Chapter 10 Sophie is also here
The next day, Aria really wasn't feeling well, and with Arthur's mother to entertain, she simply called the studio to say she wouldn't be coming in.
She stayed at the villa, working with Ann to do a bit of decorating around the house.
Then at noon, Arthur called saying his mom wasn't coming to the villa after all—they'd be going back to Grant Manor that evening.
Aria felt annoyed and helpless hearing this.
She couldn't shake the feeling that Arthur was using his mother as an excuse to trick her into moving back.
But then she thought again and felt this idea was a bit narcissistic.
If he really couldn't bear to let her move out, why would he have just watched her leave in the first place?
He'd even arranged an apartment for her, as if afraid she'd have nowhere to go and come back.
"Tonight at the manor, in front of my mom..." Arthur reminded her."I know what to do." Aria cut him off. "Play the loving couple. Don't worry, I've practiced this for three years—I'm very good at it."
Arthur seemed like he wanted to say something more, but he hung up.
That evening, Arthur walked into Grant Manor with Aria on his arm, like a truly loving couple. The manor was located in the suburbs, surrounded by mountains and water, quiet and secluded, built in a classical castle style.
Aria had only been here a few times total, so she couldn't help feeling a bit nervous as they entered.
Unexpectedly, as soon as they pushed open the door, they could faintly hear laughter and conversation inside.
Aria's steps faltered, and Arthur's expression turned shocked.
That was Sophie's voice.
Arthur squeezed Aria's hand, instinctively wanting to explain.
"I didn't know she'd be here, but the Smiths and the Grant family do have a relationship. My mom just got back, so as a junior, it's appropriate for her to come visit. Don't read too much into it."
Aria wasn't reading into it, and there was no need to.
She just wanted to get through this quickly.
So what if Sophie was here? At worst, she'd just have to deal with being disgusted again.
In the living room, Elizabeth sat in the main seat, wearing an elegant outfit.
Though she was already in her sixties, thanks to good maintenance, she looked no more than forty.
Sophie sat beside her, pouring tea for her.
Sophie was also wearing an exquisite outfit that brought out her socialite temperament, completely different from her usual style.
Seeing them enter, she immediately broke into a sweet smile.
"Arthur, Aria, you're here!"
Her tone and manner were so natural, as if she were the mistress of this house.
Elizabeth looked up, her gaze pausing on Arthur's face for a moment before settling on Aria.
"Mom," Arthur spoke first. "We're back."
"How are you feeling since returning from the Swiss sanatorium?" Aria bowed slightly, asking softly.
Elizabeth nodded, saying coolly, "Better. Everyone sit."
Sophie immediately stood up, naturally taking the tea set from the servant and smiling as she poured tea for them.
"Arthur, Aria, have some tea first. This tea is what Auntie Elizabeth brought back from Switzerland—it has a very special flavor."
She pushed a teacup in front of Arthur, her fingertips inadvertently brushing the back of his hand.
Then she placed another cup on Aria's side, her movements graceful.
Arthur's brow furrowed slightly as he looked at Sophie with a silent warning in his gaze, but said nothing.
Aria kept her eyes lowered, also thanking her, but didn't touch the tea.
She was pregnant now and couldn't drink tea.
"Sophie is so thoughtful."
Elizabeth spoke slowly, her words carrying a smile.
"I just got back, and my own son and daughter-in-law didn't even know yet, but she already heard the news and came to see me with so many gifts, keeping me company and chatting all this time."
The words sounded somewhat passive-aggressive, but Sophie didn't catch it.
She showed an appropriately obedient smile.
"Auntie Elizabeth, you've watched me grow up since I was little. It's only right that I show you respect."
"Besides, Arthur is busy with work and sometimes can't be as thorough. As a junior, naturally I should help express his filial devotion."
She gave Arthur a playfully reproachful look.
"Such a big thing as Auntie returning to the country—how could you not tell me in advance? If I hadn't heard through the grapevine, I still wouldn't know!"
Arthur glanced at Aria, and seeing her expression unchanged, breathed a sigh of relief.
"This is the Grant family's business after all. How could I trouble you?"
"Of course it's no trouble."
Sophie said coquettishly, turning to Elizabeth.
"Auntie Elizabeth, see how he is? Always like this, shouldering everything himself."
"Even before I went abroad, he was this way. No matter how many difficulties he faced, he wouldn't tell me. Now that I'm back, you really need to talk to him about this!"
Elizabeth listened quietly, occasionally lifting her teacup for a sip, not responding.
Sophie, getting no reaction, turned the topic to Aria.
"Speaking of which, Ms. Hall is really lucky to marry Arthur—she doesn't have to worry about anything."
"Not like me, drifting abroad for so long, and now back in the country joining the company with a pile of things to handle."
"But Aria, you should also be more understanding of Arthur. Managing the corporation, he's under so much pressure every day—doesn't he need us women to support him?"
These words were clearly meant to squeeze Aria out.
Accusing her of not taking care of Arthur, not fulfilling her responsibilities as Mrs. Grant, while elevating her own status.
Aria didn't hold back, firing right back.
"If Director Smith is really that envious, you could totally go marry a rich man yourself."
"If you love taking care of husbands and managing the household, why bother being a director at all?"
Sophie's smile froze. "I was just saying, joking around. Why is Ms. Hall being so aggressive?"
"I'm also just making a joke. I hope Director Smith won't mind."
Aria showed a friendly smile.
As for putting on an act, who couldn't do that?
"However, Director Smith keeps calling me Ms. Hall instead of Mrs. Grant—people who don't know might think Arthur and I are divorced."
Sophie was left speechless by her retort, unable to even maintain a basic smile.
Hearing their back-and-forth, Arthur frowned, nudged Aria with his elbow to stop, then gave Sophie a warning look and said, "Sophie, Aria's been in a bad mood lately, so her tone is a bit harsh. Don't hold it against her."
Sophie was naturally unhappy.
Because Arthur was clearly protecting Aria.
She looked at Elizabeth with grievance. "Auntie Elizabeth, I was just concerned about their relationship, and they're ganging up on me!"
Hearing this, Elizabeth suddenly slammed down her teacup with considerable force, tea water splashing out.
The atmosphere in the living room instantly froze.