Chapter 135
Griffin Stewart’s chest heaved, his face a mask of terrifying gloom.
The humiliation of being dressed down by an adopted daughter he’d always looked down upon was a stain on his life.
But the thought of Tristan Yeats….
Griffin couldn’t bear to lose such a powerful potential ally
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His gaze, dark and heavy, landed on Felicity. “Shut up!” he barked. “If it weren’t for your ignorance, the Stewart family would be on top. We wouldn’t be groveling for help!”
He clutched the pile of gift boxes tighter, his eyes darkening further. “Starting tomorrow, you’re going to butter Sophia up. Get her back in this family, you hear me?”
Felicity’s eyes widened, ready to refuse.
Butter up Sophia, that self–important little… She wouldn’t stoop that low!
But one look at Griffin’s menacing glare silenced her.
Felicity deflated, her head dropping in reluctant submission. “I know,” she mumbled. Tll try.”
Griffin snorted, stalking into the hospital with the gifts.
Whether it was Tristan or the Roscente heiress, aligning with either would benefit the Stewarts.
Both would be even better.
Felicity, pouting with resentment, turned to Chloe. “Chloe, you have to make sure your father and Miss Roscente reach an agreement. We can’t lose to that little bitch!”
She would never admit that her own flesh and blood was inferior to a wild child, a nobody from the slums.
Chloe’s face was equally grim. Hearing her father order her mother to appease Sophia sent a wave of panic through her.
She clenched her delicate hands, forcing a weak, fragile smile as she met her mother’s gaze. “I know, Mom. I’ll do my best.”
Her forced obedience and suppressed grievance softened Felicity’s expression.
She patted Chloe’s hand. “Don’t worry, Chloe. A fake can never outshine you.”
The little interlude was nothing to Sophia, not even causing a ripple in her emotions.
Gary had gone to park the car.
Sophia and Tristan approached Andrew Yeats’s ward one after the other.
The door was ajar, revealing faint sounds of conversation from within.
Sophia paused, turning to Tristan with a questioning look: Does Andrew have visitors?
Tristan frowned, shaking his head.
He’d specifically informed his Andrew of their visit.
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Given the old man’s eagerness to meet his future granddaughter–in–law, nothing, and no one, was more important.
Even if someone had learned of his recovery and wanted to visit. Andrew Yeats should have refused.
Tristan pulled Sophia closer.
Through the crack in the door, Sophia saw a woman in a State Hospital patient gown, sitting in a wheelchair by Andrew Yeats’s bed. She was chatting and smiling brightly with the old man.
The woman was clearly dressed up, even her loose hospital gown accentuating her figure.
Her face was carefully made up, highlighting her delicate features with a touch of pale fragility.
Sophia’s brow arched, and the hand held by Tristan curled, pinching him sharply.
That woman…”
Wasn’t she Xandra Roscente, the one who always claimed to be Tristan’s fiancée?
She was 1 here
“Should I leave?
Tristan, seeing Xandra, furrowed his brow even deeper, a hint of coldness creeping into his eyes.
He raised his hand, wanting to push the door open.
But Sophia stopped him, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint.
“Wait,” she whispered, her body pressing against his as she leaned close. “Let’s watch the show.”
The girl’s warm, fragrant presence, tinged with her unique, cool scent, enveloped Tristan’s senses.
Perhaps afraid of being discovered, she leaned close to his ear, her voice low.
The hot breath on his neck was soft and alluring.
Tristan’s gaze deepened, a soft light melting in his eyes.
Inside the room.
“Andrew, Dr. Young’s pills are really effective. I’m so happy to see you recovering so well,” the woman said sweetly. “As long as you get better, the money was well spent.”
On the pristine white bed, Andrew Yeats leaned against the pillows, his illness lending a touch of gentleness to his usually
stern face
“Dr. Young?” Hearing the name, he looked at her with surprise. “What pills?”
Xandra’s fingers, resting on the armrest of her wheelchair, trembled slightly.
Didn’t Andrew Yeats know that she had spent a fortune to get him those pills formulated by Dr. Young?
Wasn’t it because he took the pills she bought at the auction that he woke up?
How could he act like he didn’t know anything?
Xandra had thought that by giving Andrew Yeats the pills that made him recover so quickly, she could use the opportunity to make him grateful to her.
