Chapter 56
"Grandma, I just want to help share James's burden."
"That's not necessary." Indigo cut her off. "Although Sophia is injured, James can go alone. You should stay home and take good care of Isabella."
I watched Amelia being scolded, feeling no sympathy at all. In fact, I felt somewhat satisfied.
Amelia acted arrogant in front of others, but in the Smith family, she had to endure everything no matter what.
But with Indigo treating Amelia this way, Amelia would definitely find a way to get revenge.
I needed to keep a close eye on Amelia and not let her make a move against Indigo.
As I was thinking, a good idea popped into my head - let Amelia go bother James.
This way, Amelia wouldn't have time to think up bad schemes to plot against people, and I could also avoid spending time with James. It was a win-win situation.
So I spoke up, "Grandma, actually having Amelia go with James is pretty good. She knows the process and can help James share more of the burden, so he can relax a bit."
James suddenly looked at me, his eyes full of disbelief. "Sophia, what do you mean?"
"Nothing much." I shrugged. "The way I am now, I can't go to the dinner with you anyway. If Amelia is willing to help, that's a good thing!"
Indigo frowned. "Sophia, you..."
"Grandma, I don't believe what those people outside are saying." I smiled. "Amelia and James would never do anything to disgrace the Smith family."
Amelia's eyes lit up, and she quickly said, "Grandma, don't worry, I'll definitely take good care of James."
Indigo still insisted on not letting Amelia go along.
Amelia's eyes darted around. "Grandma, if I don't go, James won't be able to contact ZeroSpecter."
I raised my eyebrows.
When did Amelia get in touch with ZeroSpecter?
How come I didn't know about this?
Amelia was lying.
But I didn't expose her - it wouldn't be fun to expose her right away.
Amelia added, "After going through so much trouble, I got ZeroSpecter's contact information, and we've been chatting really well."
"Then I'll trouble you to make the trip with James and try to get ZeroSpecter to agree to cooperate at the party," I chimed in.
Since it involved the Smith Group, Indigo had to compromise and reluctantly agreed, "Alright, since Sophia says so, you can go with James."
"But remember your position. Don't mess around. If I hear any inappropriate rumors from others, don't blame me for being harsh."
"Thank you, Grandma. I understand." Amelia was overjoyed and looked at me smugly.
After dinner, James called me to the study, his face terribly dark. "Sophia, you did that on purpose today, didn't you? You want to push me to her that badly?"
I was confused. "I was helping you."
James sneered and stepped closer to me.
His presence was overwhelming. I couldn't help but step back, but he grabbed my wrist. "Sophia, look at me and tell me what you're really thinking."
I struggled hard, trying to break free from his grip. "James, we're already over. Please be aware of that and don't touch me."
James lowered his head, his nose touching mine, a hint of hurt flashing in his eyes. "Sophia, is this really what you want?"
I looked into his deep eyes and answered firmly, "Yes."
Unexpectedly, James suddenly lowered his head and roughly bit my lips.
He bit and gnawed heavily. Pain came from our tangled lips and tongue, and my eyes filled with tears.
I had never seen James lose control like this.
It was somewhat frightening.
When his rough palm kneaded and squeezed that soft part of me, I suddenly came back to my senses and pushed him hard, cursing, "James, you're shameless!"
"Sophia, you can only be mine." James was prepared and caught my hand, even pulling it behind my back, forcing me to press tightly against his chest and passively endure his rough kiss.
I had no choice but to bite his lip hard. The taste of blood spread in my mouth.
But he seemed not to notice, pried open my clenched teeth, and changed from initial gnawing to dominating plunder. His other hand skillfully teased my chest again.
In this intimately close kiss, I could clearly feel his heart beating rapidly, with a sense of pent-up, aggressive power.
I was exhausted from being teased, my legs going weak.
James held my waist tightly, his voice hoarse with desire. "Sophia, your mouth is never as honest as your body."
I gasped for breath, trying hard to look as usual, and gave a cold laugh. "Don't you get weak when you're short of oxygen?"
"James, don't touch me again." Feeling I could stand, I pushed him away and walked out of the study without looking back.
The next morning, James and I went downstairs for breakfast together.
Seeing the wounds on our lips, Indigo couldn't help but tease, "What did you two do last night? How did both your lips get hurt?"
My cheeks heated up uncontrollably. I lowered my head in embarrassment, not daring to look into Indigo's eyes.
But James remained calm. "We accidentally bumped into something last night."
"Really?" Indigo looked at us with a knowing smile. "It's good that young people have a good relationship, but you should also be mindful."
I felt even more embarrassed and wished I could disappear immediately.
But James didn't care and even put a piece of beef in my bowl. "Build up your strength."
His words were vague, deliberately suggestive.
I glared at him, cursing his thick skin in my heart.
Amelia stabbed at her egg with a fork so hard that she broke the plate.
Isabella beside her was startled and started crying.
Indigo was very angry. "Amelia, what are you doing?"
"I'm sorry, Grandma, I didn't mean to." Amelia's eyes immediately reddened.
Amelia was crying early in the morning. Indigo found her annoying and showed it on her face. "What's there to cry about?"
"Take Isabella back to the room and comfort her."
Amelia picked up Isabella and went back to the room.
Isabella was frightened by Amelia and didn't want her to hold her. She avoided her and hugged James. "Want Daddy."
James put down his utensils. "Grandma, I'll take Isabella out to play."
Indigo glanced at the weather outside. "The weather is pretty nice today. You can push Sophia out for a walk too, get some sun."
"Amelia, you stay home and clean up the mess you made, and take those empty plates back to the kitchen."
It wasn't that there were no servants at home. Indigo was doing this to teach Amelia a lesson.
I was very worried.
I was afraid Indigo would further provoke Amelia and make her recklessly attack her.
I watched Amelia.
Amelia's face darkened slightly, but she didn't dare refuse. "I understand, Grandma."
I finished the last sip of milk with a sweet smile. "Thank you."
"Grandma, you should come with us too."
I couldn't leave Indigo at home alone with Amelia. I was afraid Amelia would hurt her when no one was around.
Indigo didn't want to, but I finally persuaded her after much coaxing.
After going out for a walk and resting for a bit, James took Amelia to get ready, and I went out too.
I contacted Andrew, put on a mask, and arrived at the party venue with him.
My foot hadn't healed yet, so Andrew supported me. Our bodies were close together, looking very intimate.
"James, the person next to Mr. Anderson should be ZeroSpecter."