Chapter 27 My Son Calls Her Mom
William stormed out of the Johnson house, his face dark with anger.
Sophia stood by the study window, watching his brooding figure disappear into the night. A fleeting coldness flashed in her eyes before vanishing.
James and Michael had their own rooms at Sophia's place, complete with wardrobes full of custom-made clothes she had ordered for them.
James came over with his pillow, wanting to sleep with her, and Michael shyly followed.
Sophia didn't refuse.
Her bed was large enough to accommodate all three children comfortably.
At that moment, each child had their own small blanket. Emily slept in the middle, with Sophia on the side, holding a storybook and reading to them.
The room gradually dimmed as the lights went out.
Not far below, under a tree, William sat in his black Maybach, leaning back in his seat, looking pale and exhausted, a headache pounding in his temples.
He was usually composed and self-controlled.
But during the day, in Sophia's study, he had nearly lost his temper.
Rubbing his temples, William instructed the driver, "Take me back to the office."
The next day was Sunday.
Sophia took the three children to the zoo for the afternoon and then to a private restaurant for dinner.
She had specially arranged for matching outfits for the siblings, their coordinated colors making them stand out. Her son looked handsome, and her daughter looked beautiful, lifting everyone's spirits.
She hadn't expected to see William there, dining with a client.
Beside him was Alice, who had just been in a car accident the day before, wearing a red dress and black heels. They entered one after the other.
James and Michael waved at William.
Emily, holding their hands, glanced at William and then continued examining the stones on the ground.
Ignoring William and his company, Sophia led the children inside.
She had reserved the best private room, secluded in a corner.
The room had a small pool with fish swimming playfully, quickly capturing the children's attention.
William watched Sophia's retreating figure, his gaze deep and unreadable.
Today, she wore a light blue dress, her figure graceful and captivating.
Her smile as she looked down at the children was tender, attracting the attention of the men around her.
Noticing someone taking pictures of her with a phone, William swiftly grabbed the person's hand, causing them to wince in pain.
"Who the hell are you? Let go!" the man cursed.
Taking the phone, William saw the photos the man had taken, his brow furrowing, his gaze darkening.
The photos were close-ups of certain body parts, taken from angles that revealed the man's lecherous intent.
William's chiseled face was icy, his gaze making the man feel like his life was in jeopardy.
The man blustered, "What are you doing with my phone? I wasn't taking pictures of you. Mind your own business!"
William deleted all the photos of Sophia, exuding a chilling aura that suggested he might throw the man into the sea to feed the fish.
"I'm William from Peace Group."
"My son calls her mom. You think I'm meddling?"
The man's eyes widened in fear.
In Empire City, everyone knew Peace Group, and William was the top target for all the wealthy second-generation heirs.
Anger the Smith family, and you'd be done for in Empire City.
Alice, standing nearby, turned pale, unable to hide her panic. William was standing up for Sophia!
Could it be that he had feelings for that woman?
No! She wouldn't allow it!
William's grip tightened, breaking the man's wrist, making him writhe in pain on the ground, more fearful than angry.
William looked down at him, his gaze as sharp as a sword, as if it might pierce the man's heart at any moment.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Smith. I didn't know she was your wife. I just took a couple of photos because she's beautiful. I won't do it again!"
William glared at him. "Are there any backups?"
The man shook his head frantically. "No, absolutely not!"
William commanded, "Get lost! And don't ever go near her again!"
The man scrambled away in a panic.
Alice, her teeth clenched in frustration, kept her voice sweet and probing.
"William, have you and Ms. Johnson gotten back together?"
The word "together" lingered on William's tongue before he swallowed it down.
"No," he said firmly.
Alice's eyes lit up with delight, feigning surprise. "Then why did you just…"
William's tone was calm. "She's the mother of my two children."
"Oh, for James and Michael. By the way, Michael mentioned to me once that he wished I could be his mom."
Alice watched William's expression, hoping he would say what she longed to hear.
But William's face darkened.
"Don't say that again," he warned. "They have a mother who loves them, and that will never change."
Not hearing the answer she wanted, Alice's face turned pale. She watched William's back as he walked away, stomping her foot before following him.
"William, wait for me."
William noticed someone upstairs taking pictures of him. He slowed his pace, his sharp gaze causing the person to quickly disappear.
Alice tried to link her arm with William's, but he sidestepped her, striding towards the room where he was meeting his client.
The incident was immediately reported to Sophia by the restaurant manager.
Seeing the video, Sophia paused as she was serving food to the children.
The video ended with Alice calling out to William, who slowed his pace, allowing her to catch up and try to link arms with him.
Sophia watched the video without any expression, as if the people in it were strangers.
Her long-dormant heart no longer stirred because of William's actions.
She turned off her phone and put it back in her bag, continuing to enjoy dinner with the children.
This private restaurant was one of her properties.
Only her close associates, like Monkey, knew about it.
"Mom, this is delicious," James said, his face full of satisfaction as he served Sophia and Michael food. Emily watched him with wide eyes.
James shook his head at her. "Emily, you can't eat this yet. When you're older, you can try it."
Emily nodded, continuing to scoop food from her bowl with her spoon. "James, blow on it."
James blew on her food, making sure it wasn't too hot before letting her eat.
Sophia's heart softened at Emily's adorable behavior, her wandering thoughts returning to the present.
"Emily, be good and eat by yourself."
Emily scooped a big spoonful, blew on it, and ate it all, showing Sophia her empty spoon.
"Mommy, look."
Sophia kissed her cheek. "Emily, you're amazing."
After praising Emily, she served James more meat and vegetables, glancing at Michael, who was becoming more attached to her with a complex look.
Finally, she served him some food as well.
"You're all amazing."
After dinner, Sophia planned to take James and Michael back to the Smith Mansion, but as soon as they stepped out of the restaurant, they saw William in his black Maybach.
And Alice was beside him.
Sophia called out, "James, Michael, come on. Your dad and I are here to take you home."