held Miss Paine¡¯s gaze, a hint of steel in her voice. ¡°Look, taking over as chairman right now might seem like the obvious
move, but it wouldn''t be practical. Thispany is facing a critical moment, and we need a leader with a proven track record,
someone who can navigate us through this crisis.¡±
She swept the room with her eyes, each board member a face etched with worry. ¡°I may be thergest shareholder, but |ck the
experience this role demands. Leading apany of this size takes more than just good intentions. It requires a steady hand,
someone who can inspire confidence and make tough decisions that impact thousands of employees.¡±
A flicker of respect crossed Mr. Anderson¡¯s face, a subtle shift from his previous nervousness. Sofia pressed on.
¡°Besides,¡± she continued, a wry smile ying on her lips, ¡°there¡¯s a lot to be learned from a truly transparent selection process. It
allows us to evaluate candidates objectively and choose the best person for the job, not just someone who fits a certain mold.¡±
Her gaze met Mr. Lee¡¯s once more. ¡°Let¡¯s face it, a fair and open search
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09:12
Chapter 92
will not only rebuild trust with investors but also send a strong message to our employees. It shows we¡¯re serious about putting
thepany back on the right track, and that we value good governance over personal gain.¡±
A thoughtful silence descended upon the room. Sofia knew her argument resonated. While some might still harbor ambitions for
the
chairmanship, they couldn''t deny the logic in her words. Thepany needed stability, not another gamble.
¡°So,¡± Sofia concluded, her voice firm, ¡°let''s focus on finding the right leader. I¡¯m confident that with a transparent process, we can
identify someone who will not only restore LH Group''s reputation but also lead us into a brighter future.¡±
Hearing this, Miss Paine pursed her lips. A part of her refused to believe that this woman was not scheming something. However,
the other part of her was convinced that Sofia Lockhart was just a weak entity, a coward. She looked at Sofia, surprisingly, the
latter was already looking at her with a beautiful smile on her face.
Chatper 93
Chatper 93
Chapter 93
Miss Paine mmed her office door shut with a resounding bang, the force of it rattling the picture frames adorningposed
demeanor had evaporated, reced by a simmering rage.
Cee wall. Her normally
¡°That little...¡± she muttered, her voiceced with venom as she stalked toward her mahogany desk. Sofia Lockhart, the woman
who had just outsmarted her in the boardroom, was the target of her ire. Miss Paine had spent the week carefullyying the
groundwork, subtly maneuvering to position herself as the ideal candidate for a chairman role. But Sofia, with her unexpected
call for transparency, had snatched the rug right out from under her.
With Enda and Lawrence gone, Miss Paine was confident that she was the next qualified chairman not just because of her
family¡¯s share but because of her capabilities. Instead, Sofia really had to get the approval of the shareholders who did not waste
their time and immediately agreed on Sofia¡¯s proposal.
Clearly, Mr. Lee and Mr. Anderson had been aware of her intentions. She had separately met them since Lawrence¡¯s demise.
Who would have thought that the two of them would not even hesitate to support Sofia? ¡°Those bitches...¡± she hissed as she sat
on her chair.
What irked her the most was the fact that Sofia now had the trust of a few shareholders simply because of how magnanimous
and trustworthy she sounded. The fact that she was humble enough to ept that she was not yet capable of ruling a
conglomerate made her look mature and concerned about her employees!
Alow growl escaped Miss Paine¡¯s lips. She wouldn¡¯t deny feeling a grudging admiration for Sofia¡¯s audacity. The woman had
yed a risky game, publicly advocating for a transparent process while holding the very power to simply im the chairmanship
herself. But Miss Paine wasn¡¯t about to give up so easily. There had to be a way to turn this situation to her advantage.
Her sharp eyes darted around the room,nding on the sleek phone sitting on the corner of her desk. A slow, predatory smile
spread across her face. This game was far from over, Miss Lockhart. You may have won the first round, but the battle for LH
Group had just begun.
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Chapter 93
¡°To think that you would openly decline the position...¡± William rence smiled before he took a sip of his tea. | never saw you
as someone that wise.¡±
m going to take that as apliment,¡± Sofia responded. Then she slowly ced the box on the rectangr coffee table
between them. ¡°Here¡¯s the thing that you want.¡±
¡°You didn¡¯t have to bring that here-personally.¡± William gestured to the man standing behind him to get the box.
¡°Are you not going to check if this was the same music box that you wanted?¡± Sofia asked.
¡°Should |?¡±
¡°No. There is no need.¡± Sofia smiled.
¡°So, | take it that you personally came here because you need something?¡± he asked, a curious glint apparent in his eyes. For a
while, all she could see was the steaming tea in front of her.
¡°| simply came here to thank you for your help,¡± Sofia said. ¡°I heard from the FBI agent that you lost millions because of that
shipment. | was not aware.¡±
¡°Consider it some business risk...¡± William said. ¡°It is a part of having a
business.¡±
Sofia nodded at that. Actually, she came here to wrap things up. She does not want to owe something to people so...Original content from N?velDrama.Org.
She took her bag and ced it on top of the table. Seeing this, William arched an eyebrow yet he waited for her to say a word.
¡°Compensation...¡± Sofia said.
¡°The ballerina is enough.¡±
¡°| dislike owing things to people.¡± With this, her rtionship with William will end. She then got up. ¡°I appreciate your help.¡±
With that, she left the restaurant without looking back. The moment Sofia left, her cold expression slowly changed. She got into
the car waiting for her and immediately looked at Alexander. ¡°Pretending to be cold is a little hard...¡± she immediately mumbled.
¡°Do you think | will get used to it?¡± she asked the man who already started driving the car.
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09:06
¡°You will...¡± Alexander said.
Sofia said nothing. She actually agreed with him. ¡°Where are you taking me?¡± she asked.
¡°Charlotte is pregnant with Daniel''s child...¡± Alexander said. ¡°I thought we should celebrate.¡±
Her gaze snapped back at him. Surprisingly, the pain that she expected to feel did note. There was simply indifference.
¡°Celebrate?¡± she asked, confused.
¡°Your sister and ex are going to end up with each other... isn¡¯t that something that you should celebrate?¡± he asked, smirking.
¡°You-¡± Sofia didn¡¯t know what to say. Was it possible that Alexander had a hand in this pregnancy? But isn¡¯t that too impossible?
¡°You wanted them to end up together?¡± she asked.
¡°Do you not want that?¡± he asked.
Sofia shrugged. ¡°I didn¡¯t think | cared enough...¡± she was busy with everything else! The poison, her grandmother, Lawrence, the
company. The distraction worked wonders. Now, she was thinking about Daniel and Charlotte without breaking her heart.
¡°Isn''t that the best punishment for the two?¡± he chuckled.
Sofia pursed her lips. Well, she thought about these things. She wanted them to grow closer and maybe end up together but at
the end of the day, Sofia was not that cruel. Being sessful and happy was the best revenge that she could give them.
Perhaps, it was weakness or maybe even stupidity.
However, all she wanted was for them to live a life wondering what would have happened if they seeded. She wanted them to
lay in their beds at night and think about the possibilities. She wanted them to reach heights while they stayed the same in their
bitter world.
Isn''t that the greatest punishment that she could give them?
Still, a pregnancy?
That ispletely unexpected of Charlotte!
She has dreams of bing an actress and as far as Sofia could recall,
Charlotte seemed to im that she is going to be childfree because
3/5
09:06
of her dreams.
¡°There is no need to overthink things...¡± he said, his eyes still on the road.
She looked at him wondering what he did. Did he do it himself to keep her conscience clear? If so... then a part of her was really
thankful. He did a lot of things to help her and get her back up and now, he was doing something to the people that hurt her. She
was indeed very lucky.
¡°Hey...¡±
¡°Hm?¡±
¡°What do you think will happen if ¡ª Sofia was not able to finish her words as the car suddenly swerved to the left.
The screech of tires tore through the bustling city street, shattering Sofia¡¯s train of thought. Alexander, his face contorted in
sudden panic, yanked the steering wheel left. The car lurched violently, the world outside blurring into a sickening smear of color.
Sofia, thrown against the door by the force of the turn, cried out as her shoulder mmed into the hard panel. A searing pain
shot through her arm, momentarily stealing her breath. Through the ringing in her ears, she heard the unmistakable crunch of
metal as the car mmed into something.
The momentum of the impact sent the car spinning. Sofia felt herself rolling, tumbling against the leather seats, her purse spilling
its contents
onto
the floor. Her head mmed against the window, a sharp crack echoing before a wave of dizziness washed over her.
The car finally came to a jarring halt, tilted precariously at an angle. Smoke started to curl from the crumpled hood, a metallic
tang filling the air. Silence descended, thick and heavy, broken only by the rapid drumming of Sofia¡¯s heart.
Disoriented and dazed, Sofia tried to right herself. Her vision swam, spots dancing in front of her eyes. A trickle of warmth spread
down her forehead, sticky and wet. Panic wed at her throat. She fumbled for the seatbelt release, her fingers trembling, finally
managing to click it open.
¡°Alexander?¡± she croaked, her voice hoarse. There was no answer. Fear, cold and sharp, stabbed at her. She twisted in her seat,
her gaze falling on the driver¡¯s side. Alexander was slumped against the window, his head
4/5
09:06 r
lolling at an unnatural angle. Blood stained the fabric of his shift, spreading like a crimson stain.
Terror choked her. She reached out, her hand shaking, but didn¡¯t dare touch him. However, before she could do anything, her
gaze started to turn blurry. All Sofia could see was Alexander¡¯s face before her consciousness left her.
Chatper 94
Chatper 94
Chapter 94
Aharsh white light assaulted Sofia¡¯s eyes as she jolted awake. A throbbing ache pulsed through her entire body, making her
wince. Disoriented, she tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over her, forcing her head back down.
The sterile smell of disinfectant filled her nostrils, and the rhythmic beeping of a nearby machine cut through the silence. Her
gaze slowly fluttered open, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. She was in a hospital room, stark white walls adorned with a
single, cheery painting of a brightly coloredndscape.
Her arm was immobilized in a sling, a dull ache radiating from the bandaged bump beneath. A sharp sting on her forehead drew
her attention, and she reached up gingerly to touch a bandage there.
¡°Let me see her...¡± a voice echoed from outside the room. Sofia -immediately frowned. Was that Daniel¡¯s voice?
¡°Are you deaf?¡± Alexander''s voice echoed.
¡°| want to see her! You have no right to stop me from seeing my fianc¨¦e!¡±
¡°What fianc¨¦e?¡± Alexander snorted. ¡°Have you forgotten how you cheated on her with her very own sister?¡± Their arguments
rang in her ears like a tolling bell.
¡°That is none of your business.¡±
¡°Ridiculous!¡± Alexander said. ¡°Take him away from this ce.¡±
¡°Alexander, can you at least-¡±
¡°Take him away!¡± Alexander hissed.
¡°Alexander, your brother just needed to make sure that she¡¯s safe.¡± A
woman¡¯s voice that Sofia recognized as Teresa chimed in. ¡°Please... let¡¯s-
LL
¡°He had no right to see Sofia. Take him away or | will have the guards make him leave this ce.¡±
¡°What right do you not have to do that? What? Didn''t you just get close to her because you wanted to piss me off?¡± Daniel said.
¡°What? Say
something...¡±
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Chapter 94
¡°Daniel, calm down... please...¡±
¡°No. | need to see Sofia!¡±
There was more chaos then, a few footsteps. Were they fighting?
¡°Let me see my fianc¨¦e- ¡±
¡°She¡¯s no longer your fianc¨¦e!¡± Alexander said. ¡°She¡¯s my wife!¡±
Silence.
Aloud, suffocating silence followed.
¡°What did you¡ª What did you say you son of a
Sofia sighed inwardly when another chaos started. It seems that some people are physically restraining Daniel while thetter is
trying his best to approach Alexander.
Sofia nced around the room and found her phone on the bedside table. From theck of an IV or any machine, she concluded
that what she had were just small wounds and perhaps concussions. Taking her phone, she quickly opened it while ignoring the
large crack on the screen. It worked perfectly fine.
Good, she thought inwardly. Slowly, she got out of her bed. Luckily, she didn¡¯t feel any rming pain, only a few numb parts of
her body. But aside from that, she felt perfectly fine. Upon reaching the door, Sofia did not hesitate and opened it, revealing the
group of people outside.
Aside from Daniel, Alexander, and Teresa, there were doctors, nurses, and even guards. Seeing her, Alexander immediately
moved to her side, holding her waist.
¡°What are you doing? You just woke up!¡± he hissed, his expression dark.
¡°Sofia- ¡°Daniel immediately teared up the moment his eyesnded on Sofia. ¡°I! what is he saying? What- Wife? Did you-
66
However, Sofia really had no time for this bullshit. She opened her phone and pressed y.
¡°Do you still dislike how | smell?¡± Daniel¡¯s voice echoed inside the corridor. Almost immediately, Teresa covered her mouth but
both of her hands as she realized what was happening on the video that clearly showed Daniel and Charlotte.
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09:06
Chapter 94
¡°Hmph! Stop acting cute. You''re not.¡± Charlotte¡¯s voice followed.
¡°Really?¡±
¡°Really!¡± There was a pause. ¡°And you lied to me. You said we would stay
here for a week.¡±
¡°The meeting is only for three days, Sofia would know.¡±
¡°You already spend most of your time with her at home. What¡¯s wrong with spending a few days with me? Aren¡¯t you leaving her
soon?¡±
¡°She''s to turn 26 very soon,¡± Daniel chuckled. ¡°You know | cannot live without you, right?¡± In the video, they could clearly see
how he started kissing her neck as his other hand started moving on her body, caressing, pinching, stroking.
¡°She has yet to promise you, that she would give you her shares even if you have yet to marry. How confident are you that she
would hand you the shares without conditions attached?¡± Charlotte asked.
¡°Can we stop talking about something irrelevant?¡± Again, he peppered Charlotte with kisses, causing thetter to giggle.
m getting impatient, Daniel. | have been waiting for two years.¡±
¡°Her birthday¡¯s in a month, babe,¡± Daniel reminded Charlotte.
¡°I know... | just...¡±
¡°You-¡±
Then, Daniel helped her sit down on the bed.
¡°Aring? You- ¡°
¡°Will you marry me?¡± Daniel asked. ¡°Of course, after | get the shares.¡±
Seeing everyone''s reaction, Sofia smiled as she turned the phone off. ¡°What were you trying to say, again?¡±
¡°You-
¡°What was that? That Recording is illegal; it must have been edited.¡± Teresa immediately said. ¡°Who would dare do that to my
son? Go and call ourwyers, I¡ª
¡°| was there.¡± Sofia interrupted her. ¡°I sneaked inside the room and
recorded that. Of course, you can easily say that it was edited but | was
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Chapter 94
there.¡± Her voice was rather cold. She thought that seeing Daniel like this would somehow make her angry or emotional. To her
surprise, however, she felt nothing. She couldn¡¯t feel a single anger or pity. She just felt... nothing.
Sofia met Daniel''s pleading eyes. There was a time when she wanted to p him, skin him, kick him. She wanted to ask him why
he did what he did. She wanted to ask him why he betrayed her. She wanted to ask him if he ever loved her. Not today.
Oh, not today. ¡°Now... let¡¯s stop fooling each other. You have no right to be here.¡± Sofia coldly said. ¡°I don¡¯t want to release the
video so you don¡¯t have to worry about that. However... you should stop. It¡¯s exhausting. You made your choice a long time ago.
There is no need to avoid the consequences thate with it.¡± Sofia said.
¡°Sofia, let me exin. It was Charlotte-¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.
¡°I''m married,¡± Sofia said. ¡°To your brother.¡±
¡°You-¡±
¡°So...¡± Sofia forced a smile. ¡°Now, you can have
my sister.¡±
¡°Sofia, what are you- ¡±
However, Sofia already turned around and went back inside the room. Dealing with him now was better as it was getting
exhausting. Still, she hoped that he would finally stop all this crazy behavior. The moment the door closed, Alexander suddenly
carried her into his arms.
¡°What are you- ¡± she gasped.
¡°You just woke up. Why would you go out there? | can deal with him.¡± Alexander said, frowning.
¡°It would be nice to end it once and for all,¡± Sofia said as Alexander carefully put her back on the bed. ¡°You
don¡¯t look injured?¡± she asked.
¡°Just a small cut...¡± he straightened his back and pointed at his head.
¡°The ident- ¡°Sofia¡¯s gaze darkened. By now, she knew that there were no coincidences in this world. ¡°How long did | sleep?¡±
she asked.
¡°Just a day. The driver of the truck that hit us was already in the custody of the police. He was not saying a word.¡± Alexander
said.
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09:06
Chapter 94 ¡°But?¡±
¡°But my people were able to trace it back to Lawrence.¡±
Sofia snorted. It seems that Lawrence will never stop until one of them... ends up dead.
Chapter 95
Chapter 95
Chapter 95
¡°Married¡¡± Teresa couldn¡¯t stop pacing inside her room. Alexander and Sofia got married? This ¨C ¡°How
is Daniel?¡± she asked the maid who was standing nearby.
¡°The young master was still sleeping.¡±
Teresa gritted her teeth. No. Something must be done. She couldn¡¯t believe that Sofia would actually
marry Alexander just for revenge! She wasn¡¯t stupid! Why would she-
No. This can¡¯t continue.
¡°I was in the middle of a meeting. What was so-
11
¡°Did you know that Alexander got married?¡± Teresa interrupted her husband¡¯s words the moment he
walked in. ¡°Your good son got married without informing us.¡±
¡°Married to who?¡± Arthur frowned.
¡°Sofia Lockhart.¡± Teresa no longer had the energy to even talk to her husband about this matter. ¡°The
least you could do was be there for Daniel but-¡±
¡°Wasn¡¯t it Alexander who just had an ident?¡±
¡°Why was it always Alexander?¡± Teresa screamed. ¡°Why was it always him?¡±
For a few seconds, Arthur just stared at her. ¡°Do you really want to know?¡±
¡°You-¡±
¡°If you want to me someone, then¡ why not me yourself?¡± Arthur said, his expression was cold.
This was not a new scandal inside the family. The fact that the Beaumont Family had never been close
to each other was not a secret even outside the family.
¡°Daniel did nothing! He is still your son,¡± Teresa said. After everything, she no longer had the energy to
even say that she was angry- no- she no longer had the strength to be angry. ¡°Why can¡¯t you at least-¡±
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Chapter 95-
Arthur snorted, interrupting her words. ¡°Do you truly think of us as stupid?¡± Arthur asked as he took a
step towards Teresa.
¡°You¡± Seeing the coldness in Arthur¡¯s eyes, Teresa was unable to stop her hand from shivering. She
took a step back, fear shed in her eyes but she quickly suppressed her reaction.
¡°We both know whose son he is¡ right?¡± Arthur asked, his words sending shivers down her spine. It
was as if the world around Teresa narrowed. ¡°It seems that you have truly underestimated the
Beaumont Family.¡± Arthur clicked his tongue. ¡°Do not worry. Daniel will never know the truth and I do
not intend to reveal it to him. You are right. He is my son and he will forever think that way. However¡ I
believe you have no right to utter those words in front of me again.¡±
Just like most families, the Beaumont Family once had trouble with session.
Once the Beaumont Family had two sons. The eldest grew up thinking he would inherit everything so
he studied hard, followed his father¡¯s footsteps, and started working in his father¡¯spany when he
was still young. He married the woman his father wanted him to marry and lived the life his father
wanted him to live.
Meanwhile, the youngest grew up spoiled. He continued messing around with women and substances.
Then one day, the patriarch said he would give the youngest a position in thepany. Out of
nowhere, the youngest started showing potential more than his brother. He started gaining praise from
the shareholders. He started gaining influence. He was allowed to do what he wanted and even marry
the woman he liked!
So¡ what did the eldest do?
The eldest, who had been following everything his father wanted, started to feel suffocated. Why was
his younger brother, who did not follow their father¡¯s words, given that opportunity? Why was he given
a chance when the one who worked so hard to impress their father was him?
During all this, the eldest son got closer to another woman who showed him the care he needed- a
woman who was not his wife. Seeing his brother¡¯s aplishment, the eldest started to doubt his own
ability.
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Chapter 95
Threatened by his own brother, the eldest brother did something unthinkable that caused the demise of
his younger brother and his then-pregnant wife- it was something so terrible that until now, it haunted
his dreams.
However, the suffering did not just end with this. The endless nightmares and guilt were just the
beginning.
The eldest¡¯s wife suddenly sumbed to death and soon, he discovered that his mistress was
pregnant with his second child. He quickly married his mistress without having second thoughts.
For years, he had treated his first son horribly. To him, the first son was a reminder of his past self¡ª
the man who did not hesitate to follow all of his father¡¯s orders. Obviously, he pampered his second
son. That was when he discovered something¡ something that destroyed his world.
It turns out that his younger brother, whom he ¡®identally¡¯ killed, was indeed nning to be the
heir. His younger brother was meticulously nning everything behind the scenes and pretended to be
a waste for years before deciding it was time to show off his skills.
He nned to take the position of the heir and be the new pir of the Beaumont Family.
However, his sudden death halted everything¡ª well, not everything.
The eldest son soon discovered that the woman he married- his mistress was colluding with his
younger brother and even bore his child. He soon discovered that everything had been a lie from the
start! That everything had been nned like a game of go! In the end, the one who lost everything was
him.
He lost his brother.
He lost his first wife.
He lost the affection of his only son.
The child that he loved so much was not even his own!
A family scandal.
A family secret that no one will ever know.
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Chapter 95
A family affair that made Arthur- the eldest child- speechless.
