Sophia approached and took her mother-in-law Andrea’s arm, smiling as she said, “Mom, we shouldn’t air our dirty laundry in public. After all, it’s really not appropriate to mention Henry’s… issues in front of everyone.”
Andrea, caught gossiping red-handed, flushed slightly. But once she fully registered what Sophia had implied, her face went pale, and she snapped, “Sophia, what nonsense are you spouting! If you’re incapable of holding onto a man, even stripping down can’t keep him in your bed, and he goes looking for other women—it only shows you lack the skills! Say another word and I’ll make you regret it!”
This kind of exchange, no matter the setting, even if it was a mother-in-law reprimanding her daughter-in-law, was shockingly harsh. Nearby guests, especially other women, looked displeased. After all, many of them had daughters of their own—thinking of them entering a family and being humiliated by their mother-in-law made them sympathetic. Besides, was there some truth to what Sophia had said? Andrea often complained about Sophia’s failure to conceive; could it actually be an issue with his son?
“Heh, Andrea, whether it’s her issue or his, it’s best to address it sooner rather than later,” someone murmured.
Andrea’s face darkened further, insisting, “Don’t believe this girl’s nonsense! There’s absolutely nothing wrong with my son! Sophia, you…”
Sophia took a glass of wine from a passing server but, remembering her morning health tea, put it back with a chuckle. “Mom, it’s my fault—I shouldn’t have let such family matters slip in front of others. I’ll watch my tongue in the future. My mistake, truly!”
With a smile, she backed away a few steps, giving a cheerful apology before walking off.
As she left, she could hear Andrea muttering curses under her breath. Sophia shrugged indifferently. It wasn’t that she didn’t know how to keep up appearances, but in her previous life, enduring insults had only led to worse outcomes. Why should she play nice? Her mother-in-law had already openly trashed her behind her back, even going so far as to have her husband bring a mistress to a family event. Clearly, no one here was worried about saving her face, so why should she bother saving theirs?
“Young Madam?” One of the servers, who also worked as a maid at the Scott residence, approached her and asked, “Would you like a drink?”
“No, thank you. How about a cup of tea?”
*******
The banquet began as scheduled. Old Boss Scott, supported by Livinus, walked to the center of the stage. Having built up the family business with his own hands, the seventy-something patriarch was still vigorous and youthful.
“Good evening, everyone. Thank you all for attending tonight’s banquet. The main purpose of this gathering is to welcome my son Livinus! Livinus is not only my beloved son but also my proudest apprentice…”
It was well-known that Livinus had been raised alongside other apprentices by Old Boss Scott from a young age. Naturally gifted and highly knowledgeable about medicinal herbs and fragrances, he was the apple of his father’s eye. Under Livinus’s guidance, the Scott family company flourished, dominating the fragrance and herbal markets and expanding into dozens of other industries. Old Boss Scott had always dreamed of passing on the family legacy to his youngest son.
Standing beside his father, Livinus’s expression was calm but not cold. Addressing the crowd with the same professionalism he might show his employees, he delivered a brief speech outlining the Scott Corporation’s next steps and mentioning his plans to reside domestically to meet the company’s goals.
Applause followed, and soon the banquet returned to its lively atmosphere. Guests mingled and dined, and several people came over to interact with Sophia.
Most of the women at the event were the legitimate wives of the guests, and none of them had a favorable view of Olivia, the mistress. Seeing Sophia standing alone, they gathered around her, chatting pleasantly. Sophia, with her experience as a national physician, read the room skillfully, complimenting each of them with ease and soon having them smile.
Initially, many guests were unsure whether they should approach Sophia or Olivia. Although Sophia was the legitimate wife, Olivia was Henry’s favorite and even had Andrea’s approval. Many thought that if Olivia officially joined the family one day or they ended up in a co-wife arrangement, it might be unwise to take sides. But seeing so many ladies flock to Sophia, the others followed suit, gravitating toward her.
Meanwhile, Olivia stood awkwardly to the side, with no one approaching her.
The situation couldn’t have been more embarrassing.
“Henry, look…” Olivia muttered.
Seeing Olivia’s isolation, Henry felt sorry for her. “Don’t worry, Olivia. I’ll have her introduce you to some of the ladies.”
With that, he grabbed Sophia by the arm and pulled her aside.
Her wrist stinging, Sophia yanked her arm free and frowned. “What are you doing, pulling me around like this?”
Henry paused, irritated. “Sophia, I’m warning you—stop playing games. You’re intentionally ostracizing Olivia, right in front of me? Let me clarify: Olivia is my guest, and you’d better take good care of her, or we’ll be filing for divorce tonight!”
Sophia raised her eyebrows and looked at him, smiling.
Henry hesitated. Though Sophia was smiling, a chill was behind it, a look that made him feel inexplicably uneasy.
Sophia leaned in close, cupping her hand around her mouth and whispering in his ear, “Darling, divorce is fine by me—just make sure the alimony is ready.”
“Wh-what?” Henry stammered, shocked. “You came here with nothing, and you still want alimony? Are you crazy? Why would I share the Scott family’s assets with you!”
Sophia glanced at her nails coolly. “Why? Because I’m your wife. If you don’t want your precious Olivia living her whole life as a mistress, you’d better prepare a decent settlement. Otherwise, I’ll stay in this wife’s position forever, ensuring she can’t lift her head.”
“You… you’re shameless!” Henry’s face flushed with anger. Seeing Olivia standing nearby, looking pitiful and alone, he softened and said, “We can talk about alimony later. For now, introduce Olivia to the people here.”
Tears welled in Olivia’s eyes. She looked like an innocent little flower, dressed in a white, one-shoulder dress.
Sophia laughed, took Olivia’s hand, and said warmly, “Sister, why are you always crying?”
