“With this child, you may start as a mistress, but you won’t remain one forever. More importantly…”
Leaning closer, Sophia whispered, “Your child will have legitimate inheritance rights. Scott Richard’s assets will include a share for you. And if it’s a boy…”
Sophia smirked. “Once Andrea cuddles her grandchild, you can discuss parenting tips with her. So really, there’s nothing to fear.”
Ms. Emily, familiar with Sophia and aware of her past conflicts with Andrea, began to calm down after hearing this. Yes, she was carrying the Scott Family’s future. Regardless of how much or how little Scott Richard inherited, she would have a part of it.
“What should I do next?”
Sophia smiled, leaned in, and whispered a few instructions. Ms. Emily listened attentively and slowly nodded.
“Boss Livinus, no cooking today?” Joanna asked, puzzled.
Typically, by this time, Livinus would already be cooking at the apartment. His meals were always healthy, prepared simply yet efficiently, and he’d have Joanna deliver the boxed meals to Sophia.
“Sophia is at Scott Corporation.”
“Oh?” Joanna suddenly remembered there was a meeting at the company today, and the R&D department had called Sophia in. Smiling, she said, “So, Boss Livinus, are you planning to invite Dr. Smith to lunch?”
“Yes,” Livinus replied as he slipped on his suit jacket and headed out the door.
—
Sophia was just about to take the elevator when the doors opened to reveal Livinus standing inside. He glanced at her and said, “Get in.”
“Hmm?”
“I’m taking you to lunch.”
Livinus brought Sophia to Liam’s nameless restaurant. Today, it wasn’t busy. When they entered, Liam’s eyes scanned them both, and he looked genuinely startled.
“You two…”
“We’re here to eat,” Sophia said with a smile.
Liam squinted, then grinned mischievously. “Right! Of course, you’re here to eat. I run a restaurant, so why else would you come? But what I’d like to know is, how did the two of you end up having lunch together in the middle of the day? Don’t tell me that a busy CEO and a doctor with no time to sleep suddenly found time to meet up for a meal.”
His eyes roved over them like a radar, scanning for clues.
“If you’re not happy to see us, we can eat elsewhere. The restaurant next door seemed pretty busy; I saw a long line outside,” Sophia teased, shrugging.
“The one next door? They’re the ones who use gutter oil for cooking late at night. You’d eat there?” Liam turned to glare at Livinus and smirked.
“Come clean. When did this start?”
“Mind your own business,” Livinus replied coolly.
Liam was momentarily stunned but quickly frowned. “Why keep it a secret? What, haven’t won her over yet?”
Livinus shot him a chilly look, clearly displeased. “Isn’t it just a matter of time?”
“So, not yet?”
Ignoring him, Livinus sat across from Sophia.
Liam nearly burst out laughing. The idea of the formidable Livinus struggling to win over a woman was absurd. From the outside, it seemed like Sophia should be chasing him—after all, Livinus had everything: wealth, status, and looks.
Sophia, on the other hand, was divorced. While that wasn’t necessarily an issue, society often favored never-married women for someone of Livinus’s standing. Why would he fixate on Sophia when he could have anyone?
Yet those who knew the truth understood that it was Livinus who was relentlessly pursuing Sophia.
“So,Livinus, you better work hard! Winter is coming, and sleeping alone is going to be cold and lonely!”
Livinus paused and said flatly, “If I’m so pitiful, this meal’s on you.”
“Hey! Why should I pay? You’re the one chasing her!”
“You shouldn’t have a big mouth then.”
Liam choked on his words and reluctantly went to prepare the food. What kind of situation was this? Chasing a woman and making your friend pay for the meal?
Truly, society is ruthless.
Having grown up under Livinus’s domineering ways, Liam decided to get back at him. He opened the group chat on his phone and sent a message:
“Our mighty Livinus is chasing Dr. Smith. Place your bets, everyone—how long will it take for him to win her over?”
The group exploded with messages.
— “What? Livinus has to chase a woman? Shouldn’t they just fling themselves at him willingly?”
— “Livinus in this situation? Liam, what’s the betting period?”
— “Amazing, Dr. Smith! I met her once and knew she wasn’t ordinary. Today, that’s confirmed!”
