Chapter 81
Hazel's face was pale, her eyes wide open. She was about to blow a gasket. If she had known Sophia was such a sharp-tongued spitfire, she wouldn't have come here with Veda to provoke her.
Now, not only did they fail to put Sophia in her place, but their own reputations had taken a nosedive.
Veda, standing beside her, was absolutely livid. When had she and Hazel ever been treated like this?
Especially with so many people watching. If they didn't assert themselves today, wouldn't everyone in Emerald City think they could push Hazel and Veda around from now on?
"Sophia, after my mom slapped you, you still haven't learned your lesson. Looks like it's up to me, as your older sister, to set you straight now."
With that, Veda raised her hand and swung at Sophia.
Sophia's expression hardened. She hadn't dodged earlier because she hadn't reacted in time. Now she was ready, knowing this shrew would definitely try to hit her again. She quickly raised her hand to block the slap.
With a forceful push, Sophia sent Veda stumbling to the side.
"Veda, who do you think you are, trying to lay a hand on me? Take a good look at yourself. Do you really think you're capable?"
Veda, teetering on her high heels, lost her balance and fell to the ground.
Hazel was startled and quickly ran over.
"Veda, are you okay?"
Seeing Hazel and her daughter in such a sorry state, Sophia couldn't help but chuckle.
"Next time you want to teach me a lesson, think about whether you're up to it. If you're not satisfied, come find me again."
Sophia spoke with righteous indignation, but a sharp pain radiated from her chest.
Her wound hadn't fully healed, and after visiting the Brown Villa earlier, she had come straight to the press conference without any rest. Her body was already weak, and the exertion just now seemed to have reopened her wound.
"You..."
Hazel, seeing Veda suffer, was furious. She stood up, grabbed a nearby wine bottle, and aimed to smash it over Sophia's head.
But she froze in place the next second, noticing the blood seeping through Sophia's dress.
She paused, confused, and asked, "Are you hurt?"
Sophia glanced down, seemingly unconcerned, and casually grabbed a few napkins from the table to wipe the blood off her dress.
But Veda's shrill voice interrupted the moment.
"Sophia, what's going on? Did you get caught messing around with some guy, and his wife found out?"
"My mom always told you to be mindful of your behavior, that as a girl you should protect your reputation. But you never listened. That wound on your chest must've been from some jealous wife."
"Sophia, have you ever thought that you brought this on yourself? Karma's a real thing, and now you're facing the consequences!"
Sophia was dumbfounded. Her wound had just reopened, but Veda's quick tongue had already spun a scandalous story, making it sound like the truth.
"Veda, aren't you worried your mouth will rot from spreading lies? Did you see me in bed with some guy? Or did you actually witness some woman hitting me?"
"If you didn't, then you're just making stuff up. I could call the cops and have them set you straight."
At the mention of the police, Veda visibly panicked and instinctively hid behind Hazel.
Hazel was fuming. She couldn't believe that at her age, she was being publicly humiliated by a young girl. If word got out, how would she ever show her face again?
"Sophia, enough. At home, you always anger your father. Now, you're causing a scene with me. I admit I'm your stepmother, and there's much debate about how well I treat you, but causing trouble in public is disrespectful to your father."
"Do you even consider the Brown family your home? Do you recognize Hayden as your father?"
Hazel spoke while slowly advancing.
Sophia was about to respond when a strong, commanding male voice suddenly interrupted from behind.
"Do you think Hayden considers Sophia his daughter? Hazel, I've warned you before at the Brown Villa, but clearly, my warning wasn't strong enough."
James's voice echoed through the room, drawing everyone's attention.
James stood coldly among the crowd, his eyes fixed on Hazel.
Hazel was startled, goosebumps rising on her skin. She had heard that James wouldn't be attending the press conference today. Why was he here now? Could it be that James had come specifically for Sophia?
Sophia must have quite the charm. Everyone knew James was a busy man, holding a significant position in Emerald City. Even those with influence struggled to get a meeting with him. But now, he had taken the time to come here for Sophia, making Hazel even more anxious.
"Mr. Smith, what brings you here?" Hazel stammered, her voice trembling.
James glanced at her and strode over to Sophia's side. He spoke with disdain, "Why wouldn't I come? This press conference isn't hosted by your family. Do you think I can't attend?"
Hazel hurried to explain.
"No, Mr. Smith, that's not what I meant. I just thought your time is precious, and you're always so busy. How could you have time for such a small event?"
James ignored her and looked down at Sophia. Seeing the blood on her dress, his expression softened with concern.
He turned to the crowd and demanded, "Who reopened the wound on my woman?"
James's sudden appearance had already shocked everyone. Now, hearing his words, they were even more stunned.
"Oh my God, what's going on? Did I hear that right? Isn't this Mr. Smith from the Smith family? Sophia just mentioned she has an engagement with Chase from the Smith family. But why did Mr. Smith call her his woman?"