Chapter 155
The Stewart family
Griffin stared at phone, his face grim and his heart sinking-
His phone was on speaker too.
Felicity, sitting beside him, could hear every word clearly.
Listening to the man who claimed to be Sophia’s grandfather, speaking with a proud and arrogant tone, her anger immediately surged. She cursed furiously, “That little brat! How dare she let that okl fool hang up on us? A bunch of rats from the slums, do they even know whose call they’re answering!
“And what’s this nonsense about us not worthy of speaking face to face with him? What’s this about the wrath of the Roscente family? Just because he’s surnamed Roscente, he thinks he comes from the wealthy Rescente family of Virelia?”
Just now, he had been pretending to be so grand, eating lobster and abalone like it was nothing. A bunch of slum–dwelling peasants, they’d be lucky to survive on wild grass!
Like kid, like old man–truly cut from the same pretentious cloth!
Griffin snapped,
furrowing his brows. His face was stormy as he slammed the phone down on the table.
He yanked at his tie, leaning back hard against his chair, his eyes
lashing with sharp light,
That guy, the one claiming to be Sophia’s grandfather…
Could he really be someone living in the slums!
That voice, that tone…
It didn’t sound like an ordinary person
Even after decades of experience in the business world, Griffin couldn’t help but tremble at that voice, which carried such authority
That kind of authority…
It was as if it could penetrate the phone, becoming a crushing
rushing force like a thousand–pound boulder, bearing down on him from all sides.
In that moment, he felt as though the air was thinning, and he was struggling to breathe.
Could an old man living in the slums really have such an overwhelming presence?
Griffin’s expression shifted.
He thought back to the scene at Raffle Hotel yesterday, where the hotel manager had wood beside Sophia, respectful to the point of being almost servile.
He thought about the scene outside the hospital yesterday, when Sophia got out of Tristan’s car, so close and intimate with him.
He remembered last night, when Mr. Cody had been 10 enthusiastic in front of Sophia, speaking to her like an old friend.
The more he thought about it, the more complicated his feelings became.
All of this
Could all of this really just be a coincidence!
Was it simply because of Tristan
Or was it because they were all attracted to Sophia’s appearance!
But… what if they were interested in Sophia herself?
Sophia
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the really just a girl who grew up in the countryside, with no natalde qualities, who was kicked out of the Stewart family and returned thei mal shumm family”
Chapter 155
Gritin had the feeling that he had overlooked something very important
He
even felt like he had lost out on an opportunity that could have been a tremendous help to him
“Honey, stop overthinking and staring yourself Felicity, having been married to Griffin for decades, could guess what was going through his mind just by looking at his expression
She moved closer and sat next to him, pulling at his arm. “Honey, you know, even though Margaret has always cared for Sophia, what matters most to her is our family. If Sophia really had so much power and could bring such huge benefits to the Stewart family, don’t you think she would have told your
“Besides, Sophia switched families with Chloe. If her original family could afford Boston lobsters, truffles, and abalone, do you think Chlor wouldn’t tell ust
Most importantly
If Sophia’s original family were truly that powerful…..
Would Chloe be willing to switch back
It wasn’t that she looked down on her own daughter.
It was simply human nature.
It was people’s flaw
If Sophia’s original family was wealthier than the Stewart, Chloe wouldn’t have had to lie about her slum background.
Moreover…
They had investigated Chloe’s p
After all, Chloe had returned to the Stewart family as their biological daughter. If she had done anything in the slums that would tamish the Stewart family’s reputation…
They wouldn’t necessarily accept her just because of their blood relation.
Chloe had indeed lived in the slums but had used her own talent to study abroad, majoring in fashion design.
“So, Sophia’s family absolutely cannot be rich! That call she was pretending all of this.”
Felicity was adamant. “Just like before, when we revealed Chlor’s true identity and announced her engagement to Ethan, she even hired an actor to pretend to be some butler!”
“Heri
purpose is nothing more than to be stubborn, to pretend in front of us that she will live a better life after leaving the Stewart Family, and that we should regret it and then cry and beg her to come back!
In’t it exactly like what’s happening now?
All of this made them fall for it and actively reached out to Sophia, inviting her back to the Stewart family.
They had already gone along with Sophia’s plans, inviting her to return, and her goal had been accomplished.
