Chapter 43 She Belongs to Both of Us
The atmosphere at the Johnson house wasn't pleasant that morning. Sophia had left early for business, and no sooner had she departed than an unexpected visitor arrived.
Staring at the towering man whose head nearly grazed the doorframe, Mary stood frozen for a long moment, her expression showing not just surprise but genuine fear.
The visitor wore a tailored suit, his sculpted features cold and sharp, dark eyes emanating a dangerous aura. His mere presence radiated an intimidating authority that was absolutely terrifying.
Ray and James, who'd been eating breakfast, also froze upon seeing their visitor. Andrew's early morning arrival, timed precisely after Sophia's departure, clearly had a specific purpose.
"Are you... looking for Sophia? She just left," Mary's voice trembled as she spoke.
This man in his twenties possessed such a terrifying presence, like a predatory beast from a gladiatorial arena, radiating an aura that warned against any transgression.
"I'm here for you," Andrew stated coolly.
James knew his mother couldn't handle this situation. Setting down his utensils, he glanced at his father, signaling him to clear the finished dishes to the kitchen.
Rising and walking to the door, James gave his mother's shoulder a reassuring pat, and Mary retreated to the kitchen to prepare coffee.
James offered a gentle smile, meeting Andrew's razor-sharp gaze with calm composure. "Please, come in. Whatever you need to discuss, we can talk sitting down."
Andrew stepped inside, his handsome face stern as he surveyed the small house he could cross in three steps.
He was distinctly unimpressed.
The entire place was smaller than Sophia's walk-in closet at the Smith mansion. No wonder she'd arrived at the Johnson family with money in her account but hadn't bought many clothes—there wasn't enough space to store even her shoes properly.
And she wasn't even living alone. Crammed in here with five people, the air circulation must be terrible.
Andrew took a seat, his long legs making the small sofa appear even more cramped.
Mary enthusiastically served the freshly brewed coffee, though her smile carried an edge of awkwardness.
Andrew glanced at the glass mug, thinking the cleanliness was acceptable, but the coffee beans were terrible, worse than what they served at chain restaurants. And they weren't even using filtered water.
He stared at the coffee for only two or three seconds without touching it.
Mary grew even more uncomfortable. Elite families were truly difficult to please.
James glanced at his parents, indicating they should sit while he handled this situation.
He looked toward Andrew, asking politely, "Mr. Smith, showing up here this early morning wasn't just a social call, was it? Deliberately waiting until Sophia left before coming, why don't you just tell us what you want?"
Andrew studied James briefly—a direct, intelligent man. No wonder Sophia was so protective of him.
Since the conversation had reached this point, Andrew saw no need to beat around the bush with the Johnson family. He spoke with crisp efficiency, "Name your price. I'm taking Sophia with me."
His words left everyone stunned.
What did he mean? Was he planning to buy Sophia?
Ray and Mary's nervousness instantly evaporated, replaced by clear displeasure. Did he really think money could buy their Sophia?
"Do you think Sophia is some piece of clothing hanging in a store? Something you can slap a price tag on and purchase at will? I thought you came here because you were concerned about how Sophia was doing, but instead, you open with money talk. The Johnson family doesn't sell daughters!"
Mary's anger was visible. Andrew's words were a clear insult to the Johnson family and, more importantly, a degradation of Sophia. What kind of person could say something so shameless?
Facing Mary's fury, Andrew remained unmoved, stating matter-of-factly, "Sophia grew up with every comfort. Her bedroom alone was seven hundred square feet, with a private walk-in closet and two personal maids attending her. Her meals were prepared by five-star chefs, she had a private car with a driver—what can she get here? What can you possibly offer her?"
Mary was struck speechless. Andrew continued, "Fifty million dollars. She comes with me."
"We don't want your money! Even if you offered us five hundred million, there's nothing to negotiate! Sophia is my daughter, our family's treasure. Your money doesn't give you the right to do whatever you please!" Ray's face turned livid, absolutely refusing to budge. Their daughter had finally come home. How could they let someone else take her away so easily?
"If you truly care for her and want what's best for her, you should realize that staying here offers her no benefits whatsoever. Not only is there nothing to gain, but she'll have to use her own resources and connections to support you. I'm offering fifty million dollars to buy out your insignificant family bond. I'd advise you not to be too greedy."
Andrew spoke with brutal honesty, showing no mercy, which enraged Ray enough to slam his hand on the table and stand up.
"I don't care what your status is—this is my house! Get out immediately! If you think you can take Sophia away, you're dreaming! Get out!"
Andrew didn't argue further with Ray. He retrieved a fifty-million-dollar check from his suit pocket, placed it on the table, and rose to leave.
Ray was so furious that steam seemed to rise from his head. He grabbed the check, tore it to shreds, crumpled it into a ball, and hurled it at Andrew's retreating figure.
The paper ball struck Andrew's back. His steps paused momentarily. "Ungrateful fools."
Mary gently patted Ray's back to calm him down, her eyes fixed on Andrew's departing figure, clearly upset as well.
James thought for a moment, picked up the shredded check pieces and tossed them in the trash, then hurried outside.
Under the large tree by the apartment building, he called out to Andrew, who was striding away with long steps.
"Mr. Smith."
Andrew stopped, maintaining that cold expression throughout. Watching James jog over, he spoke icily, "What else do you want?"
James caught his breath and smiled. Unlike his parents' anger, he appeared completely calm, his emotions so stable it seemed he harbored no hostility whatsoever.
"I don't know what kind of upbringing your family provided, but Sophia's personality shows politeness mixed with wariness and distance. Regardless of whether she accepts us, we would never stoop to selling our daughter for profit. If she agrees to go with you, we have nothing to say. Since you chose to come here while she was away to make this proposal, I assume she's unwilling to go with you. You needn't waste any more effort trying to work through us."
Andrew's expression remained unchanged. "Are you finished?"
James smiled slightly. "Finally, thank you for caring for Sophia these past seventeen years, and thank you for still being concerned about her happiness. I'll take good care of her from now on."
Andrew's pupils trembled almost imperceptibly. His voice dropped to a quiet, light tone, "You'd better."
Then he turned and walked away without looking back.
Once seated in the back of his Mercedes, John's call came through.
Andrew answered, and a gleeful voice came through, "Let me guess, you struck out, too, didn't you? Those ungrateful Johnson family need to be completely crushed before they'll learn their lesson."
"Hanging up."
"Sophia has always belonged to both of us. Are you really willing to let someone else steal her away?"
Andrew disconnected directly.
John was stunned for a moment, then frowned and smashed his phone to pieces.
"Fuck!! That damned Andrew!"