Ch. 561..570
Chapter 561
“Let's go!” Sophie ordered coldly for the sake of the onlookers' lives.
“No way! There's only one thing I want today, and that's for you to say yes to my marriage proposal.” Nicholas refused to settle for anything less.
“What absurdity!”
Sophie hated being threatened more than anything else.
Snatching the ring box out of his hand, she tossed it away without hesitation.
“Are you satisfied now?”
After saying that, she spun on her heel and left.
It's his business if he descends into a manic state, and it's also the onlookers' choice to stay here and watch. As such, they should bear the consequences themselves, no matter what happens next.
She didn't spare the ring box even a glance, nor had she any idea how much effort he had expended to buy that diamond ring.
Ultimately, she didn't care a whit about all that.
On the other hand, it went without saying that Nicholas was devastated.
Why did things end up like this? Is it not because of Tristan? In this case, I've got no choice but to kill
him. Only by doing so will Sophie belong to me alone!
When Nicholas returned to the mansion he had just bought, Alex immediately knew that something must have triggered Nicholas again with just a look at his state.
Therefore, whoever set him off would undoubtedly end up bearing the brunt of his fury.
Alex had everyone else leave the living room, hoping to minimize the damage as much as possible.
Just when he was about to leave as well, Nicholas caught sight of him and called him back.
“Alex, do you all think that I'm a lunatic?” the man demanded out of the blue, a scarlet haze blanketing his eyes.
If Alex were to say something Nicholas didn't want to hear then, he would definitely go on a killing spree.
Alex racked his brain for a way to voice things in a way that he wouldn't hurt Nicholas.
“You've always been a remarkably outstanding person, and we all respect you greatly, Mr. Nicholas.” Well, I wouldn't possibly dare say that he's indeed a lunatic!
“Respect? Haha! I don't need your respect. All I need is Sophie! Go and make the arrangements.”
Nicholas' abrupt order had Alex at a complete loss regarding the arrangements the man wanted him to make.
In the next second, Nicholas declared, “Kill Tristan! Eliminate him no matter the price!”
If that's the only solution, so be it. Regardless of the cost of doing so, I'll bear it as long as I attain my goal. Everything else doesn't matter.
“But Mr. Nicholas—” It's Jipsdale here, not Anglandur. Even in Anglandur, we might not be able to kill Tristan easily, much less when we're now here in his territory!
“Why, are you questioning my orders now? Or do you not regard me as your employer at all?” Nicholas' eyes were icy cold. It was as though they could freeze someone to death.
“Understood, Mr. Nicholas. If you so wish it, we'll obey you to the letter.” From the look of things, nothing I say at this point will make a difference, so my only choice is to play along with him.
It wasn't until Nicholas heard Alex's affirmative reply that he calmed down.
“Make all the necessary arrangements. I want Tristan to die a tragic death!”
There's no need for me to say anything else, for that's the only outcome I want!
“Understood, Mr. Nicholas.”
“You're dismissed!”
Nicholas wanted to have some time alone as he was not in the mood to say anything further.
“You haven't had lunch, Mr. Nicholas. I'll have someone prepare some food for you.”
However, Nicholas waved a dismissive hand.
I'm not in the mood to eat now. How could I possibly eat when Sophie treated me with such contempt?
“Mr. Nicholas—”
“Go and make the arrangements I asked of you! I'll certainly have a feast when you've killed Tristan. Right now, I've got no appetite at the mere thought of him!”
At that exact moment, Tristan, who was at Lombard Group, sneezed several times uncontrollably.
Seeing that, Felix, Sean, and Charles exchanged a look.
“Mr. Tristan, we all know that you and Sophie are head over heels in love with each other, but you still need to take care of yourself, okay? Don't overindulge in the pleasures of the flesh!”
We're grown men, so we understand. How could he possibly restrain himself when he has such a beautiful girlfriend? He must be going wild every night!
In response, Tristan swept a gaze over them all.
“Where did the minds of the lot of you go? Get them out of the gutter!”
Despite saying that, he couldn't help wondering whether he was sneezing nonstop because Sophie was missing him.
I wonder what she's doing right now.
At the sight of him daydreaming, the three men couldn't help bursting into laughter.
“By the way, Felix, what's the progress between you and Ysabelle? What base are you at after waiting for such a long time?” Charles asked, curious.
That had Felix shooting him a glare.
“Do you think everyone is like you, striving for a home run in everything? I plan to spend forever with her, so I'm in no hurry!”
Indeed, he wasn't in any hurry, for he enjoyed the current process greatly.
He found nothing wrong with taking this one step at a time.
“Oh God, why are the lot of you so useless? Shall I teach you all a few tricks?”
There are tactics to a man treating a woman, okay?
At that, Tristan snorted coldly.
“Forget it! I don't need you to teach me anything!” Hah! What can he teach me? It's all the same, no?
Dejection swamped Charles.
“Among us, I've got the most experience with women. Why won't you all listen to me?”
I truly can't figure them out.
“Because we've all got bottom lines,” Felix answered unceremoniously.
“Are you saying that I've got no bottom line?” Charles became even more depressed as he had always been victorious when it came to conquering women.
The other three men bobbed their heads in unison.
Isn't that obvious? He doesn't have the least bit of self-awareness!
Following their reply, Charles inhaled deeply.
Fine, then. It won't do me any good to argue otherwise.
Since they wouldn't listen to him, he could no longer be bothered to impart his experience to them.
Meanwhile, Minerva was scrolling through TikTok at home when she suddenly came across the video of Nicholas proposing to Sophie.
She wasn't acquainted with Nicholas, but she recognized the woman as Sophie at a single glance.
Although the video was rather blurry, she still managed to identify the latter.
Hmm, Sophie is also involved with another man? If Tristan were to learn about it, the entire matter
might not be so simple anymore!
Without even bothering to change, she rushed over to Whitley Group in search of Jennifer right away.
Jennifer was inexorably thrilled after watching that video.
Tristan is an arrogant man, so he undoubtedly won't be able to tolerate any betrayal! And who is this man? He looks like a ruthless person as well. Most importantly, he seems to like Sophie a lot. If he were to get together with her, wouldn't Tristan be mine?
“Thank you, Minerva! This is really important to me!” Tristan can only belong to me alone. No one else is allowed to steal him away from me!
That was the first time Minerva had ever seen Jennifer smile in a long time.
“While I showed you this video, Jennifer, I still want to give you a piece of advice—if all things fail at the end of the day, just give up!”
Chapter 562
After all, Tristan wasn't the only man in the world.
In the face of Minerva's advice, Jennifer flashed her a blinding smile.
“You don't understand, Minerva. You'll know when you fall in love with someone in the future. If it were so easy to give up, then you don't really love him in the first place.”
All things said, true love doesn't give up easily.
“But one-sided love is sheer agony. It's nothing to the person on the receiving end, but it's too painful for the person with the unreciprocated feelings!” Minerva was aware of Jennifer's feelings in the past ten years and knew how much she had suffered.
If this is love, I'd rather not fall in love for the rest of my life. I really don't want to be put through the wringer.
Subsequently, Jennifer eagerly made a call to the most renowned private detective agency in Jipsdale.
“Remember this—money is not an issue as long as you uncover this man's identity!”
Seeing her all worked up, Minerva wasn't sure whether she had done the right thing in showing Jennifer the video.
As a friend, she naturally hoped that Jennifer would have her wish come true.
But then, the sight of the woman in such a frenzied state had a sliver of regret creeping into her.
It's clear as day that Sophie is no easy prey. Is it really okay for Jennifer to remain so obstinate? And would she end up getting hurt in the end? If that happens, wouldn't I be the culprit of it all?
Ultimately, she could only leave Jennifer's office silently, incapable of dissuading the latter.