Yet Sophia still insisted on pretending, or performing
Whatever is overdone just becomes a joke!
The more Felicity thought about it, the more certain alse became in her suspicion.
She would never believe the lies Sophia had fabricatedf
She looked at Griffin serioudy and said, “Honey, stop thinking about these nonsense. If you bring Sophia back, how are we going to explain it to Miss Roszenie? Chloe luas already helped us establish a connection with Miss Hoscente, and she clearly looks down on Sophia because of her involvement with Mr. Yrank”
“Moreover, Chlor made a firm promise to Miss Koscente that we have deep conflicts with Sophia. That’s why Miss Roscente agreed to work with us. If she finds out that you’ve actively contacted Sophia, our collaboration with the Koscente family will be ruinedt
Griffin frowned deeply, irritated. He raised his hand and massaged his aching temples.
(the one hand, hur already had a vague suspicion about Sophia.
He even leaned toward the idea that, perhaps Sophia really was extraordinary.
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Chapter 155
But on the other hand, he couldn’t deny that Felicity’s words made perfect sense.
If Sophia truly had any special abilities, surely Margaret would have told him everything already, lening Sophia bring greater value to the Stewart family, and creating even more profits.
Just like how Sophia pursue Ethan, wasn’t that Margaret’s idea?
And… right now, they were indeed standing on Xandra’s side now
Choosing Xandra meam giving up Sophia.
If they chose Sophia for an uncertain factor, it would only risk angering Xandra, which would indeed be an unwise move.
But deep down.
ep down. Griffin always had a bad premonition. He couldn’t shake the feeling that
as if he had overlooked something very important.
Right at this monsent.
Chloe, who had been out all night, walked in
in with her handbag
She wore a high–end gown, holding the latest custom–made handbag from the same brand.
Her brand–new jewelry sparkled brilliantly, radiating dazzling light,
li made her graceful face appear even more dazzling and alluring.
Felicity, sering her daughter, stood up in surprise and walked over to her.
She grabbed Chloe’s hand, inspecting her from head to toe, her face full of amazement. “As expected of my daughter, look at this outfit, you look like a lady of the high society. Gorgeous!”
Chloe shyly lowered her head, softly linking her arm with Felicity’s “I take after you. Mom”
As she spoke, she glanced back behind her,
The servant followed, carrying several shopping bags
Chloe waved her hand to the servant and took two shopping bags from them, “Mom, these bags and the shawl are for you. Do you like them?”
Inside were all high–end limited edition items from luxury brands, worth quite a lot. Felicity’s eyes immediately lit up, a smile spreading across her face. I love them! Of course How could I not?”
Any woman of any age would have no resistance to limited–edition luxury bags and expensive shawls.
Chloe smiled brightly, her eyes crescent–shaped. “I’m glad you like them, Mom.”
Then she took the other shopping bags from the servant and walked toward Griffin. “Dad these gifs.”
Before she could finish, Griffin frowned slightly and interrupted, “Chloe, I appreciate that, but.. the Stewart family is currently in the midst of our collaboration with the Roscente family. We need a significant amount of liquidity. You should be saving your money, so you can use it as start–up capital for your studio with Miss Roscente”
Just yesterday, she had bought a set of ourfits worth hundreds of thousands.
And today, she was out shopping again.
How much had the spent
Even though the Stewart family had money, it wasn’t meant to be wasted like this
were Sophia.
In the three years Sophia spent in the Stewart family, he hadn’t seen her splurge on a single luxury item!
Chloe could naturally hear the implication in lier father’s words, and her gentle smile stiffened slightly.
She stared at Griffin for a long while before greatly bating her lip, lowering her head slightly, her tone carrying a list of grievance. “I understand, Dad. I’ve never come back to the Stewart family because of your wealth. I just wanted to have real family. I never wanted to waste the money you
As she spoke, her voice wavered, her eyes shuiminering with insest tears. “These
(yestenlay. I picked
they’re from Ethan, as an apology for y
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Chapter 155
them out with him…*
Griffin’s face stiffened, his furrowed brows gradually relaxing as he looked up at Chlor, her eyes red
The Baker family could still afford such gifts!
red–rimmed
Were the rumors about the Baker family’s bankruptcy true, or not?