Yet, he knew that this was the consequence of his own actions- the consequence of his own greed.
It was karma.
Karma for everything that Arthur did in the past.
Many were asking why Arthur did not fight his father when he willed everything to Alexander. Many
thought he was stupid and weak. Manyughed behind his back. Many mocked him for lowering his
head in front of his son.
That was because those people didn¡¯t know the truth. They didn¡¯t know the shame, the guilt that made
him want to end his life. But death was easy¡ wasn¡¯t it?
Arthur was not foolish enough to end his life just like that.
Yes. He deserved everything that happened to him, and he would continue to live just to pay for his
sins.
¡°Daniel is suffering for the sins that he did notmit,¡± Teresa said her voice just barely a whisper.
¡°How could you punish someone who did nothing.¡± To her, it didn¡¯t make any sense. Daniel had the
blood of the Beaumont Family in his veins. The child was innocent since he was born. Why was he
being treated like this by his own father?
¡°Yet you said nothing when I was punishing Alexander¡¡± Arthur smirk ¡°Wasn¡¯t it pathetic?¡±
¡°You-¡±
¡°Don¡¯t worry¡¡± Arthur smiled. ¡°You are not alone. Both of us are being punished for something that we
did in the past. So¡ endure.¡± Why was it that he did not leave Teresa despite knowing everything?
Why was it that he refused to divorce her? Isn¡¯t it because he wanted them to endure their karma
forever?
¡°Daniel is innocent.¡±
¡°Was he?¡± Arthur asked.
¡°He did nothing!¡± Teresa hissed, tears brimming in her eyes. ¡°My son did
5/7
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Chapter 95
nothing!¡±
¡°Then you tell that to Alexander,¡± Arthur said.
¡°You-You are not really- You raised Daniel- how could you¡ª ¡± Teresa
stopped her lips from trembling.
Arthur said nothing. Until now, he still thought of Daniel as his son. He did not have the heart to tell him
the truth. However, this did not change anything. At the end of the day, Arthur was still a coward who
could not face everything on his own.
¡°I am leaving¡¡± Arthur said. ¡°It is best that you send him abroad. Europe would be nice. Or send him to
Asia. I heard Indonesia has some good facilities focused on meditation among other things. My
secretary will show you a list of some meditation retreats.¡±
¡°Daniel is a Beaumont! You cannot just
¡°The only reason why Daniel is alive is because he is one!¡± Arthur gave
her a cruel smile. ¡°Do you understand me?¡±Original content from N?velDrama.Org.
Chapter 96
Chapter 96
¡°I know this is your fight,¡± Alexander said, his expression serious as the car started moving away from
the hospital. Since she did not sustain any serious damage, their doctor allowed her to leave.
Moreover, it was safer this way as she did not want to deal with Daniel or Teresa or maybe even
Charlotte right now. ¡°But I can no longer let you do this alone.¡±
His words lingered inside the car, and for a moment, Sofia did not know what to say. She stared at his
serious expression. Despite his healthy-looking face, there were still some bandages that can be seen
on his forehead. The doctor said he did not suffer any major injuries, just some cuts here and there,
nothing to be worried about. However, this is not enough to remove the fact that he suffered because of
her.
¡°What does that mean?¡± she asked.
¡°The game has changed,¡± he clenched his jaws. ¡°Lawrence might leave the -country anytime soon. I
know you wanted to have your revenge on your
but risking your life is not the way to do it.¡±
own,
She narrowed her eyes. As much as she wanted to punish Lawrence for his sins, Sofia was still aware
of thews. She was not nning to kill him. No. Killing is an easy way out. Lawrence deserves to
suffer until the day he dies. But leaving the country?
¡°To where?¡± she asked.
¡°I have yet to confirm this.¡±
She let out a sigh. ¡°What are you thinking?¡± she asked.
¡°The spark that you did was too small,¡± Alexander said. ¡°You are too forgiving.¡±
Original content from N?velDrama.Org.
¡°What do you-¡± Forgiving? Too forgiving? She frowned. She already thought that she was being
ruthless yet he is still calling her forgiving?
¡°Let me take care of it,¡± Alexander said,
She lifted an eyebrow. This was not his fight, and she didn¡¯t want him to do something that could break
thew. Why?
Because living with peace of mind is better than being awake at night, scared that your enemies found
your dirtyundry and would use it against you.
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This might sound cowardly, but this was the harsh reality in the real world. She doesn¡¯t want to sleep
with one of her eyes open. And she didn¡¯t want that kind of life for him too. ¡°Are you asking for my
permission?¡± she asked. He could do this without her. He could do whatever he wanted without her
permission.
¡°Yes,¡± he nodded. ¡°ying games and scheming is fine but¡ I don¡¯t want to see you die.¡±
She pursed her lips, her expression turning serious. In fact, she never expected that Lawrence would
go to such lengths to harm her. She was the one who dragged Alexander into this matter. ¡°Let me finish
this off,¡± Sofia said. As much as she wanted to rely on him, this was indeed her fight. ¡°I apologize for
dragging you into this matter. I-¡± Her words stopped when he suddenly grabbed her hand.
¡°You didn¡¯t drag me into anything,¡± he uttered, his voice almost like a whisper.
She stilled, surprised at his reaction. For some reason, his touch sent a jolt through her. It wasn¡¯t a
painful shock, but a sizzle that danced up her arm and settled low in her belly. His eyes, usually a cool
gray, seemed to smolder with a different kind of intensity. Maybe it was the adrenaline from the attack,
or maybe it was the way he was looking at her, but suddenly the air in the room felt thick and heavy.
Sofia swallowed hard, suddenly aware of the space between them. It wasn¡¯t vast, just a breath really,
but it felt charged. ¡°Alexander,¡± she started, her voice husky, ¡°I appreciate what you¡¯re saying, but-¡®
He cut her off, his thumb gently stroking a circle on the back of her hand. The simple touch sent shivers
down her spine. ¡°But what, Sofia?¡± His voice was a low rumble, sending goosebumps erupting across
her skin.
She met his gaze, her heart hammering a frantic rhythm against her ribs. ¡°This is my mess. I should
clean it up.¡± The words came out in a breathless whisper.
A wry smile yed on Alexander¡¯s lips. ¡°Maybe,¡± he conceded, his voice a husky murmur. ¡°But
sometimes letting someone help doesn¡¯t make you weak, Sofia. Sometimes, it allows you to fight a little
harder, a little smarter.¡±
She bit her lower lip. ¡°I already had a n.¡±
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The smell of alcohol immediately made Lianne frown as she opened the door of her rented motel room.
¡°What the¡¡± she kicked the empty can of beer near her foot before Lianne mmed the motel door
shut, the stale air whooshing out and momentarily pushing back the thick, acrid stench that assaulted
her senses. It was a gut punch of stale beer, burnt cigarettes, and something else, something chemical
and vaguely sweet that made her nose wrinkle. This ce reeked of desperation and bad decisions,
the kind that clung to the threadbare carpet and stained the faded floral sheets like a physical
manifestation of regret.
Sunlight sliced through a gap in the dusty curtains, illuminating the chaos of the room. Clothes littered
the floor alongside crumpled fast food wrappers and overflowing ashtrays. An overturned chairy
sprawled near a chipped nightstand, a half-empty bottle of some amber liquid glinting usingly
beside it.
The pounding in Sofia¡¯s head wasn¡¯t a headache, it was a jackhammer. Every beat echoed in the
cavern of her skull, a relentless rhythm that vibrated through her teeth and down to her bones. It felt
like someone had stuffed a live grenade in there and pulled the pin a dull ache punctuated by sharp
explosions of pain behind her eyes.
¡ª
Each pulse sent a wave of nausea rolling through her stomach, a sour reminder of the cheap tequ
shots she couldn¡¯t quite seem to forget. ¡°Disaster¡¡± she uttered. She squeezed her eyes shut, willing
the pain to recede, but it was a losing battle. This was the price she paid for a night spent drowning her
anger, and right now, the hangover felt a hell of a lot worse than whatever she was trying to forget.
¡°Fuck!¡± she hissed as she struggled to remove her heels. Unable to remove the other one, Lianne
slumped into her bed, ready to rest. To her surprise, however, the light inside her room suddenly turned
on. She squeezed her eyes shut. ¡°What the hell?¡± she jolted-up. ¡°Who-¡±
¡°You reeked.¡± A voice echoed. It took Lianne a few seconds to realize that it was the voice of a woman.
¡°Drag her to the bathroom¡¡± the woman¡¯s cold voice echoed inside the room. Before Lianne could
react, two strong hands held her arms and forcibly dragged her out of her bed.
¡°What- Hey- Let me go!¡± Lianne screamed as she tried to shake the hand off. ¡°I said let me go! What
are you doing?¡± she struggled and tried to kick the man, but it was futile. The next thing she knew she
was already in the shower, cold water pouring against her face. ¡°What are
¡°Bring her outside once she¡¯s done¡¡± the woman¡¯s voice echoed.
¡°Hey- ¡°Lianne called out, but the harsh water once again made her
silent. She trembled. The icy water hit Lianne like a physical blow. It stole the breath from her lungs,
turning her scream into a choked gasp. It wasn¡¯t just cold, it was bone-achingly, teeth-chattering frigid,
a shock that ripped through her hangover fog with a vengeance.
For a while, Lianne¡¯s muffled voice echoed inside the motel room.
A/N: I will start releasing chapters today. My doctor told me to rest for a couple of days because of
some health problems that are preventing me from sitting down. I was supposed to have surgery but I
had to decline and opt to rest instead. So, I just spent my days lying down. The good thing is that I
used this time to finish my plot and now, I have aplete outline of Devious Wife! Yey! Thank you for
the support as always! Happy Reading!
Chapter 97
Chapter 97
¡°Who did you say it was?¡± Lawrence frowned when he heard his secretary Min¡¯s words.
¡°Miss Lianne Ramirez is causing a scene outside,¡± Min said, his face as cold as his voice. ¡°She refused
to leave.
¡°Do everything to make her leave.¡±
¡°She¡¯s threatened to use social media to-¡±
¡°Then let her in, you idiot! What are you waiting for!?¡± Lawrence hissed before he leaned back in his
chair. Just the mention of Lianne¡¯s name was enough to ruin his already ugly mood. He nced at his
passport and other documents on his table before he grabbed each and every one of them and hid
them in the drawer, making sure it was locked before Lianne arrived.
Lianne Ramirez¡
He gritted his teeth.
He should have silenced that woman a long time ago, but he couldn¡¯t. Sadly, he couldn¡¯t.
Not long after, Min came back with Lianne in tow. Just as Lawrence expected, the woman looked like
hell. Eyebags, a pale appearance, and a face that looked like she had drunk all booze in a store and
snorted all drugs all day. Fucking hell.
¡°What are you doing here?¡± he asked.
Lianne looked around his office, eyebrows lifting as if she couldn¡¯t believe that he was staying in this
ce. Then she looked at Min. ¡°You couldn¡¯t even say Hi to your mother?¡±Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.
¡°This is not the time for that,¡± Lawrence said, trying to calm his voice.
¡°Not time for greetings?¡± Lianne snorted. ¡°Is this how you trained your children? To not even know how
to greet their own mother?¡± Lianne looked at Min. ¡°I spent forty weeks carrying you, bitch, the least that
you can do is smile at me.¡± Her eyes were full of hatred-as always.
¡°If you came here to cause a scene
¡°I came to talk,¡± Lianne interrupted Lawrence. ¡°I know you are leaving.¡±
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Chapter 97
¡°Where did you hear that from?¡± Lawrence asked.
¡°Please¡± Lianne sat on the couch as she snorted. Then she looked at Min. ¡°Can I get at least some
coke? I am thirsty. Maybe whiskey if you have one. On the rocks.¡±
Hearing this, Min left the room without saying anything. Satisfied with her son¡¯s reaction, Lianne looked
at Lawrence. ¡°I need money.¡±
¡°I can¡¯t give you more.¡±
¡°Before you fucking leave¡¡± Lianne said. She then took a cigarette and a lighter from her purse.
¡°You can¡¯t smoke here¡¡¯
¡°Oh please¡¡± Lianne snorted as she lit the cigarette. ¡°The house isn¡¯t even yours. Stop acting like you
own it.¡±
Lawrence¡¯s face immediately turned ugly.
¡°What?¡± Lianne snorted. ¡°Your bitch is no longer here. Do you think she would care if your office smells
like cheap smoke?¡± Seeing his face turn red as if he was about to explode from anger, Lianne let out
another snort. ¡°I came for money and you will give me what I want unless you want me to tell everyone
that you poisoned your own wife for her money.¡±
¡°Shut up.¡±
¡°A hundred grand.¡±
¡°You-¡±
¡°You know what? Let¡¯s make it half a mil. What do you think?¡± Lianne smirked before she started
smoking.
¡°I should have killed you a long time ago.¡±
¡°But you couldn¡¯t, right?¡± Lianne snorted. ¡°I mean¡ wouldn¡¯t that break \my kid¡¯s heart?¡±
¡°Lianne¡.¡± Lawrence growled, his re already containing daggers. ¡°Do not push me¡ you know how
I am.¡±
¡°Then kill me.¡± Lianne shrugged, leaning back on therge couch. ¡°Come on¡¡±
2/7
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Chapter 97 ¡°Lianne¡¡±
¡°I called Charlotte. She said she¡¯s pregnant with a Beaumont¡¯s child.¡± Lianne sneered. ¡°Can you
believe that?¡±
¡°What did you-
¡°Currently, the Beaumont Family is hiding here somewhere until they do a DNA test and confirm the
child has the blood of a Beaumont,¡± Lianne said. ¡°What do you think? Should I just call the Beaumont
Family and ask them for money in exchange for some of your secrets?¡±
¡°I mean¡¡± Lianne continued. ¡°It shouldn¡¯t matter¡ right? Just a few secrets wouldn¡¯t actually hurt you
right?¡±
¡°You-¡± Lawrence frowned. Min informed him that Charlotte was in the
US, but she soon vanished from their radar. He assumed that she went back to Europe or was trying to
salvage her career by doing god knows what. Who would have thought that she was being hidden by
the Beaumont Family?
But isn¡¯t this a very good opportunity for him?
¡°Make it a million then¡¡± Lianne¡¯s words brought him back from his stupor. ¡°A million and I will leave
this fucking country. I should go somewhere and start doing Buddhism or something. You won¡¯t see me
again.¡±
Lawrence narrowed his eyes. How could he believe someone who had been an addict all her life?
¡°You wouldn¡¯t really want me bothering your precious daughter¡¯s right?¡± Lianne said. ¡°Unless of course,
you wanted me to tell them everything that I know.¡±
¡°You have no proof of anything¡¡± Lawrence said. At one point, hisnded on his other drawer where
he kept his gun. His office is soundproof. Moreover, no one would actually care if this woman die She
was an orphan and most of her friends were either high or drunk stuck in a casino somewhere.
He was confident that no one would look for her if she disappeared. Almost immediately, Lawrence
created a perfect alibi in his mind, the perfect cover if she disappeared. With money, everything can be
very easy. Plus, getting rid of her corpse would be a breeze.
His only concern is Min who is standing outside of his office.
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Chapter 97
¡°You are lucky, you are my kid¡¯s mother¡¡± he grumbled.
¡°Of course, I am.¡± Lianne chuckled. ¡°Now¡ you should start calling people for money. I am not leaving
this ce until I get my money,¡± Lianne said, her eyes met his before she started chuckling again. She
was mocking him. The woman thought that she could do whatever she wanted because she was the
mother of his children.
She was wrong.
¡°Ah¡ speaking of proof. Did I tell you that I recorded this conversation and most of our conversations
in the past?¡± Lianne asked. ¡°One click and they will be sent to Sofia Lockhart and you¡ª you, my
dearest, will rot in prison. Hahahahaha!¡± Lianne started giggling.
¡°You really think I cannot do something about you¡¡± Lawrence smiled. As always, the woman was
bluffing him. To get what she wanted, Lianne had a habit of bluffing him. She had been doing this for
years!
In the past, Lawrence would always give her what she wanted because he feared that she would ruin
Charlotte¡¯s career or bother Eunice Lockhart and Sofia Lockhart¡¯s lives. However, everything is different
now. Slowly his hand opened the drawer where he kept his gun.
¡°What?¡± Lianne cackled. The woman was clearly too high to even know thating in here was futile.
She must have spent the whole night drinking and snorting cocaine and that made her fearless. Again,
sheughed and started smoking, ignoring him. ¡°Time is ticking, Lawrence. Get me my money now and
I am leaving.¡±
Lawrence held his gun, his hand wrapped around the handle tightly.
¡°You know¡¡± Lawrence calmly said. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t havee here.¡±
¡°What?¡± Lianne¡¯s voice wavered.
¡°I already poisoned one person, Lianne¡¡± Lawrence said. ¡°Do you really think that I wouldn¡¯t dare to
end your miserable life?¡±
Just as he expected, Lianne stared at him. For the first time, fear shed in her eyes. The sudden
change in her expression, however, surprised Lawrence. What the hell is wrong with this woman?
¡°Are you going to kill me?¡± Lianne said. ¡°Just so you know¡ if I don¡¯t walk out of that gate, a friend of
mine will
27
¡°You have no friends, Lianne,¡± Lawrence said. This woman had been
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Chapter 97
using his money to pay for everything. She had been staying in cheap motels for years now. She
moved to different states every now and then and never stayed long enough to have ¡®friends¡¯.
Lawrence knew this as he had his people follow her around. ¡°You have no family too,¡± Lawrence
smirked as he got up, showing the gun that he was holding.
Just as he expected, Lianne looked like a deer in headlights. Just as he expected, the woman was still
high. She¡¯s confused. It was as if she just realized the fact that she was alone.
¡°You-¡± Lianne immediately got up. ¡°What are you-¡± she stumbled back. ¡°Stay away from me.¡±
Lawrence did not move. Instead, he just stared at her, stared at his prey.
¡°Let go of your phone, Lianne¡¡± Lawrence said.
¡°What-I-¡±
**BANG**
The loud sound of the gun echoed inside the room. A brokenmp next to Lianne crumbled on the
floor. ¡°The room is soundproof¡ for my meetings,¡± Lawrence said. ¡°No one would know if I used this
gun on your head.¡± Lawrence smiled.
¡°You- Are you not- the police-
¡°Please¡¡± Lawrence snorted. He was already nning on leaving this country. In fact, his flight is just
a few hours from today. Obviously, this was done under a new alias that Mr. William rence provided
the panic on Lianne¡¯s face, Lawrence smiled.
Oh¡ he never even realized how good it would be to see someon pupils dte with fear as they stare
at him. If he knew, he would done something like this a long time ago.
¡°Tsk- give me your phone- ¡± Lawrence said. ¡°I am not the most p? person in the world, Lianne, so you
better-
¡°No-¡± Lianne interrupted him. ¡°If-if you really- ¡±
**BANG**
ing
A loud bang interrupted Lianne¡¯s words. However, this was not the soun of a gun. Instead, it was the
sound of the door of his office as it was
abruptly opened by¡ police officers.
6/7
09:53 C
Chapter 97
¡°Drop your weapon!¡± a man wearing a SWAT uniform pointed his rifle at him. For a moment, Lawrence
did not know what to say. ¡°Drop your weapon! NOW¡±
Chapter 98
Chapter 98
The sound of chaos echoed inside the mansion as Min and a few other servants tried to block the
police. Yet it was futile. It took Lawrence a few minutes to realize that he was already walking outside of
his study, police and SWAT members around him. What just happened?
Lawrence blinked, the harsh sunlight hitting his eyes after the dimness of his office. Confusion swirled
in his head. Outside, manicuredwns stretched towards a wrought iron fence.
A picture of perfect suburban life, shattered by the ck and white figures swarming the property.
Police cars, their red and blue lights a jarring contrast to the blooming flowers, choked the driveway.
Lianne. Where was she? His eyes darted around, searching for the crumpled figure he expected to find
sprawled on the plush carpet. But there was nothing. Just a gaping hole in his meticulously nned
scenario.
A cold dread clenched his gut. Then, a glint of white caught his eye. Through the throng of officers, he
saw her. Lianne. But something was wrong. A smirk yed on her lips.
Before he could process what was happening, a loud p rang against his ears. His cheek stung. His
gaze immediatelynded on the woman who stood before him. Sofia Lockhart. Lawrence was about to
respond when the SWAT that was holding him hauled him inside the car.
Lawrence could only frown, still speechless from what just happened. He even forgot to ask them to
call hiswyers. All he could do was stare at the handcuffs that now restricted his hands.
¡°How dare you!¡± Sofia hissed as Karina tried to hold her back.
¡°Murderer!¡± Sofia screamed. ¡°You will rot in prison! I promise you! You will rot in that ce!¡±
¡°We have to leave this ce¡¡± Karina held Sofia¡¯s arm and pulled her away from the car.
¡°I will make you regret everything!¡± Sofia hissed, her eyes full of hatred. Yet a part of Lawrence knew- a
part of him knew that this woman just orchestrated everything! Just¡. What just happened?
The journey to the police station was a blur. Lawrence found himself staring nkly ahead, unable to
comprehend the gravity of his situation.
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Chapter 98
He was booked, processed, and thrown into a cold, impersonal cell.
Hours passed like seconds in that dim, ustrophobic space. Lawrence¡¯s thoughts were a tangled
mess, his mind unable to grasp the reality of his predicament. He was a man ustomed to power and
control, but now he was nothing more than a prisoner.
Lawrence had to get a personalwyer. He was informed by a representative earlier that Mr. Thompson
and Atty Arian Smith would not be able to help him as the two were affiliated with LH GROUP.
