Chapter 100 The Second Thing
Sophia gave James a meaningful look. "Alice? She's not as pure-hearted as she seems."
James looked puzzled. "I only interact with her during filming. You don't need to completely cut off my contact with her, do you?"
"No, no, no. I don't mean she has impure intentions toward you. I mean she's not a pure person in general."
After years of navigating high society, Sophia had encountered people from all walks of life and witnessed every kind of facade. Her ability to read people was naturally sharp.
Just from that brief two-second eye contact with Alice today, she'd already seen through her.
Before even understanding Sophia's identity, Alice had shown hostility simply because she'd seen her chatting with James—her eyes couldn't hide it.
She carried a shallow kind of arrogance, probably from being pursued since childhood due to her good looks, plus having two little followers around her gave her a sense of superiority.
Being chosen as the female lead in a short film shot on their own campus had only boosted her ego further. She was content with her current status, not viewing this short film as just experience-building.
And people like that were usually vain.
Jealous, superficial, short-sighted, and opportunistic.
Sophia didn't want to interfere in James's romantic affairs. As the director had said, he was twenty years old—dating would be perfectly normal.
If Alice really were James's girlfriend, she'd have nothing to say.
But since she wasn't, and James had no romantic interest in Alice, Sophia definitely wanted to eliminate this type of person from James's vicinity.
Though Alice's work attitude was decent enough, and her acting was passable.
Those flaws just meant she wasn't suitable as a romantic partner.
As family, she didn't want James getting too close to Alice.
As a boss, Alice could still make her money.
So Sophia hadn't voiced these thoughts in front of the director, nor had she cut off Alice's acting career.
"Are you really that good at reading people?"
James was skeptical. Pointing out so many of Alice's flaws after meeting her just once sounded like pure speculation.
"Just observe her yourself and you'll know," Sophia linked her arm through James's, acting coquettish. "She saw my car today and knows I'm a shareholder in Stellar Cinematics. She'll definitely start probing about your financial situation and family background, and she'll be much more flattering and ingratiating toward you."
James remained half-convinced, finally laughing. "Alright, if you're right, I'll treat you to petit fours. If you're wrong, then you have to... come study with me at the library."
"What?"
Wait, how is this not a win-win for me either way?
Arriving home, they were greeted by the enticing aroma of dinner.
Not having seen Sophia for half a month, Evelyn had specifically timed her shift to be home for dinner. Lucas hadn't stayed at Benjamin's either, coming home early to help tidy up the house.
Mary had bought lots of groceries, and Ray had rushed into the kitchen to help as soon as he got home from work. The couple had prepared a whole table of dishes.
"Nothing beats home cooking," Sophia said, setting down the bags she'd carried in and heading to the kitchen to wash her hands.
"Come here, sweetheart, try a piece of pot roast!" Ray picked up a piece of pot roast to feed Sophia.
Sophia was about to open her mouth when Mary smacked Ray's arm, glaring at him. "What are you doing? Sophia doesn't like chuck roast! The chuck roast is for Evelyn—the brisket is for Sophia!"
"Oh right, try a piece of brisket then." Ray quickly put down the chuck roast, reaching for the brisket and offering a piece to Sophia.
"Thanks, Dad." Sophia smiled as she ate it, mumbling with her mouth full, "So delicious! Mom's cooking is amazing!"
James had just finished putting things away and come to wash his hands when he saw the three of them interacting. He said sourly, "How unfair! Only dishes Evelyn and Sophia like—have Lucas and I fallen out of favor?"
Mary laughed cheerfully. "Of course not! There's sea bass for you and chicken wings for Lucas."
"What's going on?" Seeing the kitchen so lively, Evelyn squeezed in too. Spotting Sophia with her cheeks puffed out chewing something, she pointed accusingly, "Oh! Sophia's sneaking bites!"
Ray laughed heartily, picking up a piece of chuck roast to feed Evelyn. "Here, you sneak a bite too!"
Evelyn bit down, her face full of bliss. "Thanks, Daddy!"
The warm, joyful atmosphere helped Sophia quickly settle into this family.
Perhaps initially refusing to leave with Andrew and John had contained an element of spite, but now she genuinely loved this place—loved her new family.
As they brought the dishes to the table, Lucas was nowhere to be seen.
"Where's Lucas?" Mary asked.
"He went to buy drinks," Evelyn answered. "The corner store downstairs didn't have grape juice, so he went to the supermarket at the intersection."
Only Sophia in the house liked grape juice—Lucas had specifically walked that far to get it for her.
"Is it okay for him to go alone?" Sophia asked.
"It's fine. He's almost ten, and everyone around here knows him. It's very safe."
Just as Evelyn finished speaking, they heard Lucas calling from outside: "Open up! I'm back!"
She hurried to open the door. Lucas was carrying a large bottle of orange juice in one hand and clutching grape juice in the other, his small frame looking quite strained.
She took the drinks from him, letting Lucas change his shoes and wash his hands for dinner.
James automatically got up to fetch glasses from the kitchen.
After pouring drinks for everyone, James joined his father for a beer, and all six family members clinked glasses in celebration.
There was no rule about silence during meals here. The family chatted while eating, taking turns reporting on their recent activities.
First was Ray: after taking over factory management, he was working with familiar processes and doing very well. He'd even gotten a raise recently and was planning to sell this place and rent somewhere bigger.
Universal opposition—they told him to save money for starting his own business again. Once his career took off, then he could think about a bigger place.
Next was Evelyn: she was now doing her medical residency, busy from dawn to dusk and pulling night shifts. She'd probably end up living in the hospital dormitary and not coming home much.
She had no time for side projects either—barely enough time to sleep, let alone work on illustrations.
She'd decided to wait until her residency was over and her job stabilized before pursuing her dreams again.
James didn't have much to report. The current production would wrap next weekend, after which he'd be fully focused on preparing for his SATs.
When it was Sophia's turn, she thought carefully before saying, "Two things. First, there's a senior basketball tournament the week after next. Even though I'm not participating, you're all welcome to come watch if you want.
"Second thing—I'm dating someone."
The entire family suddenly froze, mouths slightly agape.
James thought to himself, 'You're just going to announce it so casually in front of Mom and Dad like that?'