Rise Above The Betrayal (Sophia and Tristan)

The Stewart family

Griffin stared at phone, his face grim and his heart sinking-

His phone was on speaker too.

Felicity, sitting beside him, could hear every word clearly.

Listening to the man who claimed to be Sophia's grandfather, speaking with a proud and arrogant tone, her anger immediately surged. She cursed furiously, "That little brat! How dare she let that okl fool hang up on us? A bunch of rats from the slums, do they even know whose call they're answering!

"And what's this nonsense about us not worthy of speaking face to face with him? What's this about the wrath of the Roscente family? Just because he's surnamed Roscente, he thinks he comes from the wealthy Rescente family of Virelia?"

Just now, he had been pretending to be so grand, eating lobster and abalone like it was nothing. A bunch of slum-dwelling peasants, they'd be lucky to survive on wild grass!

Like kid, like old man-truly cut from the same pretentious cloth!

Griffin snapped,

furrowing his brows. His face was stormy as he slammed the phone down on the table.

He yanked at his tie, leaning back hard against his chair, his eyes

lashing with sharp light,

That guy, the one claiming to be Sophia's grandfather...

Could he really be someone living in the slums!

That voice, that tone...

It didn't sound like an ordinary person

Even after decades of experience in the business world, Griffin couldn't help but tremble at that voice, which carried such authority

That kind of authority...

It was as if it could penetrate the phone, becoming a crushing

rushing force like a thousand-pound boulder, bearing down on him from all sides.

In that moment, he felt as though the air was thinning, and he was struggling to breathe.

Could an old man living in the slums really have such an overwhelming presence?

Griffin's expression shifted.

He thought back to the scene at Raffle Hotel yesterday, where the hotel manager had wood beside Sophia, respectful to the point of being almost servile.

He thought about the scene outside the hospital yesterday, when Sophia got out of Tristan's car, so close and intimate with him.

He remembered last night, when Mr. Cody had been 10 enthusiastic in front of Sophia, speaking to her like an old friend.

The more he thought about it, the more complicated his feelings became.

All of this

Could all of this really just be a coincidence!

Was it simply because of Tristan

Or was it because they were all attracted to Sophia's appearance!

But... what if they were interested in Sophia herself?

Sophia

the really just a girl who grew up in the countryside, with no natalde qualities, who was kicked out of the Stewart family and returned thei mal shumm family"

Gritin had the feeling that he had overlooked something very important

He

even felt like he had lost out on an opportunity that could have been a tremendous help to him

"Honey, stop overthinking and staring yourself Felicity, having been married to Griffin for decades, could guess what was going through his mind just by looking at his expression

She moved closer and sat next to him, pulling at his arm. "Honey, you know, even though Margaret has always cared for Sophia, what matters most to her is our family. If Sophia really had so much power and could bring such huge benefits to the Stewart family, don't you think she would have told your

“Besides, Sophia switched families with Chloe. If her original family could afford Boston lobsters, truffles, and abalone, do you think Chlor wouldn't tell ust Most importantly

If Sophia's original family were truly that powerful...........

Would Chloe be willing to switch back

It wasn't that she looked down on her own daughter.

It was simply human nature.

It was people's flaw

If Sophia's original family was wealthier than the Stewart, Chloe wouldn't have

had to lie about her slum background.

Moreover...

They had investigated Chloe's p

After all, Chloe had returned to the Stewart family as their biological daughter. If she had done anything in the slums that would tamish the Stewart family's reputation...

They wouldn't necessarily accept her just because of their blood relation. Chloe had indeed lived in the slums but had used her own talent to study abroad, majoring in fashion design.

"So, Sophia's family absolutely cannot be rich! That call she was pretending all of this."

Felicity was adamant. "Just like before, when we revealed Chlor's true identity and announced her engagement to Ethan, she even hired an actor to pretend to be some butler!"

"Heri

purpose is nothing more than to be stubborn, to pretend in front of us that she will live a better life after leaving the Stewart Family, and that we should regret it and then cry and beg her to come back!

In't it exactly like what's happening now?

All of this made them fall for it and actively reached out to Sophia, inviting her back to the Stewart family.

They had already gone along with Sophia's plans, inviting her to return, and her goal had been accomplished.

Yet Sophia still insisted on pretending, or performing

Whatever is overdone just becomes a joke!

The more Felicity thought about it, the more certain alse became in her suspicion.

She would never believe the lies Sophia had fabricatedf

She looked at Griffin serioudy and said, "Honey, stop thinking about these nonsense. If you bring Sophia back, how are we going to explain it to Miss Roszenie? Chloe luas already helped us establish a connection with Miss Hoscente, and she clearly looks down on Sophia because of her involvement with Mr. Yrank"

"Moreover, Chlor made a firm promise to Miss Koscente that we have deep conflicts with Sophia. That's why Miss Roscente agreed to work with us. If she finds out that you've actively contacted Sophia, our collaboration with the Koscente family will be ruinedt

Griffin frowned deeply, irritated. He raised his hand and massaged his aching temples.

(the one hand, hur already had a vague suspicion about Sophia.

He even leaned toward the idea that, perhaps Sophia really was extraordinary.