Aside from the smuggling cases, Lawrence was now booked with attempted murder and conspiracy to
commit murder. Moreover, he was not allowed bail because the police found his fake passport and
documents that he was using to go out of the country. Apparently, more cases will soon be filed. A
mess¡. Everything was a mess.
¡°Mr. Lockhart¡ I am Sander Kent, the prosecutor. I am d that you agreed to meet with me¡¡± A
middle-aged man smiled and greeted him the moment he arrived inside another room.
¡°I was expecting to talk to mywyer¡ alone.¡± Lawrence red at hiswyer Mr. Mason Brown. ¡°You
didn¡¯t tell me-
¡ª
66
¡°Just hear him out.¡± Mr. Brown immediately said. ¡°Maybe he could help you.¡±
Original content from N?velDrama.Org.
¡°Mr. Lockhart¡¡± Mr. Kent said as he sat on the chair. ¡°Please take
your seat¡¡± he gestured towards the chair opposite him. ¡°This will be a long conversation.¡±
¡°Why are they offering him a deal?¡± Sofia was frowning inside the car as she looked at the man sitting
next to her. This man was none other than Mr. Thompson- the legal counsel of LH Group.
¡°Miss Lockhart, please understand that this was the prosecutor¡¯s choice. We cannot do anything
about-¡°
Sofia looked away, Mr. Thompson just told her that they are going to offer Lawrence a deal for a lesser
sentence as long as he cooperates with the investigation of the smuggling case and the poison that he
used. Again, this was the prerogative of the government.
¡°As much as we want to put him to prison for life- ¡± Mr. Thompson made a deliberate pause, his
expression darkened. ¡°It seems that they
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Chapter 98
think Mr. Lockhart is an important individual in the current smuggling syndicate in the country.¡±
Sofia gritted her teeth. So what now?
So, she wanted to put him in prison because she wanted to abide by thew and they actually offered
him a deal instead? How is that fair?
Frustration bubbled within Sofia like a pot of water about to boil over. ¡°They just want him to be a
snitch,¡± she spat, the word leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. The image of Lawrence¡¯s smug face,
even in handcuffs, ignited her anger.
Here was the man who threatened her life, poisoned her and her mother, and likely had a hand in
countless other atrocities, and now he might get a p on the wrist in exchange for potentially valuable
information.
Mr. Thompson sighed, his weathered face etched with the weight of countless legal battles.
¡°Unfortunately, Miss Lockhart, the justice system doesn¡¯t always operate on a ¡®fairness¡¯ scale. They
prioritize convictions and building a case against bigger yers. Sometimes, that means cutting deals
with the lesser evils.¡±
Sofia slumped back in the leather seat, defeated for a moment. This wasn¡¯t the vengeance she craved.
She craved to see him broken, stripped of his power and arrogance, and left to rot in a cell for the rest
of his days. But as Mr. Thompson¡¯s words sunk in, a sliver of pragmatism began to chip away at her
anger.
¡°So, what does this deal entail?¡± she asked, her voice calmer, albeitced with a steely resolve.
Mr. Thompson straightened, a hint of relief flickering in his eyes. ¡°The details are still being finalized,
but the gist is this: Lawrence confesses to his crimes, particrly the attempted murder of Mrs.
Lockhart and the conspiracy to murder you. He cooperates fully with the investigation, revealing
everything he knows about the smuggling operation and its suppliers. In exchange, they¡¯ll likely offer a
significantly reduced sentence, with witness protection thrown in for good measure.¡±
Sofia¡¯s brow furrowed. Witness protection?
Witness protection?
Are they insane?
She balled her hands into tight fists, so tight she felt her nails graze her
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Chapter 98 palms.
¡°Obviously, we are doing our best to make sure that he gets a few years in prison. However¡ this will
still depend on the prosecutor.¡± Mr.
Thompson said.
Sofia scoffed. A few years? That was a pittancepared to the damage he¡¯d inflicted. Her rage red
anew, tinged with a bitter irony. ¡°A few years? He¡¯s lived like a king for most of his life, thanks to my
mother!¡±
She mmed her fist on the armrest, the leather groaning in protest. ¡°Do they even know the kind of
life he¡¯s been living? The sprawling mansions in Malibu and Aspen? The private jets and yachts? All
funded by Eunice¡¯s hard-earned money, money he leeched off of like a parasite!¡±
Mr. Thompson¡¯s expression darkened. He was well aware of the Lockhart fortune and Lawrence¡¯s
extravagant lifestyle. ¡°They¡¯re starting to piece it together, Miss Lockhart. The financial crimes unit is
investigating the sudden influx of cash into his ounts after your mother¡¯s¡ ident. There¡¯s also
the matter of the multiple properties under his name all purchased with funds that can¡¯t be easily
traced.¡±
¨C
Sofia listed a few of them off, her voiceced with cold fury. ¡°The vineyard in Napa Valley, the
beachfront property in Hawaii¡ that ski chalet in Switzend he barely even uses. It¡¯s all blood money,
Mr. Thompson. Every single opulent square foot of it.¡±
Thewyer nodded grimly. ¡°We¡¯ll make sure the prosecutors are aware of all this during negotiations.
Seizing his ill-gotten gains will be a priority, along with a hefty fine. However, recovering all of it¡¡± he
trailed off, a hint of frustration in his voice. ¡°It might be a long and arduous process.¡±
Sofia understood. Untangling Lawrence¡¯s web of deceit wouldn¡¯t be easy. He was a master
maniptor, likely using offshore ounts and shellpanies to hide his assets. But she wouldn¡¯t
give up without a fight. Eunice deserved better, and so did she
¡°Then fight,¡± she said, her voice hard as steel. ¡°Fight like hell to get back every single penny he stole
from my mother. Make him pay, not just with prison time, but by dismantling the empire he built on her
kindness.¡±
The two started talking about some other details about the case before Mr. Thompson bid her goodbye.
Almost immediately, she turned towards the person sitting in the front seat. It was none other than her
friend Karina. ¡°What do you think?¡± Sofia asked.
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¡°Look,¡± Karina began, her voice carefully measured, ¡°I understand your frustration. This deal feels like a
p in the face, a mockery of everything your mother went through.¡±
Sofia nodded curtly, her jaw clenched tight.
¡°But,¡± Karina continued, leaning forward, ¡°We have to y the game. This deal, if structured correctly,
could be our best chance to bring Lawrence down. He might not rot in a cell for life, but if he
cooperates, it could expose the entire smuggling operation. Think about the bigger picture, Sofia. Think
about taking down the entirework he¡¯s built, not just Lawrence himself.¡±
¡°I know you¡¯re right,¡± Sofia admitted, her voice heavy. ¡°But there has to be a way¡ a way to make sure
he doesn¡¯t just walk away from this a free man.¡±
A sly smile tugged at the corner of Karina¡¯s lips, a glint of mischief in her eyes. ¡°Now that,¡± she said, her
voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, ¡°is where my expertise as awyeres in handy. We
can¡¯t tamper with the core of the deal his confession and cooperation ¨C but there might be ways to
make it a bit less¡fortable for Mr. Lockhart.¡±
¨C
Sofia raised an eyebrow, a spark of interest igniting in her eyes. ¡°Exin.¡±
Karina leaned in closer, her voice barely above a murmur. She began to outline a n, a legal
maneuver that would exploit loopholes and push the boundaries of the deal, ensuring that even with
witness protection, Lawrence wouldn¡¯t exactly be living a life of luxury.
It wouldn¡¯t be vengeance in the strictest sense, but it would be a form of justice, a way to ensure
Lawrence paid a price beyond just prison bars.
Soon enough, their car started moving. Finally, she arrived at Alexander¡¯s house. Exhausted, Sofia
walked inside. She then removed her heels and sat on the couch.
The house was inplete silence and if she was right, Alexander might still be in the office.
She already bothered him enough so she decided to only tell him that he was going home to rest. She
did not update him about the case as she knew he had been very busy since the ident.
Sofia closed her eyes. Her mind was in turmoil. She was tired, physically and mentally.
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Chapter 98
She was angry and helpless and¡
¡°Hey¡¡±
Sofia¡¯s eyes snapped open when she heard a familiar voice.
¡°Don¡¯t sleep here¡¡±
Alexander¡¯s face weed her gaze. ¡°Let me take you to the room.¡±
He did not wait for her response as he carried her in his arms giving her the warmth that she did not
even know she needed.
Chapter 99
Chapter 99
¡°They are going to offer him a deal¡¡± Sofia mumbled as the soft sheets hit her body.
¡°That would not happen¡.¡± Alexander suddenly said.
¡°Huh?¡± Sofia widened her eyes and stared at his face. This only made her realize how close his face
was to hers. Sofia blinked, caught off guard by Alexander¡¯s proximity.
¡°They wouldn¡¯t dare offer him a deal after everything he¡¯s done¡¡± Alexander said, his voice full of
confidence that Sofia did not have at the
moment.
¡°That-¡± Sofia frowned. She was speechless for a moment. As if on cue, her phone that was still in her
pocket vibrated. She immediately answered Karina¡¯s call. Hearing Karina¡¯s words about what just
happened, Sofia¡¯s face slowly changed. She looked at him, still bbergasted by what Karina just told
her.
The FBI found strong evidence that Lawrence was one of the top bosses of the smuggling ring.
However, they also found a lot of evidence of himmitting multiple crimes using other people¡¯s
names.
While listening, Sofia could not help but look at Alexander. She asked Karina to do a background check
on Lawrence and even paid people to follow him around. However, she failed to find out anything. She
even failed to find out any problems in thepany.
The only proof that she had was Lawrence¡¯s confession when he attempted to hurt Lianne. Sofia¡¯s n
was honestly very simple. She talked to Lianne and offered her money to talk to Lawrence. Then she
would be the star witness of the case against Lawrence.
In exchange, she prepared a new identity for Lianne with enough money for her to live for the rest of
her life without working. It would be
something that would change Lianne¡¯s life.
And the woman delivered.
She agreed to everything that Sofia wanted and seemed very happy to put her ex in prison. This would
have been the nail in the coffin! The thing that would drag Lawrence to prison for life.
¡°Alright¡¡± Sofia said. ¡°Thanks for letting me know.¡±
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¡°You should rest. I will see you tomorrow,¡± Karina said.
¡°Alright. You too¡ thanks.¡± Sofia ended the call then she stared at Alexander without saying another
word.
She was lying on the bed while he was sitting next to her. By now, he had already straightened his back
yet this was not enough to hide the smug expression on his face.
¡°You can say it¡¡± he uttered, his voice incredibly low.
Unable to stop herself, a smile appeared on Sofia¡¯s lips. Just now, Karina informed her that there would
be no deal. Lawrence would most likely rot in prison for the rest of his life.
¡°Was it Dr. Mch?¡± she asked. The only thing that she could think of was Dr. Mch¡¯s testimony. If Dr.
Mch provided enough information that the state needed then they would no longer need Lawrence.
¡°And Mr. Oh,¡± Alexander said, still smirking.
¡°Thank-¡±
¡°Pay¡¡± Alexander suddenly said as he lifted an eyebrow.
¡°What?¡±
¡°I need payment¡ it wasn¡¯t for free¡¡± he mischievously smiled. For a while, Sofia stared at his
handsome face. Then she smiled and suddenly pulled him in for a kiss.
The kiss was unexpected, a wild spark igniting in the quiet aftermath of tension. Sofia felt a surge of
emotions ¨C relief, gratitude, and a simmering heat that had nothing to do with the case. Alexander,
caught off guard for a moment, recovered quickly, his hand cupping her face as he deepened the kiss.
The kiss wasn¡¯t gentle, but it wasn¡¯t rough either. It was a dance of raw emotion, a hunger that had
been building for longer than they both cared to admit. The sheets tangled around their legs as they
stumbled back, Alexander pressing her against the cool headboard. Her body throbbed with a delicious
ache, her senses overwhelmed by the feel of him, the scent of his cologne mixing with the musk of
adrenaline.
¡°You¡¯re injured-¡± his words ended in a growl. Was he perhaps expecting her to tell him to stop? To let
her rest for the night?
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Both of them knew that her injuries were superficial.
¡°You smell divine¡¡± he mumbled as he started kissing her neck, his hand slowly stroking the side of
her breast. Heat radiated through her as she closed her eyes.
It didn¡¯t take too long for him to get rid of the rest of her clothes. After all, this was not about seduction
or finesse. This was about the heat, the want and need that both of them felt.
Sofia let out a strangled moan when he slowly pushed one of his fingers inside her. It didn¡¯t take too
long for her moans to echo inside the room.
She waspletely dazed, too drunk to focus on the things happening outside of the pleasure that she
felt. Then her brain immediately turned into mush the moment he sank fullness into her.
¡°Too good,¡± he groaned as he drove into her once more. Pleasureshed through her insides, making
her quiver and beg for more.
Harder.
Faster.
More.
Her heart raced frantically as heplied, giving her what she was begging for. It did not take too long
for her body to start quaking from the intensity, the pleasure rippled through her once more before she
reached the pinnacle along with him.
¡
¡°What did you just say?¡± Lawrence¡¯s face turned ugly as he turned towards hiswyer. The blood
drained from Lawrence¡¯s face, leaving a pasty mask stretched tight over his skull. His eyes, usually
calcting and cold, bulged with a mix of disbelief and terror. ¡°No deal?¡± he croaked, his voice barely a
whisper. ¡°But¡but we had everything lined up! Witness protection, a new identity¡¡±
¡°It appears the prosecution has gathered enough evidence to render a deal unnecessary,¡± hiswyer
answered.
Lawrence let out a strangled sound. ¡°Impossible! There¡¯s no way they could have found out¡¡± he
trailed off, his gaze darting around the room like a trapped animal seeking an escape route.
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Chapter 99
¡°Apparently,¡± Mr. Brown continued. ¡°They found out quite a bit. Enough to bury you under a mountain of
charges that would make Alcatraz look like a weekend getaway.¡±
¡°Then what can we do? I don¡¯t want to be in this ce for- I¡¯m innocent!¡± Lawrence said.
Mr. Brown leaned back in his chair, a deep crease forming between his brows. ¡°Innocence,
unfortunately, is a matter for the court to decide, Mr. Lockhart. Right now, the prosecution has a strong
case against you. Witness testimony, forensic evidence¡¡± he trailed off, letting the weight of his words
hang heavy in the air. ¡°The poisoning of your wife and stepdaughter¡those are very serious charges.
A flicker of desperation ignited in Lawrence¡¯s eyes. ¡°I would never¡ª
¡°Exnations will be for the courtroom,¡± Mr. Brown interrupted gently but firmly. ¡°Our focus now is on
building a strong defense. We need to examine the evidence the prosecution has gathered, identify any
weaknesses, and explore all possible defense strategies.¡±
Lawrence slumped back in his chair. He tried calling Thompson and th people that he knew but none of
them seemed to be avable to talk to him. At the end of the day, Lawrence realized that those people
only became his friends because of Eunice. The ¡®connections¡® that he built over the years left him
without even batting their eyelids.
He gritted his teeth. ¡°What are the chances¡?¡± he whispered.
¡°Upon seeing the evidence, I am going to be very honest with you. It will be a difficult fight, Mr.
Lockhart,¡± Mr. Brown admitted honestly. ¡°The prosecution seems to have apelling case. However,
we will not give up. We will explore every avenue, every shred of evidence that could work in your
favor.¡±
¡°The witness¡¡±
¡°Lianne- your ex will be the primary witness.¡±
¡°Lianne¡¡±
¡°And of course, Mr. Oh,¡± Mr. Brown said. ¡°This is going to be a difficult fight but we will do our best.¡± A
tinge of cruelty shed in Mr. Brown¡¯s
eyes.
¡°Then¡. Do your best.¡±
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Chapter 99
Beaumont Mansion
¡°Husband?¡± Charlotte¡¯s hands shook as she looked at Teresa Beaumont. ¡°You¡¯re lying. There is no way
that Sofa would marry someone she doesn¡¯t love.¡± she continued as her gaze turned sharp. ¡°Mr.
Alexander Beaumont assured me that I will be safe in this mansion. He-¡±
¡°He ced guards around you and made sure that you cannot leave this ce until the DNA test is
done. But are you really certain that the man wanted to protect your child?¡± Teresa nced at
Charlotte¡¯s stomach. ¡°And not his wife?¡±
¡°I told you¡ there is no way that Sofia will-¡±
¡°Why the hell would I lie to you?¡± Teresa sneered. Right now, Alexander was putting pressure on
everyone around him just to keep Sofia¨Chis wife safe. Sadly, Teresa could not make a move without
putting Daniel in harm¡¯s way. One mistake and she truly believes that Alexander would harm his own
brother.
Original content from N?velDrama.Org.
Yes. That man is a beast.
Just because of something that happened in the past, he was willing to scorch the Earth. He ruined his
brother¡¯s rtionship and even married the woman that his brother loved just to hurt him.
What kind of brother would do something like that?
A/N: Soon, I will write a proper sex scene. My previous novel was called Insatiable Desires and it had
70% sex scenes. hahahaha (hides)
Chapter 100
Chapter 100
¡°I want to talk to Mr. Beaumont¡.¡± Charlotte red at the maid who was standing outside her door.
¡°Call him. I want you to call him now!¡±
¡°Miss Charlotte, Mr. Beaumont is busy with- ¡±
¡°It is six in the morning. He should have the time to talk to me. I need
to-
¡°Miss Charlotte, a pregnant woman should not strain herself too much. Please get back inside. It is cold
out here.¡±
Cold? Charlotte gritted her teeth. She had been staying inside this room because these damn maids
are insisting that it was cold outside!
me ho
¡°You cannot keep She walked back inside the room and grabbed the things that she had packed in
advance. She expected the maids to stop her, but this time, the maid simply opened the door wider,
holding it out for her. She paused. ¡°You-¡±
¡°Mr. Beaumont said that the moment you leave the door, you will not be weed back inside the
Beaumont Mansion,¡± the maid calmly said.
¡°I am carrying the child of-
¡°Mr. Beaumont said that he will have his very own soon.¡±
¡°¡¡± What kind of answer was this?
800
¡°And the DNA has yet to confirm anything.¡± Right now, they have yet to do the test as the doctor told
her that they needed to wait for a few more weeks to make sure that her pregnancy is healthy. She was
here waiting because of that very reason.
However, her conversation with Teresa kept on repeating inside her head.
Alexander Beaumont might just be ying her all along. He is not trying to protect the blood of the
Beaumont Family. Instead, he was trying to trick her into staying in this ce to protect his wife!
¡°Tsk!¡± Charlotte hesitated. Then she slowlyposed herself. The fact that the maid did not stop her
might mean that Alexander already knew that this was going to happen and even told the maid what to
say to her. She let out a chuckle.
No matter what, she was still carrying the blood of the Beaumont Family
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Chapter 100
inside her stomach. Struggling won¡¯t change this fact. ¡°Do you really think you can threaten me?¡± she
chuckled. ¡°I cannot support this child without the Beaumont Family¡¯s help.¡± She said. ¡°Tell him, I will be
waiting in his office.¡±
Then Charlotte dragged her suitcase out of the room and then out of the Beaumont Mansion.
Pregnancy is not going to stop her. She chose to have this child and was fully ready to support-
¡°I apologize, but it seems that Miss Johnson is busy. She told us that if you wanted to meet, you should
set up an appointment.¡± The female voice who answered her phone call interrupted her stupor.
¡°What did you just do you know who I am?¡± Charlotte asked.
66
¡°Yes, Miss. I can perfectly see your name on the phone. As I said-
¡°Then, you should know that Alice is my agent. I don¡¯t need to schedule
66
¡°I apologize, but it seems that Miss Alice¡¯s messages and emails might have ended up in your spam.
Two weeks ago, Miss Alice already ended the contract between you two. If you want to know more
details, please proceed to your agency as they handle everything and¡ª¡°
¡°What did you just- ¡°Charlotte could not believe what she was hearing. After leaving the Beaumont
Mansion, she immediately called her agent, but her call ended up in voicemail. So, she called Alice¡¯s
business phone, and Alice¡¯s secretary was quick to answer her call. ¡°You said our contract was
canceled?¡± she sneered. ¡°Do you understand what you are talking about?¡± she hissed. ¡°Alice will pay
me for breaching the contract!¡±
¡°Ah¡. Please pick up the check in Aresan¡¯s building. We already prepared it for you.¡±
¡± 52
¡®They are willing to pay her for breaching the contract? Where did Alice get the money? ¡°You-
66
¡°If there is nothing else, then¡ I needed to end this call. I still need to finish a few things for Miss
Johnson.¡±
Before Charlotte could say another word, the call already ended.
What?
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09:23
Chapter 100
What just happened?
She stared at her phone, her expression unreadable. Then she dialed Harper- her PA¡¯s number.
To her surprise, Harper¡¯s phone was unreachable too.
¡°What is going on here?¡±
Disbelief shed in her eyes as she continued calling people that she knew, but almost all of them
seemed to have blocked her or even changed their phone numbers.
A shiver ran down her spine as she dialed thest contact on her phone book. Just like the others, she
wasn¡¯t able to get through!
Her hand tightened around her phone. She had the urge to throw it into the wall. Sadly, she was
currently inside the car. ¡°Take me to this address¡¡± she handed the address to the driver that she
hired. It did not take too long for her to arrive at her t. The moment she walked in, she quickly
realized that the t had not been cleaned for weeks.
Almost immediately, her anger erupted.
For a few minutes, the sounds of ss hitting the wall and various things breaking echoed inside the
t.
LH DESIGN
¡°It should be Alexander Beaumont¡¡± Karina said with certainty in her voice. ¡°He must have done
something to change it. Even Adam was certain of it.¡±
Sofia pursed her lips. She continued reading the documents in her hand. Despite all this, one thing
remained clear- she needed to work. Especially now.
