Chapter 26
Chapter 27
As she stepped into the sitting room, every pair of eyes turned toward her.
It was the absolute worst moment to be in the spotlight.
She quickly tucked her bank card behind her back, hoping to one would notice.
Grandpa Abraham’s face twisted with displeasure as he glared at Sophia.
“Where have you been? Why didn’t you greet your husband like I told you p>
Sophia’s face flushed with embarrassment, and she wished he could vanish.
In a small voice, she mumbled, “I did, Grandpa p>
“Yes, Grandpa, she’did,” Alex chimed in, trying to back her up.
Grandpa Abraham’s expression Softened.
The truth was, Sophia didn’t care about greeting Alex.
All she wanted was to get rid of him.
She was willing to give him money, just for the peace of mind, so she wouldn’t have to deal with him anymore.
But if her grandfather found out what she really did to Alex, she’d be in big trouble.
So, she quickly said, “I was just giving instructions in the kitchen. I’d like Alex to stay for lunch p>
“Really?” Grandpa Abraham’s face lit up, clearly pleased.
“Yes,” Sophia confirmed.
Even Alex seemed surprised by the sudden invitation but forced a smile.
He knew Sophia only said that to make her grandfather happy.
And he was right.
Grandpa Abraham smiled at her with approval.
“Tell me,” he said, “how close are we to joining the Kingston Enterprise p>
He shifted the conversation to the Kingston Enterprise membership, which was crucial for the Lancaster family’s future.
The Lancasters had been working hard to become members of the Kingston circle.
They wanted to build a connection with Alfred Kingston and elevate their family’s status.
Many families desired the same, and the Lancasters were no exception.
But due to Grandpa Abraham’s age and declining energy, he had passed this critical task to Sophia.
“I’m working on it. Thanks to Chris and his family’s connections, we have hope p>
But hope wasn’t enough, and these words were nothing new to the Lancaster family.
They’d been on the waiting list for what felt like forever.
Why did Sophia believe this time would be any different?
+26 BONUS
Chapter 27
“Look what I’ve got!” Sophia pulled out an invitation card he had managed to
secure.
“Invitations to Mr. Alfred’s daughter’s banquet p>
“You know how valuable these are, right p>
“Chris’s father got them for us just yesterday p>
“This is our chance. I’ll do my best to make sure we’re selected p>
Her parents beamed with pride.
Their daughter was making them proud.
If only she had married someone influential, someone who could really support her!
Meanwhile, Alex watched silently, amused but smart enough to stay quiet under Sophia’s warning glance.
Grandpa Abraham cleared his throat.
“That’s wonderful. You must do everything you can to be selected. Our family’s future depends on it. I’m proud of what you’ve accomplished p>
“Thank you, Grandpa,” Sophia said, her cheeks flushing with happiness at his praise.
“Ahem!” Grandpa Abraham glanced around. “One more thing p>
“You need an extra assistant, besides that best friend of yours p>
“How about Alex? He’d make a great assistant p>
Grandpa Abraham smiled as he patted Alex on the shoulder.
“What p>
“Yes. He can help you, and you two can spend more time together.” o
Sophia’s mouth fell open as if a bomb had gone off in the room.
Her eyes widened in disbelief.
Had her grandfather lost his mind? Maybe he had.
Her heart pounded in her chest.
She couldn’t bear having Alex around her, let alone working with him.
That would drive her insanel
She’d be the laughingstock if anyone found out she had married a nobody.
What would people say?
Her status had already taken a hit when she married Alex.
If word got out, whatever was left
How would she face anyone again?
of her reputation would be ruined.
She shut her eyes, feeling utterly hopeless.
No!
+15 BONUS
Chapter 27
There was no way she could agree to this!
“Grandpa, 1-1 think there’s no
What excuse could she possibly give?
Before she could come up with something, Alex suddenly spoke.
“Grandpa Abraham, I appreciate your offer, but I don’t want to be Sophia’s assistant p>
“But I’ll help her whenever I can p>
Grandpa Abraham realized he might have pushed too hard.
Forcing the issue wouldn’t yield good results and could cause more resistance.
“Alright, as you both wish p>
He finally nodded. “Just help her when you have the time p>
“Of course! You can count on me,” Alex replied.
Little did they know, all Alex had to do was make one phone call, and the
Lancaster family would be selected.
Sophia wouldn’t even need to be considered.
The Kingston family was just a small part of the Kingsley organization; if he wanted to, he could even replace Kingston with Lancaster with a snap of the fingers
Grandpa Abraham smiled. “That’s great p>
Meanwhile, Sophia stood there, stunned.
Did Alex just save her from a scold?
What a shock!
Maybe he wasn’t as useless as she thought.
Even if he did it with ulterior motives, who cared?
What mattered was that her reputation was safe.
Phew!
But her parents didn’t see it that way.
Mrs. Lancaster shot Alex a hateful glare.
“What are you going to do, then? Wander around the city begging for pennies p>
Her voice was dripping with venom.
“Begging, “Alex chuckled softly.
People begged him, not the other way around.
“I have my own business p>