Chapter 60 She Always Gives Unexpected Surprises
Alaric used to think Sophia was just a little girl who hadn't grown up.
She had a soft personality, liked to cling to people, and even enjoyed being a bit spoiled.
But after spending more time with her, Alaric found her increasingly enigmatic. She had a unique aura that was hard to define.
Around Benjamin, she was a sweet, clingy darling. In front of Preston, she was a gentle, obedient girl. When dealing with Elijah, she carried herself with such grace and politeness, it seemed ingrained in her very bones.
But in the lab, she transformed into someone else entirely. She was composed, skilled, and methodically carried out each step with a focused and determined gaze.
Alaric had never found anyone so difficult to understand.
Sophia was pondering the next step in her research when she felt a complicated gaze settle on her.
Looking up, she saw Alaric staring at her intently, his sharp, cold eyes seeming to penetrate her soul.
"Alaric? Is there something on my face? Why are you staring at me like that?" Sophia asked, touching her face in confusion.
Alaric snapped out of his trance, realizing his behavior was rather rude, and quickly looked away.
He smiled and waved his hand dismissively. "Nah, nothing really. I'm just amazed at how your brain works. How can you be so smart?"
Alaric picked up the folder and flipped through it again.
The more he read, the more he realized how extraordinary Sophia was.
Even someone with years of medical research experience like Elijah or himself might not have produced such a comprehensive report in such a short time.
But Sophia did it. She was always full of unexpected surprises. The deeper he delved, the luckier he thought Benjamin was.
Sophia blushed slightly at the compliment, scratching the back of her head with a shy smile. "It's nothing. I'm just particularly sensitive to data. You were stuck because your research direction was off."
"Regardless, I have to thank you on Benjamin's behalf. Without you, he might be bedridden by now," Alaric said, standing up straighter, his usually gentle face now serious and sincere.
Before Sophia's arrival, Benjamin's health had been deteriorating. The entire White family was at their wits' end, unsure of what to do. Watching Benjamin's complexion improve over time, Alaric's worry slowly eased. And it was all thanks to Sophia.
"He's my husband! If I don't save him, I'd be alone!" Sophia replied.
She refused to be alone! Benjamin was hers now, and she wouldn't let death take him away easily.
Alaric chuckled at Sophia's earnest expression. His handsome face looked even more charming with that smile, his features sharp and clear.
Seeing Alaric's face, which bore a resemblance to Benjamin's, Sophia marveled at the White family's strong genes. She quietly wondered what their children would look like.
Sophia suddenly felt a surge of anticipation.
Meanwhile, Benjamin had no idea Sophia was already imagining their future children.
As he flipped through a file, his nose itched, and he couldn't help but sneeze.
Chase, standing nearby, immediately looked at him with concern. "Mr. White, are you catching a cold?"
"It's nothing, just a sneeze," Benjamin replied, closing the file casually.
Benjamin's weak health often brought ailments his way. Colds and fevers were routine, and he was used to them. So he didn't give the sneeze much thought.
"By the way," Benjamin said, flipping through another file. "I have a meeting tonight. Can you pick up Sophia from Stellar University?"
"Sure thing! Consider it done!" Chase stood up straight, his voice loud with assurance.
Benjamin's gaze moved from the file to Chase. "You seem pretty happy. Is picking up Sophia too easy for you? How about some overtime tonight?"
"No, no! I was wrong! Picking up Mrs. White is a tough task, but I'll do it seriously and make sure she gets home safely. You can focus on your meeting!" Chase responded quickly.
Benjamin gave him a disdainful look. People said he was smart and decisive, but how did he end up with such unreliable assistants?
Benjamin placed the last file on the desk and gestured for Chase to take it.
Chase hurriedly gathered the thick stack of files and prepared to leave.
Just then, Benjamin's cold voice came from behind. "Before you go to Stellar University, get Sophia some strawberry cream cake. She loves it."
Chase paused, surprised by Benjamin's thoughtfulness.
He didn't expect Benjamin to remember Sophia's favorite dessert. It showed how important Sophia was to Benjamin.
Chase's mind instantly conjured up scenes from a romance novel featuring a domineering CEO doting on his beloved wife.
Seeing Chase's silly grin, Benjamin's face darkened. He stood up and kicked Chase lightly. The kick wasn't hard, but it caught Chase off guard, and he stumbled, holding onto the files to keep them from scattering.
Relieved that the files were intact, Chase looked at Benjamin with a mix of complaint and amusement. "Mr. White, that was uncalled for! If I hadn't balanced myself, I would've fallen!"
Benjamin casually brushed nonexistent dust off his suit. "Stop reading trashy stuff. What's in your head? Hurry up, or you'll be late picking up Sophia."
Everyone in the company knew Chase loved romance novels. And he had a habit of imagining people in romantic scenarios at work.
Whenever he did that, he wore that silly grin. Benjamin sighed, wondering why he'd hired such an oddball.
Chase, holding the files, rubbed his sore spot and looked at Benjamin with a pout. "Mr. White, I've been loyal to you for years. You see my dedication. Can't you let me have this small hobby?"
Benjamin's eyelid twitched, and he waved Chase away. If he didn't have an important meeting, he wouldn't trust Chase to pick up Sophia.