Javier regarded Sophia with a cool and lowered gaze, his icy stare concealed beneath his thick lashes.
âDid you secretly instruct Ronald to attack Lyla in the last incident, Mrs. Beckett?â Alyssa suddenly changed the topic.
âI didnât! Everything was Ronaldâs idea, and it has nothing to do with me!â
Sophia clutched Javierâs suit, her teary eyes blurred.
âJavier, I bear no grudges against Lyla. Why would I do that? Iâm the lady of the Beckett family. Lyla is just Winston Taylorâs mistress! Why would I bother with a concubine like her?â
With a scowl, Javier ordered her sternly, âSophie! Stop talking.â.
âMs. Sophia Kirkman, you can insult me, but you cannot insult my family.â
Alyssaâs gaze sharpened as she pointed her finger directly at Sophiaâs tearful and sinister face.
âBe careful. If you dare to insult Lyla again, I might slap you too!â
The room fell into an awkward silence.
People from the Harper family also wore a dumbfounded expression.
Cornelius shook his head and tutted. âWinstonâs daughter, always wanting to slap people, lacks the demeanor of a young lady. Too arrogant, too impolite, too willful!â
âWhat to do? Everyone spoils her.â Landon raised his hand and shrugged. He continued, âMr. Taylor spoils her, all her brothers and sisters at home spoil her, even Jasper spoils her.
âShe canât help being willful. You know, Jasper has never spoiled any woman in his life except for Alyssa.
Thatâs an exception, an indulgence without limits. No other woman can compare.â
Zoeâs face burned, and her heart bled with hatred upon hearing the undertones.
Jasper observed Alyssa, who exuded the fierce demeanor of a feisty woman. He couldnât help but smile, and his thin lips curved upward as his heartbeat accelerated.
Sophia felt a sudden surge of fear, causing her to freeze in place. She was hesitant to make a move.
Sophia was aware of Alyssaâs straightforward approach. When Alyssa mentioned slapping someone, she meant it. Yet, Sophia couldnât endure it.
âAlyssa! All this is just your speculation! Youâre trying to smear me! You have no evidence!â
+15 BONDS Sophia was convinced that Alyssa didnât have conclusive evidence. Otherwise, how could she remain unscathed until now?
âYes, Iâm just saying. Why are you so anxious? Could it be that youâre feeling quilty?
Sophia was left red-faced and speechless by Alyssaâs words.
Alyssa smiled and took back the platinum necklace.
âAs for the specific relationship between you two, asking Mr. Branson again should yield results soon.
No need to rush.â
Thinking of Ronald, who was already under police control, Sophiaâs nerves tightened.
âAlright, I wonât interrupt your important discussion any longer. Iâll excuse myself.â Alyssa walked confidently toward the door, aware of the scrutinizing gazes around her.
Jasper clenched his fists tightly, and his fiery gaze followed her.
He considered following her several times but managed to control the restlessness in his heart.
Seeing Alyssa about to leave, Penelope suddenly stopped her. Wearing a frosty expression, Penelope said, âMs. Alyssa, next time you handle family matters, itâs better to choose the right time and occasion.
At the very least, you should inform Mr. Javier and Jasper in advance so that it wonât be so awkward for everyone.â
âAwkward? I didnât feel that way.â Alyssa shrugged indifferently. With a smirk, she mocked, âNext time, try to thicken up your skin a bit, and you wonât feel embarrassed.â