Chapter 16: Usurping the Nest

"You grew up under the Larry family's favor, eating and drinking from our table. Now that you've spread your wings, you think you can teach me a lesson? Dream on!"

Grandma Lewis was so agitated that she started yelling at Sophia, spitting and cursing in her face.

Sophia frowned, seeing Grandma Lewis's saliva flying everywhere. It seemed she wanted the entire hospital to know about their "deeds."

"Mom!"

Fiona came out, instinctively standing in front of Sophia. "What are you talking about?"

"What am I talking about? Ask your daughter what good deeds she's done! Whose daughter gets married without asking for a penny?"

Grandma Lewis glared fiercely at Fiona. "Or did you pocket the dowry yourself!"

"You old hag, don't go too far!"

Sophia couldn't hold back anymore. Fiona had suffered so much because of her.

"I've gone too far? Your mom is the one who's gone too far, with her unborn child already favoring you over the rest!"

"I know what you're plotting. You're waiting for me to die so you can take our family's property and support your precious daughter!"

More and more onlookers gathered. Grandma Lewis played the victim, seeking sympathy.

Fiona pulled Sophia aside, enduring the judgmental looks from passersby.

Grandma Lewis pointed at Fiona. "If you love your daughter so much, the Lewis family has a solution!"

"After you give birth to our child, you can move out if you want."

Pretending to be wronged, Grandma Lewis glanced around, her eyes filled with calculation.

Sophia couldn't stand it anymore. "Do you think the Lewis family has a mountain of gold? I don't want anything from your family."

Standing tall, Sophia's eyes were resolute.

Grandma Lewis, agitated, slapped her thigh.

"If you don't want anything, that's perfect! If you want to take your mom away, fine, but you owe us 20,000 dollars for all these years!"

Grandma Lewis's demands were outrageous. Though she was old, her spirit was still high.

"Didn't you just get married? Surely you can come up with $20,000?"

"Raising a daughter for nothing, without any dowry? People will laugh at you!"

Fiona could bear Grandma Lewis's insults, but she wouldn't allow a word against Sophia.

"Mom, I've always respected you, but please don't slander Sophia."

"Slander? Your daughter did something shameful. Does it need slandering?"

Sophia ground her teeth. "What shameful thing have I done?"

"Isn't it... getting pregnant before marriage?"

Grandma Lewis didn't hold back. Fiona, unable to bear it anymore, moved forward to argue.

"How can you twist the truth?"

As Fiona approached, Grandma Lewis flailed her arms wildly and accidentally knocked into Fiona.

Already weak, Fiona nearly fell. Sophia rushed to support her, glaring at Grandma Lewis.

But Grandma Lewis suddenly sat on the ground, yelling, "Help! She's hitting me! Someone help!"

Sophia, pulling Fiona away, heard Grandma Lewis's demands.

"You can't leave! If you want to break ties with the Larry family, give me $20,000!"

Fiona wanted to speak, but Sophia pulled her away.

Grandma Lewis wouldn't give up, while onlookers criticized Sophia and Fiona.

"Sophia?"

Amid the chaos, a tall figure approached. Sophia looked up and met Henry's gaze.

"What are you doing here?"

Henry, towering over Grandma Lewis, stood in front of Sophia, blocking Grandma Lewis's view. "I'm here to visit an old friend."

Grandma Lewis took a step back, examining Henry.

"Who's this new man? Sophia, you really know how to pick them!"

Grandma Lewis's eyes scanned Henry, who was dressed in designer clothes, exuding a refined and handsome demeanor.

Clearly a wealthy man!

Grandma Lewis's eyes gleamed with greed. If Sophia had a relationship with such a man, maybe she could extort money from him!

Switching tactics, Grandma Lewis smiled at Henry. "Forgive my ignorance. Are you one of Sophia's many men?"

Henry's face remained cold, his eyebrows furrowed.

Grandma Lewis waited eagerly for his response, but Henry pulled out his phone and waved it.

"I recorded every word you just said. I can sue you for slander anytime."

"Don't, please don't."

Grandma Lewis, a natural bully, cowered at Henry's words.

Henry, with a polite smile, looked every bit the gentleman. "Everyone, please leave."

Grandma Lewis wanted to follow, but Henry turned and gave her a cold look. "Sophia doesn't want you to follow."

"Sophia, you should tell him I'm your grandma!"

Sophia smirked coldly. "Sorry, I don't know her."

"Hey! You!"

Grandma Lewis watched the three walk away, gritting her teeth.

Her phone vibrated, and she answered irritably. "Rush, rush, like a death sentence. What can I do if I can't get rid of Fiona!"

"Alright, alright, I'll think of something. Bye."

Grandma Lewis looked troubled, clutching her handbag and hurriedly leaving. She didn't have much time. She needed to get rid of Fiona quickly.

At the end of the corridor, Dr. Sterne glanced at Sophia's back and then at the stern-faced Preston.

Preston's face was dark as night. Dr. Sterne chuckled. "This timing is just right."

Preston looked away, his gaze indifferent.

"Let's go to the Night."

"Hey, aren't you going to check on Sophia? What if someone takes advantage?"

Dr. Sterne noticed Preston's dark mood, hurrying after him. "Wait for me!"

Elsewhere, Sophia helped Fiona sit down.

Henry handed her a cup of hot water. "Aunt Fiona."

Fiona looked at Henry. "Sophia, who is this?"

"Henry, a high school classmate of Sophia's."

Henry introduced himself with a warm smile. Fiona thanked him.

"Thank you for earlier. Our family matters..."

"Don't worry, Aunt Fiona. I won't say anything."

Grateful, Fiona smiled. Soon after, Sophia walked Henry out.

Before leaving, Henry reminded Fiona to take care of herself and to call him if she needed anything.

"Thanks for earlier."

Sophia walked Henry to the door, keeping a safe distance.

Henry observed Sophia. It had been so long since they were this close. He could smell the faint fragrance she carried.

Unwilling to let go of this feeling, Henry lied, saying he had taken a taxi to spend more time with her.

They reached the entrance, and Henry stopped.

"Don't mind what Ariel said the other day."

The breeze lifted Sophia's hair, a strand falling against her cheek. She squinted, playfully adjusting it.

Henry couldn't help but steal a few more glances