Chapter 71 Fanning the Flames
Benjamin's eyes sparkled with amusement as he watched the mischievous glint in Sophia's eyes. She was clearly up to something again.
With a helpless smile, he gently tapped her nose. "What are you scheming now?"
Sophia wrinkled her nose, looking completely justified. "I don't start trouble unless someone messes with me first. I put up with Isabella out of respect for Hayden and his wife, thinking it was better to keep the peace. But they took my patience for weakness."
Propping her chin on one hand, a cold smile played on her lips.
In front of Benjamin, Sophia was always the sweet, obedient girl who loved being doted on.
But she never hid her true self from him. That was what Benjamin found most captivating about her. She was an enigma, always inviting deeper exploration.
"You said this issue blew up online?" Sophia asked, hesitantly.
Benjamin nodded. "Isabella's reputation is pretty much trashed."
Sophia nodded knowingly, as if she had anticipated this. "Isabella might hire online trolls to manipulate public opinion. If my info gets out, it could affect White Group's stock."
Benjamin smiled nonchalantly, his handsome features becoming even more striking. "Don't sweat it. I've already sent Chase to handle it."
Sophia sighed in relief.
Any stock market turbulence could have a significant negative impacts on White Group.
She never underestimated the power of online public opinion. But she had no regrets. Isabella tried to ruin her reputation online, so she simply returned the favor.
"Why do you think Isabella's influence caused this to escalate so quickly?" Benjamin glanced at Sophia.
Sophia instantly understood. So Benjamin had been quietly fanning the flames! "You're the best, babe!"
Sophia beamed at Benjamin, her eyes sparkling with joy. "What's so great about me?"
"Everything!" His willingness to trust her and clear all obstacles showed that she held a special place in his heart. Feeling warm inside, Sophia wrapped her arms around Benjamin and nuzzled her face into his neck.
Upstairs, Sophia opened her suitcase and took out a white box.
Inside was an old, broken phone. She quickly scanned through it and began searching for tools.
Many phone parts and tools were uncommon, so she asked Finn to help buy them.
After hours of repairs, the phone was finally reassembled.
Sophia quickly pressed the power button. A few seconds later, the screen lit up. Though the screen was cracked, it was still usable.
Sophia then connected the phone to her computer and transferred all the audio files.
Her fingers flew across the keyboard, typing so fast it was hard to keep up.
The computer screen displayed lines of code.
Once the phone was completely wiped, Sophia tossed it into the trash.
She had bought this phone the night before she was taken back to the Brown family. Her previous phone had been left in the mountains.
The Browns thought she was a naive mountain girl, so she let them believe it. Their condescending superiority amused her.
After packing up her computer, Sophia headed to the bathroom for a shower.
Flynn had been feeling down lately. Ever since Sophia presented the severance and investment agreement, Flynn realized Sophia wasn't what Olivia had said—kept by someone, eloping with someone—but was used as a business pawn by Hayden.
He confronted Olivia as soon as he got home. He desperately hoped it was all a lie. But Olivia's evasive eyes and forced smile revealed the truth—Sophia had agreed to everything. Flynn's heart sank. But it was too late; what was done was done.
Lying in his dorm bed, Flynn's mind flashed back to Sophia's sweet smile when she first came home.
Though Sophia often bullied Isabella and was spoiled, her smile was genuinely sweet. Even though he didn't like Sophia as a sister, the thought of her living a miserable life as a widow saddened him.
Flynn got up, grabbed his coat, and headed out. Jeremy saw him leaving and quickly asked, "Flynn, where are you going? The next class has roll call!"
"I'm going out for a bit. Cover for me," Flynn said, closing the door behind him without looking back.
Flynn caught a cab to the Brown Villa.
On the way, he logged into his game account on his phone.
Seeing his unsent messages, he felt a surge of frustration. His game friend had blocked him! And he didn't even know why!
They were supposed to meet, but she never showed up.
Flynn had no idea what he did wrong to upset her, but he felt helpless. Flynn sighed and turned off his phone in frustration.
Back at the Brown Villa, Flynn intended to ask about Sophia, but as soon as he entered, he heard soft sobs. Isabella was crying in Olivia's arms, looking pitiful with tears streaming down her face.
Flynn's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly approached with concern. "Isabella, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"
"Flynn... I'm so upset. Why does Sophia treat me like this?"
Flynn was stunned. This had to do with Sophia? "What happened? Isabella, stop crying. You need to tell me so I can help."
Isabella's sobbing paused, and she looked at Flynn with surprise.
Usually, Flynn would immediately blame others whenever he saw her cry. A slight hint from her, and he would rush to defend her.
But today, Flynn was asking for details?