Griffin squinted his eyes slightly
Felicity immediately stepped forward and grabbed Chlor’s hand. “Chloe, Why would you say that? Your dad works hard to make money, and it’s all for you to spend, isn’t it? He’s just reminding you to invest your money in something that will bring you the most benefit
She patted Chloe’s hand, then shot a glare at Griffin before continuing with a smile. “Ethan is so thoughtful. Why did he bay us gifts? Did he send you home? Why didn’t you invite him in”–
such expensive
Chloe lowered her head slightly, sighing softly. “Yesterday… Mrs. Baker treated Mom badly, and Ethan felt awkward about it. These gifts are his way of apologizing for what happened yesterday”
“He’s very thoughtful, but this… is no big deal” Although Felicity still had harsh words for Mrs. Baker, sering Ethan’s clear apologetic gesture. Chloe’s luxurious outfit, and the limited–edition bags and shawl, all of which cost a considerable sum, softened her stance
Still, the decision on their relationship with the Baker family was up to Griffin.
Felicity glanced at Griffin
Griffin maintained a scrutinizing gaze, his eyes narrowed as he observed.
d Chloe
Chloe felt as though Grittin’s gaze was like an X–ray, seeing through her innermost thoughts.
She grew inexplicably nervous, remembering everything that had happened with Ethan last night. Her face flushed slightly.
She clenched her slender fingers tightly. “Dad… please don’t be angry with Ethan. This morning Elhan went to see Miss Ruscente. He said… he said he plans to invest three million in start–up funds for the studio, in my and Xandra’s names”
She spoke with a determined breath, lifting her gaze to meet Griffin’s “Ethan is truly a good person. He promised me he’d talk to Mrs. Baker and make sure nothing like this huppens again. Dad, could you… could you give him a chance!”
Griffin didn’t respond immediately but instead let his guze fall on the pale white curve of Chloe’s exposed neck.
Though she had thickly covered it with foundation..
A discerning eye could still spot the faint bruises on her neck.
Last night….
Chloe had rushed out when she received Ethan’s call about him driving drunk
As a man, Griffin knew all too well what a man could become when
He just didn’t expect…
intoxicated.
After their families had parted ways on had terms last night, Edun would still do such things to Chloe.
Well, since it’s come to
The Mewart the Baker family should be tied together.
Right now, Ethan was still willing to spend so much money to curry favor with Chloe.
This suggested that the Baker family had not yet reached the point of complete ruin
Of course, although Ethan publicly claimed he was investing in their studio umber Clilor’s name, it was just as much a move for the Baker family to attach itself to the Roscute family,
As for the relationship with the Bakers
It had to be maintained, at least for now
Goff rated his hand and took the shopping bags from Cidor “Alright, you and Elan have been a solod, engaged couple now. You’re getting along
ont let something minor tear you two ajan”
hæ can’t, then I’ll step in”
“Since Ethan promised to convince Mrs. Baker, let him handle it if he
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Chapter 155
“One
way or another. I won’t let you
u suffer any grievances in the Baker family.
Chloe’s eyes instantly reddened, and she looked at her father with teary, affectionate eyes. Thank you, Dad”
Griffin nodded, “You’ve picked out so many gifts, you must be tired. Go rest upstairs for a while.”
Chloe obediently agreed, deeply moved.
As she turned and walked toward the spiral staircase, the gentle, soft smile on her face immediately disappeared
Her fingers clenched tightly around the bags, and a cold, obscure light flashed in her eyes.
Did Griffin really think she didn’t know what was happening in the house?
This house…
It already had her people in i
Her people had long passed on the conversation between Griffin and Felicity to her ears.
Griffin still hadn’t given up on Sophia
Now that he’d chosen her, why the Sophist
Being greedy wasn’t the way to ga
She had worked so hard to send Sophia away from this house, and she would never let Sophia have any chance to come back.
This home was hers.
So was Ethan
Everything Sophia had once had belonged to hert
The Roscente Andrewrents were not at all affected by Griffin’s call.
After hanging up the phone, they just enjoyed thier meal.
The two of them decisively dismissed any thoughts o
of the Stewart family
Sophia returned to her room and discussed the details of the proposal with Finn. Afterward, she carried the herbs she’d selected the previous day at the research lab and went to the backyard.
Walter had specially set up a luxurious and beautiful gazebo in the area where Sophia often ground herbs, equipped with a variety of specialized
Sophia began to work busily.
