“Making money is just a means to live. We shouldn’t lose sight of the bigger picture, don’t you think? Besides, gardening is a joy in itself. Managing a garden can be just as fulfilling as managing a company. Plants are different from people; the care you give them is directly reflected in their growth. The better you tend to them, the better they grow, and the healthier they are for you to eat,” Sophia explained with a smile as she sipped her tea.
Walker Riley frowned. Sure, the logic made sense, but who in their right mind would forego earning millions to plant vegetables? With that time, she could buy truckloads of fresh produce!
And yet, the most puzzling part was that Livinus actually indulged in such activities. Was this the new trend among CEOs—falling for women who loved gardening?
Her brows furrowed further as she said, “Ms. Smith, don’t you think you’re incompatible with Mr. Scott? And let’s not forget—you’re his nephew’s ex-wife.”
Sophia chuckled. Her laughter carried a calming quality, making Walker Riley feel as though her words were being gently dismissed rather than outright refuted.
“Ms. Riley, even if I were incompatible with him, it wouldn’t mean you’re the right match for him,” Sophia replied calmly but pointedly.
Her words left Walker Riley momentarily flustered.
Recovering quickly, Walker Riley said, “That’s not what I meant. I just…”
But what was she trying to say? Deep down, she felt indignant. Sure, Sophia was beautiful and had a great figure, but was she any less so? Moreover, Walker Riley was wealthy, famous, and capable of supporting Livinus in ways Sophia couldn’t. Apart from being younger, what did Sophia have that she didn’t?
But Livinus simply didn’t like her.
Walker Riley suddenly gave herself a self-deprecating smile and shook her head. “Forget it. I came here with the intention of persuading you to back off, but you’re much stronger than I expected. And, ironically, I can’t even muster any hostility toward you. I suppose I’m just unwilling to accept it when it comes to Livinus, but really, what right do I have?”
Sophia hadn’t anticipated such an admission. She was momentarily surprised but offered a small smile in response.
Walker Riley continued as if trying to shift the topic, “By the way, you mentioned skincare tips earlier. What was that thing you said you eat daily? And those beauty creams and herbal supplements—do you have them here? Give me a box of each!”
“…” Sophia couldn’t help but laugh. Wasn’t this supposed to be a confrontation? How did it turn into a shopping spree?
By the time Walker Riley had loaded boxes of items into her car, her assistant couldn’t contain their curiosity any longer. “Sis, why…”
Why were you chatting and laughing with Sophia instead of confronting her?
Walker Riley sighed, her gaze lingering in Sophia’s direction, tinged with a sense of loss.
Sophia was busy with her patients, surrounded by people vying for her attention. She didn’t even have time to make a phone call. Since Walker Riley’s arrival, she hadn’t once seen Sophia use her phone, which meant there had been no contact with Livinus. And Livinus, being a busy man himself, didn’t seem to call or message her constantly. They didn’t monitor each other or impose restrictions, suggesting they both trusted and respected each other’s independence. Even if one of them cheated, the other might not even notice.
But Walker Riley had hinted to Livinus about her interest, and he hadn’t responded at all.
Deep down, Walker Riley realized their bond was far stronger than she had imagined.
“Because I know I don’t stand a chance,” she said with a bitter smile. “She’s actually a remarkable woman.”
Deciding not to dwell on it, Walker Riley consoled herself. After all, there were plenty of men in the world. No point making life harder for herself. She took out some of the items she’d bought and said, “Look at these! She’s a genius. This is her new herbal face mask, along with some health supplements. She even pointed out that I have hormonal imbalances and suggested remedies. Can you believe that?”
Her assistant stared at her incredulously. Weren’t you supposed to confront your romantic rival? How did this turn into a shopping haul? Women, indeed!
—
That same day, Livinus heard about the encounter.
Joanna frowned as he reported, “Mr. Scott , Walker Riley spent quite a while talking with Dr. Sophia, but I couldn’t hear what they discussed.”
Livinus glanced at his phone, noticing he hadn’t received any calls or messages from Sophia.
Typical of her. Even when faced with online rumors and public drama, she remained unfazed. He wasn’t sure if it was because she was exceptionally composed or simply too forgiving.
In a low voice, he said, “Keep an eye on her. Don’t let any troublemakers bother her.”
“Understood, Mr. Scott .”
—
That evening, when Livinus returned home, the aroma of medicinal chicken soup filled the courtyard. The scent was so rich and inviting that it immediately put him in a good mood.
Medicinal chicken soup was Sophia’s specialty. Whenever she felt they needed a nutritional boost, she would prepare it.
“You’re back? Wash up and eat,” Sophia called out as she brought the dishes to the table.
The spread included stir-fried chives, dry-fried lamb, shrimp, and the medicinal chicken soup, its broth brimming with goji berries and ginseng. Livinus raised an eyebrow, sighing softly.
