Chapter 42

“Do you think I am overdressed?” Sofia asked Daniel as he got out of the car. She was currently wearing a pink dress with a knee-length cut, perfect for the August weather in Illinois. The dress was elegant, with a modest touch, suited for a girlfriend meeting her boyfriend’s parents.

Instead of answering her question, Daniel looked around the building behind her. “You moved?” he asked.

“My grandmother insisted.” Sofia knew that this would immediately shut Daniel up, and it seemed that it worked, as Daniel did not ask any more questions.

“Oh,” Daniel said before turning his gaze toward her. “You look perfect.” Sofia smiled.

“I need to get something from your flat, do you mind if we drop by? I can totally just run, and you can wait in the car,” Daniel said. Sofia immediately lifted an eyebrow, yet the smile on her face did not disappear as she nodded and got inside the car.

Soon enough, she was back at her building’s parking lot while Daniel had to get something back from her flat. How could she not know that the man was only trying to get her new password? She had already changed the password on her locks and even removed his fingerprint on them. Sofia smiled as she thought about Daniel’s scheme. What was it this time? Did he perhaps not think about the fact that she now had cameras in her place?

Not long after, Daniel came back with a smile on his face. “I didn’t find my favorite tie. Perhaps, I left it somewhere in a hotel.”

Or was it at Charlotte’s place? Sofia thought inwardly. “I will try to look for it when I have the time. Was it the blue one?” she asked. “That’s your favorite, right?”

“You gifted it to me but no. It wasn’t that one. Don’t mind it, I can always buy a new one. I just thought I left it in your place.” Sofia nodded but did not say another word. Soon enough, the car started moving. After more than an hour of driving, they finally arrived outside a mansion—the Beaumont Family mansion.

Sofia knew where the Beaumont Family mansion was located but she had yet to take a step inside this place. “Are you certain it’s going to be alright?” Sofia asked, biting her lips as if she was nervous. In fact, she was excited about this meeting, and it was not all for good reasons.

Alexander had already assured her that he would be here to watch the show. To make matters more entertaining, he had promised to do stuff that would infuriate Daniel's mother. “Calm down,” Daniel said as he held Sofia’s hand. The contact made her cringe. “She will like you.”

“I hope so too...” The two then walked inside the mansion, and the first thing that greeted her was the large living room with a bespoke yet elegant interior.

“Daniel,” a woman who looked like she was still in her forties immediately greeted them. This was Teresa Beaumont. Sofia immediately plastered a smile on her face as Teresa’s gaze landed on her. “And this must be the lovely Sofia Lockhart. It is a pleasure,” Teresa said as she pulled Sofia into a hug. Sofia reciprocated the gesture. “Mrs. Beaumont, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“Please call me Teresa. Shall we head to the dining area? They are already waiting for us.”

“They?”

“Your father and Alexander are here.”

“Brother is here?” Daniel looked surprised. “What about Zoe?”

“She’s coming.”

Chapter 12

"Alexander's ex," Daniel muttered. "Long story."

“Oh,” Sofia said as she followed Daniel and Teresa into the grand dining room where they were waiting for her. Soon enough, Teresa introduced her to the rest of the family, including Alexander, who was leaning on the doorway with a knowing smile on his face.

“I am sure you already know my brother, Alexander. Brother to the reality star.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Beaumont.”

“Alex,” Alexander corrected. “Call me Alex.”

“—Sofia acted surprised before she composed herself and implored. “Then please call me Sofia,” she said, shaking Alexander’s hand, wondering what this man was trying to do.

“Shall we take our seats?” Just as Teresa said that, another woman joined them. Teresa introduced her to Sofia.

Sofia already knew her as she was a famous pianist, Zoe Smith. Zoe was the pianist that earned national recognition and popularity for her skillful piano performances both when abroad and in the US.

She never thought this woman would be Alexander's ex. “Miss Smith,” Sofia said. “My mother is such a fan of yours.”

After a few greetings, Sofia immediately noted how Alexander’s mood had changed. The smirk he wore vanished, replaced by his usual chilly expression.

“I heard that you just became the CEO of LH Designs, congratulations. I never expected someone so young to be able to find success as accomplished as you,” Teresa said as the maids started serving their food.

“Mother—”

“What?” Teresa smiled. “It’s true. Who would have thought that you would find yourself a pretty and accomplished woman? Look at your brother. He is undeniably mind-blowing, yet still single.”

Daniel glared at his mother. However, Teresa only laughed in response.

“Come now. Your brother already has a woman by his side. Isn’t that right, Zoe?”

Almost immediately, Zoe’s cheeks turned red, which made Sofia speechless. So what is this current stunt?

“Anyway, please don’t mind me, Sofia. I am just a mother who wants her son to get married and provide her with more grandchildren.”

Sofia gave an awkward laugh. Speaking of grandchildren, you are the company’s future lady boss. What are your plans when you give birth?” Teresa asked. “Give birth?” Sofia looked at Daniel, who was beside her. Almost immediately, Daniel held her hand under the table as if he was silently assuring her that answering his mother would be fine. Sofia smiled.

“I am not sure yet,” Sofia said. “Previously, we planned to have children, but my schedule changed. I didn’t think I would be able to stay and take care of them.”

“You—You are not planning to have kids?” Teresa’s gaze immediately landed on Daniel. “You—You didn’t tell me about this.”

“Mother, I—This is not final yet.” Daniel gave an awkward laugh. “Sofia and I are still talking about it.”

“What are you talking about?” Sofia feigned ignorance. “I thought I already told you that I want to be the next chairman.”

Chapter 17

“Alright. Alright. We will talk about it when the time comes. For now, why don’t we enjoy this lunch?” Sofia smiled and nodded. However, her previous words already affected the current mood.

It seems that Alexander was right. Teresa Beaumont really wanted children and the best way for Teresa to dislike Sofia was if she did not intend to give birth.

4o