Chapter 82 Celestia Wants It, She Just Won't Give It!
"Alright, Ms. White, if there's nothing else, I'm outta here," Vivian chuckled lightly, turning away from the White Manor.
Watching her leave, Celestia clenched her fists tightly. "Sophia, you wretched woman!"
Upstairs, Sophia was about to change out of her evening gown when she heard a shrill voice outside the door.
She furrowed her brows and quickly stepped out of the bathroom.
Celestia stormed into the bedroom, her eyes immediately landing on Sophia, who was wearing the gown she had coveted.
Jealousy and resentment surged through Celestia's mind as she glared at Sophia with hatred and unwillingness.
"What do you want, Celestia?" Sophia asked, surprised to see her.
Celestia had always disliked her. Beyond the snide remarks at the dinner table, she rarely spoke to Sophia in private.
Why the sudden change today?
"Sophia, you bumpkin, what makes you think you deserve to wear that dress? Do you even know how valuable it is? Many people couldn't buy it even if they had the money!"
"And? You came here just to tell me how expensive this dress is?" Sophia raised an eyebrow, puzzled.
Celestia was momentarily speechless, her eyes reddening as she glared at Sophia.
"I'm telling you, you don't deserve that dress! If it weren't for the White family and Benjamin, you'd be nothing but a country bumpkin. Even though you're married into the White family now, don't think you can climb the social ladder!"
"Whether I deserve this dress or not isn't for you to decide. Benjamin bought it for me. If you have the guts, say what you just said to his face." Sophia crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing coldly at Celestia.
"You!"
Hearing Benjamin's name, Celestia's arrogance instantly deflated.
She had feared Benjamin since childhood.
Moreover, Benjamin doted on Sophia; there was no way she could say such things to him.
Celestia gritted her teeth, her eyes fixed on the gown Sophia was wearing. "I don't care! Take that dress off right now! You don't deserve it!"
Celestia stepped forward, instinctively trying to tear the dress off Sophia.
Sophia's eyes flashed coldly as she took two steps back, avoiding Celestia's hand.
Her gaze turned icy, "Celestia, where are your manners? Who taught you to lay hands on your elders so disrespectfully?"
"Elders? You think you're an elder? I've never acknowledged you as Benjamin's wife! To me, Benjamin's wife will always be Magnolia!" Celestia lunged at Sophia again, but Sophia sidestepped, causing Celestia to lose her balance and fall forward.
Her body collided violently with the floor, causing Celestia to grimace in pain.
"Sophia, why did you dodge?" Celestia angrily pounded the floor.
Sophia found it somewhat amusing, "You were about to hit me. Should I have just stood there and let you?"
Celestia didn't seem too bright.
She struggled to get up from the floor, glaring furiously at Sophia.
"The White family's manners are truly enlightening. Not only do you barge into an elder's room, but you also try to strip them." Sophia found Celestia's behavior inexplicable. Who in their right mind would start tearing at someone's clothes?
Sophia's expression turned icy as she looked at Celestia. "Do you think Benjamin would be happy if he found out what you did today?"
Celestia knew she was in the wrong but stubbornly refused to admit it. She stared at the gown on Sophia, unwilling to back down.
"Sophia, just you wait!" With that, she limped out of the room.
Sophia lowered her gaze to the gown she was wearing.
She thought for a moment, then walked to the desk and opened her laptop, searching for information.
When she saw the price displayed on the screen, Sophia instantly understood why Celestia had lost control.
The gown was designed by the renowned designer Vivian. It was a limited edition piece globally.
It blended elements that many young people adored, combining elegance and sophistication with a touch of youthful playfulness.
The most astonishing aspect was the price. Seven million dollars. Indeed, a price that would make most people balk. But the gown was worth every penny.
Celestia wanted it, but Sophia had no intention of giving it up.
Sophia's lips curled into a smile as she closed the laptop.
Just then, Emma came to the bedroom to call Sophia for dinner, prompting her to reluctantly change out of the gown.
Meanwhile, Celestia returned to her room, growing angrier the more she thought about it.
How dare Sophia threaten her so blatantly? No, she had to find a way to kick Sophia out of the White family!
"What's going on? I could hear you yelling from down the hall," Arabella entered Celestia's room, a hint of displeasure on her face.
"Mom, Benjamin got that wretched Sophia a custom-made evening gown! He never bought anything like that for Magnolia or me!" Celestia pouted, clinging to Arabella's arm.
Arabella laughed helplessly. "Benjamin is always distant. Have you ever seen him close to anyone? Even his own mother probably hasn't received a gift from him. What does a cousin like you matter?"
Celestia's eyes filled with resentment. "But he bought Sophia a gown worth seven million dollars! I wanted that gown first; it should be mine!"
Thinking of her favorite gown now being worn by Sophia, Celestia couldn't help but feel a surge of jealousy. Why should that country bumpkin Sophia wear that gown?
"Seven million dollars?" Arabella was taken aback.
"Yes! Seven million dollars!" Celestia grew angrier.
Arabella was silent for a moment before sneering. "Seems Benjamin truly dotes on Sophia. I wonder how Amelia will react when she finds out."
Arabella had always been at odds with Amelia, unable to stand her pretentious demeanor.
For years, she had watched as Amelia and Benjamin grew distant, even subtly fanning the flames.
Unfortunately, Amelia had never held any real power, only causing constant trouble. The White Group remained firmly under Benjamin's control.
Thinking about the White Group's inheritance, Arabella's eyes flashed with discontent.
Both were Preston's sons, yet they were treated differently. The elder son's family enjoyed the best of everything the White family had to offer, while the younger son's family was always overshadowed.
Just because she hadn't borne a son, she was destined to be overlooked?
Seeing the hatred and resentment in Arabella's eyes, Celestia was momentarily stunned.