Chapter 37 If We Can't Be Siblings, We Can Be a Couple
Sophia set down her knife and fork, lifting her eyes to give him a cold stare. "Do you really think it's the house I have a problem with?"
Andrew continued cutting his steak without speaking, seemingly unsure how to respond.
For both him and John, Sophia's presence had been the only source of joy in that cold, ruthless household.
Whether they were arguing, scheming against each other, or engaging in verbal sparring matches, at least she was a living, breathing person with real emotions.
After Sophia left, that house became nothing more than a cold building. Neither he nor John wanted to return, even now that their new sister had moved in. It was no longer the sanctuary they'd once known.
Deep down, Andrew understood perfectly well that what disgusted Sophia wasn't just the cold house or the heartless Smith couple—it was also him and John, her two unpredictable brothers.
"So you prefer the Johnson family? That cramped space that's smaller than your old bedroom? Or do you prefer the Johnson family members? Do you enjoy having James as your brother?"
The series of rhetorical questions came out in his usual calm tone, but Sophia caught the underlying fury and immediately fixed him with a wary stare. "If you dare lay a finger on the Johnson family, this will be the last time I ever meet with you."
She'd finally found a bit of happiness and had used her connections to support the Johnson family. If Andrew lost his mind now, all her previous efforts would be for nothing.
Andrew let out a cold laugh. She certainly knew how to manipulate him.
"Destroying those poor people would be too childish. But..." His gaze locked onto Sophia with predatory intensity, filled with possessive desire like a beast eyeing its prey. "You can forget about the Adams family project in Strollway District."
Sophia narrowed her eyes. The man was as shameless as ever, always using the same tactics to control her. He knew she cared about her career, so he'd use business projects to force her into compliance.
It wasn't that she couldn't find alternatives to the Adams family project in Strollway District, but she'd spent over a year negotiating this deal, investing considerable time and energy. Abandoning it now would mean massive sunk costs.
However, if there was one thing Sophia never lacked, it was the courage to start over. Andrew's attempts to blackmail her this way wouldn't work anymore.
"What exactly do you want? To take me away? And then what? Lock me up and watch me every day? We haven't seen each other in a while—have you become this twisted?"
Andrew's lips curved in an almost imperceptible smile. "The Johnson family can't give you anything. You'd be better off coming with me. Even though we share no blood relation, if we can't be siblings, we can be a couple."
Sophia replied, What?
"Andrew, have you lost your mind?" She fixed him with a cold stare, her expression filled with undisguised disgust and revulsion.
"Do you think Michael will still choose you, given your current status?"
"That's a problem to consider five or six years from now."
"There's no time left for you to consider it."
Andrew took a sip of red wine, then spoke slowly under Sophia's confused gaze, "Green Group has been in talks with Pacific Group about a microchip project recently. If they secure this partnership, Green Group's market value will at least double. The prerequisite is that Michael must get engaged to Harper—it's a requirement Mr. Phillips from Pacific Group has set. Everyone in our circles knows about your relationship with Michael. Once Michael gets engaged to Harper Phillips, you'll become the laughingstock of all Emerald City."
In his understanding, there was no possibility that Michael would give up the Pacific Group partnership for Sophia's sake.
Business was business. Green Group wasn't Michael's personal enterprise—there was a board of directors, shareholders, investors, and thousands of employees throughout the corporation. Since Michael sat in that position, he couldn't consider only his personal desires.
So getting engaged to Harper and doubling Green Group's market value was undoubtedly the best choice.
Those in positions of power often found themselves with less freedom than anyone else.
Sophia remained silent for a long moment, then suddenly laughed. "Michael and I have no engagement, and we're not dating. Even if he gets engaged to Harper, he'll still be my friend and business partner. It's hardly abandonment, what's there to laugh about?"
True, they'd grown up together, but she'd never publicly acknowledged any relationship with Michael beyond close friendship.
If Michael truly chose someone else, for her, it would simply mean their relationship had remained at the "close friends" stage. How could that be considered abandonment?
Her reaction was exactly what Andrew had expected. Proud Sophia would never bow her head to anyone.
Even if she and Michael were in love, as long as the other party changed their mind, she would still be able to extract herself quickly and completely.
Andrew methodically cut his steak but didn't take a single bite. "He's not worthy of you."
Sophia raised an eyebrow, momentarily confused. "Are you talking about Michael or James?"
"James." Andrew's topics always jumped around quickly, but Sophia could always follow his train of thought. "He's worthless, completely without value. Not just him, the entire Johnson family will only be a burden to you."
Sophia let out a light scoff, having no desire to argue these points with him. Her feelings for the Johnson family hadn't reached the point where she felt compelled to defend them.
Besides, she had to admit that the Johnson family could never stand before her as guides or mentors.
But calling the Johnson family her burden was going too far; they weren't significant enough to slow her down.
Before long, a server brought over three desserts, bowing respectfully. "Miss, Mr. Smith instructed our kitchen to develop new desserts. These are our latest creations—please taste them and let us know if they suit your palate."
The two temporarily ceased their conversation, and the oppressive atmosphere finally lifted somewhat.
Sophia picked up a small fork and tasted all three cakes, taking only a couple extra bites of the Black Forest cake.
"The durian mille-feuille is too rich, the matcha truffle too sweet. The Black Forest is passable, though the sponge is slightly overbaked."
She tapped the Black Forest cake with her fork. "Keep this one, take the others away."
"Yes, we'll improve based on your feedback next time." The server bowed slightly and removed the durian mille-feuille and matcha truffle.
Sophia poked at the cake, letting out an inexplicable laugh.
Andrew always paid close attention to her diet.
Just because she'd once enjoyed the strawberry mousse at this restaurant, he'd bought the entire establishment. Worried she might eventually tire of strawberry mousse, he'd even had the kitchen develop new products.
It was quite thoughtful, which was why her feelings toward Andrew were so complicated, equal parts love and hate.
"How does it taste?" Andrew sipped his wine, watching her with cold, distant eyes.
"Not bad." Sophia didn't look up to meet his gaze, eating the Black Forest cake in small bites. After finishing barely half, she grew tired of it and set down her fork.
Andrew glanced at the remaining half-cake. Apparently, it wasn't much to her taste after all.
It was time to replace the pastry chef.