¡°That Mr. Beaumont is scary¡¡± Karina said. ¡°Here¡ Here are the things that you need to know before
the trial starts. For now, this is going to be a waiting game. The fact that Lawrence is already in prison
without having any chance of bailing is already a win for us. However, this is just the start of the fight.¡±
Karina gave her a worried look. ¡°It will be a long and arduous one.¡±
¡°I know,¡± Sofia smiled. This time, she didn¡¯t hide the confidence in her
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Chapter 100 voice.
¡°You look especially beautiful today,¡± Karina narrowed her eyes at her.
¡°Don¡¯t tell me¡¡¯
99
¡°What?¡± Sofia blinked.
¡°You are pregnant?¡±
Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.
¡°What?¡± Sofia did not expect that question. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±
¡°Oh, so this was just because Lawrence was caught¡ hmmm¡. Alright. Alright. Don¡¯t mind then. Let¡¯s
continue. Read it, and you can ask me anything that you don¡¯t understand.¡± Karina calmly changed the
topic.
For a while, Sofia just stared at the papers without even attempting to read them.
¡°Alright, let¡¯s start with the specifics. All of Lawrence¡¯s people have been kicked out of the mansion. His
son- Min- has submitted his resignation. It seems that Lawrence set up some emergency funds for his
bastard in case something like this happens. He is on his way out of the country, and we are doing our
best to prevent him from leaving, but it might be futile as he is clean. He doesn¡¯t have a case against
him. A good citizen. Moreover¡¡± Karina started talking about the actions that they have taken so far
and their future actions against Lawrence and his
cohorts.
BEAUMONT EMPIRE
¡°This is the final assessment of the project in SEA,¡± Josef said as he a stack of reports on
Alexander¡¯s table. ¡°We are convinced that Koh Samui ticks all the boxes. Pristine beaches, diverse
marine life, and rtively undevelopedpared to Phuket.¡±
¡°And the sustainability?¡± Alexander started reading the reports.
¡°We are already having some preliminary discussions about potential partnerships with their local
government.¡±
¡°Hmmm¡¡± Alexander continued reading the reports. However, before he could finish them, a
commotion echoed outside of his office. ¡°What is that?¡± he asked.
Josef immediately checked and came back in just a few seconds. ¡°It seems
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Chapter 100
that we have a small breach in security. But there is no need to worry. They will take care of
everything.¡±
Alexander lifted an eyebrow as he stared at Josef. ¡°Was it that woman?¡± he asked. Earlier today, he
was informed that Charlotte already left the mansion. He knew that she would eventuallye to his
office and already told Josef to tighten their security.
Josef nodded in response.
¡°Bring her to the board room,¡± Alexander said. How could he still let this woman try to harm Sofia? He
knew that if he didn¡¯t take care of Charlotte now, she would once again start bothering his wife. And
Alexander would never allow that to happen.
¡°Mr. Beaumont¡¡± Charlotte immediately got up when she saw him.
¡°Take a seat, Miss Charlotte¡¡± Alexander said. This was not the first time that he met this woman in
this very same board room. How shameless can this woman be?
¡°I believe your people already informed you that I left the mansion?¡± Charlotte calmly said.
¡°I am aware.¡±
Charlotte sneered. The thing that she hated the most about people who were born with money was the
fact that they looked down on people like her! People who did their best to achieve their dreams!
People who worked so hard for their money!
¡°Then let me tell you my terms¡¡± Charlotte started.
¡°Terms?¡± Alexander raised an eyebrow. ¡°What terms?¡±
Even the usually calm Josef was unable to believe Charlotte¡¯s audacity.
A/N: Hello. Author here. This novel is about to end. Don¡¯t worry about revenge. It wille in the next
2 ¨C 3 chapters. Thank you for reading!
Chapter 101
Chapter 101
¡°I will be staying in my t and have the DNA on my own time,¡± Charlotte said. ¡°The Beaumont Family
will then start paying for everything that this child needs, and we can arrange visitation rights once I
give birth. You cannot-¡±
¡°It seems that there is a misunderstanding, Miss Miles¡¡±
¡°Miles- ¡°Charlotte gritted her teeth. In fact, she was indeed Charlotte Miles but waster changed to
Lockhart because Eunice wanted it that way. This caused a lot of problems between Eunice Lockhart
and her mother, Enda. However, Eunice didn¡¯t care.
¡°I thought it would be appropriate to still call you Lockhart, knowing that your father tried to poison and
kill Eunice and Sofia Lockhart,¡± Alexander leaned back and gave her an infuriating smirk. ¡°Or did you
believe that you still deserve to be called a Lockhart after everything that you did?¡±
¡°My father is innocent.¡±
¡°All people inside the prison will tell you that they are innocent,¡± Alexander said.
¡°My father is different. He was framed. This was Sofia¡¯s way of revenge.¡±
¡°Hmmmm¡. Of course,¡± Alexander said. ¡°Now let us go directly to business as I still have a few things
that I need to do.¡±
Charlotte frowned. Alexander¡¯s face had turned serious. She never thought that the man would actually
act like this around someone who was carrying a Beaumont.
¡°That child in your stomach¡¡± Alexander uttered. ¡°Might not be Daniel¡¯s.¡±
¡°I have not slept with anyone aside from- ¡±
¡°I don¡¯t trust you.¡±
¡°Then let¡¯s do a DNA.¡±
§Ñ
¡°The Beaumont Family will not tolerate someone who wants to steal our money. You wanted to do the
DNA on your own terms. That is your right. However, the Beaumont Family will not provide you
anything unless we do our own DNA test. We will not talk about custody or whatever it is that Miss
Miles wanted.¡±
Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.
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Chapter 101
Charlotte narrowed. She already expected this to happen. ¡°I am still the mother of a Beaumont.¡±
¡°Are you?¡± Alexander smirked. ¡°As far as I know¡ you were already in Europe when the child was
conceived. My brother was not with you. So¡
¡°This is Daniel¡¯s child!¡± Charlotte said.
However, Alexander got up.
¡°Where are you-
77
¡°We are done talking. The next time you try to disturb anyone, I will file a case against you and use it to
have full custody of Daniel¡¯s child,¡± Alexander said without even looking at her. ¡°Trust me¡ the fight will
be very nasty, but it is a fight that I can win.¡±
¡°Was it because of Sofia?¡± Charlotte suddenly asked. Despite the anger inside her, she managed to
calm herself down. ¡°Your wife?¡± she added.
However, Alexander did not answer. Instead, he only gave her a knowing look which made her more
irritated.
¡°Was it because of her? What did she say? Did she tell you that I stole Daniel? I did not do anything
like that. Daniel has always liked me. You should know better than to listen to
¡°You may leave, Miss Miles. I don¡¯t see any reason for us to continue this useless conversation.¡±
Charlotte gritted her teeth. Despite all her expectations, she never expected this man to treat her so
coldly. After all, she is still the mother of Daniel¡¯s child. She deserves to be treated with respect.
¡°I refuse to-
¡°¡±
¡°I know that you know about the poison, Miss Miles,¡± Alexander suddenly interrupted her.
¡°W-What?¡± Charlotte¡¯s face turned ugly. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± she asked, her brows frowning.
¡°I know that you are aware that your father has been slowly poisoning Sofia and her mother. You
knew¡ yet you said nothing,¡± Alexander¡¯s lips turned upwards into a sly smirk. ¡°You are an
aplice. Have you thought about giving birth in prison?¡±
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Chapter 101
¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about!¡±
¡°And you think the jury will believe you?¡±
Almost immediately, Charlotte¡¯s face paled. She blinked at him as she tried to understand the meaning
behind his words. Would the jury believe him?
¡°A starlet that would do everything for fame? A jealous human being who wanted to steal everything
from Sofia Lockhart?¡± Alexander continued. ¡°I mean¡ mywyers could make up motives and stories
that would leave you dizzy, Miss Miles. I am certain you wouldn¡¯t like to hear any of those
stories.¡±
¡°No- No one will believe that.¡±
¡°Then why not exin the fact that you are pregnant with Daniel Beaumont¡¯s child?¡± Alexander lifted an
eyebrow. ¡°You can act sweet and innocent, but I can assure you that destroying your life would be as
easy as killing a fly. It¡¯s simple. It¡¯s easy. You will either end up in prison or in a cemetery somewhere.
Worse¡ you would end up somewhere as fish food. Isn¡¯t that a little too tragic?¡±
Charlotte¡¯s pupils shook. Alexander¡¯s tone was too calm; it felt like he was talking about business
instead of talking about destroying her life! She met his cold gaze.
Despite the smile on Daniel¡¯s face, Charlotte could sense something suffocating from the man. It was a
thick pressure that threatened to devour her at any time.
For the first time, Charlotte did not know what else to say. The script that she had practiced earlier
disappeared into thin air. The arguments that she had created in her mind as she walked inside the
building evaporated as if they were never there in the first ce.
She shivered inwardly.
Alexander only continued smiling. ¡°You are not going to harm Sofia,¡± Alexander said. ¡°This is not a
request. It is an order.¡±
¡°You¡± she wanted to say more words, but her lips literally started trembling; she had to bite them to
calm them down.
¡°You wouldn¡¯t actually want the poison inside your stomach¡ right, Miss Miles?¡±
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Chapter 101
¡°You-You are threatening¡ Are you threatening me?¡± she asked, her voice quivering.
¡°I am warning you,¡± Alexander said. ¡°Threatening someone is a waste of time.¡±
¡°You cannot do this. Sofia is
¡±
¡°You will not bother or even think about bothering Sofia. Once you do¡ that child in your stomach is
going to suffer with you,¡± Alexander smiled. ¡°If you think I am bluffing, then why not try it?¡±
Charlotte bit her lower lip. Try it? Try what? She wasn¡¯t even thinking of doing anything!
Seeing her reaction, Alexander smiled. ¡°Then¡ call my secretary once you are ready to do the DNA,¡±
Alexander said before he left the room without looking back at Charlotte.
The moment he left, Charlotte held the table and used it to support herself.
¡°Miss¡ she will be taking you out of the building,¡± Josef said as he pointed at the guard. Once
Charlotte left the room, Josef immediately went to Alexander¡¯s office. He then started preparing coffee
for his boss.
¡°Something is bothering you?¡± Alexander asked. He was standing near the floor-to-ceiling walls, staring
at the cityscape outside the building.
¡°Isn¡¯t it too cruel?¡± Josef asked.
¡°What is?¡±
Josef pursed his lips. He stared at Alexander¡¯s back before he added. ¡°Making her think that it was
young master Daniel¡¯s son?¡±
¡°What was cruel about it?¡± Alexander asked without looking at him.
¡°If she realized that it was not Daniel¡¯s child, she might¡ she might do something to harm the Madam.¡±
Josef decided to change the topic instead. He always knew that
Alexander was cruel, and talking about his reasoning would only make his head hurt. So, he focused
on what could happen in the future instead. ¡°She might start ming the Madam for everything that
happened in her life.¡±
¡°Wrong,¡± Alexander epted the coffee that Josef handed. Then he
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Chapter 101
turned his attention towards the cityscape. ¡°Charlotte is not that smart.¡±
¡°I¡ª I apologize but I don¡¯t understand.¡±
¡°She is not patient either.¡±
Josef frowned.
¡°She wouldn¡¯t wait around until the DNA is done.¡±
¡°Then¡¡±
¡°It¡¯s a trap.¡± Alexander smiled before he took a sip of his coffee.
¡°A trap¡ ¡°Josef said.
¡°Remember this, Josef¡¡± Alexander said. ¡°A cornered rat will always fight back. Charlotte will soon
start fighting back.¡±
¡°Wouldn¡¯t that put the Madam in danger?¡± Josef asked. Right now, he was even more confused. The
first person that Charlotte will go after would be Sofia. So¡ what is Alexander talking about?
However, instead of answering him, Alexander only smiled and said. ¡°Good coffee¡¡±
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Chapter 102
¡°You are showing signs of recovery¡¡± Hugo¡¯s remarks when he saw the t¨¦st results made Sofia smile.
¡°One more treatment and I can assure you that the poison will bepletely gone. Out of your body,¡±
he continued, his eyes on the tablet that had the result of her blood tests. Then he lifted his gaze and
looked at Sofia. ¡°Good job.¡±
¡°Thank you,¡± Sofia said, her words almost like a whisper. ¡°How about my mother?¡±
¡°Good and bad news,¡± Hugo said as he eyed Alexander who stood next to Sofia. ¡°Which one?¡±
¡°Good,¡± Sofia said.
¡°The good news is that your mother is responding to some new treatment that we discovered.¡± Sofia
smiled. At least there was a response. ¡°And the bad?¡± she asked.
¡°Well¡ we don¡¯t know if that is enough to wake her up. Again, the
damage is irreversible. We can only stop the poison from killing her but we cannot reverse all the
damage inside her body.¡±
¡°But there is hope,¡± Sofia said.
¡°Well,¡± Hugo was about to say a few pessimistic words when he noticed Alexander¡¯s re. Instead, he
chuckled and shook his head. ¡°As long as she¡¯s breathing then¡ there is still hope.¡±
¡°Thank you.¡±
¡°No need.¡± Hugo got up and handed his tablet to his female assistant. ¡°The donation that you gave is-¡±
Again, he noticed Alexander¡¯s re so he stopped talking and once again started chuckling. ¡°You are
wee.¡±
¡°You are already leaving?¡± Sofia asked.
11
¡°As much as I wanted to stay yet more experiments are waiting for me,¡± Hugo said. ¡°Besides¡ I don¡¯t
think your husband wanted me to stay any longer.¡±
Sofia looked at Alexander who seemed to look confused. Alexander immediately shrugged when he
noticed her eyes on him.
¡°You are surprisingly docile in front of your woman¡ hehehehe¡. ¡± Hugo smirked. ¡°However, I have no
time to waste. I only came here to bring
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some good news about your result. We can immediately schedule the third treatment as soon as you
are ready. The fact that you didn¡¯t feel anything during the second treatment was a good sign that your
body is adapting very well.¡±
¡°Thank you,¡± Sofia said. She could not contain her happiness. The fact that the second treatment went
really well was enough to make her day. After seeing Hugo off, she immediately looked at Alexander.
¡°Shall we celebrate?¡± she asked.
¡°I already called Adam. He will meet us with Karina at a private bar.¡±
She narrowed her eyes. ¡°Did you already know the result before Hugo told me?¡±
His lips lifted into a sexy smirk. ¡°Well¡ he told me to expect some good news before he arrived.¡±
¡°Oh¡¡± Sofia said. ¡°Then let me get ready.¡± She ran towards their room with a smile on her face.
However, unlike Sofia, Charlotte was currently frowning as she red at the woman smiling before her.
¡°You wanted to use me to harm Sofia?¡± Charlotte sneered. ¡°Is that what you are trying to say?¡±
¡°You are making me sound so evil¡¡± Teresa snorted, her gaze on the wine in her hand.
¡°You cannot touch her because you are scared of her husband and no you wanted to use me?¡±
Charlotte smirked. The woman used some te and even talked about propriety among other things that
could easily confuse anyone.
However, Charlotte is not dumb. After all that Teresa¡¯s goal in meeting her in secret was really simple.
She wanted to entice Charlotte to do something about Sofia.
¡°Do you not envy your sister?¡± Teresa asked, ignoring Charlotte¡¯s previous \question. ¡°I mean¡ do you
really think she deserves everything that she
currently has?¡±
Charlotte turned her head away. Since she could not drink wine, she chose to have a simple
chamomile tea to hopefully calm her nerves but it was not doing its magic. She pursed her lips. ¡°Stop
talking in circles. I don¡¯t like wasting my time,¡± Charlotte said.
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¡°Are you not angry
that the Beaumont Family is treating you like this?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about,¡± Charlotte said. Obviously, she was angry but her fury was not
her priority. She is with a child! All she wanted right now was to make sure that the child was born into
this world. She could always have her revengeter.
¡°Sofia is currently enjoying thepany of the heir of the Beaumont Family while you- you are
pregnant. Daniel is not in his right mind to help you. In fact, he might have just abandoned you or
harmed you when he sees you. Your career is dead. Your father was in prison while your mother is
currently MIA. Isn¡¯t that miserable?¡±
¡°And?¡± Charlotte lifted an eyebrow. Indeed, she was not having a very good time right now but that will
change once she has this baby. All she needed was to endure for the next few months.
¡°If you want to do something about it then¡ I can help you,¡± Teresa smiled.
Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.
Charlotte rolled her eyes. ¡°What can you do?¡± she asked. ¡°Are you not helpless in front of Alexander?¡±
she asked. She had seen the woman in front of Mr. Beaumont, and it was pretty obvious that Teresa
Beaumont and even the whole Beaumont Family did not have the courage to fight against Alexander
Beaumont. Just thinking about this made her more irritated.
Why was it that Sofia was with a man like that?
No. Sofia was not just with him- she was actually his wife. Just how lucky was she to be able to fool Mr.
Beaumont?
Charlotte¡¯s mood worsened. Just thinking about a smiling Sofia in the arms of that man was enough to
make her blood boil.
That woman doesn¡¯t deserve it!
Sofia was already born with everything. She was able to get anything that she wanted, anytime,
anywhere. And just like most things, Sofia married someone who would dare to bully a pregnant
woman just to keep her happy! Why does she deserve to have happiness when Charlotte is currently
struggling?
Why?
Just why was the world like this?
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¡°Calm down¡¯ Charlotte slowlyposed herself.
¡°Alexander and I have¡ aplicated dynamic,¡± Teresa said after a brief silence. ¡°The fact that I am
not doing anything against him doesn¡¯t mean that I cannot. It¡¯s just that¡ I do not want him to harm my
son. As a mother¡ you should understand what I feel, right?¡±
Charlotte slowly nodded. Right now her priority is also the child in her stomach. She would do
everything to protect it from anyone!
¡°I cannot help you,¡± Charlotte said. If protecting her little one meant stepping away from all this then
she would dly do that.
Teresa looked surprised. ¡°I can promise you-
¡°¡±
¡°Oh please stop it, woman.¡± Charlotte interrupted her. ¡°Can you not see that you are helpless against
him? You cannot even protect your son and yet you wanted to scheme against him?¡±
¡°I do not appreciate your tone, Charlotte. I only wanted to see you because I thought you were smart
enough to-
,
¡°To harm my child?¡± Charlotte sneered. ¡°You should understand me. After all, you are a mother too.¡±
Charlotte was not dumb enough to risk it. She doesn¡¯t know if Alexander was only bluffing and she was
not interested to find out. Slowly, she got up. ¡°I am leaving.¡±
Teresa narrowed her eyes at her. ¡°Sit down,¡± she hissed.
However, Charlotte was no longer interested in listening to the woman words. Instead of sitting down,
she started walking towards the door d the private room that Teresa booked for this meeting. To her
surprise, however, Teresa suddenly approached her and grabbed her arm.
Charlotte flinched, surprised at the woman¡¯s aggression. ¡°What are you Let me go!¡±
¡°I told you to sit down!¡± Teresa said. ¡°I am not done talking!¡±
¡°I said let me go!¡± Charlotte used her other hand to try and pry Teresa¡¯s fingers, but the older woman
was stronger. Charlotte yanked back, her surprise morphing into anger. ¡°Get off me!¡± she spat. The
fight for control escted.
Fueled by anger and desperation, Teresa dug her fingers into Charlotte¡¯s arm, her grip surprisingly
tight. Charlotte¡¯s adrenaline surged as she shoved back with all her might.
Chapter 103
Chapter 103
Difort settled heavily over Charlotte as consciousness crept back, slow and reluctant. It wasn¡¯t the
sterile antiseptic kind ¨C the kind that stole your breath and told you something was terribly wrong.
This was a deeper, more suffocating kind of unease, a feeling of being utterly out of ce.
Her eyelids fluttered open, revealing an unfamiliar room. White walls, yes, but not the stark, institutional
white of a hospital. These walls were adorned with swirling floral patterns, the kind that belonged in a
grandma¡¯s guest room, not a medical facility. Panic, cold and sharp, wed at her throat. Where was
she?
She tried to sit up, but a dull ache throbbed in her lower abdomen, anchoring her to the bed. A wave of
nausea washed over her, and she squeezed her eyes shut, willing it to pass. When it did, a horrifying
memory jolted back ¨C the fight, the fall, the searing pain that had ripped through her like a fist.
Unease gnawed at her. The fall. Was that all? It felt like more, a dull ache that pulsed with a strange
rhythm. But the memories were hazy, fragmented.
A faint scent ofvender oil wafted through the air, cloying and somehow suffocating. She hated
lavender. It was Daniel¡¯s favorite scent, the kind he used on his aftershave, the kind that lingered on
their sheets after a night together.
The sound of a door creaking open made her head snap towards the source. A woman stood framed in
the doorway. It was someone she didn¡¯t recognize.
¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re awake,¡± the woman spoke, her voice gentle. She moved closer, concern etched on her
face. Her name tag read ¡®Roni,¡¯ the friendly script a stark contrast to the cold, clinical setting Charlotte
had expected.
Roni reached over and carefully fluffed the pillows behind Charlotte¡¯s head. ¡°Here, let me help you sit
up a bit.¡± Her touch was surprisingly light, devoid of the rough urgency she might have encountered in
a hospital.
Charlotte leaned back against the pillows, wincing as the ache in her
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abdomen intensified. Roni held a ss of water to her lips, her
expression softening further. ¡°Slow sips,¡± she murmured.
The cool water eased the dryness in her throat but did little to quench the thirst that seemed to burn
from within. As she lowered the ss, Roni lingered beside her.
