Chapter 40 Live Streaming in a Bathrobe Late at Night
"I'm all alone."
Sophia's voice was barely a whisper, but each word felt like a ton of bricks on William's heart, squeezing it painfully.
William's sharp features were highlighted as he leaned back in his study chair, his long legs stretched out lazily. He had unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt.
When she mentioned being alone at the hospital, her tone was one he had never heard before—so despondent. A strange heat spread from his chest, making it hard to breathe, and even the room seemed to get warmer.
Holding back his frustration, William asked, "Why didn't you tell me?"
Sophia gave a bitter smile, "I called you a bunch of times, but you didn't answer."
He pressed further, "Were you sick? Why were you in the hospital?"
She paused before responding, "It's not important anymore."
William stayed silent for a long time.
Sophia then recounted several incidents during their secret marriage when he had neglected her, making her feel aggrieved, deepening the heaviness in William's heart.
"You see, you did hurt me quite a few times."
"...I'm sorry."
From the first word William spoke on the phone, Sophia could tell something was off. His voice was only this deep when he had been drinking.
Hearing his apology now confirmed her suspicion.
"So, William, why can't we just get along for the sake of our child, as we did two years ago?"
William rubbed his aching temples.
He had been drinking heavily with some older clients earlier, and now the alcohol was taking effect. Her soft voice made it hard for him to distinguish between dream and reality.
William said, "The custody of the child goes to me. You can visit anytime. How is that different from the custody going to you, and I visit?"
Sophia reminded herself to stay calm; arguing would only make it harder to get custody. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
"If there's no difference, why won't you agree?"
William glanced at the family photo on his desk. The man who remained unfazed in fierce business negotiations now felt his throat constrict.
The only sound on the phone was their breathing.
Soft and faint.
Neither spoke for a while.
Suddenly, there was a knock on William's study door. He frowned; the housekeeper, Patrick, and the servants wouldn't disturb him at this hour.
"William, are you there?"
Alice's sweet voice came from outside.
In that moment, William's heart skipped a beat, tightening abruptly. He instinctively listened for Sophia's breathing on the other end.
Sure enough, Sophia's breathing changed.
The atmosphere between them, which had finally become somewhat harmonious, shifted again due to Alice's appearance.
A barely audible scoff came from the other end.
William wanted to explain, but Sophia had already hung up.
The drunken haze vanished instantly.
William rubbed his throbbing temples, drank some water, and waited for the alcohol to dissipate before opening the door.
Outside, Alice stood in a black lace camisole, the thin fabric clinging to her body, barely covering her hips.
The white bandage on her cheek added a touch of innocent vulnerability, and the strong scent of rose perfume filled the air.
William frowned and stepped back, his gaze fixed on her eyes, ignoring the seductive atmosphere she had created.
With a hint of anger, he asked, "It's late. Do you need something?"
Blushing, she asked softly, "I need to change the bandage on my face, but I'm out of antiseptic. I couldn't find the medicine cabinet."
Alice deliberately bent over, her voluptuous figure catching the light, but William's eyes didn't waver.
"Go back to the guest room in the annex. Patrick will take care of it."
Seeing William's indifference to her body, Alice looked up with teary eyes, full of dependence.
"I'm sorry, William. Did I disturb you?"
Pretending to be remorseful, she bit her lip. "I'm such an idiot, always doing foolish things in front of you."
Alice stepped forward, reaching for William's shirt, her voice soft and seductive.
"Sophia... even though she schemed to get my family sent away, I don't blame her. I believe the Rivera family is innocent. The truth may be delayed, but it will come."
"William, I have no one else to rely on. You won't leave me alone, will you?"
William sidestepped her.
Her fingers barely grazed his shirt before he quickly stepped back, creating distance.
William replied coldly, "I know you have feelings for me, but we're just friends. Go back."
Hearing Patrick and the servants moving downstairs, Alice bit her lip and forcefully pulled down her lace camisole strap.
William moved even faster.
He turned and retreated to the study, closing the door.
Alice stood stunned, her chest feeling cold, but she didn't get a glance from William.
She shouted at the door, her voice fearful and forlorn, "William, I'm sorry. I just miss my parents so much..."
"You're the only one who can save them now. Please, William, help me. The Rivera family was framed. My parents are innocent!"
William's voice, no longer gentle, was cold as ice, revealing no emotion.
"Alice, you're not thinking clearly. Go rest in the guest room. I will follow up on what I promised. You don't need to do this."
Hearing Patrick and the servants coming upstairs, Alice quickly pulled up her clothes.
Seeing Alice standing at the study door in her outfit, looking distressed, Patrick and the maid exchanged a shocked glance.
The maid spoke, "Ms. Rivera, let me take you back to your room."
Alice's attempt to seduce William had failed, but at least she was now staying at the Smith Mansion.
Though it was only the annex where Patrick and the servants lived, it was still part of the Smith family estate, a significant step forward for her.
"William, I'm sorry. I was overwhelmed by the Rivera family's situation and acted irrationally tonight."
"I won't do this again. I'm truly sorry."
She held her head high, back straight, pretending to be strong as she left the study.
Once she was gone, William emerged from the study.
He glanced at Patrick, who immediately understood and apologized, "Mr. Smith, I failed in my duties. I will be more vigilant in the future."
The main house door had a code lock.
At night, after Patrick and the servants returned to the annex, the main house door would be locked, accessible only to William and his two children.
And Mrs. Smith.
William's voice was indifferent, "Don't let this happen again."
He returned to the study but felt uneasy.
Thinking of Sophia's disconnected call, he dialed her number, hearing the familiar busy tone.
Sophia had blocked his landline number, too!
Back in her room, Alice refused the maid's offer to apply medicine. She went to the bathroom, turned on the hot shower, and let the water redden her skin before stopping. She forcefully left marks on her neck.
She deliberately wore a robe identical to William's.
The one Sophia had bought for him.
That day, Alice had seen Sophia at a department store, carrying a bag from a specific brand's sleepwear shop. She asked the clerk and found out Sophia had bought matching robes. On impulse, Alice bought a set too, choosing the men's version.
Now she had the chance to wear it.
"William, you were meant to be mine. That wretched woman, Sophia, stole you from me."
Looking at the marks on her neck in the mirror, Alice smiled confidently: Soon, you'll belong to me entirely.
She took out her phone and opened her livestream account.
"Hi, everyone. It's your online friend, Alice..."