Well, such is her nature. As long as it's something she wants, she'll want to procure it even if it means stooping to despicable means. I only hope she doesn't get hurt in the end. But it's just a matter of having a detective agency investigate a man's identity, so it should be fine.
Only when Jennifer had ended her call with the private detective agency did she realize that Minerva was no longer there. Nevertheless, she wasn't bothered about it.
At that moment, she was in a great mood.
I'll just wait and see Sophie's tragic end. Since she dares to steal my man, I'll certainly have her regret it!
When Sophie arrived at school, she was greeted by the sight of Simon standing at the door, blocking her path.
Her brows knitted together.
“Move aside!”
On the contrary, Simon was all smiles.
“I was in the wrong about what happened previously. I hope you can forgive me. As you know, my father is the director of the biggest private hospital in Jipsdale. Why don't you consider joining us when you graduate in the future?” he queried ingratiatingly.
It was pretty late then, so many were already seated in class. They all went green with envy upon hearing that.
Whoa! That's the largest private hospital in Jipsdale.
Needless to say, that hospital offered the highest pay and best benefits.
Countless people competed among themselves to work there, yet Sophie was offered a position in the hospital without having to expend any effort.
As such, she naturally drew envy from others.
“She's really something else! It's just been a few days, but she already has Simon wrapped around her little finger!” We haven't even graduated, yet she already has such a golden opportunity!
“How sickening is it that she's going around and seducing men all the time just because she's beautiful!”
“Hear, hear! I noticed that many boys like her, but she's too aloof, so no one dares to pursue her!”
“The lot of you are obviously jealous! She's the most outstanding student in our class at present, so even the biggest public hospital in Jipsdale would undoubtedly fall all over itself to have such a prodigy
join them, much less private hospitals!” Eventually, Sandra couldn't stand listening to them anymore.
Simon merely has his sights set on Sophie's talents!
“What do you mean by that, Sandra? Or have you already ingratiated yourself with her, huh?” It went without saying that Greta was loathed to hear someone defending Sophie.
She had always liked Simon and hoped to join his family's private hospital.
Alas, he remained unmoved even after she had pursued him for such a long time. Hence, resentment inundated her that he was showing Sophie such favor then.
“So what if I have?” If it were in the past, Sandra absolutely wouldn't want to yak with them. But right then, she had to side with Sophie when the latter had been so good to her.
“Oh, really?” Greta snorted disdainfully. I might not be able to do anything about Sophie, but Sandra is a different story altogether!
The look in her eyes promptly clued Sandra in as to her intention.
“Let me warn you, Greta. You'd best not play any tricks. Otherwise, don't blame me for showing you no mercy!”
Meanwhile, Sophie stared at Simon in front of her.
Why do his words sound so familiar? And why is it that everyone hopes that I'll join their hospital?
“Sorry, I'm not interested in your family's hospital at all. Also, you'd best move out of my way right now. Otherwise, you might very well be the next patient who's sent to your family's hospital!”
Everyone else never expected her to give up such a golden opportunity when it was a chance others could only dream of.
“Since Sophie doesn't want to join your family's hospital, Simon, how about I do so instead?”
After all, it was no easy feat to find a good job these days.
“Count me in!”
Simon swept a scornful gaze over them.
“Dream on!”
Hah! Do they think that anyone can compare to Sophie? Truly, they think too highly of themselves!
Despite having been rebuffed in public, he didn't fly into a rage. He merely moved aside wordlessly and allowed Sophie to enter the class.
Sophie went to her seat with her bag on her shoulders. The look in Greta's eyes as she glowered at Sophie was so sinister that it was as though it had been steeped in poison.
At that very instant, the urge to kill Sophie gripped her.
I went to great lengths in hopes of securing all that, but she got them without any effort. Worse still, she
doesn't appreciate them in the least!
Sheer resentment flooded her.
As soon as Sophie sat down, Sandra came over.
“Sophie, if you encountered this problem, how would you solve it?” She had been reading a surgical casebook recently, in which were some classical surgeries.
Sophie scanned her eyes over it before giving voice to her thoughts. When the others heard Sandra asking that question, they all perked up their ears. Upon hearing the solution then, they were impressed beyond words.
Sure enough, a prodigy will always be a prodigy! She's incredible!
Likewise, Sandra gazed at Sophie with admiration written all over her face after listening to the latter's answer.
Simon, on the other hand, was wholly stunned. As expected, she's a genius! I must get her to join my family's hospital!
After classes ended in the evening, Sandra and Sophie headed out to have dinner together. However, before they had even reached the cafeteria, Sophie received a call from Ysabelle.
It turned out that the latter came over to look for her.
Thus, the party of two turned into a party of three.
Sophie made the introductions. Ysabelle and Sandra were both outgoing people, so they got along smashingly in no time.
“Sophie, I heard from Uncle Tristan that you're planning to skip a grade?” I've previously heard of people skipping grades in elementary, junior high, and senior high, but I never thought that she would want to skip grades when she's now studying at the University of Medicine and Jipsdale University both. Are the classes really that easy?
“What? Skip a grade?” Sandra was wholly floored. The courses at the University of Medicine aren't simple at all, are they?
“Yeah.”
However, Sophie merely nodded as though they were speaking of the weather that day.
Chapter 563
“Isn't it fun to enjoy your university years to the fullest? Why skip a grade? Alas, I can never understand what it's like to be a top student.”
Ysabelle was perfectly content with how things were at that moment.
It's wonderful to be able to do whatever I want and date whoever I want, so what's the rush?
“I don't want Mr. Tristan to wait too long. We said we'd get married after graduation.”
Words eluded Ysabelle as she shook her head in slight disapproval.
“You two...” Is there a need to flaunt your affection for one another like that? Then again, it's not like I'm still single.
Sandra nodded blankly.
In truth, she didn't understand what it was like to be a top student either, and she was an extremely introverted person. Hence, getting acquainted with new people was not her stronghold.
“Once you leave, I don't know who I'd go to if I encounter a problem I can't solve!” she lamented.
“You can come to me if there's anything you can't solve by yourself. I'm not graduating right away, so I'll still be at the University of Medicine.” Sophie planned to condense the five-year program into two short years.
“All right!”
Nevertheless, they were still going to be at the same university.
Ysabelle and Sandra knew of Sophie's plans to skip grades, but they weren't expecting her to complete the entire program in just two years' time.
“Looks like you're really into Uncle Tristan,” Ysabelle commented. “Otherwise, you wouldn't be so eager to marry him.”
“It's not that I'm eager. I just don't want him to wait too long. After all, he seems pretty insecure, and if that's the case, it'd be better for us to tie the knot as soon as possible,” explained Sophie.
“Hm? Why didn't Felix bring this up to me? Could it be that he's not planning on marrying me and just wants to date me for the fun of it?” The more Ysabelle thought about it, the more she felt something was off.
Meanwhile, Felix let out a sneeze, completely unaware of the misfortune that was waiting for him.
That night, Tristan went to pick Sophie up. These days, if he didn't have anything important to attend to, he'd pick her up from either the University of Medicine or Jipsdale University.
Hence, there wasn't a single person on both campuses that was unaware of the fact that Sophie was taken, and there was nothing her admirers could do but mend their broken hearts.
Noticing the look they were shooting him, Tristan grew smug.
Yes, that's right. I love it when they can't stand me but still can't win against me. What a delightful feeling!
On the other hand, Sophie was already used to them reacting this way, so she merely walked past them with her gaze focused on the path ahead.
All of a sudden, Tristan wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her into his arms.
“What's wrong?”
She had hardly gathered her wits when she noticed a red sports car speeding away.
Sophie furrowed her brows at the sight of that.
Speeding on campus was an utterly despicable thing to do, but unfortunately, the sports car was too fast for Sophie to catch a glimpse of its license plate.
A line had formed between Tristan's brows as well.
If he hadn't reacted quickly, she would've gotten hurt, and the mere thought of that filled him with rage. Who on earth has a death wish?
