The short-haired girl’s face fell for a moment, though she quickly regained her composure. Sophia could tell she was holding back, and it was clear that this girl wasn’t as low-status as Maggie made her out to be—she might even be better off than Maggie.
Sophia spoke up in a calm voice, “You’ve got allergic rhinitis, don’t you?”
The girl looked surprised. “How did you know?”
“Well, your symptoms give it away. Sneezing suddenly from a change in temperature is a common sign of allergic rhinitis.”
Sophia didn’t mention that she could treat the condition, but the girl smiled wryly.
“Allergic rhinitis is hard to control, anyway. Besides, I didn’t even sneeze on her; I just felt it was rude to sneeze around others. But you…” she glanced pointedly at Maggie and snorted, “if you want an apology or compensation, you could just say so. But picking a fight? Bring it on; I’m not afraid.”
Maggie gave a disdainful snort. “What nonsense! This pool’s standards have really fallen, letting in people from every social class…”
She shot a scornful look at the short-haired girl and then, briefly, at Sophia before walking off.
Sophia’s brow furrowed even more deeply.
Maggie left, leaving the short-haired girl standing there, fuming. Sophia and Chloe exchanged a look and smiled wryly at each other.
Sophia chuckled. “Let it go; you know, people like that are everywhere.”
“Who’s she kidding with that attitude?” The short-haired girl scoffed. “All this talk about social class! Honestly, what does she think she is if not middle-class?” She laughed and introduced herself, “I’m Nancy.”
Sophia raised an eyebrow with a grin. “So, your family owns that famous brand?”
“Not at all!” Nancy laughed heartily. “You think my dad would put my name on a pack of sanitary pads?”
They all burst into laughter.
—
This pool was rather exclusive, and there were only a handful of people around. When Sophia walked out, she noticed Maggie sitting on a chair, excitedly cheering someone on in the pool.
Sophia glanced over. A man was doing a freestyle swim.
It was Scott Livinus.
Scott Livinus was tall and muscular, but seeing him without a suit, she realized he was even more impressive. His long, lean legs sliced through the water, and the strength in his arms as he swam exuded raw power.
More than that, Scott’s usual reserved demeanor was nowhere to be seen. Sophia had never seen him in swim trunks, and it brought out a different kind of masculinity in him.
The air was practically buzzing with the women’s attention.
With a splash, Livinus pulled himself up out of the pool, water streaming off his bare feet. Maggie immediately stepped forward, eagerly holding out a towel for him.
“Livinus Scott, your swimming skills are amazing! I’m not very good—could you teach me?”
Livinus took his own towel, giving her a cool glance. “I’m afraid my skills aren’t good enough for that.”
Maggie shook her head insistently. “No! You’re really good!”
Sophia and Chloe exchanged a look, both stifling laughter.
Discussing someone’s “skills” in public, really?
Water dripped from Livinus’s chest downwards, accentuating every chiseled line of his physique.
As he towel-dried his hair, Sophia’s gaze slipped to his well-defined glutes and the…ahem…noticeable bulge emphasized by his tight swim trunks.
The obvious outline made her cheeks warm up a bit.
Images from that night flooded her mind—skin against skin, bodies entwined, each intimate detail.
The sharp, unforgettable ache of that first entry played in her memory, as did the heat of his breath and the sound of his raspy voice.
Sophia lowered her head, choosing not to look his way anymore.
“Look at Maggie’s swimsuit—it’s so… strategic!” Chloe remarked suddenly.
“Hm?”
“Look at her chest. I’d say she’s wearing at least three padded inserts. She really went all out! But if Scott wanted someone well-endowed, he’d have gone for a more natural type. She wouldn’t even have a chance!”
Sophia chuckled. Chloe quickly walked over to greet Scott, “The supplements you sent were great. Dr. Smith said they were a big help in speeding up my recovery.”
Scott nodded. “There’s more at the house. I’ll have them sent to you.”
Chloe didn’t decline, smiling. “Thank you, Mr. Scott.”
Sophia remained a silent observer, until Maggie suddenly sidled up beside her, slipping her arm through Sophia’s with a forced familiarity.
“Sophia, did you get your swimsuit in Canada? I tried to have a friend pick it up for me, but she couldn’t find this style.”
Sophia gave an awkward laugh. “Chloe gave it to me.”
Maggie’s smile froze for a moment, then she recovered. “It’s because you’ve got such a great figure. I must say, Scott Henry is a lucky man to have such a beautiful wife. Olivia is no match for you!”
Sophia pulled her arm away, smiling. “Miss Maggie, you’ve certainly got a way with words. And I had no idea you were so invested in my family affairs.”
Maggie’s smile faltered, realizing her blunder. She stammered, “Oh, I just saw it in the news.”
“Protect your health by staying away from gossip. And remember, appreciate and preserve.” With that, Sophia gave a playful wave and dove gracefully into the pool.
The dive caught Chloe by surprise. Most people made a big splash, but Sophia’s entry was so smooth it barely disturbed the water, like that of a professional athlete. Her swimsuit only accentuated her long legs and slim waist, drawing admiring glances from the men nearby.
Chloe laughed. “Mr. Scott, it seems the Scott men need a better eye for beauty! Look at Dr. Smith—any guy would jump at the chance to be with her after a divorce. I don’t know what Scott Henry is thinking, preferring Olivia of all people.”
Scott took a sip of water, glancing briefly at Sophia in the pool, then replied, “Not all Scott men have such poor taste.”
Chloe teased him, “Oh, so you have good taste, Mr. Scott?” She shot a quick glance toward Maggie.