¡°I know you¡¯re probably confused,¡± Roni said, her voice dropping to a hushed tone. ¡°You¡¯re at a private
residence. Mrs. Lockhart ¨C ¡°Charlotte¡¯s breath hitched. Teresa.¡± ¨C insisted you needed a quiet ce to
recover,¡± Roni continued, oblivious to Charlotte¡¯s silent panic. ¡°She¡¯s very concerned about you.¡±
A humorless scoff escaped Charlotte¡¯s lips. Concerned? Teresa was the reason she was here,
wherever ¡®here¡¯ was. The throbbing in her abdomen felt¡ different. It wasn¡¯t like a regr period
cramp. But what else could it be?
Roni seemed to misinterpret the sound. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± she asked, her brow furrowing slightly.
Charlotte opened her mouth to speak, but the words wouldn¡¯te. Her mind was a tangled mess of
confusion and unease. The fall, the pain, Teresa¡¯s unsettling presence ¨C it allbined into a thick fog
that obscured her head.
Roni squeezed her hand gently. ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± she said softly. ¡°The will be here soon to check on you. I
really apologize for your loss, M Lockhart.¡±
¡°What loss?¡± Charlotte frowned. Again, memories of what happened filled her head. The fall. Teresa
pushed her and she saw¡. Blood. Blood¡ The sound of her scream soon started to fill the room.
¡°Sir, it seems that you are right. Miss Teresa is indeed hiding Charlotte Lockhart. She¡¯s currently in a
small private property near ska. ording to our sources, she lost the child,¡± Josef said as he
stared at Alexander.
When he heard the news, he immediately recalled the time when Alexander said it was a trap. As for
who? Josef doesn¡¯t know.
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At first, he assumed it was a trap for Charlotte. But¡ what if it was for Teresa?
Josef prided himself on being smart yet for some unknown reason, he could never figure out
Alexander¡¯s schemes.
Alexander nodded without saying a word. Then he lifted his gaze away from the documents that he
was reading. ¡°Where is Daniel now?¡± he asked.
¡°Miss Teresa sent him to a facility just outside of Chicago.¡±
¡°Facility?¡±
¡°A mental institution. It seems that she¡¯s nning to send him abroad as soon as he calms down.¡±
Alexander sneered. ¡°Then let us go see him.¡±
¨C
Sterile white walls, devoid of personality, mocked Daniel with their emptiness. A single, barred window
offered a sliver of a view a scraggly patch of untended grass and a skeletal tree, its branches wing
at the iron-grey sky.
Original content from N?velDrama.Org.
The only furniture was a metal cot, a rickety chair bolted to the flo a small table scarred with countless
scribbles.
Daniel sat hunched over the table, a sharpened pencil clutched in his hand with a piece of paper. It
wasn¡¯t the fanciest instrument, but it was his weapon of choice in this battle against the suffocating
silence.
Music, something that he disliked in the past, flowed through him, a desperate attempt to connect with
something, anything, beyond these four walls.
¡°Sofia,¡± he muttered the name a melody on his lips. He scrawled it across the worn paper, the graphite
etching a desperate plea into the sterile surface. The song poured out of him, raw and unrefined. Sofia
liked writing songs. Surely, reading what he wrote would at least appease her anger, right?
But is that enough?
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The thought of what Sofia showed him in the hospital immediately made him crumple the paper and
throw it behind him where a bunch of paper
was.
A song wouldn¡¯t be enough, he thought inwardly.
No.
That wouldn¡¯t be enough to make her leave that man.
The creaking sound of the door caught his attention. He immediately looked at the person who walked
inside and smiled. ¡°Nurse Judith¡ what brings you here?¡± he asked.
The woman, who was already in her fifties, smiled. ¡°It is time to take your medicine.¡± She ced a tray
in front of Daniel. On it was a bottle of water and some medicine that he needed to take before he ate
his lunch.
¡°Alright¡¡± Daniel nodded. He was not dumb enough to resist them. Daniel believed that the only way
for him to leave this ce as fast as possible was to do whatever it was that they wanted, to pretend.
Pretending wasn¡¯t something new to Daniel. In fact, he had been pretending all his life. To attract his
father¡¯s attention, Daniel had done everything topete with Alexander. He pretended to know that
Alexander knew.
He took the medicine without any fuss and finished the bottle
¡°Thank you¡¡± Judith smiled. ¡°I will go and get your lunch. Pleas a few minutes.¡±
erything
¡°Alright,¡± Daniel nodded. However, the moment Judith left, the smi his face immediately vanished.
Since he was younger, he already had various medicines to keep him at bay.
To get away with it, Daniel used to pretend that everything was fine. Then, he would bury himself in
work and other activities to keep busy and get away from the slump that he was in.
It would be the same this time.
After a few minutes, the door once again opened. However, the smile that Daniel prepared vanished
when he saw Alexander standing by the door.
Jam-e-Shirin Ronaq-e- Ramadan
¡°You- What are you doing here?¡± Daniel asked, his expression turning ugly.
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Chapter 104
The video in front of Daniel was enough to make him shiver. It was a video of his mother and Charlotte.
¡°You-¡±
¡°Your mother wanted to get rid of the baby¡¡± Alexander said. ¡°I thought you should know.¡±-
Daniel narrowed his eyes at the tablet, his expression unreadable. Then he slowly lifted his gaze as he
stared at Alexander. ¡°Why- Why are you doing this?¡±
¡°I thought you already knew?¡± Alexander casually leaned back and stared at his younger brother.
Daniel pursed his lips. From the video that he just saw, his mother tried kicking Charlotte out of the
mansion and did not believe that she was pregnant with Daniel¡¯s child. However Alexander asked her
to stay and do a DNA test. But with everything that has been happening, Charlotte decided to leave the
mansion and had a secret meeting with Daniel¡¯s
mother.
In this meeting, his mother tried to instigate Charlotte to harm Sofia and perhaps Alexander. However,
she did not seed and Charlotte wanted to leave. This is where the problem happened. Teresa
identally pushed Charlotte. Daniel could clearly see the blood on the floor as Teresa instructed her
people to take the unconscious Charlotte.
¡°You wanted me to hate my mother¡¡± Daniel uttered. At this point, he no longer doubted that
Alexander was capable of doing something like this. Alexander was a cruel- cruel man indeed. ¡°Not
only did you steal my bride¡ you also manipted my mother and now, you want me to hate her?¡±
¡°Bride?¡± Alexander smirked. ¡°But aren¡¯t you cheating with the bride¡¯s sister?¡±
¡°It was a mistake.¡±
¡°The fact that you are fully aware it was a mistake does not excuse your behavior,¡± Alexander
answered almost immediately.
Daniel gritted his teeth. A mistake is a mistake. However, he fully believes that Sofia will soon forgive
him- at least before he is aware of Sofia¡¯s
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marriage to his older brother. Hatred filled his gaze. He was certain that Sofia was manipted by
Alexander. He must have done something to mess with her head.
¡°It seems that you still think she would forgive you¡¡± Alexander chuckled. Isn¡¯t this because Daniel
grew up thinking that the world would forgive everything that he did because of how he was treated in
the past. This man believed that the world owed him everything. He was raised to believe that he had
been treated unfairly by everyone around him.
But this is no longer Alexander¡¯s business.
¡°Your mother wanted to harm Sofia¡¡± Alexander said. ¡°I could of course intervene but¡ I am certain
you and your father wouldn¡¯t like that.¡±
Daniel said nothing. He only stared at his brother, his expression cid. Seeing this, Alexander got up.
¡°I have reasons to believe that your mother is going to keep on trying. There will be no next time,
though.¡± With that, Alexander got up and left the room, leaving the tablet in front of Daniel.
Once alone, Daniel looked at the tablet once again. Then his gaze darkened.
Why was it that Alexander was trying to punish him? Just why?
LH GROUP
¡°What do you think of this?¡± Sofia asked her secretary, Miss Amores.
¡°Well¡¡± Miss Amores hesitated for a few seconds. ¡°I think that might be too in.¡±
¡°Hmmm¡.¡± Sofia nodded, her gaze still on the portrait of one of the wedding dresses that her mother
had designed. ¡°I think so too¡ but then again, there is something beautiful about it.¡± Sofia then closed
the album of the wedding dresses and smiled. ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about this matter now.¡± After her
grandmother¡¯s death, she was given ess to everything that belonged to Enda, including therge
vault that contained her mother¡¯s dresses.
It was mostlyposed of wedding dresses and some Haute couture and long gowns. They were all
pretty so she decided to have a professional create a brochure of all the designs. Seeing the designs
actually made her excited.
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Chapter 104
However, this was not the right time to choose a wedding gown.
Everything was currently very hectic. Big changes are expected to happen inside and outside LH
GROUP. Moreover, Alexander seemed really busy with everything too. Sofia momentarily thought of
Daniel and Charlotte.
Alexander told him that he could take care of them- legally. For some reason, he especially
emphasized this fact. Thest news that she heard was that Charlotte was pregnant with Daniel¡¯s child.
She leaned back and closed her eyes.
For some reason, memories of the past filled her head. Indeed, she was still too weak. How could she
easily let them go? Shouldn¡¯t she go ¡®nuclear¡¯ and destroy them?
After a few minutes of contemtion, she smiled and got up from her seat. Her gazended on the
beautiful view of Illinois. That¡¯s right. Living a good life while they suffer is the best thing that she could
do for herself.
And just like that, Sofia spent the rest of her day in the office, busy with her business and the future
ns of thepany. It was already eight in the evening when Sofia decided to go home. To her
surprise, Alexander said that his meeting just ended and now, he was waiting for her outside so they
could go home together.
¡°What is this?¡± Sofia asked when Alexander handed her a blue paper bag that was as big as Sofia¡¯s
handbag.
¡°Open it,¡± Alexander said as he started driving the car. Sofia smiled. Without asking any more
questions, she opened the paper bag.
¡°Pierre Herm¨¦?¡± Sofia asked in astonishment when she spotted the colorful macaroon inside a box.
Inside the box nestled a beautiful assortment of Pierre Herm¨¦ macarons. Unlike the typical pastel
colors, these were little works of art. A vibrant emerald green hinted at pistachio, a deep fuchsia
screamed of raspberry, and a sunshine yellow promised the tang of lemon.
Each perfect dome was smooth and wless, their delicate shells promising a satisfying crack when
bitten.
¡°I thought you would like it,¡± he said when he saw her reaction. These macarons were famous all over
the world, and Sofia had mentioned them once while they were having coffee. She mentioned it in
passing, just a part of their conversation.
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Sofia¡¯s surprise melted into a warm affection for Alexander. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have,¡± she said, touched by
the thoughtful gesture. ¡°But these look incredible.¡±
Alexander nced at her with a hint of a smile. ¡°I figured you could use a little sweetness after a long
day.¡± He winked. ¡°Besides, I know how much you love Pierre Herm¨¦ macarons.¡±
A blush crept up Sofia¡¯s cheeks. He remembered. It was a tiny detail, a conversation from weeks ago,
yet it felt significant.
That was when she noticed that he took a different road. ¡°Where are we going?¡± she asked.
¡°I booked a restaurant for dinner¡¡±
Sofia¡¯s expression immediately changed. ¡°I¡ª Did¡ª Are we elerating something?¡± Did she miss his
birthday? Or his aunt¡¯s or mom¡¯s birthday? Anniversary? She rummaged through her brain but could
not find anything. Did she really forget something because she had been so busy with everything else?
Just what was it? Panic set inside her chest as she waited for his answer.
.
¡°Can¡¯t I book a restaurant with my wife without celebrating something?¡± the corner of his lips lifted.
¡°Eh?¡± she blinked, a little confused.
¡°Both of us had been working really hard in the past few days.
we deserved some steak and wine.¡±
Well, he was not wrong.
Everything has been very chaotictely.
Sofia opened her mouth, wanting to say something but ended up closi it instead. Slowly, a smile
appeared on her face as she turned her head outside.
Having him as a husband was not too bad at all¡
Chapter 105
Chapter 105
¡°Huh?¡± Sofia arched an eyebrow when she looked at the photographs that Josef handed her. ¡°This-¡±
This was the current update about Charlotte¡¯s state. The Charlotte in the images was far from the
Charlotte that Sofia knew. ¡°Teresa was hiding her?¡± Why?
However, her question was answered by the next few images and videos from the tablet. Apparently,
Teresa caused the miscarriage and instead of ending Charlotte¡¯s life, she chose to hide her somewhere
remote.
Because of this, the Charlotte in the video looked like she had already lost her mind. She was so thin;
that no one would probably recognize her as the beautiful starlet. Her face was pale withrge bags
under her eyes. Even her gaze seemedckluster as if she had already lost everything in life.
Josef informed her that Charlotte had been in this ce for a month. ¡°And¡ Alexander told you that I
can do everything with this
information?¡± she asked.
¡°Yes,¡± Josef said.
Just as she was about to ask more questions, her phone vibrated. She quickly answered it. ¡°Have you
had your lunch?¡± It was Alexander. His voice sounded too warm, as if¡ as if he had no idea about the
images that Josef had just handed her.
¡°Isn¡¯t it currently midnight on your end?¡± she asked. Alexander was currently abroad for some project.
¡°I missed you,¡± there was a husk in his voice.
Sofia signaled Josef to leave her office. Alexander¡¯s secretaryplied without saying anything. ¡°Josef
just arrived. Why did you send him back? Who is going to help you there?¡± she asked.
¡°I will be going back tomorrow, anyway. I am going to assume you have already received my gift?¡±
¡°A gift¡¡± she pursed her lips, her gazended on the images on her table. For a few seconds, she said
nothing. ¡°A gift you say?¡±
¡°You didn¡¯t like it?¡±
¡°I was wondering where Charlotte was¡¡± Sofja said. From time to time.
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she would wonder about the woman that she had treated as her sister for years. Her social media had
been deactivated and it seemed like she disappeared off the face of the Earth. However, she never
searched for her whereabouts.
To Sofia, it would be better if they did not see each other again. So much has happened in these past
few months, and all she wanted was to move on. Currently, she is doing fine.
Thepany is flourishing and even her rtionship with Alexander was going well. Lawrence was still
in prison, and Daniel was currently in Asia doing some therapy to calm him down. Thest time she
heard, Daniel was in Bali, Indonesia. It was Alexander who told her this information.
¡°It seems that you already knew about this information for a long time now?¡± Sofia uttered.
¡°Hmmm¡.¡±
¡°What do you want me to do with this? Report it to the police?¡±
¡°I originally wanted to use it against Teresa Beaumont,¡± his honesty astounded her. ¡°A video of her
doing something like this would be enough to ruin her life. But that would not be enough.¡±
¡°Then¡.¡±
¡°Daniel now refused to talk to his mother.¡±
¡°You mean?¡±
¡°He cut off contact.¡± Alexander made a deliberate pause. She could hear some movements on the
phone, and then she heard the sound of waves crashing against the shore. Alexander told her that the
hotel he was staying at was next to the Ocean and promised to bring her there one day. ¡°What could be
worse than a son hating the mother that loved him so much?¡± he asked.
¡°You wanted him to hate his mother?¡± Sofia asked. Until now, Alexander refused to tell her why he was
doing this. She did not ask him, as she knew that he would tell her his reasons once he was ready.
¡°Yes.¡± His answer came almost immediately. ¡°Do you think that was cruel?¡±
Cruel? ¡°Yes,¡± Sofia said. Everyone in the business world already knew that
17
Chapter 105
Alexander Beaumont was a cruel man. The thing is¡ Sofia doesn¡¯t actually care. Perhaps it was her
selfishness. Perhaps she is just cruel. But Alexander never treated her badly. If anything, he was the
one who helped her the most.
She heard him chuckle. ¡°Really?¡± he asked.
¡°Yeah¡¡± Sofia said.
¡°And¡ do you dislike that?¡± he asked, his voice a little low.
Dislike? ¡°No,¡± the answer came before she could even think about his question.
¡°So what do you want to do to Teresa and your sister?¡± he asked.
¡°I would like to report it to the police.¡±
¡°Hmmm¡.¡±
¡°Then Adam will be helping you. He already received the details and will
be working with the authorities tomorrow. A news agency will then release news about you and your
efforts to investigate your sister¡¯s disappearance. The news¡¡± Soon, Alexander started telling her
everything that was going to happen. From the press to making sure that this would not ruin her name,
to Teresa¡¯s arrest and some other safety
measures.
¡°You already knew that I am going to report this to the authorities?¡± she asked. Was she that
predictable?
¡°Yes.¡±
She pursed her lips, her breathing calm and collected. Soon, a smile appeared on her lips. ¡°Silly¡¡± she
mumbled.
¡°What did you just say?¡±
¡°There is no need to involve me in this matter.¡± Yet he did. Why, you ask? Because he wanted to make
sure that Sofia¡¯s name wouldn¡¯t get dragged into the mud by Charlotte¡¯s fans.
In the online world, everything was pretty unpredictable. One person could easily create a story that
would affect Sofia¡¯s name. To prevent this, Alexander made it seem like it was Sofia who wanted to find
her sister and identally stumbled upon the kidnapping. Then Sofia immediately reported this matter
to the authorities and in response, the police rescued
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Charlotte from the evil Teresa.
This would take care of both Charlotte and Teresa too! This was killing three birds with one stone. A
simple move that would wrap up everything.
¡°But I really appreciate it,¡± Sofia said. ¡°Thank you.¡±
¡°I am your husband¡¡±
¡°I know. I just want to thank you,¡± she interrupted him. She knew that he would start telling her about
his responsibility to protect her but this was different and Sofia knew it.
There was a brief silence on the other line before she spoke.¡±Then thank me when I get home.¡±
¡°What?¡± a mischievous smile appeared on her lips.
¡°I said-
11
¡°What do you want me to do to show my gratitude?¡± she interrupted him.
¡°I thought you already knew?¡± he asked.
She chuckled in response. ¡°Did I?¡±
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There was a low chuckle in response. ¡°My flight willnd at six¡ in the evening,¡± he said.
¡°I thought you would be home at nine¡± she beamed. His flight was scheduled to arrive at nine in the
evening.
¡°What can I do? My wife just told me she¡¯s willing to do everything to show how much she appreciates
my efforts.¡±
¡°I did not say that.¡±
¡°You did.¡±
¡°I didn¡¯t.¡±
¡°Then are you not going to do it?¡± he asked.
That shut her up real quick. ¡°Then I¡¯ll see you tomorrow,¡± she mumbled. ¡°Ah¡ by the way¡ didn¡¯t I
already tell you not to call me during office hours?¡± It was distracting her.
¡°Are you ming me for missing you?¡± he retorted.
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¡°Fine¡ I¡¯ll forgive you this time.¡± The man had been in China for three days and he had been acting
like this since he left. She already told him not to call her at least during the day, but he kept on doing
that. ¡°It should be around midnight on your end. You should sleep.¡±
¡°I will¡ I just wanted to hear your voice.¡±
Sofia did not know what to say. For some reason, she could feel her face
heat up. She frowned. ¡°Then I will see you tomorrow.¡±
¡°Call me before you sleep,¡± he said.
¡°Right,¡± she responded before ending the call. Then Sofia immediately held her head back, her
expression unreadable. Her face felt hot-too hot. Was she going to have a fever?
In the end, she could only smile. Silly Sofia, she thought inwardly. They had been in this limbo for a few
weeks now. Their rtionship had improved and they had been treating each other like husband and
wife, yet not one of them had uttered ¡®I love you¡¯ first.
Why was it bugging her too much? Those are merely words. What was so important about it?
Well, if she wanted to, then she could just tell him that, right? But does she really love him? She closed
her eyes.
Love.
What is love?
She thought about her rtionship with Daniel in the past and quickly realized how different her current
rtionship with Alexander was.
Currently, her rtionship with Alexander seemed warmer. It is morefortable. But does that mean
she is in love with him? Or does she just love the feeling of being with him?
¡°Aish¡¡± she pped her own forehead. It¡¯s still daytime and she had a lot of things to take care of. She
straightened her back and then ced the images of Charlotte back into the folder. Then she called
Josef and asked him to take care of everything.
She cannot just sit down here and think about Alexander all day! She has apany to manage!
¡°Miss Amores, please ask the team to go to the board room so we can
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proceed with what was scheduled today,¡± Sofia said. The only thing that could calm her mind was more
work. So, she started working.
What started as her trying to forget about Alexander soon turned into Sofia overworking herself. She
turned the lights inside her office before she eyed her watch. If her phone hadn¡¯t died just now, she
wouldn¡¯t have stopped what she was doing.
It was a few minutes after one in the morning. Slowly, she made her way out of the building and into the
car waiting for her. Then she instructed Miss Amores to drive her back to Alexander¡¯s ce.
Sighing, Sofia walked inside the t, intending to take a nice quick bath before going to sleep.
To her surprise, however, the light inside the bedroom was already on when she walked in.
Almost immediately, her eyes widened.
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¡°You¡± Sofia¡¯s hand trembled the moment she saw Lawrence calmly sitting down on the chair next to the
bed, a gun in his hand.
Sofia¡¯s heart lurched into her throat, squeezing with icy terror that instantly eclipsed the exhaustion that
had moments ago been her only concern. Lawrence. How? It was impossible.
He was supposed to be rotting away in some godforsaken prison cell, a consequence of the years of
torment he¡¯d inflicted upon her. Yet, here he sat, casually perched beside the bed, a glint of manic
amusement dancing in his eyes as he regarded her with the same chilling smile that he used to fool her
mother and her!
¡°Hello¡ Sofia,¡± Lawrence spoke.
¡°How?¡± Sofia asked, her voice trembling. How was he able to get out of prison?