The couple continued strolling down their path. At that moment, they didn't investigate the matter further, but they were certainly planning on figuring out who was behind the wheel once they got home. Someone had to teach the reckless driver a lesson, after all.
Naturally, everyone else bore witness to the scene as well.
“Someone's going to be in huge trouble.”
“So what? They deserve it! This is a university campus. What's so impressive about having a sports car?”
“That's right! Fortunately, my goddess wasn't hurt!”
“Oh, how I wish I was the damsel in distress! He's so handsome!”
“I wish I had a boyfriend like that. He's practically perfect!”
A single move from the perfect couple was enough to cause a stir, but the two remained clueless about the commotion they had unintentionally created.
Meanwhile, Jennifer was displeased, for the private detective was unable to find out the man's identity.
Thus, she drove to the agency.
This was the hardest task the agency had ever encountered since its establishment. “Ms. Whitley, there's nothing we can do. We know absolutely nothing about the man.”
“Am I not paying you enough? If that's the case, then name your price. I can give you all the money you want!”
Jennifer believed there was nothing in the world that couldn't be resolved using money, but the agency didn't want to ruin its own reputation over the matter. “This isn't about money, Ms. Whitley.”
“Not about the money? Then is it a skill issue? You call yourselves the best private detective agency in Jipsdale, but that's not true at all! I'm going to shut you down today so you won't go around scamming people again!” she bellowed, her eyes red with anger.
This was a lead she had painstakingly obtained, and naturally, she wasn't willing to give up just like that.
The harder it was to find out anything about the man, the more she felt something was amiss.
“There's really nothing we can do, Ms. Whitley. How about this? We'll refund the deposit to you.”
This time, the private detective agency had bit off more than they could chew.
Jennifer narrowed her eyes menacingly as she gave them a once-over.
“I think you lot have no intentions of working in Jipsdale any longer!”
After making a huge fuss in the agency for a long while, she finally stepped out of the building.
It didn't take long for her to come into Nicholas' field of vision. At that moment, he was in his car.
“That's her, Boss,” his subordinate reported.
Danger glinted in Nicholas' eyes as he looked at her.
“Who does she think she is? How dare she investigate me? Teach her a lesson.”
Does she think anyone would be able to run an investigation on me? Is the Sable family a joke to her?
On the way back, Jennifer was hit by a car and sustained severe injuries. Convinced that it was Sophie's doing, she hated the woman to the bone.
“What? Jennifer was injured?” Sophie was doubtful when she caught wind of the news from Ysabelle. After all, why would Jennifer get injured out of the blue?
“She deserves it. You know she's been wishing misfortune upon you, so this is great! She's the one who's out of luck.” Ysabelle felt no sympathy for the woman and continued, “I heard her face is pretty messed up. She's the vainest person I know, so I bet she's in misery right now.”
Anyone who was at odds with Sophie was an enemy of Ysabelle's.
Hence, there was no reason for her to feel an ounce of sympathy for Jennifer.
“Yeah.”
But are things really as simple as that? Then again, Jennifer's matters have nothing to do with me.
“Sophie, seeing as Grandpa hasn't been looking for trouble with you lately, I guess your gift worked!”
I didn't expect Grandpa would be bought over with a gift, but oh well! The gift was pretty impressive, after all.
Josiah hadn't been feeling well, but he refused to go to the hospital. Left with no other choice, Morgan
could only give Sophie a call. In the end, it was Sophie who brought her grandfather to the hospital.
Even so, the elderly man didn't fail to nag at the butler while they were on their way to the hospital.
“Morgan, it seems you've developed a habit of disobeying my words,” he chastised.
“Grandpa, Morgan did it for your sake. You should go to the hospital for a checkup if you're not feeling well. How could you conceal your illness like that?”
Chapter 564
Josiah was completely docile in the face of his granddaughter. Hearing her words, he nodded without hesitation.
“I know you're right, but I know my body the best. I'm fine, really.” The elderly man didn't see the need to worry or trouble anyone by making a trip to the hospital since he was in good health.
However, Sophie insisted on getting him a medical checkup. “We'll let the doctor decide if you're fine or not. What you say doesn't count!” Do people fear going to the doctor's more as they get older? Geez!
“Gosh, you're all so busy. There's no need for you to accompany me there. I know where the hospital is.”
“I'm not that busy,” said Sophie nonchalantly. “I have time to spend with you, so don't worry about a thing and go for the checkup.”
Exasperation inundated Josiah.
There was nothing he could do but obey his granddaughter and do as she instructed—get the checkup done.
“Thank goodness you're here, Ms. Sophie. Old Mr. Tanner only listens to you now.”
At this point, the patriarch of the Tanner family wouldn't listen to anyone but Sophie, so the rest of the family couldn't persuade him at all.
“Give me a call if anything happens to Grandpa. It doesn't matter how serious it is.” To Sophie, her
grandfather was her foremost priority, so no matter how busy she was, she'd make sure to take time to attend to him.
Having served Josiah for many years, Morgan knew the latter's temperament like the back of his hand. “Okay. Don't worry, Ms. Sophie. I'll take good care of Old Mr. Tanner,” he reassured.
Arius accompanied Josiah to the checkup.
A frustrated expression hung on the former's countenance when the checkup was done.
“Old Mr. Tanner, didn't I tell you to come to me if you were feeling unwell? Why didn't you heed my words? I know you're afraid that Sophie might be worried, but you could always come to visit me in private,” he chastised. Sophie cares about her grandpa a lot. If she finds out about his condition, she'll be plagued by worry.
“Arius, you're Sophie's best friend. I know you care about her, so please don't tell her about my condition. I'm fine.”
Arius cast a disapproving look at the old man. Those who knew Sophie also knew how much she cared for her grandfather.
“But if something happens to you, she'll be very upset.”
“I think there's nothing wrong with my body. My organs are failing, but isn't that normal for someone my age? What can we do about it?”
No one could change the course of nature.
Since his fate was sealed, Josiah would gladly accept what was to come.
As a doctor, Arius knew that the old man was right. Some things could be resolved using medicine, but aging was a natural process that no one could stop.
One could only accept it.
“Regardless of everything, I'm right here. If you're feeling unwell in the future and don't want Sophie to know, you can let me know, all right?”
“Okay. Remember, tell Sophie I'm fine,” reminded Josiah once more.
In doing so, he was hoping his granddaughter wouldn't be worried about him.
“Sure. I'll send your medicine to the Tanner residence later. You have to take them on time.”
There were some things that humans couldn't alter, but at the very least, they could slow the process down.
“All right, I got it. You have to remember not to tell Sophie about this.”
“Rest assured, Old Mr. Tanner.”
Arius then sent Josiah out. Just as expected, Sophie had been waiting all the while. She came running over the moment she saw them.
“How was it?” She cut straight to the chase.
Sophie wasn't officially a doctor yet, so she couldn't perform a medical checkup on her grandfather. Nevertheless, she could tell that something was wrong with him.
“It's nothing big. It's normal for elderly people to have some health issues here and there.”
Geriatric diseases were common in the elderly population. However, Sophie was well-versed in medicine, so she didn't believe what Arius was telling her.
For the time being, however, she didn't expose the ruse. “Okay. I'll take him home and give you a call later.”
“Sure. Go ahead.”
Due to an upcoming surgery that he was scheduled for, Arius didn't walk them out.
A joyful grin hung on the old man's lips as the grandfather-granddaughter duo made their way back home.
“Didn't I tell you? I'm completely fine! Why won't you believe me?”
“I didn't not believe you.”
I'm just worried.
Josiah was the person Sophie cared for the most. Of course, she'd be worried about every little thing that concerned him.
“Oh, Soph! Listen to me. Dying is part of the circle of life. When that day comes, I hope you won't be too upset.” There was nothing much one could do to tackle the natural progression of life. Death was inevitable.
