Chapter 77
That incident involving Sophia Sullivan caused quite a stir back in the day.
David Sullivan and Isabella rushed to Kyoto overnight.
But they returned tight-lipped about it.
Rumors had already spread like wildfire.
Everyone said Sophia Sullivan dropped out of school for a boy.
They said he came from a wealthy family.
A rich kid.
No wonder she quit her studies.
She was desperate to lock him down.
David and Isabella looked grim.
Sophia remained calm. "We already broke up."
"Those rich types have high standards. He was just having fun with you. Did you really think it was serious? Marrying into money isn't that easy." Chloe Sullivan Sullivan shook her head as she spoke.
"Let me tell you, a girl's reputation is everything. You were together for so long. Didn't he offer any compensation?"
The wealthy men on TV are always generous during breakups.
Often paying millions in separation fees.
Maybe Sophia didn't come out empty-handed...
Chloe Sullivan felt a pang of jealousy.
A few years of sleeping around for that much money.
It's too easy for a nobody to become a phoenix.
Sophia Sullivan isn't some celestial beauty.
Why does she get all the luck?
Will the third branch of the family strike it rich?
Sophia looked directly at Chloe Sullivan. "What kind of compensation do you think I should get, Aunt Chloe Sullivan?"
"Money, jewelry..."
"Enough!" David slammed the table and stood up. "Watch your words, sister-in-law!"
Chloe Sullivan also stood. "What's wrong with me? Can't I show concern for my niece?"
"Is this your idea of concern?"
"What are you trying to say, David?"
Isabella stood and took her daughter's hand. "Chloe Sullivan, David means your words are hurtful, baseless, and completely inappropriate."
Chloe Sullivan thought she would mediate.
Isabella was usually soft-spoken.
Especially around her in-laws.
But she was surprisingly firm this time!
Chloe Sullivan was no match for both of them.
She kicked Charles Sullivan under the table. "Are you just going to sit there? Your wife is being bullied!"
Charles kept eating, not reacting at all.
Grace Sullivan also pretended not to see.
Smack!
The old lady threw down her chopsticks. She glared coldly at David. "Must you make a scene during the holidays? Your sister-in-law's words might be harsh, but she means well for Sophia. Do you have to be so petty?"
David said indignantly, "Mom! Listen to what she's saying! How can she slander her own niece like that? How can you take her side?"
"Chloe Sullivan's words are rough, but the reasoning isn't wrong. Even a normal breakup deserves compensation for emotional distress, let alone with a wealthy man from the capital? He should be generous. Otherwise, our family's daughter was just slept with for free?"
"Mom—" David's eyes reddened with anger. "Sophia is your granddaughter too! How can you say such a thing?!"
Isabella suppressed her rage and looked at her husband. "This meal has lost all meaning. Let's go home, David."
She had always been patient with the elders.
But when it concerned her daughter, she could retreat no further.
Otherwise, she wouldn't deserve to be a mother!
"Meaningless? It's downright disgusting! Isabella, Sophia, let's go!"
David left with his wife and daughter.
The old lady shouted at their retreating backs. "Ungrateful son! Corrupted by that vixen! How dare you defy your parents! You talk back ten times for every word I say! Go! Take that little vixen she bore and get out! Never call me Mom again!"
Isabella's defiance had humiliated her.
The old lady now loathed her daughter-in-law intensely.
She resented her son as well.
Of all people, he had to pick this one!
A son forgets his mother once he takes a wife!
They're all unfilial wretches!
...
The car ride home was silent.
Isabella gently held David's hand.
David smiled at her to show he was fine.
He was long accustomed to his mother's favoritism.
This wasn't the first unpleasant parting.
He used to endure it whenever possible.
But when it came to slandering his daughter, he could no longer tolerate it.
Isabella headed for the kitchen when they got home.
Sophia stopped her.
"Mom, I'll handle it."
"You?"
Sophia never lifted a finger at home before.
David always cooked and served her.
"Let me show you what I can do."
"Don't burn the kitchen down," David couldn't help saying.
Sophia was indignant. "Am I really that useless?!"
Her parents nodded in unison.
Sophia: "..."
An hour later—
David and Isabella stared speechless at the table full of dishes.
Stir-fried kidney, tomato beef brisket, shredded pork with garlic sauce, sweet and sour ribs, crispy chicken, roasted duck leg, two stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and a bowl of tofu soup.
Isabella swallowed. "You made all this?"
Sophia raised an eyebrow proudly. "Mhm~"
David took a bite, his eyes lighting up. "It's really good!"
Isabella: "Really?"
"Try it..."
"Wow!" Isabella tried a piece of rib and gasped. "When did you learn to cook?"
It was unbelievable!
Sophia said proudly, "Did you think I was just messing around these years? Eat up before it gets cold."
The family of three enjoyed a hearty meal.
After eating, Isabella and David were settled on the sofa to watch TV.
Sophia went into the kitchen to wash dishes and clean up.
When she came out, she heard David's choked voice:
"Isabella, our Sophia suffered out there."
"Look how skilled she is at trimming vegetables and stir-frying. She must do this often."
Sophia's eyes reddened.
It snowed heavily in the middle of the night.
A cold wind howled outside.
The people inside slept soundly.
Sophia woke early and heard David say, "It snowed hard last night. The balcony door is broken. Don't go out on the balcony these next few days. Be careful it doesn't collapse on you."
They had lived in this old neighborhood for decades.
The building structure was sound.
But the interior was worn with age.
Extreme weather could cause problems.
Sophia looked around.
She had lived here since birth.
The house hadn't changed all these years.
Only today did she realize how old and shabby it was.
Even the decor was over a decade out of style.
"...How can you say I ruined it? Which eye saw me do it? Don't think you can slander people just because you're some lousy writer!"
An argument sounded outside.
Sophia and David hurried into the yard.
They saw Isabella, eyes red, breathing rapidly.
Opposite her, Linda Moore stood with arms akimbo, looking smug and pleased.