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Andrew Yeats had always doted on her. As long as he was on her side and still acknowledged her as his future. granddaughter–in–law, Sophia wouldn’t stand a chancel
And Tristan wouldn’t be able to shake her offl
Xandra wasn’t one to be an unsung hero. After a brief pause, she smiled. “You might not know this, Andrew, but the legendary Dr. Young, hailed as a miracle worker of traditional medicine in Perino, has developed new medicinal pills.”
“I heard you weren’t feeling well and were often in a deep sleep, so I rushed back to the country and went to the auction to get Dr. Young’s pills for you.
Andrew Yeats finally understood.
He chuckled. “I see. Xandra, that’s very thoughtful of you.”
Although he had never seen any pills developed by Dr. Young, judging from Xandra’s tone, she must have spent a lot of
money.
It was a kind gesture from the younger generation, after all.
Andrew Yeats wouldn’t expose her in public.
But… speaking of Perino’s traditional medicine miracle…
The first thing that popped into Andrew Yeats’s mind was the face of the young girl who had truly cured him.
Yep, that’s my future granddaughter–in–law!” He thought proudly.
“You look much better now, Andrew. Tristan will be very happy to see you like this. Xandra seized the moment to mention Tristan’s name, subtly reminding Andrew Yeats of her engagement with Tristan.
Andrew Yeats saw Xandra’s intentions immediately.
He didn’t have strong feelings about Xandra, one way or the other.
As long as his grandson liked her, he would too.
So, he didn’t care that Xandra was just fostered by the Roscente family and only had the title of a Roscente daughter.
As long as she was a woman and his grandson liked her, that was fine.
Besides, the young ladies nurtured by the Roscente family were indeed quite outstanding in all aspects.
He had no objections to this engagement.
It was just a pity… His grandson didn’t like her.
He naturally couldn’t force it.
Thinking of his grandson, Andrew Yeats remembered that his future granddaughter–in–law was coming to see him soon.
He glanced at Xandra and smiled. “When you’re old, this is how it is. I made you all worry about me.”
As he spoke, he took out an antique, yet exquisite brocade box from under the covers.
Xandra’s gaze fixed on the box.
She had seen it before.
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It was at the Koscente Family.
At that time, Andrew Yeats had brought this box to the door to discuss the marriage between the Yeats and Roscente families. He said that the contents of this box were the Yeats family heirloom, passed down to the future matriarch of the Yeats family
She had always considered herself the only daughter of the Roseente family, the only girl who could marry Tristan.
This heirloom of the Yeats Family naturally belonged to her!
Now, seeing the box in front of her, Nandra’s eyes lit up instantly.
Her heart pounded. Her delicate fingers on the armrest of the wheelchair clenched unconsciously. She swallowed hard, and her voice was filled with eagerness.
“What are you saying. Andrew? You’re not old at all. Once you finish taking all ten of Dr. Young’s pills, you’ll be back to your old self
While responding to Andrew Yeats, she steadied her breath and glanced at the box casually, but the corners of couldn’t help but curl up. “Isn’t this the Yeats Family heirloom? Why did you bring it to the hospital?”
She and Andrew Yeats were the only ones in the ward
If Andrew Yeats took out the heirloom passed down to the future matriarch at this time, it must be for her!
That is to say, in Andrew Yeats’s heart, he had already accepted her as his future granddaughter–in–law!
Xandra was so excited that her smile widened.
mouth
She could already imagine the envious glances she would attract when she appeared in public wearing the Yeats family heirloom!
Especially the Roscente family.
They would definitely regret choosing Sophia and giving up on her!
And Sophia would be so jealous that her face would twist!
The thought of that scene filled Xandra with glee. She almost reached out to take the velvet box from Andrew Yeats. But before her fingers brushed the surface, Andrew Yeats swiftly pulled it away, cradling it like a priceless treasure.
“Oh, Xandra, dear, not just anyone can touch this. It’s a gift for my future granddaughter–in–law.”
Xandra’s hand froze mid–air. She curled her fingers, a polite smile plastered on her face. “I know. You’ve mentioned before that it’s a Yeats family heirloom”
He brought out the heirloom, wasn’t it for her? What was the meaning of this protectiveness?
“Yes, an heirloom,” Andrew Yeats said, patting the box fondly. “I wanted your opinion. I’m old and out of touch with what young people like these days. Do you think… when she sees it, will my future granddaughter–in–law like this gift?”