“I don't like hearing you say that, Grandpa.”
It was one thing for her to be aware of her grandfather's mortality and another to accept it.
Josiah sighed in resignation.
Seeing this, Sophie could only give in.
“All right, I understand. But before that day comes, you have to listen to the doctors and do as they say, okay?”
The elderly man nodded in response.
“I know, I know. I'll obey the doctor's instructions.”
Josiah didn't want to die either, as there was one thing he still wished to do—give his granddaughter away to Tristan. At the very least, he had to hold out until that moment, and he was determined to do just that.
After sending her grandfather home, Sophie was about to make a trip to the hospital when she bumped
into Willow on her way out.
It had been some time since the two women last saw each other.
Her older sister had been on her best behavior, so much so that Sophie almost forgot about her.
Willow's face was devoid of expression when she saw her younger sister. She wasn't a match for Sophie, and gradually, she had come to accept that fact.
Despite that, she didn't want to admit defeat just yet.
She continued to work hard in hopes that, one day, she could crush her sister under her feet.
Seeing that Willow wasn't stirring up any trouble, Sophie merely ignored her and called for the driver. She then asked the driver to take her to the hospital.
Willow turned over her shoulder and spared her sister a look.
She's still as arrogant as she was in the past. I've hated this side of her ever since she was young! I hate it when she acts all high and mighty, as if she's better than everyone else.
Jealousy was an awful feeling, but Willow was helpless. The only thing she could do was to wait and strike when the time was right.
Meanwhile, Sophie arrived at the hospital as Arius was in the middle of a surgery.
She was about to wait for him in his office when she bumped into the hospitalized Jennifer.
The woman had sustained some injuries to her face, and at that moment, her entire face was wrapped in bandages, making her look utterly comical.
Jennifer always paid attention to her image, yet she bumped into her love rival while she was in such an awful state. Naturally, she wasn't thrilled about the encounter.
Sophie knew about Jennifer's accident, but she couldn't recognize the latter at first glance and continued moving forward.
In response to Sophie ignoring her, Jennifer confronted the woman. “Was this your doing, Sophie?”
Sophie halted in her tracks. It wasn't until she heard the voice that she recognized who the bandaged woman was.
Chapter 565
Annoyed, Jennifer questioned, “I'm talking to you right now, Sophie! Didn't you hear me?”
Sophie examined the woman in front of her in detail. Doesn't she know how ridiculous she looks right now?
“Don't you know you shouldn't speak nonsense like that, Ms. Whitley? What does your accident have to do with me? You and your awful character are to blame for what happened, not other people,” she spat.
“You!” At that moment, Jennifer wished she could tear Sophie apart.
“I know you've been envious of me, Ms. Whitley. However, I must remind you that jealousy is useless. There are some people who'll never belong to you no matter how hard you try.” Sophie was pretty confident in Tristan.
A furious smile formed on Jennifer's countenance. “Is that so? Do you think no one will know what you did, Sophie? Do you think Tristan will still like you if he finds out you have another lover other than him?”
“So what if other people know about it?” Sophie responded nonchalantly because she didn't think she had to refute or admit to anything she didn't do.
“You must be feeling very smug right now. Don't worry; one day, I'll kick you away from Tristan's side!” Jennifer paled greatly because she was getting too emotional while still unwell.
In response, Sophie ignored her and left.
When Jennifer's mother, Caylie, approached Jennifer and saw how she was doing, the older woman shook her head and chided, “Didn't I tell you not to run around since you're still hurt, Jennifer?”
“Mom, I want to call the police. I'm sure my accident must be because of Sophie! She did it because she doesn't like me.” Jennifer sounded confident.
Her mother shook her head. “What's the point of you doing that when you have no evidence, Jennifer?” Why is my daughter acting like this? She didn't use to be like this.
“Who else can it be but her, Mom?”
“There really isn't any evidence that points to who caused your accident, Jennifer,” Caylie reminded.
“Are you saying I deserve what I'm going through today?”
“Mind your attitude, Jennifer Whitley. Your recent performance has disappointed us a lot. We are your parents. You should be respecting us.”
Jennifer felt bitter when she heard that.
“Even though you're my parents, you two never stood up for me. I bet you two won't even give a damn if I was bullied or died during this accident.” At that moment, she wasn't willing to listen to what anyone was saying, nor was she able to control her emotions.
Caylie furrowed her eyebrows. Why did my daughter become like this?
“I'm sorry, Mom. I shouldn't have said that. I was wrong.” When Jennifer saw the disappointment in her mother's eyes, she finally calmed down. Regardless of what happens or what I want to obtain, I'll do my best to get it myself. I shouldn't take my anger out on my family.
Jennifer was still Caylie's daughter and the only child of the Whitley family, so, of course, she felt awful about her daughter's situation. “All right, you haven't fully recovered yet, so you should rest in your ward. You still have your dad managing the company, so you don't need to worry about that. As for Tristan, I think you should give up on him.”
Even though she knew Tristan was very impressive, she was also aware he had no feelings for her daughter. There's nothing that can be done about it except for Jennifer to accept the reality of things.
While Jennifer didn't say anything, she obviously wasn't going to give up.
Meanwhile, Sophie had been waiting in Arius' office for him. Two hours had passed by the time he returned.
When he saw her sleeping on the couch, he approached her and attempted to cover her body with his coat.
However, just as he tried to do that, she woke up. “Is your surgery over?”
“Yep! After the director knew I was back, he assigned a few patients to me almost immediately. I can't say no to that crafty man, so I've been feeling rather exhausted lately.”
“Don't tire yourself out too much. It would be best if you declined to perform more operations like this and give yourself time to recover. Otherwise, you'll become fatigued.”
“I know! Anyway, you're back because of Old Mr. Tanner, right?”
“Mhm. You don't need to hide anything from me. I'm learning medicine, so I know a lot about it. It's just that there are still some things that need to be examined with the help of medical instruments.”
“In that case, you should keep him company more often if you have the time. You know how it is when people get old. Even a divine or prodigious doctor won't be able to save him forever.”
It was one thing for Sophie to be aware of her grandfather's mortality and another to hear it directly from a doctor's mouth.
Suddenly, she fell silent.
Arius' heart ached when he saw her like that. He knew how much she cared about her grandfather. If not for the old man, she probably wouldn't have returned to Jipsdale at all.
“Are you all right?” At that moment, he didn't know how to comfort her.
Sophie took in a deep breath. Regardless of the result, I must be willing to accept it. It's not like I'm unaware of Grandpa's current condition.
“There's no need for you to be sad. Just spend more time with him! Older folks tend to hope the people they care about will always be by their side,” Arius said.
“I understand. Just make sure he doesn't know that I'm aware of his condition when you deliver him his medicine.”
“Mhm.” It moves me to see how much this pair of grandfather and granddaughter cares about each other.
That night, when Tristan visited Sophie and saw her spacing out, he instantly knew something was wrong.
“What's the matter?” he asked.
She replied, “My grandfather's body isn't doing well. Even though the last operation was very successful, it still can't stop the inevitable...”
“I see.” He hugged her tightly. “Arius can't do anything about it?”
“Doctors can only treat illnesses, not the aging process or death. There's nothing he can do about it, and nothing can change that fact.”
Tristan's embrace grew tighter.
At that moment, there was no need for him to speak any further. He would rather just stay by her side like that because nothing he said would change Josiah's condition.
“I've been too busy lately that I haven't had the time to keep him company.” Sophie felt bad for not being able to stay by Josiah's side.
“How about you go spend some time with him, then?” Tristan was aware the person she cared about the most was her grandfather, so he was willing to let her do that.
“No, he doesn't want me to know about his condition! That's why I can't go back to him now. However, I do know his greatest wish is to entrust me to you personally. That's why I want to graduate as soon as possible so he can do that.”
