After Sophia left, the woman with a helpless look squatted down and patiently lectured her daughter.
âLea, whatâs up with you today? Sophia just got home; why were you so rude to her?â
The grievances she had for Sophia were evident from Leaâs expression. âBut she insulted you, Mom.
She disrespected you; why should I still call her my sister?â
The woman was at a loss for words. She had heard Sophiaâs curse earlier, but she didnât want to argue with her husbandâs daughter from a previous marriage.
Understanding her daughterâs feelings, the woman didnât say much more and took her to find her husband.
As the mother and daughter walked to the lotus pond, they saw Thaddeus sternly commanding his subordinates to carry out tasks.
The woman knew her husband like the back of her hand, and by his look, she knew he was up to no good again. She didnât like his aggressive nature, especially at his age.
When his subordinates left after receiving the orders, the woman took Lea and walked over, asking, âMalloy, what did you just send them off to do?â
Thaddeusâs real name was Malloy Reynolds, only those close to him knew this, and only his wife could call him that.
After seeing his wife and daughter, Thaddeusâs face softened immediately. âNothing much. I just sent them to investigate someone.â
The woman frowned and asked, âWhy are you suddenly investigating this person?â
Thaddeus didnât dare lie to his wife, fearing she would misunderstand that he was having an affair. He sincerely replied, âBertha, donât overthink it. I just asked them to find out who the girl who is fighting over a boy with Sophia is.â
The woman, named Bertha, was elegant and sophisticated.
Thaddeusâs explanation did not make Bertha feel relieved, and she asked, âWhy are you investigating her? Is it to help Sophia get rid of that girl?â
She knew Thaddeusâs way of doing things; he was definitely trying to remove obstacles for Sophia.
But she didnât agree with Thaddeus doing this.
Thaddeus admitted it. âAh! Sophia is only interested in Theo. If I, as her father, donât help her, who else can she rely on?â
w Bertha advised him with a worried face, âMalloy, I know you love Sophia, but you canât force love. Even if you get rid of that girl, would Mr. Blanchet definitely accept Sophia?â
âBertha, you know I owe Sophia too much. Her mother passed away early when I was young. I was only interested in making a name for myself, leaving little Sophia to be taken care of by her grandparents. Now I want to make up for as much fatherly love she lacked as possible.â
Bertha actually understood Thaddeusâs feelings.
âBut this is not the way to compensate her; you canât build your daughterâs happiness on the pain of others. Mr. Blanchet has a woman he likes, and I heard that sheâs already pregnant with his child. It would be wicked if you broke them up.â
Thaddeus loved his wife very much, but he also valued his daughterâs wishes. âAlright, Bertha, I have some ideas about Sophia. You donât have to worry anymore. By the way, have we chosen a school for Lea yet?â
Bertha knew he was deliberately changing the subject. She shook her head helplessly and sighed.
âWhen can you let me and Lea feel at ease?â