“Buying a car for me is like you spending a hundred dollars on a gift. So, for my birthday, just give me something worth a hundred dollars.”
His deep voice trailed off as his gaze lingered on her neckline, his throat bobbing slightly.
That evening, Sophia wore a black evening gown that accentuated her figure—ample curves, a slim waist, and long legs. Her rare formal attire made her look even more stunning, entirely different from her usual style.
“Alimony this, alimony that. Olivia, if you’re jealous, why not ask Scott Henry for alimony?” Sophia took the keys with a smile and added, “Oh, I forgot. Olivia hasn’t married Scott Henry yet, so legally, you have no relationship. Even if you broke up, there wouldn’t be any alimony involved. And considering Scott Henry doesn’t own any assets unless you have something like my medicinal formula for the Scott family to use, you wouldn’t see a single penny of alimony anyway.”
With that, she smiled and headed off to enjoy the meal.
There was an air of maturity to her, a blend of youthful charm and a woman’s allure. She had grown more captivating since living with him, her every movement imbued with a subtle sensuality that was impossible to ignore.
Sophia chuckled. “You make it sound like I’m so poor.”
“You’re not poor because you have me.” Livinus’s lips curled into a smile as he picked her up. “But you should know, what I want isn’t as simple as a gift.”
With that, he carried her to the bed, his body pressing down on hers.
His muscular physique, usually concealed beneath tailored suits, exuded raw power.
Sophia traced circles on his chest and teased, “What position are we trying today, Mr. Scott?”
“The simplest one will do.”
Leaning down, he kissed her deeply, igniting a familiar sense of exhilaration that engulfed them both.
—
In the following days, the hospital sent word that Madeline’s condition had improved somewhat.
However, due to poisoning, Madeline’s eyesight had deteriorated, and she had lost a significant amount of hair.
Sophia and a few others, including Barbara, visited her. They found Madeline with wide, vacant eyes, her behavior erratic and bordering on delusional. It was evident that the poisoning had left psychological scars.
Though Sophia had seen such cases before in her medical career, it still left her feeling heavy-hearted.
The despair in Madeline’s parents’ eyes was unbearable to witness.
As they left the hospital, Barbara sighed and asked, “Sophia, who do you think is to blame? Why did Anna and the others spiral out of control like that? Was it really worth it for a man?”
It clearly wasn’t. But people caught in such situations often couldn’t see things rationally.
“What about Nathan?” Sophia frowned at the thought of the idiot.
“I heard he was under investigation for a while. I’m not sure about the specifics now, but the school managed to suppress the matter, so it didn’t blow up online. I guess they’ll handle it by the book. Honestly, even though he was the cause, he didn’t administer the poison himself, so I doubt he’ll face any serious consequences. He’ll probably be released soon and move on to his next girlfriend,” Barbara said, visibly upset.
Sophia felt a mix of anger and frustration. She hated Nathan but also resented Anna’s impulsive actions.
Was it really worth ruining their lives over a man?
She couldn’t help but wonder if Anna regretted her choices now. In the end, the lives of both the perpetrators and victims were utterly destroyed.
—
Sophia had been considering moving to her mountain home. She had stayed at Livinus’s place for quite some time, and it was beginning to feel a bit awkward.
On the morning of her birthday, she suggested, “I’ve been thinking. Why don’t I take this opportunity to host a meal at my place? It’s my way of thanking everyone for their care—and, of course, thanking you.”
Sitting at the dining table, Livinus didn’t even look up as he said in a neutral tone, “Oh? And what are you thanking me for?”
“For taking me in and arranging the renovation team. But I’ve already spoken to the designer—I’ll reimburse you for the costs soon.”
Without lifting his gaze, Livinus responded indifferently, “So now you’ve decided to draw lines with me?”
Sophia paused and explained, “It’s my own house, after all. I can’t expect you to cover the renovation costs. Besides, it wasn’t a small expense. Don’t worry—I can afford it.” She hesitated before adding, “I think I’ll use this chance to move back to the mountain.”
Livinus’s eyes flickered, his emotions concealed beneath his lowered lashes, making him unreadable.
After a long silence, he said, “Suit yourself.”