The question tumbled out of Sofia,ced with a tremor that betrayed the storm raging within her. But
even as she demanded answers, a horrifying realization dawned. It didn¡¯t matter how he escaped. He
was here. In her sanctuary. A predator in her den. Panic threatened to consume her.
Lawrence, however, seemed to relish in her reaction. He uncrossed his legs, the casual movement
sending a fresh wave of nausea through Sofia.
¡°Let¡¯s just say,¡± he drawled, his voice dripping with sickening amusement, ¡°prison wasn¡¯t exactly living
up to its name. But hey,¡± he shrugged, his gaze flickering around the room, taking in the subtle signs of
Alexander¡¯s presence, ¡°looks like I found myself some rather¡fortable amodations.¡±
¡°What are you doing here?¡± she asked. This man must have escaped prison just now or a couple of
hours ago. Meaning, he should have had the time to run away from Illinois, but he didn¡¯t. Sofia thought
about her dead phone. Again, she had forgotten to charge it earlier.
Perhaps someone tried to call her, informing her of Lawrence¡¯s escape, but she wasn¡¯t able to receive
it as her phone died.
A cruel amusement glinted in Lawrence¡¯s eyes. ¡°Is that really a question that you should be asking right
now, princess?¡± he drawled, his voice dripping with condescension. He gesturedzily with the gun in
his hand, the casualness of the movement making Sofia¡¯s stomach clench.
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¡°Sit down, Sofia,¡± hemanded, the amusement fading into a steely glint. ¡°We have a lot to catch up
on.¡±
The order scraped against her raw nerves. ¡°Go on¡¡± Lawrence smiled. ¡°Do not make me say it again.¡±
Sofia swallowed.
¡°Uh-uh¡ get your things out of your pocket and throw them on the bed,¡± he added.
This time, Sofiaplied. She took her keys and phone out and then threw them on the bed.
¡°Now sit¡¡± Lawrence gestured towards the bed. ¡°Hands on your head.¡±
¡°Really?¡± Sofia asked. ¡°Do you really think I am a threat?¡± Disbelief shed in her eyes. When she was
younger, she always wanted to learn martial arts and well, she tried to. But Lawrence insisted that she
follow her passion. The next month after that, she quit and started going to art school.
Lawrence only smirked in response. ¡°I never saw you as one¡¡± he said. ¡°But look at me
now?¡±
She frowned but slowlyplied. In the end, Lawrence was in prison because he
underestimated her.
A tense silence filled the room, broken only by Sofia¡¯s breaths. Lawrence watched her with
amusement, the gun still a constant, chilling reminder of his power. Defiance simmered within her, but it
was tempered by a cold dose of reality. This wasn¡¯t the time
for heroics.
Taking a deep breath, Sofia forced her voice to remain steady. ¡°Alright, Lawrence,¡± she began, each
word measured. ¡°Let¡¯s talk.¡± Her eyes flickered towards the discarded phone on the bed. ¡°What do you
want?¡± she asked. ¡°You could have used the time that you stayed here to run away from this ce.¡±
Was that a brilliant thing to do?
By all means, Sofia found it a bit stupid. If he wanted revenge, he could have run away first and then
come back when he was ready for his
revenge.
¡°Where is Eunice?¡± he asked.
Almost immediately, her face turned ugly. ¡°In a safe ce.¡±
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Chapter 106
¡°Hmmmm¡.¡± Lawrence pursed his lips. ¡°It seems that you still do not understand the question.¡± Out of
nowhere, he pulled out what looked like another ck metal. It took Sofia a few seconds to realize that
it was a silencer for the gun.
The metallic click of the silencer attached to the gun echoed in the tense silence, shattering Sofia¡¯s
fragile hope.
Panic wed at her, but she forced it down, shoving it deep where it wouldn¡¯t cloud her judgment.
¡°Eunice,¡± Lawrence repeated, his voice a low growl. ¡°Tell me where she is, Sofia. Now.¡±
The glint in his eyes wasn¡¯t amusement anymore. It was a cold, predatory hunger, and Sofia knew
exactly what it meant. He wasn¡¯t here for some twisted reunion, for some pathetic attempt to recapture
a past that never truly existed. He was here to finish what he started.
¡°She¡¯s safe,¡± Sofia answered as her gaze darted around the room, searching for an escape, a weapon,
anything. But there was nothing.
For a few seconds, she wished Alexander woulde barging into the door with the authorities, but
she knew it would be impossible. The man was not even in the US!
¡°So, she is indeed alive,¡± Lawrence smiled. ¡°But we both know that is useless, yeah?¡±
¡°You-¡±
¡°The poison should have been enough to ruin her insides. She would stay in that state forever until she
breathes herst.¡±
¡°You are- evil.¡±
Lawrence beamed as he leaned back without saying anything. However, Sofia did not miss the
amusement in the man¡¯s eyes.
¡°Why?¡± she spat, her voice ragged butced with steely resolve. ¡°Why did you want her dead?¡±
¡°Curious, aren¡¯t you?¡± he drawled, his voice devoid of emotion. He tapped the silenced gun against his
knee, the rhythmic click a constant reminder of her precarious situation. ¡°Let¡¯s just say, your dear old
mother knew a little too much about some¡ unpleasant things.¡±
¡°What?¡±
Chapter 106
¡°I wasn¡¯t originally nning to end her just like that¡ after all, we were in love. I did love your mother if
you were curious.¡± Lawrence answered, the smile on his face did not vanish.
¡°She¡. Did she discover the smuggling?¡± she asked. Right now, this was the only thing that Sofia
could think of. Lawrence was meticulous. He slowly poisoned her and her mother. He had been
patiently waiting for years.
Why would he do something drastic? Why would he suddenly tell Dr. Mch to increase the dosage?
Sofia was talking about the conversation that she managed to hear between Mr. Oh and Lawrence
when she just discovered that Daniel was cheating on her. At that time,
Lawrence must have already known that Eunice would not wake up again. What was the point of trying
to end her life?
¡°Hmmmm¡.¡±
A flicker of genuine emotion, something akin to sadness, flickered across Lawrence¡¯s face before he
quickly masked it
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with his usual amusement. ¡°Love?¡± Sofia scoffed, the word a bitter taste in her mouth. ¡°You poisoned
her! How can you call that love?¡±
Lawrence chuckled, a hollow, humorless sound. ¡°Love can be aplicated thing, Sofia. Especially
when it¡¯s tangled with hate and a thirst for revenge.¡± He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a
conspiratorial whisper. ¡°I mean¡ how can I not love my little sister?¡±
¡°What?¡± It was as if the world narrowed down on her. ¡°What did you just say?¡± she asked. Did he just
call Eunice, his sister? Wait¡
Wait what?
¡°You heard me,¡± Lawrence shrugged. ¡°Oh my¡ I have always dreamed of this day. Watching your face
when you hear the truth about everything.¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡°Since you seemed a bit confused then let me just let it out.¡± He leaned a bit closer and smiled. ¡°Your
grandfather took advantage of my mother. Despite this, my father still treated me like his real son.
Sadly, when your grandfather discovered my existence, he tried to kick my father out of thepany
and us out of the States.¡±
Sofia¡¯s face turned ugly. ¡°Stop talking nonsense.¡±
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¡°I mean¡ how much do you even know about your grandfather and grandmother? Tell me¡ how much
do you know outside of yourfortable bubble?¡± Lawrence asked.
His words struck her like a dull knife. How much does she know about her family- the- Lockhart
Family?
She grew up close to Lawrence and Eunice and not to her grandmother. She doesn¡¯t interact with most
of the Lockhart Family either. Everything that she knew about them was stories from the news, her
mother, or her grandmother. Aside from that, she doesn¡¯t know a lot.
his son-
dead! He wanted me
¡°Your grandfather raped my mother and wanted me- to die to cover up his mistakes!¡± Lawrence
cackled. ¡°But guess what? He ended up dying instead.¡±
¡°You-¡±
¡°Not only that¡¡± Lawrence¡¯s eyes were wide. ¡°The woman who covered his mistakes¡ ended up dead
too!¡±
¡°Did you- ¡°Sofia¡¯s lips trembled. ¡°Did you want to kill my mom because she discovered that you were¡
siblings?¡±
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Lawrence¡¯sughter echoed inside the room. The manic glint returned to Lawrence¡¯s eyes, recing
the twisted amusement that had yed there moments before. A cruel chuckle escaped his lips. ¡°Kill
your mother? Sofia, darling, where on earth did you get that idea?¡± He shook his head, the movement
theatrical.
¡°Eunice, bless her heart, knew the truth all along. She knew about my past, about the darkness that
stained our family history. She knew that I was her brother.¡±
Sofia blinked, unable to believe what she just heard.
What?
What did he just say?
Eunice knew about him?
¡°Then why?¡± she asked. What was the point of everything? If her mother knew about Lawrence then¡
why would he harm her?
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¡°Because your mother is weak¡¡± Lawrence shrugged. ¡°I cannot be with a weak woman. Unfortunately,
even love is not enough to change someone like that.¡±
Sofia pursed her lips. Lawrence¡¯s revtion was something that she never expected. ¡°You are lying¡¡±
she said. ¡°My mother would never¡.¡±
Before she could finish her words, Lawrence suddenly took something out of his pockets. It was a ck
rectangr object; a recorder.
He yed it and almost immediately, Eunice¡¯s voice filled the room.
¡°I can¡¯t do this¡¡± Eunice said.
¡°What do you mean?¡± Lawrence¡¯s voice responded.
¡°She is my mother. I know you and I are blood¨Crted siblings and I love you but she¡ she is still my
mother.¡±
There was silence for a few seconds before Lawrence let out a sigh. ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I put you through a
difficult situation,¡± he said, his voice mellowed. ¡°But Enda would probably not agree that you give
your fortune to me. It¡¯s impossible. She would rather die.¡±
¡°You are a Lockhart. You deserve everything that you will get once I die.¡±
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Chapter 107
¡°Can you not talk about dying?¡± Lawrence said, his voice lower.
Eunice only snorted in response. ¡°Sofia adores you. Please don¡¯t let her know the truth¡±
¡°Why protect her from the harshness of this world?¡± he asked. He chuckled. ¡°Eventually, she needed to
know the truth or Enda would probably cook up
something making her hate you, hate us?¡±
Lawrence pressed another button, and the recording stopped.
¡°You¡± Sofia¡¯s lips quivered.
¡°Your mother knew about me. She wanted to give him half of her inheritance which Enda would
never allow. I mean¡ why wouldn¡¯t she give me what was rightfully mine?¡± Lawrence gave a
nonchnt shrug. ¡°That greedy woman.¡±
¡°Was it true that your father- the one who raised you- killed my grandfather?¡± Sofia asked. This was
what Enda told her.
¡°It was self¨Cdefense,¡± Lawrence said. ¡°My father raised me¡ he treated me like his own. Yet that
grandfather of yours wanted us away. I mean¡ the only good thing about it was the fact that your
grandfather ended up dying. So¡¡±
The world spun around Sofia, the plush carpeting beneath her suddenly a precarious tightrope
threatening to send her tumbling into oblivion. Lawrence¡¯s words mmed into her with the force of a
tidal wave, each revtion a crushing blow that knocked the wind out of her lungs.
Sofia squeezed her eyes shut, trying to shut out the sound, the image of her mother wrestling with a
truth too monstrous to face.
¡°Why?¡± she whispered, her voice hoarse, barely a thread. ¡°Why did you¡¡± The question trailed off,
choked by the storm of emotions churning within her.
Lawrence¡¯s dismissive shrug only served to fuel her growing rage and confusion.
He spoke of inheritance, of a birthright stolen, yet his actions ¨C the slow, insidious poisoning of her
mother ¨C screamed of something far more sinister.
A flicker of doubt, a single ember of hope, sparked within her. ¡°My grandmother wouldn¡¯t have let you
take everything,¡± she rasped. ¡°She wouldn¡¯t have allowed it.¡±
Enda, the ever¨Ccontrolling matriarch, wouldn¡¯t have stood idly by. She would have fought, tooth and
nail, to protect her legacy.
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Lawrence¡¯s smile, however, remained cold and calcting. ¡°Oh, she tried. But look at where she is
now?¡± he conceded, his voice dripping with amusement. ¡°Even the great Enda Lockhart couldn¡¯t
fight the inevitable. Besides,¡± he leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, ¡°she
wasn¡¯t the only one who knew.
Sofia¡¯s breath hitched. ¡°What¡ what do you mean?¡± she stammered, a dread so profound stealing the
air from her lungs.
¡°Your precious Alexander,¡± Lawrence purred, his eyes gleaming with a malicious satisfaction. ¡°He knew
the truth too. He and Enda have been business partners for so long¡ he knew about her schemes.
He knew about your mother and me, a long time before your marriage.¡±
Lawrence¡¯s words echoed inside Sofia¡¯s ears like a tolling bell. A strangledugh escaped Sofia¡¯s lips,
a humorless soundced with disbelief. ¡°Alexander? No. That¡¯s impossible.¡± Denial, a desperate shield,
rose to the surface, a flimsy barrier against the onught of revtions.
The very notion of Alexander, her confidante, her rock, harboring such a secret was ludicrous.
¡°No. Impossible,¡± she mumbled.
¡°Don¡¯t be naive, Sofia,¡± Lawrence scoffed, his amusement morphing into something akin to pity. ¡°He
was probably using the information to his advantage all along. Think about it. How convenient was it
that he swooped in and married you, the sole heir to
the Lockhart fortune?¡±
¡°I mean¡ I have always known that you are naive but, can¡¯t you really see it?¡± Lawrence asked. ¡°Can¡¯t
you see everything?¡±
His words somehow sparked a flicker of unease over her. Why would Alexander suddenly marry her?
He was the one who approached her and offered the deal. He told her they had been engaged since
they were younger and she believed him without asking questions!
Was it really possible that he had something else in mind?
¡°Did you realize it now?¡± he chortled. ¡°Alexander Beaumont was working with Enda all along!
Enda wanted you to marry Alexander so he could help her secure the wealth of the Lockhart
Family.¡±
Sofia frowned at that. Believing this man would be foolish.
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However, just as Sofia was about to say another word, she heard a doorbell. Her expression
immediately changed, her face paling.
Sofia flinched, a flicker of something akin to hope sparked in her eyes. Could it be help? Someone who
might break her free from this nightmare?
Lawrence, however, seemed unfazed. A cruel smile twisted his lips. ¡°Well, well,¡± he drawled, his voice
dripping with amusement. ¡°Looks like we have a visitor.¡±
Sofia¡¯s heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the chilling silence
of the room.
¡°Now, listen to me and do exactly as I say or you will end up dead, do you hear me?¡± he
said. Sofia nodded.
¡°Slowly, get up¡ ¡° Lawrence gestured the gun. ¡°Check the door,¡± hemanded, his voice a cold
order. ¡°And if you value that little friend of yours,¡± he gestured towards the
door with the gun, ¡°You won¡¯t breathe a word of what¡¯s transpired here today.¡±
??????????? ??? ? ?? ??? ?? ???????? ????
Sofia¡¯s breath hitched in her throat. ¡°I¡ª I know.¡± Slowly, she marched out of the room and walked
towards the living room where she could see the security system. In fact, there is a way to check the
CCTV in the bedroom, but Lawrence didn¡¯t know that.
¡°It¡¯s Miss Amores, my secretary.¡±
¡°Answer her¡¡± Lawrence said.
¡°Miss Amores?¡± Sofia said after she pressed a button.
¡°Miss Lockhart, is everything alright?¡± Miss Amores was still wearing the clothing that she had worn
earlier. Did she receive a call about Lawrence and rush back here?
¡°Oh¡ sorry, I was in the shower, I forgot to charge it,¡± S¨®fia said. She cannot falter now and involve
someone innocent.
She stared at Miss Amores¡¯s expression for a few seconds and wished that she would somehow leave
now.
¡°Is- Is there anything else?¡± Sofia asked when she saw the hesitation in the woman¡¯s
eyes.
¡°Well, Mr. Josef told me to check the whole t. Would you mind opening the door? I really apologize
but¡.¡±
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Sofia immediately looked at Lawrence, whose expression had turned ugly. ¡°No need,¡± Sofia said. ¡°I am
about to sleep. We both had a very long day. You should go home.¡± Sofia added.
¡°But-
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Just as Sofia was about to tell her to leave, she felt the cold nuzzle of the gun at the back of her neck.
Her heart almost jumped out of her chest.
¡°Let her in¡¡± Lawrence whispered.
Sofia gritted her teeth. ¡°She¡¯s innocent,¡± she hissed.
¡°She knew something wasn¡¯t right¡¡± Lawrence said as he pushed the gun against her neck. ¡°Let. Her.
In.¡±
¡°Miss Lockhart?¡± Miss Amores called out. ¡°Is everything alright?¡±
Sofia gritted her teeth as she met Lawrence¡¯s gaze. ¡°She¡¯s innocent. Don¡¯t-¡±
Before she could finish her words, Lawrence suddenly pressed a button that would open the main door.
There was a hiss, and the door opened.
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Chapter 108
Sofia¡¯s already pale face immediately changed when she saw Miss Amores walk inside. However, she
chose not to say a word as she did not want Lawrence to suddenly use the gun in his hand.
¡°Miss?¡± Miss Amores said. Her initial relief at seeing Sofia standing in the doorway evaporated the
moment her gazended on Lawrence. Her eyes widened in shock, taking in the gun glinting
menacingly in his hand.
¡°Throw your phone and bag on the floor and close the door¡¡± Lawrence smiled. ¡°Slowly¡¡±
Sofia remained silent, her jaw clenched, her eyes pleading with Miss Amores to understand without
words. The unspoken message was clear: don¡¯t make a scene, don¡¯t provoke him.
As if understanding what she wanted to say, Miss Amores clenched her jaw and slowly threw her
phone and bag towards the floor.
¡°Slowly move towards the bedroom¡ both of you,¡± Lawrence said. ¡°Do not do anything funny¡ I
wouldn¡¯t hesitate to shoot¡¡±
Sofia nodded at Miss Amores and the two made their way towards the master bedroom where
Lawrence instructed Miss Amores to put on a handcuff that he had and handcuffed herself into the
bathroom. Again, Sofia only nodded. She did not want to rile up Lawrence and cause an ident.
Sadly, Miss Amores did something unexpected.
Miss Amores¡¯s act of defiance was a blur of movement. One moment she was about to ept the
handcuff, the next she was a whirlwind of limbs. With a strangled cry, she lunged for Lawrence, aiming
for the gun clutched in his hand.
Caught off guard by the sudden movement, Sofia barely had time to register what was happening
before the world seemed to tilt on its axis. She stumbled back, a gasp escaping her lips.
Surprised by the unexpected attack, Lawrence reacted with a snarl and a iling arm. The gun went off
with a deafening bang, the bullet embedding itself somewhere in the wall with a spray of ster dust.
Sofia screamed, a primal fear tearing through her. This wasn¡¯t a standoff anymore. This was a fight for
survival.
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In the split second of stunned silence that followed, Lawrence roared with fury. He shoved Miss Amores
back, sending her sprawling onto the hardwood floor. Before she could scramble away, he was on top
of her, the gun pointed at her head with sickening finality.
¡°You stupid woman!¡± he bellowed, his voice tight with rage. ¡°You ruined everything!¡±
Sofia¡¯s scream ripped through the tense silence, a raw plea that echoed off the walls of the room.
¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Her voice trembled,ced with desperation that wed at her throat.
¡°I will do everything!¡± Sofia choked out, eyes darting between Lawrence¡¯s cold fury and Miss Amores¡¯s
terrified gaze. ¡°Please don¡¯t shoot¡ please¡ I will do everything that you
want!¡±
A flicker of surprise crossed Lawrence¡¯s face, then morphed into a twisted smile. He nced down at
Miss Amores, who flinched beneath him, her eyes wide with a mixture of defiance and fear. ¡°Anything?¡±
he sneered, the gun unwavering in its deadly aim.
Sofia¡¯s heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic drum against the chilling silence. ¡°Yes! Anything!¡±
she cried, the words tumbling out in a desperate torrent. ¡°Just put the gun down. Please.¡±
BO BAD HERE KJ Z Z
Lawrence considered her for a long, agonizing moment. Finally, with a slow, deliberate movement, he
lowered the gun from Miss Amores¡¯s head, but not by much. He kept it pointed at her chest.
¡°Then handcuff her,¡± he rasped, his voice cold and emotionless.
Relief flooded Sofia, so intense it almost made her dizzy. She reached for the handcuffs Lawrence
tossed at her feet, her hands shaking so violently she fumbled for a moment. Miss Amores,
understanding the unspokenmand, offered her wrists, her face pale but resolute.
Sofia knelt beside her, the metal of the handcuffs icy against her skin. Each click of the lock echoed in
the room like a death knell.
*BANG*
A fresh wave of nausea washed over Sofia as the metallic tang of blood suddenly filled the air.
She froze, her gaze snapping up to meet Lawrence¡¯s. Her blood ran cold. A single red bloom stained
the sleeve of Miss Amores¡¯s blouse, spreading outwards with horrifying slowness.
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Seeing Sofia¡¯s reaction, a cruel amusement danced in Lawrence¡¯s eyes as he held the smoking gun
inches from Miss Amores¡¯s arm.
¡°Y-You-
¡°Flesh wound¡¡± Lawrence shrugged. ¡°Did you truly expect me to reward defiance?¡± he
2
asked, a twisted smile on his face. ¡°Now¡ drag her towards the bathroom, leave the door open. One
mistake and I will shoot.¡±
¡°She¡¯s bleeding¡¡± Sofia said. ¡°She needs medical attention. I-¡±
¡°Defiance¡ will not be rewarded, Sofia. Unless you want the next bullet in her head¡¡±
¡°Alright,¡± Sofia bit her lower lip. Bile rose in Sofia¡¯s throat as she grabbed Miss Amores¡¯s limp arm.