It was why she had been working so hard lately. The sooner she graduated, the sooner she could marry Tristan.
“I won't let him down,” he assured. I know Old Mr. Tanner's greatest wish is to see Sophie happy. Now that Sophie and I have gotten together, I'll be responsible for her happiness.
Standing on her tiptoes, Sophie kissed Tristan on the lips.
It was an affectionate kiss. Gradually, the atmosphere became amorous as his large hands subconsciously unclasped her undergarment.
He had never done that before, yet he was a natural at it when the opportunity arose.
Chapter 566
Sophie was lost in the heat of the moment as she was pressed against the door and given a passionate kiss. Tristan wasn't doing any better as he wasn't willing to let her go, even after they were both panting.
Her soft body was fatally alluring to him.
However, he resisted the temptation to go further at the last second.
Resting her head on his shoulder, Sophie panted. Frankly, she was impressed by his ability to control himself at that lustful moment.
For a long while, Tristan didn't move an inch because he felt like he was going to explode at any moment.
If this continues, I'll go crazy!
“You know I can't touch you, so can you stop seducing me, Sophie?”
Because of her arousal at that moment, her pretty eyes appeared doe-like and innocent to him when she raised them to look at him. “When did I seduce you? I just couldn't help but kiss you earlier. I wasn't trying to seduce you. “
In response, Tristan could only sigh.
“In that case, how about we stay in separate places? Will that make things easier for you?” Naturally, Sophie wouldn't push further if he was insistent.
It didn't make her feel good to see him suffer, after all.
Immediately, he shook his head when he heard that suggestion. “No, I want to stay with you. Even if I can't truly 'have' you and can only watch, I still want to stay with you.”
“But this isn't good for your body! I'm suggesting it for your own good, you know,” she explained.
“I'm fine!” Tristan insisted.
“All right, then.”
“Let me hug you for a little longer!” Even though it was getting late, and he should head back to rest, he still wanted to hug her for a while more.
Sophie's heart felt warm when she heard the affection in his voice.
She continued to lie in his embrace for a few more minutes before he let her go.
“Take a bath and go to sleep early. Don't overthink things. If we spend a bit more time with your grandfather, he'll be happy,” Tristan proposed. “I bet he doesn't want much right now, just the company of people. We can do that for him.”
“Okay.” At that moment, Sophie appeared exceptionally meek, making him want to do naughty things to her.
“All right, just head in quick. Otherwise, I won't be able to control myself anymore.” Back in the past when Tristan didn't have a girlfriend, he wasn't that horny. However, ever since he had one, he realized he was quite the animal, wanting to devour his fair maiden all the time.
She couldn't help but giggle.
Glancing at her, he grumbled, “Why are you laughing? Whose fault do you think this is, huh? Don't you have any sympathy for me at all? I can't believe you're still laughing at me. You're so mean.”
Instead of leaving, she hugged him.
“I never expected you to have such a cute side!” After planting a kiss on Tristan's cheek, Sophie rapidly returned to her room.
A bitter smile was seen on his face as he watched the door close.
I decided to wait until our wedding night to do it with her, so all I can do is bear this agony before that happens. It's fine, however, because I won't need to control myself after that night. As he thought about the things he could do to her after their wedding night, a certain part of his anatomy reacted once more.
He couldn't help but curse, “Sh*t!”
I didn't know I was such an animal. It's not that I can't feel like this about anyone; it's just that Sophie's the only one who can elicit this reaction from me.
Meanwhile, Jennifer was finally discharged from the hospital. The wounds on her face were healing well. Although, the scars were quite obvious.
Staring at the mirror, she was deeply dissatisfied with her looks.
After all, she had always cared about her appearance, and her face was something she had always been proud of.
It was why the scars on her face were making her extremely uncomfortable. Then again, any woman would mind scars on their face.
Almost everything in her room had been smashed by her.
When Caylie heard the commotion inside her daughter's room, she was upset. Why did my good daughter turn out like this? Right now, no matter what we say to her, she won't listen. All of this is because of the Lombard family. If Old Mr. Lombard hadn't given her hope, she wouldn't have become like this. Now that my daughter has fallen into this state, he's been neglecting her! The Lombard family doesn't care about the Whitley family at all!
“What's the matter?” When Timothy heard the commotion, he also approached Jennifer's room.
“I think you should have a talk with Old Mr. Lombard. He was the one who initially gave Jennifer hope. Thus, he must take responsibility for what our daughter has become.” In the end, Caylie would still side with her daughter, no matter what.
Shaking his head, Timothy replied, “You need to stop enabling her. So what if Old Mr. Lombard likes her? Tristan's a tyrant. Do you think anyone can control him? Besides, it's not like matters concerning romantic feelings can be manipulated by others.”
“Then are we supposed to just do nothing? You saw what our daughter has become. She can't move on!”
“What do you suggest we should do, then? Even if Tristan marries her, do you think she'll be happy? There's no way someone can be happy for the rest of their life if they marry someone who doesn't love them. We only have one daughter. Don't you wish to see her happy, too?”
Of course, Caylie understood what he was saying. She simply couldn't bear to see her daughter like that.
“If you have time, you should try to talk some sense into her. I still need to head to the company, so I'll be going now.” Then, Timothy left.
Caylie didn't feel great about the situation, but she knew the Lombard family wasn't a family anyone could afford to mess with.
When Minerva came to visit Jennifer, she noticed there was barely any space in the latter's room for her to walk in.
Still, she managed to reach Jennifer's side and comforted her, “Are you doing all right, Jennifer? Don't be like this, okay? You've always been a strong, independent woman! Everyone's always admired you! Don't become like this because of a man! As excellent as Tristan is, he's just one guy.”
She couldn't understand why her friend was acting like that because of a man.
When Jennifer raised her head to stare at Minerva, the latter shuddered because the look in the former's eyes was too frightening.
“I'm going to make Tristan break up with that nasty woman! Everything I experienced today, I'll make sure to pay her back two-fold!” Regardless of what others said, Jennifer was dead set on blaming Sophie for her situation.
Minerva advised, “This car accident is just, well, an accident, Jennifer. Don't push all your problems onto someone else. It won't make you feel better. I know you feel stuck right now and that you can't find a way out of this situation, but—”
“How is it possible that this has nothing to do with her?” Jennifer refused to believe her friend. “I'm going to make her suffer! After investigating her, I learned that the thing she cares the most about is her grandfather. If I can capture her grandfather, she'll do whatever I tell her to do!”
Chapter 567
A look of insanity filled Jennifer's eyes. As long as I have a hold on Sophie's weakness, I'll be able to make her do whatever I want her to do! With this, I'll make her suffer! It's her fault for snatching my man away!
“Are you crazy?” Minerva stared at her in disbelief. “If you really mean what you said, then you're not the Jennifer I knew in the past anymore! The Jennifer in front of me right now is just a madwoman!”
“That's right. I am mad. No one is allowed to take the man I have my eyes on from me! There's no way I'll give up after waiting so long!”
Shaking her head, Minerva uttered, “I'm telling you this as a friend, so listen to me well. If you continue down this path, you'll destroy yourself.”
If not for their established bond since childhood, she really wouldn't have bothered to care about Jennifer at this point.
“Even you refuse to believe me, Minerva? I just want the love I deserve. Is that so wrong?” Jennifer had always been an excellent girl who could get whatever she wanted.
That was why she was having such a hard time accepting the reality of her doomed love.
“Can't you see that Tristan loves Sophie?” Minerva closed her eyes, unable to bear looking at the current Jennifer.
At those words, Jennifer leaped to her feet. She glared at Minerva in a manner that resembled a snake preparing to strike.
Minerva stepped backward as she was terrified by Jennifer's expression.
“Aren't you my best friend, Minerva? Is it really okay for you to hurt me like this?” Jennifer demanded.
