Chapter 57 The Browns Are a Real Handful
Benjamin's eyes were downcast, filled with deep sorrow.
Sophia deserved to be cherished and adored, not to endure such suffering.
The Brown family was truly despicable.
"Hey, Sophia, you want revenge?" Benjamin asked, his voice low and dangerous.
Sophia looked up at him, confused.
Benjamin chuckled softly, his rough fingertips gently brushing the delicate skin near Sophia's eyes. "A week from now, the Martinez family and the Brown family are throwing an engagement party. You wanna crash it?"
"Yes!" Sophia replied without hesitation.
She had stayed with the Brown family despite being bullied, not because she had nowhere else to go, but because she wanted to experience emotions she had never felt before.
But she hadn't expected the Brown family to treat her as nothing more than a pawn, devoid of any real affection.
"I thought about signing a disownment agreement with the Browns, cutting all ties. But I never imagined..." Sophia's lips curled in disdain as she recalled the Brown family's continued attempts to ruin her reputation with lies.
Some scores needed to be settled.
"By the way, honey, a lot of people recorded videos today. If they get posted online, it might create bad publicity for you and the White family." Sophia looked up at him nervously.
The White Group was the heart and soul of both Preston and Benjamin.
If Benjamin was upset with her, it would be understandable.
As Sophia's mind raced with worry, she suddenly felt a warm weight on her head.
A pair of large, warm hands gently lifted her face. His touch was incredibly tender. "Silly, we are legally married. We're protected by law."
Benjamin looked into Sophia's clear eyes, a slight smile playing on his lips. "And something this minor won't affect the White family."
The White family had deep roots, with resources and connections that were beyond most people's imagination.
Moreover, Benjamin's marriage had once made headlines, and the White Group had publicly acknowledged it.
Their marriage was legitimate and protected by law.
The investments in the Brown family had all gone through proper channels and could withstand scrutiny.
So if this matter escalated, the only ones to suffer would be the Brown family.
If the Browns had any sense, they wouldn't continue to target Sophia.
Hearing this, Sophia felt a bit relieved and started thinking about the engagement party.
Ever since she had been taken back by the Brown family, the Martinez family had shown no interest in her, clearly wanting to let things slide.
Sophia had no feelings for Zander Martinez, so she had accepted this outcome.
But now she thought differently.
The marriage agreement between the Brown family and the Martinez family had been made in her name.
She could accept breaking off the engagement, but she would not allow anyone to take what was hers without consequence.
Even if she didn't want it, Isabella would not be allowed to occupy that engagement under her name.
Sophia never expected to run into Isabella ahead of time.
That day, Sophia walked out of the lab holding a folder with the latest experimental data.
Her research had made initial progress, and she couldn't wait to share the good news with Alaric.
As she passed the basketball court, Sophia heard excited shouts from a large group of students. They were gathered around something, their voices full of excitement and joy.
Some were even cheering.
"Isabella smiled at me!"
"Isabella is so gorgeous, no wonder she's a star."
"I can't believe I saw a real celebrity! She and Zander are such a perfect match!"
"Zander is so lucky to marry my goddess!"
Sophia couldn't see who was at the center of the crowd.
Though curious, she wasn't one to join in such scenes, so she glanced briefly and then looked away.
She quickened her pace, intending to bypass the crowd and head to her office.
But she hadn't taken more than a few steps when a familiar voice called out behind her. "Sophia? Is that really you?"
The voice was filled with disbelief and a hint of excitement.
Sophia's back stiffened for a moment before she regained her composure.
If there was anyone in the Brown family who left a lasting impression on her, it was Isabella.
The entire Brown family treated Isabella like a treasure, always protecting her from any harm.
During her time with the Brown family, any sign of distress or a casual remark from Isabella would send the family into a frenzy, blaming everything on Sophia.
Sophia had no way to defend herself and could only remain silent.
Over time, everyone believed she was malicious and always targeting Isabella.
But Sophia had never touched Isabella.
Thinking back, Sophia shook her head and prepared to leave.
She had no interest in staging another "sisterly bond" performance with Isabella in public.
But before she could take another step, someone grabbed her hand.
"Sophia, it's really you! I thought I was seeing things!" Isabella's face, perfectly made up, showed concern.
But Sophia knew that Isabella's eyes held only surprise and mockery.
She tried to shake off Isabella's grip, but failed.
Isabella's strength wasn't great, but she used it skillfully.
With so many people watching, Sophia had no doubt that if she struggled, Isabella would stage a dramatic fall.
Isabella would gain sympathy and attention.
After all, the gossip about a celebrity visiting her boyfriend at school and being mistreated by her family would attract a lot of views.
Sophia closed her eyes, resisting the urge to yank her hand away. "Let go."
Isabella hesitated, then slowly released her grip.
She covered her mouth with both hands, feigning surprise. "Sophia, what are you doing here? You're not here for Zander, are you?"
As she spoke, Isabella's eyes filled with unshed tears, looking as if she had been deeply wronged.
"Sophia, if you really like Zander, I'll step aside. But please, don't run away from home again. Mom and Dad aren't in good health and can't take it." Isabella's voice was loud enough for everyone to hear.
Sure enough, the crowd's gaze towards Sophia changed.
What? Trying to steal Isabella's boyfriend? How shameless!
"Does she even know who she is, daring to compete with Isabella?"
"Going after her own sister's fiancé, how disgraceful!"
The harsh words fell on Sophia's ears, and she couldn't help but laugh coldly.
The Browns just wouldn't let her be.