Chapter 28 The Gossipy Troublemaker
"You!" Adele Taylor's face flushed red with anger. Every encounter with Sophia always ended in a heated argument.
The Taylor family owned several factories and could be considered wealthy, but they weren't quite elite society material.
Back in middle school, Adele had been Sophia's classmate. While Adele was just another rich kid, Sophia was a true socialite heiress. Adele had always been jealous of Sophia's excellent grades, the teachers' favor, her prestigious status, and the circle of admirers that surrounded her.
The two had never gotten along well. Adele disliked Sophia but had to be mindful of her social standing, settling for verbal sparring at most, but she couldn't even win those battles against Sophia's sharp tongue.
But times had changed. Sophia was just an adopted daughter of the Smith family, and now she'd been kicked out entirely. Without the Smith family's protection, what right did she have to act so superiorly?
At this thought, Adele's anger transformed into a smug smile. "Sophia, you're not part of the Smith family anymore. What do you have to be arrogant about?"
"Since you know I've left the Smith family, you should also know I don't go by Smith anymore, right? Next time you get my name wrong, that real heiress won't let you off so easily."
Sophia smiled without warmth, ignoring Adele's venomous glare as she pulled a shirt from the rack and handed it to James.
"James, try this one. It really suits your style."
James glanced warily at Adele, but Sophia gave him a reassuring look, signaling he needn't worry.
He took the shirt and headed to the fitting room.
Adele snorted coldly, glaring daggers at Sophia. "You bankrupt nobody, reeking of poverty. The clothes here cost several hundred dollars each. Can you even afford them? Don't tell me you're just trying things on without buying, getting the merchandise dirty. What would you use to pay for damages?"
"Whether I have money or not is none of your business." Sophia continued browsing for suitable pants, her nonchalant tone making her dismissal even more insulting.
Having spent time around Bruce's sharp tongue, Sophia's own sarcastic abilities had naturally sharpened as well.
In the past, she'd had to maintain the Smith family's reputation, constantly upholding the proper demeanor of a socialite heiress—no profanity, no insults.
Now that she was no longer a Smith, anyone who provoked her would get what they deserved. If they pushed her too far, a couple of slaps weren't out of the question.
"Sophia! Just you wait! Cross me and you're dead!"
Adele knew Sophia was not only sharp-tongued but also trained in martial arts; she'd lose any confrontation. But behind the scenes, in business dealings, she had plenty of ways to make the Johnson family's life even worse than it already was!
After delivering her threat, Adele stormed off.
James emerged from the fitting room in his new outfit. Sophia looked him over—the clothes were perfect, perfectly complementing his refined, otherworldly temperament.
"Yes, it suits you perfectly." Sophia smiled with satisfaction, then grabbed a pair of pants for him to try.
"Sophia, these clothes..." James's expression darkened. He'd heard everything from the fitting room, and he'd seen the price tag; this shirt alone cost over four hundred dollars.
Adding pants and shoes, the complete outfit would easily cost over a thousand dollars.
Sophia linked her arm through his, leaning close and lowering her voice. "James, you said it yourself. The family doesn't need to keep such strict accounts. Consider it a gift from me."
James struggled internally for a moment, then remembered hearing that successful web series actors could earn several thousand dollars per day, sometimes even more. If today's audition went well, what was a thousand-dollar outfit compared to that?
He finally exhaled and smiled. "Alright. When I start earning money, I'll buy you clothes in return."
Sophia smiled and hummed in agreement.
In his new outfit, James's entire demeanor radiated even more elegance. Combined with his naturally ethereal appearance, he looked aristocratic—exactly like a scholarly gentleman from ancient times, born into a literary family, learned and refined.
Sophia was very satisfied. Now they could head to the production company.
The production company wasn't large, occupying only two floors of an office building. However, all the departments were well-organized and busy, which was quite impressive for a company specializing in web series production.
After explaining their purpose to the receptionist, James followed the directions inside for his audition while Sophia waited outside.
She stared at the company logo for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Stellar Cinematics?
Why did that sound familiar?
"Ms. Johnson, please have a seat. We're currently developing an elaborate web series, and we're very particular about casting. Over ten people are auditioning today, so James won't be out for a while."
The receptionist led Sophia to the waiting area and brought her a glass of water.
"Thank you." Sophia thanked her politely, thinking that a period drama would be perfect for James.
With today's outfit and his appearance and temperament, he might land a supporting male lead role on his first web series audition.
Web series had short production cycles, mostly one to two weeks, with daily pay. It would be perfect for James.
Even if his school schedule prevented him from taking lead roles, the web series industry was booming. Once he got into this circle, there'd be no shortage of work. He could even do extra work on weekends as a relaxed and interesting part-time job.
"Why is it you again?"
After waiting nearly half an hour, Sophia heard a familiar voice and looked up from her water glass.
Well, Adele again.
"What are you doing here? Don't tell me you're here for an audition?" Adele's eyes were full of mockery, finally having something to gloat about. "The once-adored Sophia has fallen so low she needs to work for money. But I'd advise you to get lost, you won't get selected anyway!"
Sophia rested her chin on her hand, watching Adele with the air of someone enjoying a good show. "Is this your company?"
Adele proudly lifted her chin. "This is my uncle's company. With just one word from me, neither you nor your brother will get any roles!"
"Oh..." Sophia appeared thoughtful, murmuring, "So this is your uncle's company."
"Now that you know, why don't you scram? Or maybe if you bow down and beg me, I might consider giving you a role."
Just as Adele finished speaking, a tall, burly middle-aged man emerged from the office. She immediately put on a bright smile and ran over to link arms with him affectionately.
"Uncle!"
"Adele, you came without telling me?" Zane looked at Adele with pure adoration.
Adele pointed at Sophia and pouted coquettishly. "Uncle, she's been bullying me! She and her brother came to audition, but don't let such arrogant people into the production—they'll ruin the atmosphere!"
Zane Murphy was a widower with no children of his own, and he'd always doted on Adele like his own daughter.
Hearing that someone had bullied Adele, he immediately glared in that direction, but froze when he met those sparkling, smiling eyes.
"Sophia, what brings you here?"