Chapter 203

Chapter 203

She was covered in red marks.

With her eyes still filled with desire, cheeks flushed, and swollen lips, Sophia gazed at her reflection in the mirror. Despite trying to stay calm, a sense of resignation lingered on her face.

"How am I supposed to show up at Safe's celebration looking like this?" she fretted.

As she observed the adults milling about, Sophia felt exposed and longed to hide.

William, unfazed, picked up the scattered clothes and helped her dress. "Don't worry, no one would dare to mock you," he reassured her.

"Mrs. Johnson and Mr. Johnson are always so lovey-dovey, can't keep their hands off each other," Sophia remarked, feeling a pang of envy.

"Yeah, they're inseparable. Looks like Safe might have some siblings soon," William quipped as he guided Sophia through the crowd back to their room.

Amidst the chatter of gossiping guests, the couple's affectionate display stirred a mix of envy and jealousy in the air.

Amelia, though happy for them, couldn't help but notice the neglect of little Safe.

In the midst of the crowd, Eric enthusiastically exclaimed, "Look at Sophia working her magic! We need to have a celebratory ceremony today, it's a wedding tradition we can't skip."

He then slyly revealed his elaborate plan on his phone.

"Why go all out for a simple celebration?" Sophia questioned, amused by Eric's enthusiasm.

Ignoring the jests from his friends, Eric retorted, "Taking care of Mr. Johnson is a top priority, you know."

The banter continued as the evening unfolded.

William was officially named the family heir, solidifying the family's strength with just a couple of business opportunities.

Eric, a capable subordinate, played a crucial role in the family's success.

The celebratory ceremony featured unique elements, including games that required the couple to work together.

"These games are no joke, even if you're trying to flaunt your relationship," remarked one guest, amidst laughter.

Despite the initial teasing, everyone was impressed by the well-thought-out plan.

After sending a quick message, Eric led the group to the study.

William lounged on the sofa, legs crossed, shirt unbuttoned, exuding charm and allure.

As Eric and the group entered, he eagerly presented his plan. "This is all my doing. These folks can assist you. What do you think?"

William casually glanced over, catching sight of someone in the crowd. With a faint smile, he greeted, "Long time no see, Samuel."

Startled, Samuel emerged from the crowd, trembling as he stood before William.

"Mr. Johnson," he stammered nervously.

"Spill it. What did the investigation uncover?" William's tone was light, but Samuel couldn't shake his fear.

If he had known William remembered the racetrack incident, he wouldn't have dared to attend.

Samuel had hoped to expand his network at the event, not expecting his hidden agenda to be exposed.

Displaying remarkable patience, William tapped his fingers on the table.

Eric attempted to intervene, "Today is a joyous occasion, we..."

His words trailed off as William shot him a cold glance, silencing him with a mere look.

Approaching cautiously, Samuel began, "We scrutinized the surveillance footage from that day repeatedly. There was only one suspicious individual, a woman brought in by Ava to make coffee. When questioned later, they claimed she had already left."

"Mr. Johnson, I stand by this. I treat your matters like my own. I've checked the surveillance, and the only suspicious person is the woman Ava brought in to make coffee. Don't take my word for it, see for yourself," Samuel asserted confidently.

A competent subordinate, Eric, swiftly retrieved the previous surveillance footage.

As the video played, William watched closely, recognizing a familiar figure and distinctive hair. It was evident that the surveillance had been manipulated.

Beside Ava stood...

In a sudden move, Samuel was so frightened that he dropped to his knees.

William glanced dispassionately at Samuel before turning his attention to Jesse.

"Did you hire the stripper?" William advanced, landing a kick as Jesse stumbled to the ground.

In the next moment, William's fists rained down on Jesse, leaving him battered and bruised.

The spectators remained unfazed, their expressions unchanged.

After a while, William grew weary of the beating and simply walked away.

Eric was at a loss for words.

What about the celebration?

What about the joyous occasion?

He had meticulously planned everything, only for William to depart abruptly.

Glaring fiercely at the others, Eric remarked, "You all know how to kill the mood. Take a lesson from me next time."

As night descended, the banquet continued, transitioning from a lavish event to a more intimate gathering.

Small groups gathered, chatting and enjoying drinks.

Feeling suffocated in her room, Sophia ventured out alone.

Amidst the crowd in the courtyard, Sophia discovered a secluded garden.

Finding solace in a small pavilion, she settled in to unwind.

Just as Sophia sat down, she heard laughter and footsteps approaching.

Considering leaving, Sophia realized she was blocked in, leaving her with no choice but to stay put.

"Flora, heard your brother got cut off from the inheritance?" The girl hit a nerve right off the bat.

Flora exploded, "Shut it! Finding joy in my troubles, do you even know who you're talking to?"

"Still better off than you, at least I'm a legitimate child. You're just a bastard, getting the boot once William takes over. You and your mom are in for a rough ride."

"Is that right?"

Before the girl could finish her cutting remark, a cold voice interrupted.

All eyes turned to see Sophia sitting there with a serene smile.

In the moonlight, Sophia looked stunning in her blue dress, her skirt dancing in the breeze, exuding charm.

Flora huffed disapprovingly at Sophia's presence.

Trying to make amends, the girl said, "Mrs. Johnson, remember me? We met at the party. I know you own a coffee shop, and I have a charity auction..."

"Let's get back to the earlier topic. How do you know Flora and her mom will struggle?" Sophia interjected impatiently, her smile sending shivers.

The girl hesitated, "Mrs. Johnson, what do you want?"

With a subtle smile, Sophia's gaze shifted from the girl to Flora, "Where's that arrogance now?"

To lay a hand on someone upon first meeting.

The once confident Flora now found herself on the receiving end.

Flora looked away awkwardly, "No need for fake kindness here."

"Exactly," Sophia replied casually before turning to leave.

But a few steps away, she turned back to the girl, "No member of the Johnson family will be pushed around."