Chapter 549

"Old Mr. Lombard, the wise are not taken in by rumors, so why are you? Since Tristan has chosen

me, do you not have faith in his decision?”

Do the malicious rumors really matter that much?

“The rumors might seem trivial to you, but that's not the case in reality. It doesn't matter whether I

believe them or not. What matters is that people will be gossiping about you behind our backs!”

As the Lombards were the most powerful family in Jipsdale, this was an unacceptable fact.

“In that case, I'll make sure that they don't dare utter a single word about me.”

Although the rumors were unfounded, she would put a stop to them if the Lombard family found

them unsettling.

“Sophie, you're really not compatible with Tristan. Do you understand what I'm trying to tell you?”

"Old Mr. Lombard, as I said before, whether we're compatible or not isn't for you to judge. I won't

leave him just because you don't approve of me.”

There was no way she would do such a thing.

“Tell me then, what will it take for you to leave him?” I'm willing to agree to any of her demands.

A smirk flashed across Sophie's face. She had always assumed that such situations would only

appear on TV. Little did she expect herself to be embroiled in one.

“I won't leave him no matter what.” Sophie declared with conviction, “From the moment I decided

for us to be together, breaking up never crossed my mind.”

"You—" What a persistent girl. “Fine. I have nothing more to say to you. Your capabilities will

determine whether you can keep your place by Tristan's side.”

Words alone won't count for much.

“If you think that the only way for me to be qualified is to have Tanner Group outdo the Whitley

family, give me three months, and I'll make it happen.”

Outdo the Whitley family? Is she deluding herself? Does she know the Whitley family's place in

Jipsdale?

Sophie gave him an earnest nod.

“Mark my words. Tanner Group will surpass the Whitley family in three months.” As for Jennifer, who

has challenged me relentlessly, there's no need for me to show her any mercy.

“Really? In that case, I'll be waiting. If you fail, you'll have to leave Tristan!”

“What if I succeed?”

It was clear from William's expression that he didn't believe she could accomplish such a feat.

“We'll discuss this again when you actually succeed.” He didn't want to waste time dwelling on

improbabilities.

Sophie didn't respond further, for certain problems could only be solved with actions instead of

words.

Since he didn't have any faith in her, she would have to prove herself to him.

Thereafter, Jennifer headed to the Lombard residence after being summoned by William.

"Old Mr. Lombard, what did you want to see me about?” Jennifer put on a prim and proper

demeanor.

Cognizant of what William wanted in his daughter-in-law, she attempted to play the role to

perfection.

“Jennifer, you have to work hard, all right? I really hope that you can become my daughter-in-law!"

William exclaimed.

I'm willing to accept Winter or Jennifer; anyone but Sophie.

Jennifer responded with a graceful smile.

“I understand, Old Mr. Lombard. However, despite how much effort I put in, Mr. Tristan continues to

ignore me."

Considering how much she loved Tristan, she obviously hoped to marry him.

“Are you telling me that you're giving up?” William spoke candidly. “Of course, if that's what you

desire, I won't force you into this.”

Jennifer shook her head at once.

“Give up? Never. I've had a crush on him for ten years. There's no way I'm giving up that easily.”

"Good. Sophie has proclaimed that she will outdo the Whitley family in three months. You had

better watch out.” At the end of the day, William was responsible for getting the Whitley family

involved. Hence, he felt obliged to warn them of what was coming.

"What?" It sounded like the most ludicrous joke to Jennifer. “What an audacious girl.”

The Whitley family's business, which has been operating for more than a century, won't be outdone

by some bravado of hers.

“I'll definitely teach her a lesson so that she learns her place.”

“Good.” William, too, agreed that Sophie's brazenness had crossed the line.

She might be a genius in medicine and one who excels in her studies, but to think that she can

surpass the Whitley family is nothing but a joke.

Meanwhile, Tristan rushed home upon learning of William's meeting with Sophie. The moment he

arrived, he was greeted by the sight of Jennifer.

“I'm surprised to see you home. And here I was, thinking that you had forgotten your way back.”

Sipping coffee, William wasn't bothered to spare Tristan a glance, for he greatly disapproved of the

latter's choice for a partner.

“Mr. Tristan, you're back!” The sight of him triggered a bashful expression on Jennifer's face.

Her love for him was true, and he was all that mattered to her.

"Did you go and see Sophie today?” Tristan questioned without holding back. “Didn't I tell you not

to interfere in my affairs? What did you say to her?”

“Hah!” William couldn't help but sneer. “Are you interrogating me now? Do you not see me as your

father anymore? What's the big deal about me meeting her? Since you don't allow me to interfere

in your affairs, why are you sticking your nose into mine now?”

"As I said before, I don't want Sophie to be put in a difficult position. Therefore, there's no need for

you to ever meet her alone. Also, I will only accept her as my wife and no one else!”

"Are you threatening me now?” the angry William questioned. “Let me tell you—"

"You don't have to tell me anything. You know my character better than anyone else, so stop trying

to stuff some lowly person into my arms! I don't want them!” Tristan wasn't going to tolerate being

manipulated.

“Lowly person?” Jennifer stared at him in disbelief. Is he talking about me? How can he call me that?

“Tristan, you have gone too far,” William criticized him.

"Have I? There's a lot more from where that came from.” Upon learning that William had gone to

see Sophie unilaterally, Tristan was so infuriated that he rushed home at once.

There's no way I'm going to tolerate having my little darling criticized by someone else.

"You—"

"Old Mr. Lombard, I'm fine. You should calm down, as anger is bad for your health,” Jennifer pacified

him at once. She wasn't keen on seeing father and son falling out with each other.

“Jennifer, as the eldest daughter of the Whitley family, you should have some principles. Going

forward, I don't want to see you again. You're nothing but an eyesore to me!”

He resented anyone who tried to come in between him and Sophie.

“Mr. Tristan, what in the world have I done wrong?” I didn't even do anything!

“You don't even have to do anything. Your existence itself annoys me!”