Xandra’s pupils dilated. It felt like a lightning strike, leaving her mind buzzing.
Her breathing hitched.
Future granddaughter–in–law?
Wasn’t she Andrew Yeats’s future granddaughter–in–law?
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Xandra struggled to maintain her composure, her facial muscles twitching. “What… future granddaughter–in–law?”
“Sophia, of course,” Andrew Yeats said, seemingly oblivious to Xandra’s distress. He chuckled. “I’d been hearing from Edward that their youngest daughter, the one betrothed to my grandson, couldn’t even pass the first step of the family assessment. The Roscentes had given up on her, and it seemed the marriage contract couldn’t be fulfilled.”
“But, as fate would have it, Tristan and Sophia got together. And it turns out Sophia is the true Roscente heiress. What a coincidence! It’s like it was meant to be”
He paused, as if suddenly remembering something. “Oh, my memory! I forgot that you, Xandra, also wanted to marry Tristan. But… it’s all about fate, isn’t it? You’re a sensible girl, you understand that, right?”
Andrew Yeats was smiling, his tone even laced with amusement.
But the oppressive pressure, a subtle warning, weighed heavily on Xandra’s neck.
Xandra’s lips moved, her face, already pale and haggard from makeup, turned even whiter.
After a few seconds, under Andrew Yeats’s smiling gaze, she managed to choke out, “Yes… I know my place.”
With that, she lowered her hands, clenching them so tightly out of sight that she almost drew blood.
Andrew Yeats’s attitude clearly showed his satisfaction with Sophial
He approved of Sophia!
Completely and utterly blocked all her paths.
She had been the one present all these years, accompanying him, pleasing him. Yet, he had never given her a definite answer, nor had he ever spoken a word on her behalf to Tristan
But now…
Sophia appeared, and he accepted her.
What was her effort all these years worth? Was she a joke, a clown?
Xandra was furious and resentful, her heart filled with a bitterness that threatened to drown her.
“Thank you for visiting me, Xandra. Since you’re hospitalized yourself, you should go back to your room and rest. No need to make this trip.”
Andrew Yeats raised his voice cheerfully. “Mary, please see Miss Roscente back.”
It was a clear dismissal,
Mary emerged from another waiting area in the ward,
Xandra’s face was pale. As Mary pushed her wheelchair, she suddenly gripped the wheels, stopping it. “Andrew… you haven’t even met my… my sister. Why would you give her the Yeats family heirloom?”
“You probably don’t know, but my sister… she grew up in the countryside, didn’t even finish high school, and her reputation in our circle isn’t very good.
“Before she returned to the Roscente family, I heard she impersonated a doctor, tricked Tristan into trusting her to treat you, and even pretended to treat you while you were unconscious.
Xandra’s speech became increasingly frantic, her eyes reddening.
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She believed Andrew Yeats agreed to Sophia because of the marriage contract. He had no idea what kind of person Sophia truly was!
But, fearing she would ruin her image of a dignities and elegant lady, Xandra quickly added. “Andrew, I know it’s not my place to say these things, but I don’t want you to be deceived”
“If you know it’s not your place, then don’t say it,” Andrew Years’s face visibly cooled. “Tristan knows what kind of person Sophia is better than you do
Clearly, he was angered by Xandra’s disparagement of Sophia.
Andrew Yeats had produced the jewelry box to signal Xandra to back off. He didn’t want her bothering him while he waited. for his future granddaughter–in–law.
What if Sophia arrived and saw another woman there, a woman who was once almost Tristan’s fiancée?
Wouldn’t that cause a misunderstanding?
What if, because of a misunderstanding, his grandson ended up in some cliché CEO–chasing–his–wife drama!
When would he ever get to hold his great–grandchild!
“I’ll be busy with my grandson and his future wife, so I won’t be entertaining you.” Andrew Yeats raised his eyes, a coldness in his gare, and looked at Mary.
Mary, trembling, placed her hand on the wheelchair and coughed softly, looking down at Miss Roscente’s pale face.
Xandra’s fingers, gripping the armrests of the wheelchair, trembled. Her face was ashen, and her eyes were red–rimmed.
Finally, not daring to test Andrew Yeats’s patience any further, she slowly closed her mouth, full of resentment, yet forced to lower her head. “I apologize.”
Andrew Yeats didn’t even spare her another glance.