Tears welled in Sofia¡¯s eyes, blurring her vision. She couldn¡¯t let them fall.
Not now.
With a strength born of desperation, Sofia hoisted Miss Amores to her feet. A choked moan escaped
the secretary¡¯s lips as her legs buckled beneath her weight. The metallic tang of blood intensified, a
sickening counterpoint to the frantic hammering of Sofia¡¯s heart.
Each step towards the bathroom felt like an eternity. Miss Amores¡¯s weight dragged on Sofia, and the
raw, exposed wound on her arm left a trail of crimson on the pristine white carpet. Sofia gritted her
teeth, forcing herself to move, ignoring the tremor in her legs and the strangled gasps escaping Miss
Amores¡¯s lips.
Reaching the bathroom doorway, Sofia paused, her gaze darting nervously towards Lawrence. He
hadn¡¯t moved, the gun still a constant threat pointed at Miss Amores¡¯s back. With a silent plea, Sofia
met his gaze. The amusement had vanished, reced by a cold, predatory glint.
¡°Just the bathroom,¡± he rasped, his voice devoid of any emotion.
Sofia swallowed the lump in her throat. There was no arguing. No defying him further. Not with Miss
Amores bleeding out in front of her. With a herculean effort, she
managed to maneuver Miss Amores into the bathroom.
¡°Slowlye out of the room¡ ce both of your hands on your head¡¡± Lawrence said. Sofia gritted
her teeth as she followed his instructions.
¡°She will bleed to death if we do not give her any medical attention,¡± Sofia said.
¡°Isn¡¯t it entertaining how you thought I would care about such trivial matters?¡± he responded without
batting an eyelid. Hearing this, Sofia¡¯s gaze shook. She could only
Chapter 108
Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.
hope that Miss Amores would find a way to stop the bleeding.
There should be a first-aid kit in the bathroom and some medicine for the pain.
¡°Now¡ go out of the room. We are leaving.¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡°Didn¡¯t you hear me?¡± he asked. ¡°We are leaving.¡±
Her mind reeled with a horrifying question ¨C where were they going? Escape? Another hostage
situation somewhere else? The possibilities were as endless as they were terrifying.
Sofiaplied. She stumbled out of the bedroom with Lawrence in tow.
¡°Open the door. Slowly,¡± Lawrence ordered.
Sofia¡¯s hand trembled as she reached for the knob. Every muscle in her body screamed at her to run,
to do something, anything to defy him. She could only hope that the person who informed Miss Amores
about Lawrence and asked her to return would somehow find it strange that Miss Amores did not call
them back and check the t themselves.
That would be the only way.
Sofia¡¯s heart raced against her chest as she took a step out of the t. However, the world seemed to
suddenly lurch sideways as a figure mmed into Lawrence, sending them both crashing into a heap
on the living room floor. Sofia¡¯s scream died in her throat, reced by a gasp of stunned surprise. Her
heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic drum solo threatening to burst out of her chest.
Through the haze of shock, she recognized the figure as Alexander, her husband. Relief washed over
her, so sudden and intense it left her legs shaky. But relief quickly morphed into fear again. Alexander
was unarmed,pletely outmatched against a man with a gun.
¡°Alexander!¡± she shrieked, her voice cracking with a mixture of terror and panic.
Lawrence snarled a feral sound that sent shivers down Sofia¡¯s spine. He wrestled with Alexander, his
face contorted in rage. The gun ttered to the floor a few feet away, forgotten in the struggle. For a
few seconds, the two started what looked like a fist fight with Lawrence being pinned down on the floor.
However, this was not the time for Sofia to nk out.
Chapter 108
Sofia didn¡¯t hesitate. She lunged for the weapon, scrambling across the carpet on hands and knees.
Reaching it, she snatched it up, her grip slick with sweat. Her finger hovered over the trigger, her gaze
fixed on the two tangled figures on the floor.
¡°Get off him!¡± she screamed, her voice surprisingly steady considering the tremor running through her
hands. ¡°Get off him now!¡±
Lawrence, momentarily distracted by Sofia¡¯s shout, managed to shove Alexander away. He scrambled
to his feet, a murderous glint in his eyes. But before he could react further, Sofia had pointed the gun
directly at him.
¡°Don¡¯t move,¡± shemanded, her voice surprisingly firm. ¡°One step and you¡¯re dead.¡±
This wasn¡¯t Sofia. This was a stranger, fueled by a primal urge to protect her loved ones. Lawrence
stared at her, his expression a mix of surprise and disbelief. Then, a slow, humorless smile spread
across his face.
¡°You wouldn¡¯t shoot,¡± he scoffed, his voiceced with a dangerous edge. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t have the guts.¡±
Sofia gritted her teeth, her finger tightening on the trigger. The metal was cold against her skin.
¡°Don¡¯t test me,¡± she growled, her voice low and dangerous.
¡°Test you?¡± Lawrence scoffed. ¡°Your mother raised you to-
*BANG*
Lawrence was not able to finish his words as Sofia suddenly pulled the trigger.
Chapter 109
Chapter 108
Sofia¡¯s already pale face immediately changed when she saw Miss Amores walk inside. However, she
chose not to say a word as she did not want Lawrence to suddenly use the gun in his hand.
¡°Miss?¡± Miss Amores said. Her initial relief at seeing Sofia standing in the doorway evaporated the
moment her gazended on Lawrence. Her eyes widened in shock, taking in the gun glinting
menacingly in his hand.
¡°Throw your phone and bag on the floor and close the door¡¡± Lawrence smiled. ¡°Slowly¡¡±
Sofia remained silent, her jaw clenched, her eyes pleading with Miss Amores to understand without
words. The unspoken message was clear: don¡¯t make a scene, don¡¯t provoke him.
As if understanding what she wanted to say, Miss Amores clenched her jaw and slowly threw her
phone and bag towards the floor.
¡°Slowly move towards the bedroom¡ both of you,¡± Lawrence said. ¡°Do not do anything funny¡ I
wouldn¡¯t hesitate to shoot¡¡±
Sofia nodded at Miss Amores and the two made their way towards the master bedroom where
Lawrence instructed Miss Amores to put on a handcuff that he had and handcuffed herself into the
bathroom. Again, Sofia only nodded. She did not want to rile up Lawrence and cause an ident.
Sadly, Miss Amores did something unexpected.
Miss Amores¡¯s act of defiance was a blur of movement. One moment she was about to ept the
handcuff, the next she was a whirlwind of limbs. With a strangled cry, she lunged for Lawrence, aiming
for the gun clutched in his hand.
Caught off guard by the sudden movement, Sofia barely had time to register what was happening
before the world seemed to tilt on its axis. She stumbled back, a gasp escaping her lips.
Surprised by the unexpected attack, Lawrence reacted with a snarl and a iling arm. The gun went off
with a deafening bang, the bullet embedding itself somewhere in the wall with a spray of ster dust.
Sofia screamed, a primal fear tearing through her. This wasn¡¯t a standoff anymore. This was a fight for
survival.
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Chapter 108
In the split second of stunned silence that followed, Lawrence roared with fury. He shoved Miss Amores
back, sending her sprawling onto the hardwood floor. Before she could scramble away, he was on top
of her, the gun pointed at her head with sickening finality.
¡°You stupid woman!¡± he bellowed, his voice tight with rage. ¡°You ruined everything!¡±
Sofia¡¯s scream ripped through the tense silence, a raw plea that echoed off the walls of the room.
¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Her voice trembled,ced with desperation that wed at her throat.
¡°I will do everything!¡± Sofia choked out, eyes darting between Lawrence¡¯s cold fury and Miss Amores¡¯s
terrified gaze. ¡°Please don¡¯t shoot¡ please¡ I will do everything that you
want!¡±
A flicker of surprise crossed Lawrence¡¯s face, then morphed into a twisted smile. He nced down at
Miss Amores, who flinched beneath him, her eyes wide with a mixture of defiance and fear. ¡°Anything?¡±
he sneered, the gun unwavering in its deadly aim.
Sofia¡¯s heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic drum against the chilling silence. ¡°Yes! Anything!¡±
she cried, the words tumbling out in a desperate torrent. ¡°Just put the gun down. Please.¡±
BO BAD HERE KJ Z Z
Lawrence considered her for a long, agonizing moment. Finally, with a slow, deliberate movement, he
lowered the gun from Miss Amores¡¯s head, but not by much. He kept it pointed at her chest.
¡°Then handcuff her,¡± he rasped, his voice cold and emotionless.
Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.
Relief flooded Sofia, so intense it almost made her dizzy. She reached for the handcuffs Lawrence
tossed at her feet, her hands shaking so violently she fumbled for a moment. Miss Amores,
understanding the unspokenmand, offered her wrists, her face pale but resolute.
Sofia knelt beside her, the metal of the handcuffs icy against her skin. Each click of the lock echoed in
the room like a death knell.
*BANG*
A fresh wave of nausea washed over Sofia as the metallic tang of blood suddenly filled the air.
She froze, her gaze snapping up to meet Lawrence¡¯s. Her blood ran cold. A single red bloom stained
the sleeve of Miss Amores¡¯s blouse, spreading outwards with horrifying slowness.
Chapter 108
Seeing Sofia¡¯s reaction, a cruel amusement danced in Lawrence¡¯s eyes as he held the smoking gun
inches from Miss Amores¡¯s arm.
¡°Y-You-
¡°Flesh wound¡¡± Lawrence shrugged. ¡°Did you truly expect me to reward defiance?¡± he
2
asked, a twisted smile on his face. ¡°Now¡ drag her towards the bathroom, leave the door open. One
mistake and I will shoot.¡±
¡°She¡¯s bleeding¡¡± Sofia said. ¡°She needs medical attention. I-¡±
¡°Defiance¡ will not be rewarded, Sofia. Unless you want the next bullet in her head¡¡±
¡°Alright,¡± Sofia bit her lower lip. Bile rose in Sofia¡¯s throat as she grabbed Miss Amores¡¯s limp arm.
Tears welled in Sofia¡¯s eyes, blurring her vision. She couldn¡¯t let them fall.
Not now.
With a strength born of desperation, Sofia hoisted Miss Amores to her feet. A choked moan escaped
the secretary¡¯s lips as her legs buckled beneath her weight. The metallic tang of blood intensified, a
sickening counterpoint to the frantic hammering of Sofia¡¯s heart.
Each step towards the bathroom felt like an eternity. Miss Amores¡¯s weight dragged on Sofia, and the
raw, exposed wound on her arm left a trail of crimson on the pristine white carpet. Sofia gritted her
teeth, forcing herself to move, ignoring the tremor in her legs and the strangled gasps escaping Miss
Amores¡¯s lips.
Reaching the bathroom doorway, Sofia paused, her gaze darting nervously towards Lawrence. He
hadn¡¯t moved, the gun still a constant threat pointed at Miss Amores¡¯s back. With a silent plea, Sofia
met his gaze. The amusement had vanished, reced by a cold, predatory glint.
¡°Just the bathroom,¡± he rasped, his voice devoid of any emotion.
Sofia swallowed the lump in her throat. There was no arguing. No defying him further. Not with Miss
Amores bleeding out in front of her. With a herculean effort, she
managed to maneuver Miss Amores into the bathroom.
¡°Slowlye out of the room¡ ce both of your hands on your head¡¡± Lawrence said. Sofia gritted
her teeth as she followed his instructions.
¡°She will bleed to death if we do not give her any medical attention,¡± Sofia said.
¡°Isn¡¯t it entertaining how you thought I would care about such trivial matters?¡± he responded without
batting an eyelid. Hearing this, Sofia¡¯s gaze shook. She could only
Chapter 108
hope that Miss Amores would find a way to stop the bleeding.
There should be a first-aid kit in the bathroom and some medicine for the pain.
¡°Now¡ go out of the room. We are leaving.¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡°Didn¡¯t you hear me?¡± he asked. ¡°We are leaving.¡±
Her mind reeled with a horrifying question ¨C where were they going? Escape? Another hostage
situation somewhere else? The possibilities were as endless as they were terrifying.
Sofiaplied. She stumbled out of the bedroom with Lawrence in tow.
¡°Open the door. Slowly,¡± Lawrence ordered.
Sofia¡¯s hand trembled as she reached for the knob. Every muscle in her body screamed at her to run,
to do something, anything to defy him. She could only hope that the person who informed Miss Amores
about Lawrence and asked her to return would somehow find it strange that Miss Amores did not call
them back and check the t themselves.
That would be the only way.
Sofia¡¯s heart raced against her chest as she took a step out of the t. However, the world seemed to
suddenly lurch sideways as a figure mmed into Lawrence, sending them both crashing into a heap
on the living room floor. Sofia¡¯s scream died in her throat, reced by a gasp of stunned surprise. Her
heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic drum solo threatening to burst out of her chest.
Through the haze of shock, she recognized the figure as Alexander, her husband. Relief washed over
her, so sudden and intense it left her legs shaky. But relief quickly morphed into fear again. Alexander
was unarmed,pletely outmatched against a man with a gun.
¡°Alexander!¡± she shrieked, her voice cracking with a mixture of terror and panic.
Lawrence snarled a feral sound that sent shivers down Sofia¡¯s spine. He wrestled with Alexander, his
face contorted in rage. The gun ttered to the floor a few feet away, forgotten in the struggle. For a
few seconds, the two started what looked like a fist fight with Lawrence being pinned down on the floor.
However, this was not the time for Sofia to nk out.
Chapter 108
Sofia didn¡¯t hesitate. She lunged for the weapon, scrambling across the carpet on hands and knees.
Reaching it, she snatched it up, her grip slick with sweat. Her finger hovered over the trigger, her gaze
fixed on the two tangled figures on the floor.
¡°Get off him!¡± she screamed, her voice surprisingly steady considering the tremor running through her
hands. ¡°Get off him now!¡±
Lawrence, momentarily distracted by Sofia¡¯s shout, managed to shove Alexander away. He scrambled
to his feet, a murderous glint in his eyes. But before he could react further, Sofia had pointed the gun
directly at him.
¡°Don¡¯t move,¡± shemanded, her voice surprisingly firm. ¡°One step and you¡¯re dead.¡±
This wasn¡¯t Sofia. This was a stranger, fueled by a primal urge to protect her loved ones. Lawrence
stared at her, his expression a mix of surprise and disbelief. Then, a slow, humorless smile spread
across his face.
¡°You wouldn¡¯t shoot,¡± he scoffed, his voiceced with a dangerous edge. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t have the guts.¡±
Sofia gritted her teeth, her finger tightening on the trigger. The metal was cold against her skin.
¡°Don¡¯t test me,¡± she growled, her voice low and dangerous.
¡°Test you?¡± Lawrence scoffed. ¡°Your mother raised you to-
*BANG*
Lawrence was not able to finish his words as Sofia suddenly pulled the trigger.
Chapter 110
Chapter 109
Sofia cradled the mug of tea in her hands, the warmth sceping into her chilled skin. Her eyes darted
nervously towards the bathroom door, where the murmur of voices and the sterile scent of disinfectant
told her the paramedics were tending to Miss Amores.
Each ciang of a dropped instrument or muffled curse sent a fresh jolt of adrenaline through her. The
echo of the gunshot that sounded sharp and final still reverberated in her ears. It was deafening.
She took a small sip of the tea and then winced at its bitterness. Nothing tasted right. The world felt
muted, and the vibrant colors of the living room dulled to a washed¨Cout
gray.
Her gaze drifted to the spot on the floor where Lawrence had crumpled, the memory of his lifeless eyes
sending a fresh wave of nausea churning in her stomach. He was gone, a monster eliminated, but at
what cost?
The metallic tang of blood that was faint but unmistakable lingered in the air. Miss Amores. Was she
going to be alright? The image of the secretary, pale and wounded, shed in Sofia¡¯s mind.
Had she done the right thing? The question hammered at her, a relentless drumbeat against the
backdrop of the approaching sirens. Relief warred with a chilling sense of dread.
Just as her mind was about to spiral, she felt a warm hand over hers. Her gaze immediately turned
towards Alexander. ¡°He is going to live¡¡± his gaze was kind and gentle. For a moment, she recalled
what Lawrence told her. ¡°But there is a probability that he might be disabled.¡±
Sofia nodded without saying a word. Somehow, his hand around hers felt warmer. She quite liked it.
¡°Come here¡¡± Alexander said as he pulled her towards his chest. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡¡±
Sofia said nothing as she bathed herself in his familiar andforting smell. She closed her eyes as
she thought about everything that happened. If Alexander did not arrive¡ what would have happened?
The police informed her that there was a car waiting for Lawrence outside.
Apparently, the driver was Min- Lawrence¡¯s son. He was able to fool everyone by going abroad and
quietlying back to help his father escape. Luckily, he was arrested too.
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17:16 FO
Chapter 109
However, this was not the only news that they received as Min and Charlotte¡¯s mother
Lianne had been found dead in another motel in California just that morning. Sofia thought that the
woman left the States. She was wrong.
Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.
A choked sob escaped her lips, startling even herself. Alexander tightened his hold, his silence a
comforting weight against her back. He didn¡¯t need to say anything. He understood the storm brewing
within her.
He tightened his hold on her, his silence felt like a powerfulnguage that spoke volumes. He
understood. The news about Lianne was just anotheryer on a horrifying cake, but it wasn¡¯t the grief
for a woman she barely knew that caused the dam to break.
It was the weight of everything. The terror, the adrenaline, the split¨Csecond decision that had altered
the very fabric of her reality. A fresh wave of nausea washed over her, and a tremor ran through her
body. Tears welled up in her eyes, hot and stinging, blurring the world around her. She buried her face
in Alexander¡¯s chest,
¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. ¡°You¡¯re okay now. You¡¯re safe.¡±
The tears spilled over, hot and silent, soaking the front of his shirt. She clung to him, her body shaking
with the aftershocks of trauma.
Sadly, there were no words for what she felt. She had survived, yes, but at what cost? The echo of the
gunshot reverberated in her ears, a constant reminder of the line she had crossed.
But in that moment, wrapped in Alexander¡¯s embrace, surrounded by theforting rhythm of his
heartbeat, she allowed herself to surrender to the raw emotion. He held her close like a silent pir as
she sobbed.
The world outside might be a mess, the future uncertain, but for now, in the haven of his arms, she
could let go. The tears woulde again, the nightmares too, but for now, she had this ¨C a moment of
sce, a shared breath, a flicker of hope that she could
face what came next.
Suddenly, the bathroom door creaked open, immediately drawing their attention. A young paramedic
stepped out.
¡°Ms. Sofia, Mr. Beaumont¡¡± he said gently. ¡°The ambnce is ready for your friend. She¡¯s lost some
blood, but she¡¯ll be alright with treatment.¡±
Relief washed over Sofia, a wave so fierce it almost knocked her off her feet. Miss Amores would be
okay. A flicker of guilt pricked at her conscience. Amidst the chaos, she hadn¡¯t even considered the toll
the ordeal must have taken on the secretary.
2/5
Chapter 109
¡°Thank you,¡± she managed to choke out, her voice thick with emotion.
The paramedic nodded curtly and turned to help Miss Amores, who emerged from the bathroom with
the help of the paramedics.
Not long after, Sofia found herself in Alexander¡¯s arms as he carried her out of the t. This time, she
did not ask where they were going or ask for him to stop carrying her as she was perfectly capable of
walking. Instead, she buried her face on his neck and closed her eyes.
She stayed in his arms until they arrived in his car and left the area.
The next thing that Sofia knew, she was already drifting off to sleep.
When she woke up, Sofia found herself in an unfamiliar room. Instead, a soft golden glow filled the
room, filtering in through the floral¨Cpatterned curtains. The sunlight outside cast a warm, dappled effect
across the ceiling, dancing yfully with the dust motes swirling in the air.
She was tucked beneath a quilt that felt impossibly soft, the woven pattern a kaleidoscope of calming
blues andvenders. The air held a faint scent ofvender and chamomile, a soothing aroma that
instantly put her at ease. Her gaze drifted around the room, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings.
The walls were painted a pale cream, adorned with simple botanical prints ¨C delicate watercolors of
wildflowers and ferns.
A plush armchair sat tucked in a corner, a knitted throw draped casually over its back. The sunlight
streamed through therge window, illuminating a bookshelf overflowing with worn paperbacks and a
few framed photographs.
A low rumble suddenly erupted from her stomach, shattering the peaceful silence. Sofia flushed,
embarrassed by the sudden noise. Just then, a delicious aroma wafted into the room. Her stomach
grumbled again, a much louder protest this time.
A chuckle sounded from the doorway, and Sofia turned to see Alexander leaning against the
doorframe, a smile ying on his lips. He held a tray piled high with golden brown pancakes drizzled
with warm syrup and topped with a mountain of fresh berries.
¡°Someone seems to be awake,¡± he said, his voice warm with amusement. ¡°And apparently quite
hungry.¡±
Sofia¡¯s cheeks burned even hotter. ¡°I, uh¡¡± she stammered, unsure of what to say. He
3/5
1716 10, 12
Chapter 109
was wearing a simple white shirt and sweatpants yet, he looked like a model just casually walking out
of a magazine.
Was it the lighting of the room?
Alexander raised an eyebrow yfully. ¡°Come on,¡± he said, setting the tray down on a small table
beside the bed. ¡°Let¡¯s get you some breakfast. You deserve a feast,¡± he said.
A slow smile spread across her face. The exhaustion still clung to her like a shadow, but for the first
time since the ordeal, a flicker of normalcy, offort, sparked within her. She sat up
in bed, leaning against the plush headboard.
