Chapter 200

Chapter 200

The grand celebration banquet was in full swing.

Sophia and William strolled together, chatting with the elders.

As the next in line, William was showered with praise wherever he went.

Sophia's status had soared, and she was greeted more warmly than ever.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they each went about their own business.

In theory, this was supposed to be Sophia's son's celebration, and she should have been mingling with family while holding Safe.

However, since arriving, Sophia had been avoiding meeting Safe on purpose.

Even when she spotted Amelia heading her way with Safe a few times, Sophia skillfully evaded them.

She couldn't take the risk.

Sophia feared that if she laid eyes on Safe, she wouldn't be able to tear herself away.

With a glass of wine in hand, Sophia socialized with the guests before finding a quiet corner to relax.

Amelia, noticing this, was about to approach with Safe.

But just as Amelia was halfway there, an old friend intercepted her.

"Is this your family's little one? What a cutie! Those big eyes, smooth skin, gonna be a heartbreaker when he grows up."

"Absolutely, with such good-looking parents, this kid's destined to be a looker. Look at that smile, seems like he knows it all, such a bright spark."

Amidst the compliments, Amelia nodded, "Indeed, this is our great-grandson, the sharpest of the bunch."

"But why are you the one holding him? Where's his mom?"

"Sophia had a premature delivery, she's a bit fragile, resting over there."

Amelia chatted with the guests, planning to find Sophia with Safe. However, when she glanced up, Sophia had vanished.

Letting out a sigh, Amelia remarked, "Can you believe it? The child hasn't even laid eyes on his mother since he was born."

What kind of mother does that?

Not bothering to come see her child.

A nearby servant chimed in, "Mrs. Johnson is feeling under the weather, maybe she's worried about passing on any bugs to the child."

Amelia nodded in understanding, "Could be. It's just sad for Safe, not seeing his mother for a whole month."

Finally finding a moment to herself, Sophia settled down and let out a sneeze.

Recalling the car sinking into the water, a shiver ran down her spine.

William was out of control.

Driven and fixated on his ambitions.

Things had reached a point where Sophia couldn't see a smooth way out.

If William didn't loosen his grip, would she be trapped like this forever?

And even if William wanted to, Aiden would never allow it.

If this dragged on, who knew what Aiden might do?

It was all a mess.

Lost in her thoughts, Sophia was suddenly interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Mrs. Johnson, the banquet is starting, please come downstairs."

"Alright."

Sophia nodded quietly and made her way out.

But why were there so many people gathered at the door?

These weren't servants; they were dressed to the nines, either wealthy or noble.

Flora hesitantly stepped forward from the crowd, "Sophia, let's head down together. I'll help you with your dress train."

Her words were slow and deliberate.

Flora seemed to put all her effort into that sentence.

In contrast, Eli's voice rang out confidently, "Sophia, William sent us to escort you downstairs."

Sophia's eyelashes fluttered as she smiled and proceeded ahead.

As expected, when Sophia reached the stairs, Flora and Eli followed behind her, trailed by those debutantes and heirs of affluent families.

A grand procession.

Sophia glided gracefully at the front, with a parade of glamorous figures trailing behind her.

The staircase spiraled down, and as soon as Sophia made her entrance, a swarm of reporters gathered below, snapping photos feverishly.

This was a rare sight.

The affluent heirs' wives led the way, followed by the younger family members, and then representatives from other well-to-do families.

These individuals in the snapshots held the purse strings of the nation.

All eyes were fixed on them.

Sophia moved with poise, exuding elegance at every step.

Flora followed, her face adorned with a polite smile. Bred in aristocratic traditions since childhood, she secretly wished for Sophia to slip up.

But her hopes were dashed.

Sophia was akin to a regal swan leading the procession.

Despite seething with hatred, Flora maintained her composure, flashing a sweet smile.

As Mia had advised, the more you despise, the wider you should grin.

Glancing sideways at Eli, Flora's eyes met his cheerful gaze, prompting her to shoot him a fierce glare.

Where did this dimwit come from?

Echoing Flora's sentiments about Eli's foolishness was Isabella.

Isabella was boiling with anger but refrained from acting out. Nevertheless, she resolved to give Eli a piece of her mind after the banquet, to demonstrate who truly knows how to battle and compete.

Amidst the onlookers' stares, Sophia descended the stairs.

William beamed and approached, clasping Sophia's hand with intertwined fingers.

As the banquet kicked off, Aiden stood at the forefront.

William and Sophia stood dutifully behind Aiden.

Onstage, the dazzling lights gleamed brightly.

After Aiden's speech, William took the microphone and turned to Sophia, "Today we celebrate the child with this banquet. Thank you for your dedication. Look over there."

William gestured towards a large empty space.

Suddenly, Nash emerged with a group of people.

"Mrs. Johnson, this is a gift Mr. Johnson arranged for you."

A several-foot-tall box.

Nash pressed a button, and the box opened, revealing a stunning gift.

Bathed in the bright lights, the gift sparkled.

It was a family portrait.

Digitally enhanced, the photo portrayed a joyful and cozy family of three, so captivating that it held one's gaze.

Sophia turned to William, gripping his hand, "Did you organize this?"

William nodded, whispering in her ear, his tone alluring, "You have a place to call home now. This is your family."

Was this truly a home?

A family portrait crafted from gems.

Was William considerate or careless?

As they approached the gift, Sophia realized that the photos were actually crafted from diamonds.

An array of colored gems, precious diamonds.

This family portrait held immense value.

"All these are genuine diamonds. See that one, the gem on the eye, wasn't it from last month's auction, valued at over ten billion dollars?"

"And the red diamonds on the red heels, I managed to acquire a few, all of which I incorporated into jewelry. But there are over a hundred on these heels."

The accolades from the onlookers were ceaseless, leaving them in awe.

Sophia stood frozen, her mind in turmoil.

What was her next move?

How could she break free?

Under the spotlight, William gazed at Sophia with possessive eyes brimming with anticipation.

Yet, Sophia felt a wave of unease.

While everyone else marveled at those dazzling and priceless diamonds, to Sophia, they weren't just gems; they were a prison.

Confinement that bound her here.