Xandra bit her lower lip hard, her face so pale it looked almost deathly.
Mary quickly pushed the wheelchair out.
The door to the ward opened.
Two people stood outside.
The man was tall and slender, elegant and refined.
The girl was dressed in a light purple dress, her features exquisite, her beauty striking.
Mary’s eyes widened, and a trembling, hoarse voice escaped her throat: Mr. Yeats, Miss Roscente!”
Xandra, pale and with her head bowed, shot up at the sound of Mary’s voice,
Sure enough, she saw Tristan and Sophia standing at the entrance to the ward, their fingers interlocked, close and intimate When Sophia looked down at her, Xandra could see the mockery spreading in her eyes
When did they… arrive?
How long had they been listening outside?
A wave of shame and anger washed over Xandra. Her face flushed, her fists clenched, and the words escaped her in a hoarse
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whisper, almost forced through her teeth, “Gol Gol
She practically fled in a panic.
Sophia was utterly confused.
Was she some kind of monster?
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Sophia raised an eyebrow, watching Mary push the wheelchair away as if she were in a race, quickly disappearing from her sight.
She looked at Tristan with a faint smile, as if to say- See? She’s still after you.
Tristan hadn’t spared Xandra a single glance. He gently stroked Sophia’s hand with his thumb, lowering his voice and smiling faintly, Tm only after you.”
Sophia rolled her eyes at him.
And in that roll, her gaze caught Andrew Yeats on the bed, his eyes sparkling as he looked at her.
Sophia’s expression instantly froze.
She was supposed to be meeting his family as his fiancée, and she’d been caught rolling her eyes at his grandson…
First impressions, instantly flashing red.
She adjusted her expression.
But Andrew Yeats’s sparkling eyes remained fixed on their intertwined hands, a wide, joyful grin spreading across his face. “Sofi, you’re finally here!”
He beckoned to Sophia. “We only met so briefly last time, I didn’t even get a chance to talk to you.”
Sophia’s newly adjusted expression froze again.
Last time, meeting.
That was…
The time Tristan had stolen a kiss?
And Andrew Yeats had seen it all, just when he’d opened his eyes.
This really didn’t need to be brought up!
The air was thick with smoke and the smell of alcohol.
Ethan slumped lazily on the sofa, a glass of strong liquor in his hand, his eyes vacant and staring blankly ahead.
His eyes had clearly lost focus, his entire being consumed by intoxication
His buddies exchanged glances, nudging each other.
“What’s up with Ethan?”
“He calls us out for drinks in the middle of the day, and then just sits there, drinking in silence?”
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“Could it be….because of that gorgeous girl’s photo this morning? Did Ethan fall for Zach Colins’s woman, too?”
Drinking with such a heavy atmosphere, where was the fun in that?
In this kind of mood, even finding a beauty to accompany them wouldn’t lift their spirits.
Sitting in the corner with a glass in his hand, Henry Reed, gave a playful smirk, lazily raising an eyebrow at Ethan.
Henry chuckled. “Let him drink. Serves him right.”
“Henry, do you know something? Ethan’s been acting really strange lately. The group, remembering Henry and Ethan’s cryptic exchange in the group chat that morning, were itching with curiosity.
Henry looked at the dazed Ethan, raising an eyebrow, his voice laced with teasing, “Your Ethan is being a jerk. When she was chasing him, he treated her like dirt. Now that she’s ignoring him, he regrets it.”
The buddies were stunned for a moment, then quickly realized. “Holy crap! You mean…. Ethan’s like this because of Sophia?”
Ethan was a drunken mess because of the girl who’d been chasing him for three years?
“Sophia… ”
Suddenly, the man, whose eyes had been unfocused and face full of intoxication, abruptly raised his head, staring blankly in their direction.
The man who had shown no reaction just moments ago.
Now, because of the name “Sophia,” he was muttering it repeatedly.
His fingers tightened around the glass, and he abruptly downed the rest of the liquor in one gulp.
His bloodshot eyes were completely unfocused, filled with a hazy drunkenness, as he staggered to his feet.
“Sophia… Sophia…”
He muttered drunkenly, reaching out unsteadily, as if he saw Sophia right in front of him, his hand trembling as he tried to touch her face.
“Don’t go… Sophia, come back, come back to me…”
He swayed, unconsciously grasping at something.
But his hand only met air.
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