Chapter 113: A Rival Appears
Just then, Sophia's voice rang out from outside: "Dr. Wright! You'll always be my mentor!"
Brandon froze mid-step. His nose tingled, and tears welled up instantly.
A barely perceptible smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he turned and disappeared into the inner chamber.
After leaving Solstice Haven, Michael drove Sophia home. He had dinner plans with his parents and Ella—a family meal before taking Ella to the airport.
He wouldn't be able to spend the evening with Sophia.
By the time she arrived back at the old residential complex, it was already past six in the evening.
The moment Sophia stepped through the door, she heard her family deep in animated conversation about their future.
They were all imagining what their dream home would look like.
Lucas's eyes sparkled with excitement as he launched into his vision. "I want one with an amazing view—like the place Mr. White used to live in."
Everyone laughed. Mary considered for a moment. "I'd love a big kitchen. An open-concept one where I don't get suffocated by cooking fumes and can watch TV while I cook."
James thought about his own wish. "I want a study. With floor-to-ceiling bookshelves packed with books."
"That's so boring!" Ray teased, then launched into his own fantasy. "We should get one with a pool—swimming in summer, hot tub in winter! And a massive backyard connected to the living room with glass doors, so we can sit inside sipping tea while looking at the flowers. Two stories, with plenty of bedrooms. We'll take the second floor, and the first-floor rooms can be studies!"
Sophia rested her chin in her hand, amused by their daydreaming. According to their specifications—a two-story luxury villa with a climate-controlled pool, landscaped garden, open-concept gourmet kitchen, and at least seven bedrooms—they were looking at a minimum of ten million dollars. Pick a prime location with good transit access, and that price could easily double.
Given the Johnson family's current financial situation, making this dream a reality would take considerable time.
But it was just talk. She didn't interrupt their reverie. She actually found it rather endearing.
Having a goal gave you something to work toward.
"Sophia, what kind of house would you want?" Ray turned his attention to his daughter, who hadn't offered an opinion. He was curious what someone raised in luxury would consider ideal.
Sophia thought for a moment. "I don't have many requirements. Just a comfortable bed."
She already owned the house they were describing. She'd seen mansions far more extravagant than anything they could imagine.
She wouldn't spend time admiring flowers in the backyard. She wouldn't dive into the pool for daily laps. She didn't cook, so the kitchen was irrelevant. She wouldn't spend entire days reading in a study.
To her, a house had always been just a place to sleep.
And when the Johnsons eventually achieved the wealth to afford their dream home, they'd probably end up just like her—so busy that all they'd want when they got home was to collapse into a soft bed.
Lucas pouted. "Sophia, you have zero ambition!"
Mary chuckled softly, then wondered aloud, "What kind of house would Evelyn like?"
James teased, "Whatever Bruce designs, she'll love it."
The whole family laughed. Evelyn might seem mature and composed on the surface, but she was secretly Bruce's most devoted fangirl.
If she ever got the chance to meet Bruce in person, she'd probably burst into tears from sheer excitement.
After dinner, Sophia showered and retreated to her room.
Sitting at her desk, she scrolled through her Facebook contacts, thinking. After a moment's consideration, she sent Bruce the photos she'd taken of Evelyn's design sketches.
[Sophia]: You've got a new rival.
Almost immediately, her phone rang. Sophia answered, instinctively holding the device away from her ear.
Sure enough, a refined yet furious voice exploded through the speaker. "Oh my God! Where did these come from? Sophia, you've betrayed me!"
She waited for the tirade to subside before bringing the phone back to her ear. "Relax. My sister Evelyn drew those."
"Evelyn? What school did she graduate from?"
"Clinical medicine."
"Jesus Christ!" Bruce ran his hand through his short blond hair, staring at the images on his tablet over and over again. He couldn't comprehend how someone who wielded scalpels could be this talented at interior design.
People were supposed to have strengths and weaknesses. Having a non-specialist competing for his work felt fundamentally unfair.
"Her design style is pretty similar to mine. Did you teach her?"
Sophia raised an eyebrow. "Maybe she's a fan of yours?"
"You've got to be kidding. Interior designers aren't celebrities. We don't have fans." Bruce felt insulted. Sure, he knew he was good-looking, but he didn't want to coast on his appearance!
Sophia laughed softly. Evelyn hadn't committed to pursuing interior design yet, so she didn't elaborate. "How about I introduce you two sometime? She might actually be a fan."
The next morning, the Johnson household launched into another day.
Mary claimed hair-styling duty again. Today she wove Sophia's hair into a side braid, then gently loosened the plait for texture.
She tied the end with a black-and-white polka-dot ribbon, concealing the elastic underneath.
The result was fluffy without being messy—casual with a touch of sweetness.
Sophia examined herself in the mirror, adjusting the wispy strands framing her face. The smile playing at her lips revealed her satisfaction. Mothers really did have the magic touch.
"Thanks, Mom." Her voice was soft with gratitude, warmth blooming in her chest. She was growing more and more fond of this feeling—being cherished by family.
Mary's eyes were gentle as water. "My beautiful girl. Now go change your shoes before you're late for school."
"Okay."
Sophia dashed into her room to grab her backpack. When she emerged, James had already laced up his shoes.
She sat down to pull on her socks while James casually hooked her bag over his shoulder. Whether going to or from school, Sophia's backpack never stayed on her own shoulders for long.
They left together to catch the bus, stopping to buy breakfast sandwiches along the way.
The bus arrived quickly. As usual, they claimed seats in the back.
Sophia pulled down the window to feel the breeze. She unwrapped her sandwich and took a bite, her mood buoyant.
James watched her with a quiet smile for a long moment before speaking. "Today's the citywide practice exam. Is Silver Fir Academy participating?"
"It's voluntary at our school. Most students plan to study abroad after graduation, so they don't care about college entrance exam scores. The school only sets up one mock exam room. Students who registered can take it; everyone else has normal classes. Non-participants get scored as zero."
"Are you taking it?"
"Of course." Sophia turned to meet his gaze. After swallowing her bite, she added with a grin, "I've got to take the real exam eventually, don't I? Good luck, James. Don't let me beat you—that'd be embarrassing!"
James couldn't help but laugh. "What's embarrassing about it? If you get a high score, I'll be proud of you."
Among family, there was only mutual support—no room for petty jealousy.