Chapter 94 Wishing You Everlasting Happiness
Sophia's eyes narrowed, a cold glint flickering within them. Her presence suddenly felt powerful and icy, almost like a shadow of Benjamin could be seen in her.
"I don't know what you're talking about, but there's no way I'm letting you hurt Isabella again," Olivia said, her lashes lowering as her eyes flickered slightly.
Seeing Olivia's guilty expression, Sophia couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. She had always wondered why Olivia would believe Isabella over her own daughter. Now she understood—some people just aren't meant for family bonds. Olivia, Hayden, and the entire Brown family were devoid of such connections.
Facing Sophia's clear, unblemished eyes, Olivia felt a strange emotion. Those eyes were so clear, free of any impurities, as if they could see through all the world's filth and greed. Olivia felt her inner darkness exposed, leaving her flustered and at a loss.
The atmosphere in the hall was tense. Just as Olivia was struggling to regain control, a clear and pleasant voice rang out from the staircase.
"Mom, how do I look in this dress?"
Everyone looked up to see Isabella gracefully descending the stairs in a light pink chiffon dress. Isabella, a popular celebrity, was even more stunning with her exquisite makeup. But having just seen Sophia, Isabella now seemed somewhat overshadowed. The guests' attention shifted back to Sophia. One had to admit, Benjamin had good taste. Sophia's face was flawless, almost unreal.
Isabella had come down in her evening gown, feeling a subtle sense of triumph. The gown, designed by the country's most mysterious designer, sci, had cost her nearly all her savings. But she didn't mind the expense. As long as she could stand out at her engagement party, it was worth it. She eagerly looked downstairs, ready to bask in the guests' admiring gazes. However, the reality was far from what she expected. The guests didn't show any amazement; instead, they seemed disappointed?
Confused, Isabella quickened her steps down the stairs. It wasn't until she saw Sophia that she understood everything.
Sophia! Again!
Isabella couldn't help but grit her teeth, her gaze at Sophia filled with hatred. Since Sophia had been brought back to the Brown family, Isabella had noticed her striking looks, even surpassing her own. Isabella had always prided herself on her beauty. But Sophia's presence gave her a strong sense of crisis. She never imagined that at her own engagement party, Sophia would outshine her again! How could she not hate Sophia?
Isabella stepped in front of Sophia, a stiff smile on her meticulously made-up face. Her hands at her sides clenched into fists, nails digging into her palms without feeling the pain.
"Sophia, it's really you! I thought you were mad at me and wouldn't come to my engagement party with Zander!" Isabella feigned surprise.
"Didn't you invite me?" Sophia raised an eyebrow sarcastically. She was here to crash the party, not to play the loving sister.
Isabella's smile faltered for a moment, her facade almost slipping. She had indeed invited Sophia, but only to appear magnanimous in front of others. She hadn't expected Sophia to shamelessly show up.
She forced a laugh to cover her awkwardness. "Did I? I must have forgotten."
"You're only twenty and already so forgetful? Need me to book you a doctor's appointment?" Sophia said, her tone dripping with false concern.
Someone in the crowd couldn't help but chuckle. Many guests stifled their laughter, trying not to lose their composure. This girl was something else, shutting Isabella down with just a few words.
Upstairs in the guest area, a man chuckled and teased, "Who knew Benjamin's wife had such a sense of humor, Mr. Moore?" He patted the shoulder of a distinguished man beside him.
The man, dressed in a charcoal black custom suit, stared intently downstairs, as if trying to bore a hole with his gaze. Seeing his tightly pressed lips, the speaking man was puzzled.
"Mr. Moore, you okay? Why do you look so upset?"
The man's lips curled into a cold smile, his voice deep. "It's nothing. I need to use the restroom." He stood up and headed towards the restroom.
The other man scratched his head, bewildered.
Matthew entered the restroom, immediately pulling out his phone and dialing Sophia's number. But it was still off. Matthew's face turned cold, a wave of frustration washing over him. Sophia had come down the mountain without telling him. And now, she hadn't even consulted him about such a major event as her marriage? And she had married Benjamin of all people!
In the Stewart villa's hall, Isabella's eyes were red with grievance, on the verge of tears. Her eyes flashed as she slowly approached Sophia, whispering in her ear, "Sophia, I'm about to get engaged to Zander."
"I know." Sophia raised an eyebrow, not understanding what Isabella was getting at. Today was Isabella and Zander's engagement party, a well-known fact.
"Sophia, I'll soon be part of the Stewart family, living a life everyone envies. And you, you'll be stuck with Benjamin, that sick man... so pitiful." Isabella's voice was deliberately low, only the two of them could hear.
"Pitiful? I don't think so." Sophia smiled lightly, seemingly indifferent.
Seeing no sadness or sorrow on Sophia's face, Isabella felt stifled. Marrying Benjamin, a man on the verge of death, how could she be so unaffected? Sophia must be pretending!
Isabella gritted her teeth, continuing in a low voice, "Mrs. Stewart adores me, and Zander has promised to treat me well forever. Don't you feel wronged? After all, this engagement was originally yours."
"Not at all, I'm actually relieved. I wish you both everlasting happiness." Sophia's lips curved slightly, her eyes sparkling, in stark contrast to Isabella's anger and resentment.
Isabella glared at Sophia, her hands clenched into fists, continuing to speak harshly. "Everything you had is now mine—parents, brother, inheritance, and fiancé. Don't you feel even a little bit angry?"
Sophia's smile didn't waver. "Angry? No. You can have it all. I've got my own life to live, and trust me, it's gonna be amazing."