Over the next few
days.
Sophia stayed home with the grandfather, grinding herbs, having meals with Tristan, or hosting him at the Roscente residence.
She also occasionally took time to discuss matters concerning the Ramle Hotel with Finn.
Her days were packed with no gaps in si
ps in sight—busy, but fulfilling.
After a week of this. Sophia learned from Sherry that Xandra and Chloe had made a big splash by creating their own studio.
Briccalled “Princess.
Xandra har started budding g the “Princess” brand while studying abroad.
And now they were bringing it to the domestic market, clearly planning to make a big move,
Sherry gizgled, her laughter bright and animated. “When she used this name for her fashion brand, she really thought of herself as a princess,
© Sophia umaled slightly, not particularly interested.
Before her arrival, Xandra had indeed thought of herself as the only true daughter of the Roscente family
she thought of herself their one and only princess.
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Xandra’s lifelong dream seemed to be to win the adoration of everyone in the Roscente family.
“By the way, babe, I can’t see how their first three new designs have anything to do with ‘Princess at all,” Sherry mused, propping up her chin. “T think their first designs… kind of look like Luminous’s‘ style”
When she heard “Luminous“, Sophia’s interest was piqued, and she looked up slightly.
Sherry clicked her tongue, completely losing her usual poised demeanor as a high–society lady. “I heard the first three designs were personally created by that little bit. Didn’t expect her to have this much talent. No wonder she was able to go from living in a slum to studying abroad,”
“Honestly, if I can’t get my hands on Luminous’s latest collection, I’d be tempted to settle for their brand
Sophia stopped what she was doing and narrowed her eyes.
Chloe’s design style resembled Luminous’st
That made her curious.
sophia didn’t know much about Chloe’s past, except that Felicity had bragged about Chloe’s expertise and her time abroad when she brought Chloe back.
All the talk implied that the Stewart family’s girl was exceptional—that even living in a slum could produce miracles.
Meanwhile, Sophia, who had enjoyed the Stewart family’s resources but hadn’t even finished high school was labeled a “failure” “inferior genes”
But Sophia had never actually seen Chloe’s designs.
Given Chloe’s personality, if she was truly that talented abroad, had won any
by awards, wouldn’t she have shown them off by now!
It seemed Chloe was really good at keeping her cards close to her chest.
It seemed Chloe was really good at keeping her cards close to her chest.
She’d been hiding it all until now, only revealing her impressive abilities after she and Xandra set up their studio.
That was enough to leave an impression.
After all. Sherry’s praise meant something–it was proof that Chloe’s debut designs had something worth noticing.
all because of
“Son, they’re having a press conference in three days to officially launch the Princess‘ brand, and at the conference, they’ll reveal two new designs that will be their main focus for upcoming collections”
Sherry’s eyes were darting around, giving her already alluring features a more seductive flair.
Her lips curled into a sly smile
Sophia caught her drift with just one glance. “You want to stir up some trouble?”
“How can you call it stirring up trouble?” Sherry feigned seriousness. “I’m just being curious, She hasn’t stolen anything or committed any crime. What kind of trouble could 1 cause? Just a little excitement to see what she has left to surprise us.”
Sophia wasn’t
wasn’t particularly eager to get involved.
Mouly because she found it boring and unnecessary.
Xandra and Chloe were clearly y enemies of hers
Even if she dadn’t care much for them.
If she went to their event, it would just bring a load of trouble.
Instead of that, she’d rather grind more pills and make more money.
Sophia was about to speak.
Suddenly, a familiar avatar popped up in the corner of her laptop screeni
She clicked it open.
to your
It was a message from Averie (Alills, boss! Have you seen the trending topics recently? My basl, I couldn’t get that designer who’s similar to style at our team“]
Sophia wasn’t surprised.
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Chapter 15
If she were in their shoes, and hers
rstyle was similar to Luminous, the wouldn’t join Luminous either.
After all, within Luminous team, she would always just be one of it and never her true self.
Averie must knew that Sophia didn’t give a hoot about the news on designers
So she just kept typing: [Boss, hoss, boss! The brand Princess‘ that’s been all over the trending list these past few days–have you noticed? I heard the founder of that brand is claiming they’re aiming to compete with us, Luminous!]
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