Shaking her head, Minerva rebuked, “Since you aren't willing to listen to anyone right now, I'm not going to speak further! However, I still want to advise you to be kinder. Sophie's grandfather did nothing wrong! There's no need for you to drag an old man into this!”
That was all she had to say to Jennifer, who felt so unfamiliar to her at that moment. It feels like I've never met the woman in front of me before.
As Jennifer watched Minerva leave, she smiled. It seems like no one supports me. Even though she's my best friend, she doesn't believe me too! How can she act that way? It doesn't matter. One day, I'll show everyone that I'm right. Tristan will be my man!
Lately, Alex's eyelid had been jumping.
Truth be told, people who worked in the same field as him tended to be superstitious. It was why he had recently been having a bad feeling that something terrible would happen.
When he contacted Javier, he reported the recent situation to the old man.
Javier had already returned to Anglandur, though he also had no idea what to do about Nicholas.
“Old Mr. Sable, Mr. Nicholas wants to kill Tristan. However, we're in Jipsdale right now. Even if we were
back in Anglandur, I'm not sure it'd be possible to kill him. Tristan is just too unpredictable! If this continues, I'm afraid—” Alex cut himself off when he saw Nicholas entering the room.
“It seems like you have a pretty bad memory, Alex!” Nicholas' voice sounded icy, akin to a chilling wind in the height of winter.
In response, Alex hung up the phone.
“Mr. Nicholas, I...” At that moment, Nicholas seemed so terrifying that Alex couldn't help but step backward.
Pointing his gun at Alex, Nicholas yelled, “Why do you still not know what kind of person I hate the most, even after staying by my side for so many years?”
There was no way Alex didn't know what kind of person Nicholas was after all these years.
It could even be said that he knew Nicholas better than the latter knew himself.
However, regardless of what he was going to say, it would be of no use because Nicholas, in his utterly crazed state, wouldn't listen to anyone at that moment.
Still, Alex attempted to calm him down. “I was wrong, Mr. Nicholas!”
“Wrong? If you knew you were wrong, you wouldn't keep repeating the same mistake. It seems like the lesson I taught you last time wasn't enough,” Nicholas threatened.
With no other choice, Alex kneeled and uttered sorrowfully, “I'm doing this for your own good, Mr.
Nicholas! You know what kind of person Tristan is! We can't kill him in Jipsdale!”
“Is Tristan more powerful than me in your mind? There's no one in this world I can't kill!”
In response, Alex shook his head. “He's not more powerful than you, but this is his territory. No matter what we do, it won't be as convenient as if we were still in Anglandur.”
Nicholas was enraged. “Do you think you have the right to keep staying by my side when you can't even handle such a simple task?”
Then he pulled the trigger.
The shot didn't land on a vital organ, though.
After all, he still had an emotional connection with Alex because the latter had stayed by his side for many years and did so many things for him.
“This is your last chance. If I catch you doing this again, I won't show you any mercy!” Nicholas asserted.
Staring at the gunshot wound in his thigh, Alex smiled bitterly. Mr. Nicholas is actually a pretty sentimental guy. It's because of Sophie that he became so stubborn and obsessed. If he had never met her, he wouldn't have turned out like this. As I expected, love can make someone better or destroy them completely. Is Sophie's death the only way for him to return to his original self—the cold, prideful head of the Sable family? If that's the only way, then I'm willing to sacrifice my life to kill Sophie.
Once again, Nicholas stalked Sophie. He was well aware of what she had been doing throughout the
day.
The only problem was that he didn't have the guts to show up in front of her again.
He wasn't even scared of dying, yet he was afraid of hearing her utter those words once more because they only brought him utter despair.
Of course, Sophie knew someone was stalking her.
She was getting annoyed after being followed for the whole day, so she directly confronted him. “What will it take for you to give up, Nicholas?”
The only reason she was dragging things out instead of just killing him was that Josiah would definitely not forgive her.
“I'm just watching you from a distance. I'm not affecting you in any way, am I not?” Nicholas responded humbly. Why is it so hard for me to just like someone?
“You're affecting me by stalking me.” Standing in front of him, Sophie looked as though she was going to fight him in the next second.
“I just want you to look at me a little more, Sophie. Is that so much to ask for?” Nicholas still thought his request wasn't anything outrageous.
“I love Tristan, and nothing anyone can do will change my mind!”
“Do you believe in him that much? Is he really as good as you think he is? What if he betrays you? Will
you still trust him then?”
“No, he wouldn't betray me!” She understood Tristan very well. It was only natural she was confident in the person she handpicked as her life partner.
Chapter 568
“What if he did? Nothing in this world is unchanging,” Nicholas insisted. If it really happens, will she leave Tristan?
“I told you he won't. He's the man I chose, so I have complete trust in him,” Sophie replied.
The unreserved trust she had for Tristan was something Nicholas was exceedingly jealous of.
“What can I do to make you forget about him?” he asked. She'll only be able to remember me after forgetting about Tristan, right?
Hearing that, Sophie frowned.
She was used to Nicholas' maniacal demeanor, but it seemed like it had worsened.
“Nicholas, it's best if you book a visit with a psychiatrist,” she uttered, giving him the best suggestion she could think of.
“All of you think there's something wrong with me, don't you? But I think I'm fine. All I'm doing is loving you, and if you say that there's something wrong with me loving you, then there's nothing else I can say to you.”
Nicholas did not think it was possible for him to be ill. In his opinion, he was perfectly fine.
“Those with mental illnesses will never believe that they have an illness,” she said, for that was not the first time she had heard something like that from him.
“Aren't you a student of the University of Medicine? Why don't you treat me then?”
It would be easier for him to accept it if the doctor were Sophie.
“Sorry, but I'm in the surgery program,” Sophie said. I can't do it unless what you need is for me to open you up.
“Can I ask you a question?” Nicholas then uttered.
In response, she nodded.
“Would you learn psychiatry if the one who's ill is Tristan?”
Hearing that, Sophie drew her brows together, but in the end, she nodded.
If Tristan were in Nicholas' position, she would not hesitate to study psychiatry.
“Then can you study it for me?” Nicholas inquired.
Sophie shook her head.
“Nicholas, you don't belong here, and nothing here belongs to you. Go back to Anglandur. They have the best psychiatrist there, and it's time for you to visit one.”
She knew that he would undoubtedly lose his mind if things went on.
“I don't want to. I want to be wherever you are. Even if I'll only be able to breathe the same air you're breathing, staying here is much better than returning to Anglandur,” he insisted. He did not care if everyone else in the world disagreed with him.
Sophie was bewildered as to what kind of charm she could have to make him obsess over her.
She had never done anything to Nicholas, and she never thought of doing anything to make him fall for her.
“Frankly, I have no idea which part of me you're enamored with. I don't remember ever doing anything to you,” she voiced.
I would never try to get involved with a man like him.
“Love has no reason. Isn't that just how it is? If you think it's possible to define it, can you tell me why you love Tristan, then?” Nicholas replied. If it can be controlled, then it isn't love.
However, Sophie did not want to waste her breath on him anymore.
Hence, she uttered, “Don't tail me anymore. Nothing will ever change.” Regardless of whatever he said, her mind would never change.
Nicholas knew what kind of person she was. Perhaps she'll only return to me if I make her forget about Tristan completely.
When he returned to the mansion, he summoned Alex.
“Alex, haven't you always wanted me to go back to Anglandur?” he asked, having calmed down after seeing Sophie.
As of then, he seemed perfectly fine.
Alex knew it would be the easiest to communicate with Nicholas at that moment.
Hence, he nodded.
“Mr. Nicholas, this place really isn't our territory. If we linger here, we'll be in greater danger,” he coaxed.
They were only temporarily safe because Tristan had yet to find out they were there.
Furthermore, Sophie had her misgivings, which was why she did not deal the fatal blow to them.
Nevertheless, that was not something that would last forever.
