“What do I have to fear? She says she’ll give me a ‘gift’? I’d like to see what she could possibly do to me!”
The assistant sighed, shaking her head.
“Your contract is about to expire, and you’ve already had a lot of negative press. Stirring things up further might not be wise…”
Olivia’s expression darkened. “What’s there to be afraid of? Even at my worst, I still have Scott Henry supporting me. Once I’m married into the Scott family, the money in showbiz will be nothing.”
The assistant seemed as if she wanted to say something but ultimately held back.
—
Sophia’s classmates were all concerned about her, especially Barbara, who was like a mother hen, constantly worrying.
“See, I told you not to offend patients. It must’ve been something you said to Olivia that got you into this mess.”
Sophia just smiled and remained silent.
“Now that your internship is on hold, what will you do? Maybe Professor Michael can help you get a position somewhere else?”
Sophia smiled and shook her head. “Don’t worry about me.”
“How can we not worry? We all know your situation—you’ve lost your parents, and you’re on your own. Who knows if you can rely on your husband’s family…” Barbara sighed. “What are you planning to do next?”
“Next? Go have lunch.”
So, Sophia headed to the same restaurant she had visited before.
She had to admit that, although a bit pricey, the restaurant below Scott Corporation served good food. She ordered a beef dish and waited.
Since it wasn’t a busy hour, the restaurant was mostly empty. She had just sat down when a stylish, blonde woman sat across from her.
Sophia blinked in surprise. “Ella?”
It was indeed Scott Livinus’s girlfriend, Ella.
Ella smiled. “What brings you to the Scott Corporation restaurant? Are you an employee here?”
“No, just passing by.”
“Oh, I wanted to ask, what exactly is your relationship with Livinus Scott?”
Sophia’s eyebrow twitched as she looked down. “We don’t have any relationship, actually. He’s a relative of my husband’s.”
“A relative?” Ella frowned, clearly skeptical. “You’re making that up. So you’re saying you’re part of the Scott family? How come I’ve never seen you?”
“To be precise, I’m his nephew’s wife, married to Scott Henry. So, technically, he counts as my elder.”
Ella stared at her for a long moment, her expression incredulous.
“You’re married to Scott Henry? Like a flower stuck in a pile of manure.”
“….” Sophia couldn’t help but laugh.
As they chatted, Ella waved toward the entrance. “Livinus come sit here with us!”
Dressed in a suit, Scott Livinus walked over, glanced at the two, and sat down beside Ella.
Ella smiled. “Why didn’t you tell me that Sophia is married to Scott Henry?”
He frowned. “What does that have to do with you?”
“Why wouldn’t it? I’m practically part of the Scott family.” She looped her arm around his and grinned. “Isn’t that right?”
Sophia saw how close the two were and smiled. “I won’t play third wheel then. I’ll sit somewhere else.”
She was about to stand when Livinus Scott suddenly said, “Sit down.”
His tone was calm, but there was an undeniable firmness to it.
Sophia paused, and Ella looked a bit startled, then burst out laughing. “Alright, don’t tease her. Sophia, stay here!”
Ella covered her mouth, laughing as she said:
“You’re really quite oblivious, no wonder Scott Henry and his awful mother have bullied you to no end. Then again, it’s not entirely your fault since we’ve never met before.”
Sophia sensed something deeper in her words and cautiously asked, “Are you…?”
Her gaze shifted between Livinus and Ella. Previously, she thought they looked like a couple with a slight resemblance, but now she realized that the similarity went beyond that—they shared distinct features and expressions.
“Are you Livinus’s niece?” It was the only explanation she could think of.
In her memories, Sophia’s former self had no knowledge of Scott’s older brothers or their families, indicating they hadn’t crossed paths before.
Ella snickered, covering her mouth and leaning close to Livinus, ignoring his look of disdain. “Don’t we look like a couple? I can’t help it if I have such a young, handsome, wealthy uncle. And besides, blame my unreliable father for having me so young—there’s only a few years between my uncle and me! You wouldn’t believe how often people think we’re dating or that he’s my sugar daddy when we’re out shopping. It’s hilarious!”
Sophia was a bit taken aback. Like everyone else, she hadn’t expected Livinus to have a niece her age. Most men his age would have nieces or nephews still in grade school. But here was a grown, fashionable young woman who bore such a striking resemblance to Livinus that anyone would mistake them for a couple.
Luckily, Sophia’s former self had never met Ella before, so her reaction wouldn’t seem unusual.
Livinus glanced at Sophia with a slight frown. “Sophia, you don’t really know me.”
“Hmm?” Sophia raised an eyebrow.
Livinus took a sip of tea before saying, “I would never date someone with her taste.”
“Hey! Uncle!” Ella pouted, making Sophia chuckle.
Ella grinned mischievously, looking between the two of them before asking, “So what type are you into? What about her?” She nudged Sophia playfully.
Livinus gave her a cold look. “Behave.”
Ella pursed her lips and refrained from teasing any further.
Sophia’s gaze lingered on her food, lost in thought.
Ella, being on a diet, barely ate anything before leaving Livinus Scott and Sophia to dine together.
“Ella is the child of my second brother, relationship with a woman outside of marriage,” Scott said suddenly.
Sophia paused, realizing why she hadn’t met Ella during her two years in the family.
“My second brother is quite a flirt and has many women outside. His wife can’t control him, and unfortunately, he’s very fertile, bringing child after child into the family. Most of these kids I’ve never even met, but I see Ella more often.”
Fertile? Sophia’s face darkened at his choice of words.
