Chapter 218

Chapter 218

"The moment we've been waiting for is finally here."

The banquet hall was packed, and she could make a break for it any second now.

Sophia's excitement was bubbling up as she glanced up and caught William's enigmatic gaze. Her smile slowly faded.

"Having a good time at the banquet?" William asked in a rough voice.

Sophia nodded. "Yeah, being cooped up at home every day gets old."

"Great." William personally helped Sophia take off the necklace she was wearing and then selected a purple dress for her.

Inside the car, William held Sophia's hand tightly. "If you're not into this scene, we can bail early. Your happiness is all that matters, don't worry about anyone else. I just want you to enjoy yourself."

William's words were genuine.

Sophia remained poker-faced and said nothing.

The event of the evening was a charity banquet.

Fancy cars lined up at the hotel entrance, and elegantly dressed men and women arrived in pairs.

The moment Sophia and William stepped in, all eyes were on them.

Numerous people looking to network surrounded them with fake smiles.

Sophia wasn't a fan of these glitzy gatherings, but she kept up a polite smile.

Scanning the room, she quickly spotted Aiden in a sharp suit.

To her surprise, Aiden had brought Isabella as his date to the banquet.

As for the younger generation, Sophia took the lead in greeting them and walked over hand in hand with William.

"Dad, Isabella."

Despite any personal issues they had, in public, they were still family and needed to keep up appearances for each other.

Aiden nodded and said coolly, "It's been a while since you two visited home. Your mom has been asking about you. As parents, you should swing by and see Safe."

"Got it," William cut in impatiently, not letting Aiden speak, and whisked Sophia away to a different corner.

Aiden watched them go with a cold gaze and let out a helpless sigh.

Tonight had to go off without a hitch.

Inside the bustling banquet hall, with glasses clinking and conversations buzzing, William always had a crowd around him wherever he moved.

Feeling uneasy, Sophia wanted to step outside for some fresh air, but William seemed anxious about her leaving. He held her hand tightly, as if he thought she might bolt if he loosened his grip.

With a smile, Sophia said, "I know there are plenty of people out there. I just need a moment alone for some fresh air."

"Fine," William reluctantly agreed.

The charity banquet also featured an auction.

Sophia entered the exhibition hall and surveyed the donated items. Removing the bracelet from her wrist, she declared, "I'm donating this."

"Mrs. Johnson? Isn't it a bit beneath you to donate something like that?" Lark chimed in, her smile masking a hint of disdain in her eyes.

Yes, disdain.

To Lark, perhaps even as William's wife, Sophia still didn't measure up to high society.

Sophia smiled and inquired, "What did you contribute today?"

"I put in a top-notch gemstone bracelet. Want to take a peek?" Lark displayed the bracelet.

The bracelet was a sea of green, clearly worth millions.

Sophia grinned, "Take a closer look at my bracelet."

The staff quickly added, "Although Mrs. Johnson's bracelet may seem simple, the diamonds on it are quite valuable."

The large pink diamonds were valued at tens of millions.

Caught off guard, Lark chuckled and said, "Just kidding around. You know how I am, we were classmates. I like to tease."

"We're not close. Please give me some space," Sophia stated bluntly, then turned and walked away.

Refusing to back down, Lark trailed after her.

Sophia and Lark found themselves on the balcony.

Sneering, Lark remarked, "Now that you've married into money, why do you act superior to people like us?"

"You said it yourself," Sophia replied, scanning their surroundings carefully.

It was late, with few cars passing by. If she made a run for it... Sophia began plotting her escape route in her mind.

Wearing a fake smile, Lark linked arms with Sophia and teased, "I heard you've been cooped up at home lately. Turning into a caged bird, huh? A wealthy wife needs to mingle, or she'll be replaced in no time."

Malice gleamed in Lark's eyes behind her smile. "I heard William hired a new female secretary. Did you know? Thought I'd give you a heads-up as a friend. Take a look at this photo of her."

The photo depicted the secretary in professional attire, with a friendly smile and a striking figure.

Clearly, she was a beauty.

But when Sophia noticed the teardrop-shaped mole near the woman's eye, her expression shifted. "Who is she?"

"She's from a wealthy background too. Interested in more details?" Lark handed over a comprehensive profile.

The heiress had studied abroad, was fluent in five languages, had entrepreneurial success in college, and now boasted a billion-dollar net worth.

How could someone like her be William's assistant?

With a bitter smile, Sophia asked, "Why are you telling me this?"

"Just looking out for you. You've finally snagged William as your husband. Don't want to lose him so soon, do you?"

In the eyes of many, William was now the ideal spouse.

Numerous wealthy families had their eyes on him.

Unfortunately, Sophia wasn't in that league.

Sophia remained unfazed. "Thanks for the info, but I'm not interested."

"You..."

Before Lark could respond, Sophia walked away without a word.

The banquet carried on, and soon it was time for the auction.

After donating a bracelet, Sophia had no intention of participating further and sat quietly on the sidelines.

Onstage, the host enthusiastically presented each item.

William held her hand and inquired, "See anything you like? I'll get it for you."

Shaking her head, Sophia replied, "Just jewelry, nothing special."

She had no desire for such things.

Noticing Sophia's disinterest, William didn't mind. He fetched her drinks and snacks, always sporting a smile.

Onlookers envied their interaction.

Time crept by.

The auction reached its peak.

Bidders vied for an antique vase, with proceeds aiding underprivileged students.

Attendees eagerly placed their bids.

Suddenly, a pained look crossed Sophia's face. "I need to use the restroom."

"I'll come with you."

"Fine."

Sophia nodded, and they walked hand in hand out of the banquet hall.

Inside the restroom.

Sophia glanced at William nearby, her expression grim. "I can't do this if you're watching me."

"Okay, I'll look away."

William turned his face, but stayed put.

Head bowed, Sophia clenched a handkerchief tightly in her hand. Then, she swiftly lunged forward, covering William's mouth and nose with the cloth.

"You..."

William's expression shifted, disbelief in his eyes as he gazed at her, a storm brewing beneath the surface.

Instinctively, he grabbed Sophia's wrist.

Seeing William's dazed look and fading consciousness, Sophia began methodically breaking his fingers one by one.