Chapter 119: Wild Ideas
The Golden Spoon.
The restaurant was packed—probably because exams had just ended. Families crowded the dining room, parents treating their kids to celebratory meals, while groups of friends clinked glasses at nearly every table.
Ray had reserved a private room. A server led them straight through the bustling main floor to their own quiet space.
"Dad, Mom, why didn't we go to Celestial Peak Hotel?" Sophia asked as soon as she sat down. It wasn't like she didn't own restaurants. Why here?
"If we went to Celestial Peak, you'd never let us pay," Ray said matter-of-factly. "Today's about us celebrating you two. We need to pick a place where we can actually foot the bill."
Sure, Sophia always said meals at Celestial Peak were free, but there was no such thing as a free lunch. The cost came out of her share of the profits anyway.
In other words, they'd still be spending her money.
No matter how wealthy their kids were, Mary and Ray couldn't just coast on Sophia's assets. They wanted to treat their children to dinner—on their own dime.
Since Ray had made up his mind, Sophia just smiled and didn't mention that she owned this restaurant too.
She liked the desserts here, so Andrew had bought the place and given it to her as a gift.
But it was Andrew's gift, after all. Plus, he and John showed up here for coffee all the time. She had no interest in running into those two lunatics, so she rarely visited.
She'd been thinking about returning the restaurant to Andrew, actually.
They'd just finished ordering when Michael finally arrived.
"Sorry I'm late."
He was juggling several shopping bags. Sophia automatically stood to help, taking some of the load so they presented a united front.
"Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, it's wonderful to finally meet you properly. I wasn't sure what you'd like, so I picked out a belt for Mr. Johnson and a handbag for Mrs. Johnson."
Michael handed over the carefully chosen gifts as he spoke.
Then he turned to James, offering him a sleek rectangular box. "James, I wasn't sure what to get you, but Sophia mentioned you love reading. These are VIP cards for all the major bookstores in Emerald City. Just a small token."
"Thanks." James accepted graciously. He'd wondered what Michael might bring, but this was completely unexpected—and exactly the kind of gift he appreciated most.
Mary and Ray couldn't wait to open their presents, eager to give Michael positive feedback.
"This purse is gorgeous! Michael, did you pick this out yourself?"
The jewel-toned blue crocodile-embossed handbag was perfectly sized—big enough for her phone, keys, and tissues, but not so large it would weigh her down.
Elegant, practical, and beautiful. Mary was absolutely delighted.
Ray was equally effusive about his gift. "Wow, this belt is fantastic! The craftsmanship is incredible! My old one's completely worn out—Michael, your timing couldn't be better!"
Watching her parents gush so extravagantly, Sophia felt secondhand embarrassment. She quickly shoved the remaining bags into Michael's hands.
He smoothly moved to the next part of his presentation. "I heard Mrs. Johnson enjoys making soup, so I brought some premium ingredients. Should we set these aside for now?"
"Oh yes, perfect!"
Mary's eyes crinkled into crescents, her approval growing by the second.
Meanwhile, Amelia leaned toward Wayne and whispered, "Have we ever seen Michael this stiff?"
"Stiff isn't quite the word." Wayne considered carefully. "More like… excessively formal."
More formal than meeting clients. Every courtesy meticulously observed, none of the easygoing confidence he usually carried as Cloud Group's CEO. Nothing like the relaxed way he acted around them.
It made this version of Michael seem oddly out of character.
Amelia suppressed a laugh. "That's what happens when Sophia's involved. She's his weakness."
……
Though exams were over, none of them had much time to relax.
James landed a new role—a script Sophia had personally selected for him. Another contemporary romance, this time playing a dentist who becomes neighbors with a food blogger. After a series of amusing mishaps, they fall in love.
After one day of rest post-graduation, he was at the opening ceremony on day three.
Ethan wasn't idle either. He'd signed up for the singing competition Amelia recommended and hired a vocal coach, dutifully taking lessons at home to prepare for the regional rounds.
High school was behind them, but Sophia had simply traded school for work. School hours had been seven to five; work was nine to eight—sometimes later if she had to pull overtime. She was busier than ever.
The only ones with free time were Amelia and Wayne. With weeks before their departure abroad, they spent their days eating out, going to movies, and hitting up cocktail bars. Living the dream.
After about two weeks, exam scores were released. It was time to return to campus for graduation ceremonies.
Oakwood High School.
Their homeroom teacher distributed printed score reports, then launched into guidance about college applications. Each class would take turns using the computer lab to submit their choices.
Ethan slung an arm around James's shoulders. "You didn't waste this year, huh? Your scores are even higher than last year!"
James smiled faintly. "Probably because after Sophia moved in, there was a lot less drama at home. I could actually focus on studying."
"Absolutely!" Ethan agreed enthusiastically. "Remember when Emily was living with you? You came to school every day looking like the walking dead. But now? You're thriving, man!"
James laughed softly. The past was behind them. He didn't want to dwell on it, so he changed the subject. "You're applying for finance, right? Don't secretly switch to music school at the last second, or your dad will literally throw you out."
"If I said finance, I meant finance!" Ethan declared indignantly. "Sophia already laid out the whole plan. I'm not about to screw it up!"
The thought of finally pursuing his dream lifted his spirits. "Oh hey, I brought my motorcycle to school today. You've been wanting to try it out, right? Let's go for a ride after this!"
"Sure."
……
Silver Fir Academy didn't have a centralized application session. Most of their time was devoted to an elaborate graduation ceremony.
This year's valedictorian was, unsurprisingly, Sophia—who'd claimed the top spot in every single exam. She was invited to give the student address.
Standard fare—polished, inspirational, and honestly a bit dull. No need to recount all that.
When the ceremony ended, their high school chapter closed with quiet finality.
As everyone filed out, Amelia hooked her arm through Sophia's, eyes sparkling with excitement. "We're finally graduated!"
Sophia raised an eyebrow. "We're still going to college, you know. Why so thrilled?"
"You don't get it!" Amelia leaned close to Sophia's ear and dropped her voice conspiratorially. "I'm eighteen now. I'm not a high schooler anymore. That means when I go to clubs, I can check out the hot guys!"
Sophia: What?
Do you even remember how much effort it took to convince Wayne not to break off the engagement?