Chapter 72 Report Before Acting in the Future
Chapter 72 Report Before Acting in the Future
The car was wrapped in silence.
Sophia sat uncomfortably, sneaking glances at him from the corner of her eye.
But Philip stayed still, eyes closed like nothing had happened.
It made sense; someone who never cared about anything wouldn't give her situation a second thought.
Sophia felt a momentary relief. It was better.
Her relationship with the Mitchell family was purely transactional.
"From now on, you need to let me know every time you go out."
The cold, commanding voice startled Sophia.
She hesitated, resting her elbow on the car window, and replied softly without turning to look at him.
"Haven't you already got someone watching me?"
A large hand reached out and grabbed her wrist, squeezing it just enough to make Sophia wince in pain.
Ouch!
Philip effortlessly turned her to face him, his angry eyes locking onto hers.
His gaze was so intense it felt suffocating.
He pressed his rough finger against her soft lips, rubbing them.
"Didn't you get what I said?"
His tone was heavy, like an order.
Sophia tried to look away, but he forced her to face him again, leaving her no choice but to meet his eyes.
There was no warmth between them, only tension.
"Philip, I wasn't planning to do anything..."
Before she could finish, her body was suddenly pulled sideways.
She found herself lying against Philip's chest, his arms like heavy chains trapping her.
His fingers tangled in her hair, winding it around his fingers.
"Did I say you were planning something?"
His voice was emotionless, giving away nothing.
What did he mean by that?
Sophia frowned, confused.
Philip was acting so differently today, nothing like the man she knew before.
"Sophia, you'd better know better about your situation. Prey often doesn't realize it's in a trap until it's too late."
Sophia felt there was a hidden meaning in his words. He had mentioned before that her surroundings were unsafe.
She looked up at his stern face.
"It would be better if you spoke plainly. I don't understand what you're saying."
His fingers paused in her hair, and a light laugh escaped him.
"With your current mindset, you can't achieve anything. It seems the recent fire hasn't been enough to make you rise from the ashes. You have a lot to learn, but..."
He paused, lifting her chin with his finger.
"Why should I help you?"
As he finished speaking, the car stopped at the entrance.
Mia's worried voice called from outside.
"Mr. Philip Mitchell, where's Mrs. Sophia Mitchell?"
Philip pushed Sophia out of the car and threw the coat she had touched to the ground, disgusted.
"Burn it," he ordered coldly.
This Philip... was impossible to like.
Watching him walk away, Sophia was deep in thought.
There was truth in what he said. She currently lacked the ability to protect herself and was indeed prey in the eyes of others.
To break free, she needed to gather her strength.
With her limited skills, how could she fight against them?
She had to reclaim every bit of the Brown family's scattered assets.
"Mrs. Mitchell, it's chilly tonight. Let's head inside," Mia said, draping a coat over her shoulders and tightening the collar.
"Okay."
Sophia walked forward, each step more determined than the last.
In the bedroom, Philip was nowhere to be seen.
Light flickered from the gap in the door of the adjacent room, suggesting he was sleeping there.
Sophia glanced at it once, then shut her door, not caring what he thought.
Her recent prenatal checkup had gone well. She placed her hand gently on her belly, her touch as light as a dragonfly's.
"Maybe you're trying to make things easier for me. Even the morning sickness has lessened," she said softly, her eyes tender as she looked at her belly.
Even if there were no clear path ahead, she would carve one out.
The next morning, she woke to the sound of a car engine.
She sat up just in time to see Philip's car speeding away.
Good riddance, she thought, glad she wouldn't have to deal with him.
Downstairs, Mia had breakfast ready on the table.
"Mrs. Mitchell... Mr. Mitchell had to leave early. He said for you to have breakfast first."
Mia's nervousness and fidgeting made it clear Philip hadn't said any such thing.
Sophia smiled, patting Mia on the shoulder.
"I understand. I'll be going to the shop after breakfast. Let Philip know."
"Yes, ma'am."
Philip's unpredictable behavior meant it was better to keep him informed, as he had demanded.
After breakfast, Sophia grabbed her design drafts and headed to the shop. She had meetings with new clients today.
Once the deals had gone through, it would ensure a steady stream of business.
"Ms. Brown, the client we contacted earlier is calling," Isla said seriously, placing the phone in front of Sophia. She glanced at it before answering with a practiced smile.
"Ms. Morgan, your jade set is ready. You can pick it up this morning. See you soon."
Mia's eyes widened as she looked at Sophia.
"Is this Ms. Morgan the talent agent you mentioned?"
"Yes," Sophia replied calmly.
"Daphne has managed several stars. She might not be the most powerful, but she's influential," Mia said excitedly.
Sophia had never paid much attention to the entertainment industry during the Brown family's heyday, focusing instead on following Finnian and Dax.
Daphne had been introduced by Aurelia earlier, but they had never met. Sophia hoped to make a good impression today.
If she could break into the celebrity market, her shop's business would flourish.
"Time's almost up. Let's wait at the shop," she said.
"Yes, ma'am."
Isla's usual aloof demeanor kept trouble at bay, which was a good thing.
As they got into the car, Sophia's phone buzzed with a message.
[Daphne: Plans have changed. Please come to Nexus Talent Agency.]
A location was attached to the message.
Why did that place seem familiar...
"Ms. Brown, should we go?"
"Let's pick up the jade set first, then head over. We can't miss this opportunity."
No matter what, Sophia was determined to establish her brand, Jade Haven.