Chapter 43
"Anyway, you were right earlier. I don't have many talents. The only instrument I can play is the violin. But what does that even matter?" Sophia said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Do you really think mastering all the arts is the only way to marry into the Smith family? Newsflash, I can get into your family without any fancy skills."
Sophia stepped closer to Matilda, her tone cautious yet menacing. "And I can make the Smith family a living nightmare. Just wait and see."
Matilda's expression hardened, almost in disbelief. How dare Sophia, a nobody, openly challenge her like this? It was outrageous.
Matilda raised her hand, ready to slap Sophia hard. She was furious and wanted to put Sophia in her place. No one had ever dared to provoke her like this.
But just as her hand was about to strike, she froze. The air around them had become chillingly cold, and she felt James' piercing gaze on her.
Turning to the source of this icy presence, she saw James staring at her with an eagle-like intensity, his chin held high.
Matilda quickly masked her anger with a warm smile, looking at Sophia with feigned surprise. "Sophia, I had no idea you played the violin so well. You were so reluctant to go on stage earlier. You should be more confident and showcase your talents. That's how everyone can see your excellence."
She continued making excuses, knowing that simple words wouldn't soothe Sophia's anger. Matilda removed a gemstone pendant from her neck and handed it to Sophia with a seemingly sincere gesture.
Matilda said, "Sophia, this is our first meeting, and I want to give you a gift. It's not specially prepared for you, but it's one of my favorites. Next time, I'll give you something even better."
Sophia's brow furrowed slightly, aware that Matilda was just trying to maintain her image. After all, Matilda had tried to embarrass her but failed.
Sophia felt disdain for Matilda's actions. "Don't worry, I won't be offended," Matilda continued.
Sophia scoffed. Matilda was really good with words, pretending to be generous and friendly after trying to provoke her. Sophia glanced at James, who was quietly observing the scene without intervening.
Sophia pursed her lips, realizing he wasn't going to help. She looked at Matilda with a feigned apology. "Sorry, I don't like wearing things that others have worn."
With that, Sophia tossed the pendant into a nearby trash can. Did Matilda really think she could buy her off after humiliating her? Did she think she was some adored goddess?
Sophia decided not to play along. What could the Smith family do to her? She wanted to see if they could really crush her.
"Oh my God, did you see that? Sophia just tossed an emerald pendant like it was trash! That thing is one of a kind, you never see those on the market," someone whispered.
"Yeah, she's totally disrespecting the Smith family. How's she gonna survive in Emerald City after this?"
Matilda's face turned pale. She had never encountered such rudeness before. Sophia had humiliated her in public, and she had never had a gift rejected so blatantly.
If it weren't for Sophia standing next to James, Matilda would never have swallowed her pride. She had already humbled herself, and Sophia still refused to accept her pendant, her most treasured necklace.
Matilda clenched her fists, wanting to explode, but with James nearby, she had to swallow her anger. To save face, she turned to James and said, "James, is there some misunderstanding between Sophia and me? Although the necklace is second-hand, I meant no insult. I just wanted to give her something I cherished."
Matilda feigned guilt and said, "It's my fault. If I had known you were bringing a date, I would have prepared a new gift. Now everyone's uncomfortable."
Her words made Sophia seem unreasonable, as Matilda was a senior, and Sophia's actions made her look petty.
Sophia glared at Matilda, expecting James to side with his sister-in-law. But to her surprise, James wrapped his arm around Sophia, his expression calm. "Matilda, you're overthinking it. The woman by my side lacks nothing. She doesn't need your gifts."
James's words made Matilda even more embarrassed. Her gesture now seemed unnecessary in his eyes.
Ignoring her, James led Sophia away from the crowd. The party was winding down, and he paid no attention to the CEOs trying to toast him. He took Sophia to a quieter area.
"I didn't expect you to play the violin," James remarked.
Sophia rolled her eyes and replied, "Yeah, sorry you didn't get to see me embarrass myself tonight."
James chuckled. "You're a walking joke. I can see you make a fool of yourself anytime. Why wait for a stage performance?"
Sophia clenched her teeth in anger. James's insults were infuriating. "James, I'm telling you, don't bring me to any more parties. You're a troublemaker, and being around so many people just invites more drama. I can't deal with it anymore."