Chapter 33 Buy a Latte
Benjamin noticed everyone was staring at Sophia and felt a surge of irritation.
Stepping forward, he blocked their view and snapped, "Skipping work for gossip? Do you want to lose your bonuses this month?"
The group, eager for drama, was taken aback.
Meeting Benjamin's gaze felt like being stared down by a venomous snake.
It was a fear that pierced the soul.
After a moment of silence, a guy in a checkered shirt awkwardly rubbed his nose and muttered, "We were just curious. Aren't you gonna introduce her, Mr. White ?"
Though the others stayed quiet, they were all thinking the same thing.
They were intensely curious about Sophia.
Benjamin shot them a cold look before turning to Sophia, his eyes seeking her approval.
Sophia glanced up at him, then stepped out from behind him, smiling softly as she greeted everyone, "Hi, I'm Sophia."
No sooner had she finished speaking than an arm wrapped around her shoulders, pulling her into a warm, broad chest.
"Just as you suspected, I'm married. This is my wife," Benjamin declared, his deep voice solemn.
"She'll be visiting the office often. When I'm busy, I hope you all will take good care of her."
The room collectively gasped.
They had assumed Sophia was Benjamin's girlfriend or a mistress.
But to find out she was his wife!
Instantly, the employees looked at Sophia with newfound respect.
A chorus of voices rose in unison.
"Good day, Mrs. White," they all said, bowing slightly.
Benjamin raised an eyebrow in satisfaction, feeling a surge of inexplicable joy.
Sophia was taken aback by the sudden formality, unsure of what to say.
Benjamin patted her shoulder reassuringly and whispered in her ear, "Don't worry, I'm here."
"Okay," Sophia replied, her face blushing as she nodded slowly.
He handed a bag of candy to a nearby employee, signaling for it to be distributed. "Here's some candy. Share it around. Also, let the finance department know that everyone's bonus will be doubled this month."
With that, he wrapped his arm around Sophia's shoulders and led her towards the private elevator.
Behind them, cheers erupted, echoing throughout the floor.
Soon, cheers and shouts of excitement were heard across all levels of the White Group building.
Passersby, hearing the commotion, paused outside the White Group's entrance, curious about the excitement.
In no time, the entire company knew Benjamin was married and that their bonuses were doubled.
Everyone looked at Sophia with excitement and admiration, their goodwill towards her skyrocketing.
As Benjamin and Sophia stepped into the elevator, she asked curiously, "Honey, does the White Family own the whole building?"
Benjamin nodded, remembering that Sophia had spent most of her life in the mountains and had rarely been in a city.
"If you're curious, feel free to explore. I have a meeting soon and might not be able to keep you company," he said.
"Don't worry about me. You handle your work," Sophia replied.
Just because she rarely came down from the mountains didn't mean she was clueless about the world below.
Besides, she wasn't a child who needed constant supervision.
As they exited the elevator, a shapely woman with impeccable makeup and a business suit approached them.
She stopped in front of Benjamin and Sophia, her gentle gaze fixed on Benjamin as she spoke with a familiar tone, "Mr. White, was there traffic today? This is the first time you've been late."
Her tone was intimate, suggesting a close relationship.
Sophia frowned slightly, her lips pressed together in silence.
This woman gave her an odd feeling.
Even though she stood beside Benjamin, the woman seemed to ignore her completely.
And to speak to Benjamin with such familiarity in front of her!
It felt like a silent challenge.
Benjamin glanced at Sophia meaningfully before responding, "I overslept. Are the materials for today's meeting ready?"
The woman's gentle smile froze.
Everyone in the company knew that last night, during a meeting, a woman had appeared by Benjamin's side for the first time, shortening the meeting.
Benjamin was known for keeping his personal and professional lives separate.
Since taking over the White Group, he had never let personal matters interfere with work. But last night, he broke that rule for a woman.
The reason for his tardiness was obvious.
The woman forced a smile, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as if just noticing Sophia. "And who might this be?" she asked, feigning surprise.
"Hi, I'm Sophia, Benjamin's wife. You can call me Mrs. White," Sophia said, taking Benjamin's hand and looking up at the woman with a gentle yet distant smile.
Lily Martin's gaze lingered on their clasped hands, her eyes flickering.
Benjamin's wife?
That was the position Lily had dreamed of, longed for.
She had guarded against every young, pretty girl in the company, fearing Benjamin would notice them.
But despite all her efforts, Benjamin had still been taken.
Lily hid her jealousy and resentment, forcing a polite smile.
"Nice to meet you, Mrs. White. I'm Lily, Mr. White's assistant," she said, studying Sophia.
The girl before her had flawless skin, rosy cheeks, and a pure, delicate look that many men favored.
Lily withdrew her gaze, feeling a twinge of disdain.
Such a harmless-looking woman, dependent on a man for everything.
Without Benjamin, she would be nothing.
Lily felt a spark of hope. It seemed she still had a chance.
With that thought, her voice became even sweeter and more seductive. "Mr. White, the materials for the meeting are ready. Shall we go?"
Benjamin was oblivious to Lily's thoughts.
He turned to Sophia, his voice softening slightly, "This is my office. You can stay here. If you get bored, feel free to explore the company."
Sophia nodded obediently, tugging at Benjamin's sleeve and pouting, "Hurry back, okay?"
"Sure," Benjamin replied, smiling as he gently ruffled her hair. He then turned to Lily, "Go get me a latte and some snacks."