“Go contact Professor E!” Nicholas ordered.
“Mr. Nicholas, you're finally willing to meet Professor E!” Professor E's the only one who can help with Mr. Nicholas' mental illness.
“No. I want to ask a favor of him,” was Nicholas' reply. He was sure that hypnotizing someone would not be a problem for Professor E.
“Mr. Nicholas—” Alex started, but he clamped his mouth shut when he saw Nicholas' refusal to
elaborate on the topic.
“I don't want to repeat myself. It's time for you to start knowing your place,” Nicholas warned, not wanting to resort to cruelty.
After all, Alex had been by his side for over a dozen years.
He was more than a subordinate to him.
“Of course, Mr. Nicholas,” Alex answered. Even though he knew nothing of Nicholas' plan, he had to obey any of his superior's instructions.
Maybe things will be less complicated if Professor E has a talk with Mr. Nicholas!
Meanwhile, Jennifer finally discovered Nicholas' identity, and it was only then that she learned he was the one who caused her to get into the car accident.
“D*mn it!”
As of then, Jennifer was in her office. The moment she registered the information on the documents, she was beside herself with rage, consumed with a strong urge to kill Nicholas there and then.
Yet, Nicholas was not a man she could kill.
“Ms. Whitley, this is all the information we've gotten. These people aren't people we should be crossing, so please don't ask us to look into this anymore.”
Even the people at the private detective agency were terrified.
If Nicholas were to find out that they had been snooping around, they would be dead meat.
“You can leave now. Don't talk about this to anyone. I'll be transferring the money straight into your accounts,” she ordered. From the documents, it was clear that Nicholas was head over heels for Sophie.
Jennifer, of course, was delighted to find out the answer to the question she had been wondering.
I wonder what Tristan will feel when he sees these photos. I truly wish to know what the look on Sophie's face will be like after she finds out about this.
After Sophie was done with her morning classes, she went out of the room with Sandra, thinking of getting something to eat at the cafeteria. It was there she spotted Jennifer.
“Sophie, she must be here for you,” Sandra said when she noticed Jennifer staring at Sophie.
“She's no one important. Just ignore her.” Sophie did not want to bother herself with Jennifer, for she saw no point in wasting her precious time on someone as trivial as her.
Yet, Jennifer jogged over to her.
“We need to talk,” Jennifer said in an arrogant tone. It was because she felt that she had the upper hand.
However, Sophie did not even lift her head to look at her.
“What do you want for lunch?” she asked Sandra instead.
At that, Sandra glimpsed at Jennifer, who was dressed in business attire. She doesn't look like a good person at all. In fact, she's annoying!
“Sophie Tanner, I'm talking to you! Is this what the manners of the third daughter of the Tanner family are?” Jennifer snarled.
Right then, Simon emerged from the classroom, only to see Jennifer being rude to the woman he admired.
Immediately, he shielded Sophie.
“Who do you think you are? Why are you looking for Sophie?” All Simon wanted was for Sophie to work in his family's hospital, so he was determined to protect her.
The appearance of Simon made Jennifer burst out laughing.
“Sophie, I never thought that you'd be so unrestrained. You're in a relationship with Mr. Tristan, but you're cheating on him in university?” Jennifer mocked.
“You—” Sandra started, enraged by her words. How can she make someone so mad with just a few words? I'm this close to beating her up!
“Ms. Whitley, does this have anything to do with you? Perhaps your unrequited love was because of your irritating personality,” Sophie countered.
Chapter 569
Right then, Greta came out of the classroom. When she saw Simon defending Sophie, she, too, became furious.
Sophie is so annoying! But there's nothing I can do about that. Ugh! I hate this!
Therefore, she was thrilled to see that a woman was trying to bedevil Sophie. That meant one thing— someone other than herself hated Sophie as well.
In the meantime, Jennifer was taken aback by Sophie's matter-of-factly attitude. Once she recollected herself, she nearly darted over to tear the latter into shreds.
Alas, she had no choice but to hold herself back.
She still needed to keep her dignity as they were in a public space; she could not just forgo her self- restraint.
“Sophie, aren't you curious about why I'm here for you at all?” Jennifer gritted out, barely able to keep the venomous tone out of her voice.
“Sorry, but I have zero interest in knowing why you're here, so can you move aside?” Sophie responded.
She was never one to be intimidated by others' threats.
Therefore, it did not matter to her why Jennifer came looking for her.
“You—” Jennifer snarled, having not expected such a response from Sophie. “It's Nicholas!” she then blurted out.
Unsurprisingly, Sophie halted in her tracks when she heard that name.
At that sight, a laugh escaped Jennifer.
So they really are in a secret relationship with each other. Otherwise, she wouldn't have reacted like this. It's time for you to admit defeat, Sophie Tanner!
“Don't get yourself involved with him, or else you won't even know when you're going to die,” Sophie warned. How foolishly brave is she to come into contact with Nicholas?
“Ha!” Jennifer scoffed. “Say, what will Mr. Tristan think if he finds out that man proposed to you? Do you think he'll let you off the hook?”
So that's why she's here today. The realization dawned on Sophie then.
“Jennifer, I don't need you to worry about my relationship with Tristan. You disgust me. You're yearning for my man, yet you go on and on about how you're doing things for my sake. I don't need this 'kindness' of yours at all,” she snarled.
What a phony woman!
Since Sophie refused to show her respect, Jennifer saw no point in keeping things hidden. Standing before the crowd, she uttered loudly, “Sophie, are you that confident in Mr. Tristan? Don't you know
what kind of man Mr. Tristan is? How can he possibly stand having you cheat on him?”
The few female students in the same course did not like Sophie to begin with. Upon hearing Jennifer's words, they began whispering among themselves.
“I never thought she would be someone like that! I can't believe she acts all high and mighty despite doing such a thing. How revolting.”
“Right? I hate people like her too. The only thing they know how to do is hook up with others.”
“Most of the guys in our cohort like her. They should see what she's actually like!”
Jennifer beamed when she heard their words.
See? The people have sharp eyes. They all know how distasteful Sophie Tanner is.
Unable to stand it anymore, Simon grabbed Jennifer's collar and snarled, “Why are you such a repulsive woman? Aren't you just envious of Sophie? Don't you know that the person you like doesn't like you because you're ugly? What's the point of trying to dirty someone else's reputation?”
He did not hold himself back at all. Even if Sophie did not bear any romantic feelings toward him, he still hoped that she would join his family's hospital. There was no way he was going to let another woman shame the woman he admired.
“What did you just say?” Jennifer questioned with a gasp. It was her first time hearing someone saying that she was ugly. She was already immensely conscious of the injury on her face from the car accident, so upon hearing Simon's remark, she was livid to the point even her hands started to shake.
“I doubt your ugliness is the only problem you have—you're even trembling!” Simon continued to jeer.
At that, Sandra laughed.
Here I thought Simon would hate Sophie since she previously rebuffed him in front of the others. Yet, to my surprise, he's defending Sophie.
Sophie, too, was surprised. Her impression of Simon changed. It looks like I can give him a tip or two in the future.
“You—” Jennifer gritted out, furious to be held by the collar and humiliated by someone. “Do you know who I am? I'm—”
“I don't care who the heck you are. Anyone who insults my goddess will not get any mercy from me!” Simon cut her off. Does she think that she's a saint herself? Incensed, he continued, “I'm warning you now. Don't you ever appear in front of my goddess again, you repulsive woman, or else I'll hit you even if you're a woman!”
I'm not one to know my limits, so you better watch out! As that thought flashed through his mind, he shoved Jennifer away.
Unable to regain her balance in time, she staggered backward. It seemed like luck was not on her side, for her heels broke at that moment.
Needless to say, she was a sorry sight to behold.
“Sophie, aren't you afraid at all? If Tristan finds out about—”
“About what? Nicholas? Jennifer, stop wasting your time on this. Nothing you do will be of any use.”
