Chapter 99 My Wife Is from the Countryside
Benjamin was filled with regret.
Regret for not dealing with the Brown family sooner, which led to Sophia enduring so much hardship.
"I'm fine. I've always said that I'm not one to take losses," Sophia said with a relieved smile.
She hugged Benjamin tightly, planting a soft kiss on his cheek.
"I've already handled Isabella's bullying. Besides, the things Isabella desperately guards are worthless to me."
Sophia never intended to compete with Isabella for Hayden and Olivia's affection or the love of her three brothers.
When she learned her biological parents were still alive, she felt a brief moment of happiness.
But that didn't mean she was willing to sacrifice everything for family ties.
"There were so many reporters at the party today. Those audio recordings and transaction records will keep Isabella busy for a while," Sophia said with a sly smile.
Her clear eyes were full of mischief.
Benjamin gently pinched Sophia's nose, "You're so smart."
"Of course! Look who's wife I am," Sophia said proudly, puffing out her chest.
Benjamin couldn't help but laugh.
Just then, someone knocked on the car window.
Benjamin and Sophia both paused and turned to look at the window.
In the streetlight's glow, Sophia saw the face outside the window.
A flash of panic crossed her eyes, and she hurriedly buried her face in Benjamin's chest, refusing to look up.
Benjamin looked down in confusion, only seeing the top of her head.
He furrowed his brow and rolled down the window.
As the window lowered, a man with an exquisite face and cold demeanor stood in front of the car.
Seeing the man's face, Benjamin was momentarily stunned.
"Mr. Moore?"
Matthew Moore, CEO of the Lumina Group.
Despite his young age, he founded the Lumina Group, and almost every project he invested in was successful.
Many people referred to Matthew and Benjamin as the "cold-faced duo" of Silverlight City.
Unlike Benjamin, Matthew built his empire from scratch.
In just a few years, he turned a small company into a renowned multinational corporation.
If there was anyone Benjamin admired, Matthew's name would definitely be on the list.
He asked, "Mr. Moore, is there something you need?"
Benjamin's face held a distant smile, his voice cold and detached.
Matthew didn't answer immediately. Instead, he shifted his gaze to the small figure in Benjamin's arms, his eyes deep and contemplative.
Noticing Matthew's gaze, Benjamin frowned.
"Mr. Moore, if there's nothing else, we'll be leaving. Chase, drive."
He subtly tightened his arm around Sophia, shielding her from Matthew's view.
"Sorry, that was rude of me."
Matthew realized his mistake and quickly looked away.
"My car broke down. May I hitch a ride with you, Mr. White?"
Benjamin pressed his lips together, pondering for a moment.
Before he could respond, Sophia moved restlessly in his arms.
Benjamin clearly saw Sophia's shoulders tense up.
Confusion flashed in his deep eyes as he coldly said to Matthew, "Sorry, my wife doesn't like being in the same space with strangers."
Matthew's gaze returned to Sophia.
His eyes were deep, his thoughts unknown.
After a moment of silence, Matthew withdrew his gaze and smiled faintly at Benjamin.
"My apologies for the intrusion. Mrs. White resembles someone I once knew, so I thought it might be fate."
Benjamin's alertness heightened as he looked at Matthew's refined face.
"It's common for people to look alike. Mr. Moore, you must be mistaken. My wife is from the countryside and likely hasn't met anyone of your stature."
With that, Benjamin rudely rolled up the window and instructed Chase to drive.
Soon, a black Bentley sped away.
Matthew stood straight by the roadside, his deep eyes fixed on the car until it disappeared.
Just then, his assistant approached and asked quietly, "Mr. Moore, the car is repaired. Should we head back to the office or home?"
"To the office," Matthew replied, his voice low.
Once in the car, Matthew ordered, "Look into Sophia's recent whereabouts and investigate the latest happenings with the Brown family."
"The Brown family that's engaged to the Stewart family today?" the assistant asked.
Matthew confirmed with a nod, then leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes, signaling the end of the conversation.
Meanwhile...
As the car drove away, Benjamin looked down at Sophia in his arms.
"Get up, he's gone."
Reluctantly, Sophia lifted her face from Benjamin's chest, her lips slightly pouting.
"Don't you want to explain?"
Sophia blinked her clear eyes, looking innocent. "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm tired, and my head hurts. Isabella must have stressed me out."
"Stop making excuses. Do you think I'll believe that?" Benjamin lightly tapped Sophia's smooth forehead.
Sophia winced and covered her forehead, her eyes full of accusation.
"Tell me, do you know Matthew?"
Benjamin leaned back lazily, his fingers tapping lightly on the car door.
The crisp tapping sound added a heavy atmosphere to the quiet car.
Sophia nervously bit her lip, unsure where to start.
Her lively eyes shifted, and she said, "You said you wouldn't pressure me. Men's promises are always unreliable!"
Benjamin laughed in exasperation.
He extended his arm, pulling Sophia back into his embrace, then asked again.
"Do you know Matthew?"
Though he suspected the answer, Benjamin wanted to hear it from Sophia.
Reluctantly, Sophia nodded.
"No wonder Finn said you knew about the rare medicines at the Lumina Group."
This had always puzzled Benjamin.
Although the Lumina Group had a pharmaceutical company, they wouldn't publicize their rare medicines.
So the most likely explanation was that Sophia knew Matthew.
He had never been certain before.
Based on his research, Sophia had always lived in the mountains.
Before she was brought back to the Brown family, she had hardly ever left.
Feeling guilty, Sophia stuck out her tongue and then leaned closer to Benjamin, lightly hooking his pinky with her finger.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hide it from you."
Sophia hadn't intentionally kept it a secret; she just didn't know how to bring it up.
And if Matthew found out she had snuck away, he would definitely take her back.