Chapter 163: Like Recognizes Like
"Long time no see, Sophia." Andrew's expression remained neutral, though his tone carried an unmistakable edge of amusement.
Like a predator eyeing its prey, he exuded a terrifying possessiveness, as if ready to devour Sophia whole.
Sophia shifted her stilettos half a step forward, her smile mocking as she tilted her head slightly to meet his deep-set eyes. "Mr. Smith, how generous of you to spare time from your busy schedule. I'm honored."
The aura emanating from both of them was formidable, creating an invisible magnetic field that shut out everyone else. Inside that bubble, storms raged; outside, onlookers could only stare dumbly, not daring to approach.
The scene resembled something primal—
Two wild beasts trapped in a coliseum, destined to fight to the death from the moment they locked eyes.
The chains binding them dictated only two possible outcomes: victory, or death.
"Do you know what I like most about you?" Andrew's words dripped with ambiguity as he leaned forward, bringing his eyes level with Sophia's. "It's that stubborn, defiant look in your eyes—the one that refuses to submit."
It always made his blood boil, especially when she was under his control yet still struggling desperately to break free. So full of life.
So vivid, so fascinating.
Sophia chuckled softly. "Want to know what I hate most about you? It's that look in your eyes—like you're perpetually staring at corpses."
As if every living soul were nothing more than an ant he could crush at will. No emotion, no humanity.
Andrew's brow arched slightly, betraying a flicker of pleasure as he lowered his voice to a whisper only they could hear: "But you can't deny it—you're just like me."
Sophia's pupils trembled, her eyes instantly darkening.
He was right. She was like Andrew.
Others might not understand her—not even her family, nor Michael, who'd known her for over two decades.
Only Andrew recognized the baseness in her nature, understood that she too was an aberration.
Raised by two lunatics, how could Sophia possibly be normal?
She quickly steadied herself, her lips curving into a composed smile. "You flatter me, Mr. Smith. How could I possibly compare to you?"
Andrew's eyes narrowed, a flash of irritation flickering through them before vanishing just as quickly.
He shifted his gaze away, sweeping it across the ballroom. Everyone who met his eyes instinctively looked away.
Andrew was always gentlemanly and proper, yet his expressionless mask concealed every emotion, creating an air of mystery that translated into oppressive intimidation.
No one could read his mood—except Sophia and John.
Which meant no one else dared cross him—except Sophia and John.
Andrew coolly withdrew his gaze, remarking flatly, "The ballroom decorations are hideous. As tasteless as ever."
The emphasis wasn't on the first part of his statement—the latter half was where the real insult lay.
Sophia clenched her jaw. "Don't like it? Then feel free to tear it all down, Mr. Smith."
Andrew let out a soft snort, plucking a champagne flute from a passing tray as he strode toward a corner. "Don't have time," he tossed back coldly.
Sophia clicked her tongue, too annoyed to indulge his sadistic humor any further, and returned to greeting her friends.
Amelia stared after Andrew's retreating figure, confusion written all over her face as she leaned closer to Wayne. "Why on earth would Andrew show up? Surely Sophia didn't send him an invitation?"
Wayne shrugged. "Who knows? Their relationship has always been complicated."
So complicated that no one could decipher whether it was good or bad. Though they constantly clashed and sabotaged each other, there were moments when they'd fiercely defend one another.
Years ago, someone had gossiped about Sophia in private. Andrew overheard and beat the person so badly they ended up in the ICU.
If you said the brothers didn't care about Sophia, well, they protected her at every turn.
But if you said they did care, their methods could be so ruthless it seemed they wanted her dead.
Meanwhile, James's livestream had been fixed and resumed broadcasting.
And now it was time for the evening's guest of honor, Sophia, to say a few words.
The lights caught the smooth fabric of her gown, creating ripples of shimmering gold—like gentle sunlight dancing on a lake's surface, dazzling and radiant.
Her posture was impeccable, her demeanor graceful and confident as her cool, clear voice carried through the microphone: "Thank you all for honoring me with your presence at my twenty-third birthday celebration. Beyond marking another year, I'd like to share some exciting professional developments. First, Poppy Games' latest mobile release under Vertex Innovations Group has achieved tremendous success. Second, Nexus Visual Studios LLC is officially launching. I look forward to continued mutual support and many future collaborations with all of you."
James gazed quietly at Sophia standing at the center of the crowd, his eyes brimming with affection as he introduced her to his livestream audience: "This is my younger sister—Sophia, Chairman of Vertex Innovations Group."
The comment section exploded into chaos. James's little sister was the chairman of a publicly traded conglomerate? Did that make James a secret trust-fund kid?
Before James could introduce other family members, Sophia took the initiative herself.
"Taking advantage of today's occasion, I'd also like to introduce my family." Her gaze drifted toward Ray and Mary, standing a few steps away. "My father, Ray, and my mother, Mary. I hope you'll all extend them courtesy in business circles going forward."
Ray tugged at his suit jacket, raising his hand slightly in acknowledgment. Mary, holding her husband's arm, smiled warmly and graciously.
Murmurs rippled through the surrounding guests.
"Ms. Johnson's parents? Aren't they the Johnsons—the ones John bankrupted years ago?"
"She's never mentioned them all these years. Is she finally acknowledging them publicly?"
"Obviously. Everyone here tonight is part of Ms. Johnson's inner circle. By introducing her family in front of this crowd, she's making it clear she accepts them."
"Better be careful around the Johnsons from now on. Ms. Johnson's business empire spans multiple industries—cross her, and you won't have any business left to speak of."
Every word reached Ray's ears, instantly dampening his initially proud mood.
Even respect had to be borrowed through Sophia's influence. The realization made him feel utterly useless.
He wanted the day to come when people called him "Mr. Johnson" because they respected his own capabilities, genuinely honored him—not because he was "Ms. Johnson's father."
Sophia's gaze shifted to James. From this angle, she was looking directly into the camera. Her smile softened, her tone gentling: "That's my older brother, James—a prominent actor in the entertainment industry."
Standing at the edge of the crowd with his wine glass, Andrew's expression darkened instantly, his wolfish eyes locking onto James with lethal intensity.
A circus clown performing for public amusement—nothing more.