Chapter 9: Second Brother Henry Richmond, Eldest Sister Amelia Richmond

The second young master of the Richmond Family and currently the hottest actor in the entertainment industry-

Henry Richmond.

Today, there isn't a young person who follows entertainment that doesn't know his name.

At 18, he made a spectacular debut, starring in a low-budget teen movie that became a box-office champion, catapulting him to stardom as one of the most sought-after young actors.

Since then, Henry's rise has been meteoric, and he quickly climbed to the top ranks of the industry. But aside from his work and his highly distinctive personality, the most attention-grabbing aspect of his life has been his romantic relationship.

His partner? The leading lady from his debut film, named Caroline.

Right after the movie's huge success, the two of them publicly announced their relationship. Initially, the public assumed it was a publicity stunt, but after five years of on-and-off drama-where paparazzi even captured them having a street fight late at night, only to later be seen holding hands at the movies again-their turbulent, love-hate relationship won over a legion of devoted fans.

Today, they've become one of the most popular celebrity couples in the nation.

If Sophia remembered correctly, before coming to California, she had even seen Henry's name trending on social media.

The housemaid had left awkwardly, and as Sophia strolled downstairs and walked over to Henry, she didn't look at him. Instead, she glanced around and asked, "Are you the only one here?"

"After the commotion you caused, everyone was either too tired or too drunk last night. I expect it'll be a while before they show up."

Henry looked at her with a half-smile and motioned for her to come closer, as if teasing a small pet. "You sure slept well. Why don't you come over and call me 'brother'?"

This term of address made Sophia's movements pause for a moment. Some fragmented memories flashed through her mind like a flickering film reel, but she quickly brushed them aside.

She sat down, picked up a roll, and took a bite.

"Why don't you call me 'sister' first?"

"Why so corny? I call Isabella by her name-why should I call you anything different?"

There were a few footsteps from upstairs, and Sophia's eyelashes fluttered as she replied crisply, "Probably because I'm the real one, and Isabella's the fake?"

Henry froze, looking toward the staircase.

Only then did Sophia slowly turn around.

Standing on the staircase, Isabella's eyes were red as she glanced at Sophia, then turned and ran away.

Eleanor Richmond, who had been leaning on Isabella's arm, shouted anxiously after her, "Bella!" but it was too late to stop her. The elderly woman even attempted to chase after Isabella herself, but the person supporting her pulled her back.

"Grandmother, you're too old for that. Do you really want to be running up and down the stairs?"

"Oh, this child is going to drive me to my grave!"

The old lady trembled with frustration, furiously pounding the banister, pointing at Sophia from across the room. "You wretched girl! How dare you still linger in the Richmond Family! Who are you calling a fake? Whoever I say is a treasure, is a treasure! I want you out of this house right now!"

"Grandma, please calm down, or you'll fall ill again."

The unfinished tirade was interrupted, though the voice was calm and lacked any intensity. It belonged to a woman with the same aura as Alexander Richmond.

Sophia looked up, seeing the long-haired woman firmly holding onto Eleanor Richmond. Though it appeared she was helping support the elderly lady, she was actually keeping her from moving, ensuring that her trembling body didn't fall.

Once the butler hurried forward to assist the elderly woman back upstairs, the woman straightened her clothes and slowly descended the stairs.

She had long, sensuous hair that was unstyled and draped casually over her shoulders, yet instead of appearing soft and feminine, it added a cold, wild aura to her.

It wasn't until she approached that Sophia realized this unique air came from her soul-a powerful soul, immediately recognizable upon sight.

"Sophia?"

Her voice was cold and emotionless, somewhat similar to Alexander's but lacking even the superficial warmth.

Sophia met her gaze and nodded. "I'm Sophia."

"I'm Amelia. I'm your sister."

"Sister."

Sophia's use of the word was brisk and straightforward, causing Henry to narrow his eyes in annoyance as he tapped the table. "What's that supposed to mean? Double standards?"

No one paid him any attention.

Amelia continued to stare at Sophia before finally saying slowly, "Have you considered that in a fit of anger, Grandmother might fall down the stairs?"

Henry's expression shifted as well, turning cold as he scrutinized Sophia.

Sophia, however, didn't flinch and calmly met Amelia's gaze. "No."

"Then you should think about it in the future."

Amelia didn't press the matter further. After leaving that remark, she took her seat.

·

About half an hour later, the Richmond family members with blood ties finally gathered around the breakfast table.

Alexander sat at the head of the table, with Margaret and Amelia on either side of him. Since Sophia had just returned, she was given the rare privilege of sitting next to Margaret. Opposite her was Ethan Richmond, while Henry sat beside Sophia, across from a woman named Ava.

Just as breakfast was served, and before anyone could take a bite, Ava Richmond started speaking in a snide tone.

"I made Grandma's favorite bread, but it turns out it was for nothing. I can't believe some people could upset her so much this morning and still have the nerve to sit down and eat happily."

The atmosphere at the table immediately grew tense.

Some people acted as if nothing was wrong and continued eating, while others couldn't help but chime in, "Didn't they already send breakfast upstairs? And Bella's with her too, so she's fine..."

"Oh really? The beloved granddaughter came home on her second day, and Grandma's too upset to even come to the table, and you call that 'fine'?" Ava continued in her sarcastic tone. "And how dare you mention Bella? Poor Bella. Until yesterday, she was the darling of this family. Then the real daughter comes back, and Bella can't even sit at the table anymore. Instead, she's stuck comforting the grandmother who was upset by her return. Not to be rude, sister-in-law, but isn't that a bit unfair?"

"Ava." Amelia Richmond interrupted while spooning porridge into her bowl, her tone casual but biting. "Was breakfast not prepared well enough? Since you have time to chat with my mother?"

Amelia's words were harsh, but she delivered them with such nonchalance that it sounded like she was simply making conversation.

Ava choked on her words, slamming her chopsticks on the table. "What's that supposed to mean?! Am I not allowed to speak in my own home? Amelia, you're usually so level-headed-why are you siding with Sophia now? Is blood relation really that important? Bella has been calling you brother and sister for years, and this is how cold-hearted you are?"

Bang!

A louder slam echoed through the room.

Henry had slammed his bowl down on the table and was glaring directly at Ava. "Ava, my father hasn't said a word yet, and you think it's your place to lecture my sister?"