Chapter 16 You Homewrecker!
Sophia soon felt the pull of sleep, let out a yawn, and slowly drifted off.
Unbeknownst to her, Benjamin, who should have been fast asleep beside her, slowly opened his eyes.
He turned his head to look at Sophia, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Night."
The faint, almost imperceptible scent emanating from her side helped Benjamin, who usually suffered from insomnia, fall asleep quickly.
For years, Benjamin had been tormented by severe pain due to poisoning, with the late hours of the night being the most unbearable.
But tonight, whether it was due to the Revival Elixir he had taken or the fact that he was no longer alone in this cold room, the poison's effects did not flare up.
For once, he slept soundly until dawn.
When Benjamin opened his eyes, the daylight was already streaming in through the window.
He stared at the white ceiling in disbelief for a good half-minute.
Instinctively, he tried to sit up but realized something was off.
Looking down, he saw that at some point, Sophia had snuggled into his arms, a small bundle against him.
Her arm was tightly wrapped around his muscular waist, and her small face was buried in his chest, with a slight trickle of drool wetting his robe.
Benjamin was speechless.
His eyes fixated on the damp spot, a look of disdain crossing his handsome face.
Carefully, he pried her arm off his waist and slowly got out of bed.
Sophia, still deep in sleep, was blissfully unaware of being rejected.
She slept soundly, even dreaming of Benjamin.
When she went downstairs, Sophia found the dining room already filled with people.
Scanning the room, she couldn't help but marvel at the strong genes of the White Family.
Everyone was strikingly attractive.
Even Preston, though aged, still showed signs of his youthful handsomeness.
"Sophia, you're up? Come, have some breakfast." Preston smiled warmly, waving her over as she descended the stairs.
The usually stern face now bore a welcoming smile, a stark contrast to his usual cold demeanor.
Preston's attitude towards Sophia left everyone else in the room stunned.
Last night, except for Preston, the Whites had attended a banquet.
When they returned, they heard that Benjamin had brought back a girl.
Curious as they were, Preston had forbidden anyone from going upstairs, fearing they might disturb them.
This only heightened their curiosity about Sophia.
Seeing her come down in her pajamas this morning, their eyes lit up with interest.
Noticing the various gazes on her, Sophia bit her lip, then smiled brightly, "Morning, Grandpa! Morning, honey!"
Preston's smile widened. "Morning, Sophia. How'd you sleep? Benjamin's room is quite plain; hope you didn't mind."
"Grandpa," Benjamin frowned, displeased. "You should be asking me that."
Sophia had slept like a baby last night, constantly snuggling into him.
Never having experienced a woman's touch, Benjamin found himself unbearably hot and restless, unable to pull away.
Despite feeling sleepy in the latter half of the night, he remained on the verge of sleep, only to be jolted awake repeatedly.
Preston glared at Benjamin but turned back to Sophia with a loving smile. "Sophia, let me introduce you. You've met her already; this is Benjamin's mother, who will also be your mother from now on."
Sophia pouted. A bad woman like Amelia didn't deserve to be called mom!
Amelia, seeing Sophia's disdainful expression, was instantly angered. "Didn't your mother teach you to respect your elders?"
"I don't have a mom." Sophia propped her elbows on the table, resting her chin on her hands, looking serious.
She was telling the truth.
She only had Robert and Matthew before.
Now, having severed ties with the Brown Family, she never had a mother.
But Amelia misunderstood.
Seeing Sophia's nonchalant demeanor, she felt provoked.
She opened her mouth to scold her, but Preston spoke first. "Sophia, this is your uncle, Lachlan White, his wife Arabella Pearl, and their daughter Celestia White."
Benjamin's father, Magnus, was conspicuously absent.
Preston made no mention of Magnus.
Rumor had it that Magnus and Amelia's relationship had soured, and he had been living elsewhere, often making headlines with young models.
Preston had almost kicked him out of the White Family in a fit of rage.
Benjamin had it tough.
Neglected by both parents.
Just like her.
Sophia composed herself and greeted Lachlan's family with a smile.
Lachlan was a renowned photographer, having worked with many top celebrities.
Dressed in a black casual outfit, he maintained a fit physique, clearly an exercise enthusiast.
Arabella's face was meticulously made up, her eyes sharp and shrewd.
Though not as beautiful as Amelia, she had the advantage of youth.
Celestia, their only child, had been spoiled since birth, making her somewhat bratty.
Seeing Sophia, Celestia scoffed and glared at her. "What are you looking at? You homewrecker! Do you think my cousin would be interested in someone like you?"
As soon as Celestia finished speaking, the sound of clattering cutlery echoed from across the table.
She looked up to see Benjamin, who had been silent with his head down, now staring at her with a chilling gaze.
Celestia's shoulders trembled, and she quickly looked away, her face paling.
"Celestia, who taught you to speak like that? Sophia is your elder!"
Celestia's lips twitched, and she stubbornly said, "Everyone in the White Family knows Magnolia likes you. What will happen to Magnolia now that this woman has taken you away?"
Benjamin's eyes narrowed slightly. "Celestia, apologize to Sophia."
"I won't!"
"I'm telling you for the last time. Apologize."
Terrified by Benjamin's cold gaze, Celestia hesitated.
But remembering Magnolia's tearful reaction upon hearing of Benjamin's marriage, she found her courage. "Am I wrong? If it weren't for this woman, you and Magnolia would be together!"
"Celestia, stop it," Arabella tugged at her sleeve, seeing Benjamin's growing anger.
But it was too late.
Benjamin's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Even without Sophia, I would never marry Magnolia. Celestia, have you forgotten why Magnolia went abroad to study?"