However, before she could say another word, Alexander suddenly held a fork towards her with a slice
of pancake. ¡°Say ah?¡± he said.
Almost immediately, the peaceful environment shattered.
Sofia stared at the fork, then at Alexander, his face alight with yful mischief. Her mind, still sluggish
from sleep, struggled to catch up. ¡°Say¡ ah?¡± she echoed,pletely bewildered.
¡°Come on now,¡± he teased, jiggling the fork in front of her nose. ¡°Open wide. You wouldn¡¯t want these
delicious pancakes to get cold, would you?¡±
Sofia blinked, the absurdity of the situation finally dawning on her. A chokedugh escaped her lips,
quickly turning into a full¨Cblown fit of giggles. Here she was, exhausted, traumatized, and possibly
facing a lifetime of repercussions, yet Alexander was trying to feed her pancakes like a child?
¡°Oh my god,¡± she gasped between giggles, wiping tears from her eyes. ¡°You are unbelievable!¡±
Alexander¡¯s yful grin faltered slightly. ¡°Hey, I was trying to be nice! You looked like you could use
some cheering up.¡±
Sofia¡¯sughter subsided into a contented sigh. ¡°You are nice,¡± she admitted, a genuine smile gracing
her lips. It was the first real smile she¡¯d managed since the ordeal, and it felt like a tiny ray of sunshine
breaking through the storm clouds that had been hanging over her.
¡°And handsome too,¡± he uttered, his face serious. ¡°Any woman would be lucky to have me. Now, open
wide. These pancakes aren¡¯t going to eat themselves.¡±
Hesitantly, Sofia leaned forward and took a bite. The warm, fluffy pancake drizzled with sweet syrup
instantly brought a smile back to her face. Maybe, just maybe, amidst the
Chapter Inn
chaos, there was still room for a little kindness, a little normaley.
¡°See?¡± Alexander said triumphantly, ¡°Delicious, right? I even snuck in some blucherries, your favorite,¡±
Sofia chewed thoughtfully, ¡°Actually¡± she said, a mischievous glint in her eyes, ¡°strawberries are my
favorite?
Alexander¡¯s face fellically, ¡°Wait, what? But¡ I spent ages looking for blueberries¡±
Sofia burst outughing again, the sound filling the room with newfound lightness. As she took another
bite of the pancake, a deliciousbination of sweetness and tartness exploding in her mouth, she
knew that the road ahead would be long and possibly difficult. Strangely enough, she didn¡¯t feel heavy
at all.
Was it because she was with him? Was it because he was her husband?
Chapter 111
Chapter 111
¡°It has been a week since you ran away from me¡ are you sure he¡¯s not nning to hide you from the
world or something?¡± Karina asked.
¡°He¡¯s not¡¡± Sofia said.
¡°He is not holding you against your will, right?¡± Karina asked.
¡°Of course not!¡± Sofia chuckled at that.
¡°You sound different¡¡± Karina said. Hearing this, Sofia smiled. She got out of bed and walked towards
the window where she could see Alexander chopping up some firewood for the cabin. It had been a
week since they stayed in this cabin. A week since that ¡®incident¡® happened.
Seeing him chopping wood for the firece was no longer new to Sofia. A familiar warmth bloomed in
her chest as she watched him work. The crisp air sent tendrils of smoke curling up from the woodpile,
momentarily obscuring the y of corded muscles in his back and arms.
She couldn¡¯t deny a thrill that shot through her every time she saw him like this, so domestic yet
undeniably primal. He nced up, catching her eye through the window. A slow, teasing smile spread
across his face, a silent promise that sent a shiver down her
spine.
¡°How are you feeling?¡± Karina¡¯s question pulled her out of her stupor.
¡°Well¡ I feel better now that you told me that man will not be able to walk and will rot in prison,¡± Sofia
said. Alexander already told her this. However, hearing Karina confirm everything made it sound even
better. Does that make sense?
¡°Then when are youing back?¡± Karina asked.
¡°Probably two or three days more¡¡±
¡°You are not really nning to leave yourpany behind, right?¡±
¡°Of course not,¡± Sofia chuckled. It¡¯s just that¡ this ce felt so peaceful and different. She wanted to
stay here longer but she knew that would be impossible. Both of them have responsibilities. A sigh
escaped her lips.
¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Karina must have sensed her unease.
¡°Did you once dream about living a life in the mountains? Away from everyone
else?¡±
There wasughter on the other line. Sofia immediately frowned. ¡°What?¡± Sofia asked.
¡°Are you joking?¡± Karina asked.
¡°Well¡¡±
¡°I would love a life like that¡¡± Karina interrupted her before she could say ¡®never mind¡®. ¡°But I can¡¯t
exactly do that¡ can I?¡±
¡°Right¡¡± What was Sofia thinking?
¡°A week in a cabin and you are already thinking of giving up your mansion and living in a ce like
that?¡± Karina chortled. ¡°I mean¡ I know your husband is hot and you are probably spending a lot of
time in bed with him but let¡¯s be honest here¡ your man had a multimillion¨Cdorpany to run and
you you are going to take over LH Group once the dust settles.¡±
Sofia sighed. ¡°I know¡¡± Sofia said.
¡°Do you?¡±
¡°I really do.¡±
Karina chuckled. ¡°But you can go back there every month, right? I mean¡ I know you will be busy
once you get back but a day or two away should not harm you¡ right?¡±
Sofia¡¯s expression brightened when she heard that. ¡°Why do you always say the right things?¡± she
asked.
¡°Because I¡¯m pretty?¡±
Sofiaughed.
¡°Anyway¡ I should go now.¡± Karina said. ¡°He only asked me to update you about the case. I should
probably not spend the whole day chatting.¡±
¡°Right¡ send my regards to Adam.¡±
¡°Do it yourself. That man is grumpy right now.¡±
¡°Right¡¡± Sofia said before the two bid each other goodbye. Sofia¡¯s gazended on the ¡®lumberjack¡®
once again. Luckily, they have no neighbors or she would have told him to stop doing what he was
doing. She chuckled at her thoughts.
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Chapter 111
What was she thinking?
She moved away from the window and once again made her way into the bed where a book was
waiting for her. With a smile on her face, Sofia started reading her book until she fell asleep.
Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.
The darkness around her jolted her awake. For a short period, panic surged inside Sofia. Then she
realized that the room wasn¡¯tpletely dark now as there was amp not too far away from her. She
had actually fallen asleep while reading her book!
Alexander must havee inside the room and tucked her in. Checking her phone, Sofia realized that
it was already seven in the evening. She walked towards the window and just as she expected, it was
already dark.
Then she made her way out of the room. ¡°Alexander?¡± she called out when she smelled something
good. Was he making something delicious again? Since they stayed here, Alexander started showing
off his culinary skills and decided to cook a lot of delicious meals for her.
¡°Alexander?¡± she called out once again as she made her way into the first floor of the cabin. When she
didn¡¯t hear any answer, Sofia checked the kitchen. Sadly, Alexander was nowhere to be found.
However, just as she was about to leave the kitchen, she spotted a fire outside of the cabin.
Sofia arched an eyebrow as she found her thick coat and boots. She then made her way outside and
finally found the man that she was looking for.
The crisp night air hit Sofia like a p as she stepped outside, the thick winter coat doing little to ward
off the sudden chill. But the cold was forgotten the moment she saw the source of the flickering light a
crackling campfire zing merrily in a clearing just beyond the cabin porch.
¨D
Alexander stood beside it, his broad form silhouetted against the dancing mes. He was lost in
concentration, flipping something over a cast iron pan that hung precariously from a tripod above the
fire. The scent of woodsmoke mingled with the aroma of sizzling food, a deliciousbination that
instantly made her stomach rumble.
¡°Hey,¡± she called out, her voice soft in the crackling silence of the night.
He whirled around, a surprised smile splitting his face. ¡°Hungry?¡±
The firelight cast warm shadows across his face, highlighting the nes of his cheeks and the glint of
amusement in his eyes. She couldn¡¯t help but feel a familiar warmth
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Chapter 111
bloom in her chest.
¡°The smell woke me up,¡± she admitted, stepping closer to the fire, the heat radiating outwards a
weefort. ¡°What are you making?¡±
¡°Just some steaks I found in the cabin¡¯s pantry,¡± he said, his voice a low rumble. ¡°Figured we could
have a proper campfire dinner.¡±
¡°This ce is amazing, isn¡¯t it?¡± Sofia finally broke the silence, her voice barely a whisper.
¡°It is,¡± he agreed, leaning back against a tree trunk. ¡°But it¡¯s even better with you here.¡±
This escape from their usual hectic lives, this stolen moment in the wilderness, seemed to be
heightening everything between them.
They sat infortable silence for a few moments, the only sound of the crackling fire and the
asional sound of what seemed like insects or animals nearby. Sofia watched as the mes danced,
casting an enchanting glow on Alexander¡¯s face.
¡°Want to see something special?¡± he asked suddenly, a hint of mischief in his voice.
Before she could answer, he was already holding out a hand towards her. Taking it without hesitation,
she allowed him to pull her up to her feet.
¡°Where are we going?¡± she asked, a yful smile tugging at her lips. ¡°What about the food?¡±
A grin spread across Alexander¡¯s face. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the steaks need to rest a few minutes anyway.
Besides, I wouldn¡¯t let you starve.¡±
He took her hand, his fingers intertwining with hers, sending a spark of warmth through her. ¡°Come on,¡±
he said, his voice a husky murmur. ¡°It¡¯s just a short walk.¡±
They followed a narrow path that led away from the cabin, the snow crunching softly under their boots.
Fairy lights strung along the way cast a soft glow on the snow- covered trees, creating a magical
atmosphere.
¡°Wow,¡± Sofia breathed, gazing up at the star¨Cdusted sky. The city lights were a distant memory here,
reced by a breathtaking canvas of twinkling stars.
They reached a small clearing, and Alexander led her to a rocky outcrop that jutted out from the
cliffside. The world seemed to fall away beneath them, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding
valley.
Chapter 111
Sofia gasped, speechless at the beauty before her. The moonlight cast an almost magical glow on the
snow¨Ccoveredndscape, and the distant mountains seemed to pierce the night sky.
Alexander wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer. Their body heat radiated against the crisp
night air, creating a warm haven in the vastness of the wilderness.
¡°It¡¯s beautiful, isn¡¯t it?¡± he murmured, his voice low and intimate.
Sofia leaned her head against his shoulder, a contented sigh escaping her lips. ¡°It is,¡± she whispered
back. ¡°This whole ce is magical.¡±
They stood infortable silence for a while, simply enjoying the moment, the breathtaking scenery,
and the warmth of each other¡¯spany. The weight of their responsibilities back in the city seemed to
melt away under the vast expanse of the night sky.
¡°I don¡¯t want this to end,¡± Sofia finally admitted, a hint of sadness in her voice.
He squeezed her hand gently. ¡°Me neither,¡± he replied, his voice husky with unspoken emotion. ¡°But we
can alwayse back, right?¡±
She pursed her lips. ¡°Hey, Alexander?¡±
¡°Hm?¡±
She turned her head towards him, meeting his warm gaze. ¡°I think I am falling for
you¡¡±
The silence that followed almost made her heart burst. Was he going to reject her?
A smile slowly appeared on his face. ¡°Isn¡¯t that unfortunate?¡± he asked.
¡°What is?¡± she frowned, confusionced her gaze. The amusement in his voice sent a yful jab
through her nervousness. She swatted at his arm lightly. ¡°Unfortunate? Why would that be
unfortunate?¡±
He chuckled, the sound warm and rich in the quiet night air. ¡°Because, darling,¡± he leaned in, his voice
dropping to a husky whisper, ¡°I thought you fell first. After all¡ I fell for you a lifetime ago.¡±
Chapter III
Sofia gasped, speechless at the beauty before her. The moonlight cast an almost magical glow on the
snow¨Ccoveredndscape, and the distant mountains seemed to pierce the night sky.
Alexander wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer. Their body heat radiated against the crisp
night air, creating a warm haven in the vastness of the wilderness.
¡°It¡¯s beautiful, isn¡¯t it?¡± he murmured, his voice low and intimate.
Sofia leaned her head against his shoulder, a contented sigh escaping her lips. ¡°It is,¡± she whispered
back. ¡°This whole ce is magical.¡±
They stood infortable silence for a while, simply enjoying the moment, the breathtaking scenery,
and the warmth of each other¡¯spany. The weight of their responsibilities back in the city seemed to
melt away under the vast expanse of the night sky.
¡°I don¡¯t want this to end,¡± Sofia finally admitted, a hint of sadness in her voice.
He squeezed her hand gently. ¡°Me neither,¡± he replied, his voice husky with unspoken emotion. ¡°But we
can alwayse back, right?¡±
She pursed her lips. ¡°Hey, Alexander?¡±
¡°Hm?¡±
She turned her head towards him, meeting his warm gaze. ¡°I think I am falling for you¡¡±
The silence that followed almost made her heart burst. Was he going to reject her?
A smile slowly appeared on his face. ¡°Isn¡¯t that unfortunate?¡± he asked.
¡°What is?¡± she frowned, confusionced her gaze. The amusement in his voice sent a yful jab
through her nervousness. She swatted at his arm lightly. ¡°Unfortunate? Why would that be
unfortunate?¡±
He chuckled, the sound warm and rich in the quiet night air. ¡°Because, darling,¡± he leaned in, his voice
dropping to a husky whisper, ¡°I thought you fell first. After all¡ I fell for you a lifetime ago.¡±
Chapter 112
Chapter 112
Sofia wondered how the state would amodate Lawrence and his new paralyzed state but soon,
Alexander exined how the state had a facility that would house criminals like Lawrence.
The facility was less like a prison and more like a specialized hospital.
Alexander exined it had all the security features of a high¨Csecurity prison ¨C fences, guards, the
whole package.
But instead of cramped cells, there were modified rooms with adjustable beds and essible
bathrooms. Therapists and nurses would be on staff 24/7 to handle everything from physical therapy to
medication.
Sofia stared at Lawrence who was slumped in the wheelchair, a far cry from the arrogant figure who¡¯d
orchestrated their misery. His once¨Cbooming voice was reduced to a raspy whisper, his eyes dull and
vacant.
He seemed to shrink under the weight of his crimes, the reflection of the sterile white walls mirroring
the emptiness in his gaze. A sliver of satisfaction flickered in Sofia, a tiny me against the
overwhelming sense of relief. This was his new reality a world confined to a metal frame, his once¨C
powerful limbs reduced to useless appendages.
¨C
The life he¡¯d tried to steal from them was now his own prison, a constant reminder of the havoc he¡¯d
wreaked. Lawrence¡¯s head twitched ever so slightly, his gazending on Sofia and Alexander.
A flicker of something ¨C maybe hate, maybe fear ¨C sparked in his cloudy eyes before a grimace
contorted his face, a silent scream trapped within his paralyzed body. Sofia met his gaze for a fleeting
moment, then turned away.
¡°Are you sure you wouldn¡¯t want to talk to him?¡± Alexander asked.
¡°I am¡¡± fia said. She thought she would feel something while staring at Lawrence, perhaps the triumph
of being the victor or the relief of having the justice that she and her mother deserve.
¡°I don¡¯t want to waste my time here¡¡± she said. The only reason she came was because she wanted
to see him onest time. She wanted to see the face of the
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Chapter 112
man who would suffer in this ce for the rest of his miserable life.
¡°Alright¡¡± Alexander held her hand and the two slowly walked away from
Lawrence.
¡°Do you think I am too weak?¡± she asked as they reached the parking lot of the facility.
¡°No¡ you¡¯re fine.¡±
¡°Really?¡±
¡°Well¡ I would prefer it if you told him that you would poison his food or something,¡± Alexander looked
at the cloudless sky. ¡°But letting him rot in that ce without knowing anything is good too¡¡±
Sofia smiled. Right. Letting Lawrence live in that ce without knowing if he would one day sumb to
poison or something else is better. She did not want to give him the satisfaction and show him that his
ending affected her.
She made herselffortable inside Alexander¡¯s car. Everything just happened so fast, but at the end
of the day, she was safe and sound and she found a man like him.
Original content from N?velDrama.Org.
¡°Where to?¡± he asked.
¡°Lawrence told me that you only married me because of Enda¡¯s scheme¡¡± Sofia said as she met
Alexander¡¯s eyes. ¡°Is he telling the truth?¡± she asked.
¡°If the scheme was to make me marry the woman that was supposed to be mine the moment she was
born then¡ perhaps he was right,¡± he simply started the car. Then he turned towards her, and a sly
smirk appeared on his face. ¡°But then again¡ my words wouldn¡¯t hold any meaning. Why not live a life
with me and find out if what he said was true?¡± he casually asked.
She arc¡® I an eyebrow, her eyes glued at his. The two had already confessed to each other. ¡°Are you-¡±
Before she could finish her words, he took something from thepartment of the car and handed it to
her.
¡°What is this?¡± she asked as she opened the velvet box. ¡°A ring?¡± he already gave her one.
2/6
Marry me?¡± he asked.
¡°I thought we were already married?¡±
¡°Again.¡±
She widened her eyes, surprise flickered in her gaze as she stared at the blue diamond.
¡°And if I say no?¡± she asked, smiling.
¡°Then I¡¯ll ask you again tomorrow.¡±
¡°What if I say no again?¡±
¡°I¡¯ll simply ask you to marry me every day until you say yes¡¡± he turned his gaze towards the road.
¡°It¡¯s not like you have a choice or something¡¡±
99
She pursed her lips as she took the ring and ced it on her ring finger. ¡°Then¡ I guess I will be forced
to marry you again.¡±
6 yearster
Sofia opened a box that Miss Amores handed her. ¡°Please make sure that everything is well taken care
of¡¡± Sofia said and Miss Amores slowly left the room without saying another word.
Sighing, Sofia held the metal box closer before she opened it. Almost immediately, she found the
pictures that she was looking for.
A family picture of her, Lawrence, Charlotte, and her mother Eunice. Aside from this, there were other
images of Sofia and Daniel and some other things from the past. Just a few hours ago, she received
news that Charlotte unfortunately ended her own life. She had been in a mental facility for years now
an ¡®t seemed that she was not able to handle everything and just wanted to leave.
For years, Charlotte had always been her sister, a confidant, her best friend. Sofia never thought that
one day, Charlotte would betray her and hurt her. Sofia examined the images for thest time before
she got up and walked
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Chapter 112
towards the firece. Without having second thoughts, she dumped all of the contents of the box on
the fire, letting it consume it.
¡°What are you doing?¡± A voice suddenly echoed behind her. She immediately turned and found Karina
standing by the door, her long flesh¨Ccolored gown perfectly entuating her figure. ¡°Why did you send
everyone out?¡± Karina had a look of worry on her face. ¡°Please don¡¯t tell me you are having cold feet?¡±
¡°What are you talking about?¡± Sofia snorted.
¡°This gown of yours suits you better than thest¡¡± Karina said. ¡°I didn¡¯t think that pregnancy would
make someone¡¯s body this good.¡±
¡°Stop it.¡±
¡°I am not joking. Since you gave birth, your hips seemed to have be wider¡¡± Karina narrowed her
eyes at Sofia¡¯s chest. ¡°And we can start talking about-¡±
k
¡°Silly¡¡± Sofia flicked her best friend¡¯s forehead. ¡°Where¡¯s mom?¡± she asked.
¡°Hiding somewhere¡ she¡¯s a nervous wreck. After all, this would be the first marriage that she would
be with you.¡± Karinaughed. ¡°I told her this would not be thest either. After all, that husband of yours
decided to renew your vows every five years. She wouldn¡¯t stop fidgeting.¡±
Sofia thought of her mother who woke up just six months ago. She smiled at the thought of wearing
another one of Eunice¡¯s designs.
¡°She¡¯s probably with Jenny¡ Don¡¯t worry about it. I know she¡¯ll get used to it soon.¡± Karina said. ¡°By
the way¡ you look lovely.¡±
¡°I know¡¡± Sofia smiled. She was wearing a pink¨Ccolored ball gown that her mother designed. It was a
simple yet elegant gown that she loved so much.
¡°I can¡¯t wait for you to get pregnant for the second time and give me another niece to tease.¡±
¡°¡¡± Sofia rolled her eyes. ¡°Where is Nico?¡±
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Chapter 112
¡°With his father,¡± Karina shrugged. ¡°Alexander wouldn¡¯t want his son to see you first. That selfish man
would probably put his own son in a cage if he needed to. Good thing Adam and Hugo are with them.¡±
Sofiaughed at that. The thing is, Karina¡¯s words might just be right. Lately, Alexander¡¯s rivalry with his
four¨Cyear¨Cold son, Nico Alexander Beaumont was reaching its peak. The fact that the two looked
identical almost made this rivalryical.
¡°We should go¡ I think everyone¡¯s ready.¡± Karina said. She stared at Sofia. ¡°Nervous?¡±
Sofia looked at her friend in disbelief before she chuckled. ¡°Really?¡±
¡°Right. This will be your third wedding¡¡± Karina giggled as she walked towards the door. Then she
slowly opened it, revealing Sofia¡¯s mother Eunice, Alexander, and Nico outside.
A beautiful smile appeared on Sofia¡¯s lips. She walked towards her mother who looked like she was
about to cry then towards Alexander who was already approaching her with a smile on his face.
He then held his hand towards her. ¡°Ready?¡±
¡°Always,¡± Sofia said as she took his hand.
Sofia and Alexander walked away, the firelight casting flickering shadows on the retreating figures. The
past burned in the hearth, leaving only warmth and the promise of a future together.
THE END¡
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