With that, Sophie brought Sandra and Simon to the cafeteria.
Simon had helped her out earlier, so it would only be right of her to treat him to a meal.
At the same time, Simon was feeling exhilarated to get the chance to have a meal with the woman he admired. As a matter of fact, he skipped his way to their destination.
In the meantime, Jennifer was trying to figure out why Sophie was still so arrogant around her despite the much evidence she had gathered.
Is Sophie that confident in herself? Does Tristan really love her to the point that his dignity doesn't matter? She dared not think of the possibility of that being true.
Shortly after, the trio arrived at the cafeteria.
“Simon, you're so cool today,” Sandra said with a smile. Throughout her acquaintance with him, she always felt Simon was just a spoiled brat from a wealthy family; she never thought he could ever seem attractive to her.
When Simon heard her praising him before his goddess, he scratched the back of his head, feeling a little bashful.
“It's nothing. I just can't stand seeing her being such a stuck-up. I'm not even as haughty as her,” henoveldrama
muttered.
Sandra was amused by his response.
“Thank you,” Sophie said to him sincerely. “I hope you're not teed off at me for hitting you previously.”
“No, no, I don't mind. I had to be taught a lesson back then anyway. It had nothing to do with you.”
Seeing his behavior, Sandra giggled. He's kind of cute, actually.
Meanwhile, Jennifer rushed to Lombard Group as she could not stand the feelings of humiliation anymore.
Sophie thinks too highly of herself. I have to teach her a lesson! There's no man in this world who can stay calm after seeing another man propose to his girlfriend, right?
She was rather sure of her thoughts.
“Keep that smile on your face, Sophie. I'm going to make your life a living hell!” How dare they call me ugly? I'm never going to let them off the hook for this!
Chapter 570
After arriving at the entrance to Lombard Group, Jennifer gave the security guards her name in hopes that they would let her in.
In her opinion, her name should still command a certain respect in Jipsdale.
However, the security guards shook their heads upon hearing her name.
“I'm sorry, Ms. Whitley. Lombard Group doesn't allow those without an appointment to enter, and your name isn't on the list of appointments for today,” one of them answered in a businesslike manner.
At that, she knitted her brows.
“I'm Jennifer Whitley from Whitley Group. Aren't you aware of my relationship with Mr. Tristan? Do I still need to make an appointment to meet him?” she demanded furiously.
Nonetheless, the security guards nodded in response.
The one who had spoken earlier replied, “Lombard Group is different from Whitley Group. Anyone who wants to enter must have a prior appointment. We're simply going by the rules and regulations, so please don't make things difficult for us.” We've encountered visitors far more arrogant than her.
Having worked at Lombard Group for many years, they had met all sorts of people and thus were unfazed.
“You... Just you wait. I'm going to call Mr. Tristan right this instance,” Jennifer snapped.
All I want is to meet with Tristan. I refuse to believe he'd be unwilling to agree to that much.
“You may do as you please,” that security guard replied, completely uninterested.
Nonetheless, Jennifer kept getting a busy signal when she tried calling, leading her to suspect that Tristan had blocked her number.
Her expression turned grim as that thought crossed her mind.
How could Tristan go to such extremes? Even if we're just friends, a phone call isn't too much to ask, right? How could he block my number?
The feeling of getting blocked by the person she liked was too bitter a pill to swallow, and Jennifer felt as though she was about to lose her mind from fury.
She had never been so mortified.
Observing the look on her face, the security guards knew that her calls had not gone through.
“Look, Ms. Whitley. You're someone rather influential, so you shouldn't continue lingering here like this,” one said. Truthfully, it's somewhat embarrassing for her to continue standing here.
Jennifer's expression turned even uglier, and she glared at them darkly.
“What's that supposed to mean? Are you insulting me now?” She was livid, having never been thus humiliated.
The security guards shrugged.
“That's up to you. Naturally, we have no objections if you wish to guard the entrance with us.” After saying that, they no longer paid her any mind.
Just then, Tristan strode out. He had just taken care of some urgent matters with Felix and the others, and they were about to head out for a meal.
Felix was the first to spot Jennifer. “Isn't that Jennifer Whitley? What's she doing here? This woman really doesn't know what it means to give up.”
Hearing that, Charles turned to look in the same direction.
“By the way, I heard she recently got into a car accident and injured her face. In that case, it'll be even less likely for Mr. Tristan to fall for her,” he remarked. A woman has to know when to give up when a man is not interested. Stubbornly persisting will only incur the other party's annoyance.
“You say that as though Mr. Tristan would've given her a chance if she didn't have an injury marring her face,” Sean piped up, voicing Tristan's thoughts.
He's right. Even if she weren't disfigured, I wouldn't be the least bit interested.
“What are we going to do?” Felix asked with a frown. If we go out now, there's no doubt we'll get pestered by that woman. She has no sense of decorum at all. She shouldn't be here!
“What do you mean? It's not like we're not going to eat just because of a woman!” Charles responded nonchalantly.
Why should four grown men like us be afraid of a woman?
“Let's go,” Tristan said impatiently. He had no intention of wasting any time on Jennifer either.
What goes on in that mind of hers is her business. It has nothing to do with me. In the past, I turned a blind eye to what Winter did for Charles' sake. But for this woman in front of me now, there's no need to do that.
The four men were outstanding in their appearance, drawing everyone's attention whenever they were together. All of them were tall, and each was more good-looking than the other.
Men like them would surely enjoy immense popularity if they ventured into the entertainment industry.
With their looks, wealth, and physique, they would have everyone drooling over them!
The security guards bowed at once when they saw the four of them walk out, and Jennifer fell into a daze upon noticing Tristan.
It was as though no matter the time or occasion, his mere appearance would leave her utterly entranced.
How can someone so dashing as him exist in this world?
A female employee remarked disdainfully, “What the heck! This woman is practically drooling while
ogling Mr. Tristan!”
Jennifer's face turned red immediately.
What am I doing? How can I do something so humiliating? This feeling sucks!
Determined to seek justice for the abuse she had suffered from Sophie earlier, she inquired, “Mr. Tristan, may I have a few minutes of your time?”
Tristan's brows drew together as he glanced at her.
“Why is it that you don't know when to call it quits? Haven't I already told you before? No matter what you do, it's all pointless. The only person in my heart is Sophie. There's no space for anyone else,” he said.
When it came to Sophie, he was utterly loyal to her.
He would not give any other woman a chance nor allow himself to entertain such thoughts.
It was one thing for Jennifer to be aware of his feelings and another to hear him say it personally. After she listened to those words, her heart shattered into a million pieces.
“Must you be so cruel to me, Mr. Tristan? I'm a woman too, and I need someone to care for me as well,” she cried out. How can he be so ruthless? How can he hurt me so?
“Sophie is the only woman in my life. As for whether or not it hurts you to hear it, that's your business and has nothing to do with me.”
With that, Tristan made to leave.
Suddenly, she remembered the purpose of her visit and exclaimed, “I have something to show you! It won't take too much of your time.”
Felix was bereft of words.
She has truly gone too far.
“Jennifer, you're a well-known figure in Jipsdale, so you shouldn't embarrass yourself further. Not only are you bringing shame to yourself but your family as well,” he cautioned kindly.
Worried Tristan would refuse to see what she wanted to show him, Jennifer blurted, “I honestly do have something to show you, Mr. Tristan. Sophie isn't worthy of your affection. She has another man in her life!”
As soon as those words left her mouth, she clearly felt a tense aura radiating from Tristan's body. Just as I expected, no man would be impervious to such news. Sophie is well and truly doomed this time. There's no way he'd still want her at this point.
Charles and Sean also frowned.
Hasn't it always been said that Ms. Whitley is smart as a whip? However, it doesn't look like she's the sharpest tool in the shed. She's nothing but a fool!