12:48 PM

But on the other hand, he couldn't deny that Felicity's words made perfect

sense.noveldrama

If Sophia truly had any special abilities, surely Margaret would have told him everything already, lening Sophia bring greater value to the Stewart family, and creating even more profits.

Just like how Sophia pursue Ethan, wasn't that Margaret's idea?

And... right now, they were indeed standing on Xandra's side now

Choosing Xandra meam giving up Sophia.

If they chose Sophia for an uncertain factor, it would only risk angering Xandra,

which would indeed be an unwise move.

But deep down.

ep down. Griffin always had a bad premonition. He couldn't shake the feeling that

as if he had overlooked something very important.

Right at this monsent.

Chloe, who had been out all night, walked in

in with her handbag

She wore a high-end gown, holding the latest custom-made handbag from the

same brand.

Her brand-new jewelry sparkled brilliantly, radiating dazzling light,

li made her graceful face appear even more dazzling and alluring.

Felicity, sering her daughter, stood up in surprise and walked over to her.

She grabbed Chloe's hand, inspecting her from head to toe, her face full of amazement. "As expected of my daughter, look at this outfit, you look like a lady of the high society. Gorgeous!"

Chloe shyly lowered her head, softly linking her arm with Felicity's "I take after you. Mom"

As she spoke, she glanced back behind her,

The servant followed, carrying several shopping bags

Chloe waved her hand to the servant and took two shopping bags from them, "Mom, these bags and the shawl are for you. Do you like them?"

Inside were all high-end limited edition items from luxury brands, worth quite a lot. Felicity's eyes immediately lit up, a smile spreading across her face. I love them! Of course How could I not?"

Any woman of any age would have no resistance to limited-edition luxury bags and expensive shawls.

Chloe smiled brightly, her eyes crescent-shaped. "I'm glad you like them, Mom."

Then she took the other shopping bags from the servant and walked toward Griffin. "Dad these gifs."

Before she could finish, Griffin frowned slightly and interrupted, "Chloe, I appreciate that, but.. the Stewart family is currently in the midst of our collaboration with the Roscente family. We need a significant amount of liquidity. You should be saving your money, so you can use it as start-up capital for your studio with Miss Roscente"

Just yesterday, she had bought a set of ourfits worth hundreds of thousands.

And today, she was out shopping again.

How much had the spent

Even though the Stewart family had money, it wasn't meant to be wasted like this

were Sophia.

In the three years Sophia spent in the Stewart family, he hadn't seen her splurge

on a single luxury item!

Chloe could naturally hear the implication in lier father's words, and her gentle smile stiffened slightly.

She stared at Griffin for a long while before greatly bating her lip, lowering her head slightly, her tone carrying a list of grievance. "I understand, Dad. I've never come back to the Stewart family because of your wealth. I just wanted to have real family. I never wanted to waste the money you

As she spoke, her voice wavered, her eyes shuiminering with insest tears.

"These

(yestenlay. I picked

they're from Ethan, as an apology for y

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them out with him...*

Griffin's face stiffened, his furrowed brows gradually relaxing as he looked up at

Chlor, her eyes red

The Baker family could still afford such gifts!

red-rimmed

Were the rumors about the Baker family's bankruptcy true, or not?

Griffin squinted his eyes slightly

Felicity immediately stepped forward and grabbed Chlor's hand. "Chloe, Why would you say that? Your dad works hard to make money, and it's all for you to

spend, isn't it? He's just reminding you to invest your money in something that will bring you the most benefit

She patted Chloe's hand, then shot a glare at Griffin before continuing with a smile. "Ethan is so thoughtful. Why did he bay us gifts? Did he send you home? Why didn't you invite him in"-

such expensive

Chloe lowered her head slightly, sighing softly. "Yesterday... Mrs. Baker treated

Mom badly, and Ethan felt awkward about it. These gifts are his way of apologizing for what happened yesterday"

"He's very thoughtful, but this... is no big deal" Although Felicity still had harsh

words for Mrs. Baker, sering Ethan's clear apologetic gesture. Chloe's luxurious outfit, and the limited-edition bags and shawl, all of which cost a considerable sum, softened her stance

Still, the decision on their relationship with the Baker family was up to Griffin. Felicity glanced at Griffin

Griffin maintained a scrutinizing gaze, his eyes narrowed as he observed.

d Chloe

Chloe felt as though Grittin's gaze was like an X-ray, seeing through her

innermost thoughts.

She grew inexplicably nervous, remembering everything that had happened with Ethan last night. Her face flushed slightly.

She clenched her slender fingers tightly. "Dad... please don't be angry with Ethan. This morning Elhan went to see Miss Ruscente. He said... he said he plans to invest three million in start-up funds for the studio, in my and Xandra's names" She spoke with a determined breath, lifting her gaze to meet Griffin's "Ethan is truly a good person. He promised me he'd talk to Mrs. Baker and make sure nothing like this huppens again. Dad, could you... could you give him a chance!"

Griffin didn't respond immediately but instead let his guze fall on the pale white curve of Chloe's exposed neck.

Though she had thickly covered it with foundation..

A discerning eye could still spot the faint bruises on her neck.

Last night....

Chloe had rushed out when she received Ethan's call about him driving drunk

As a man, Griffin knew all too well what a man could become when

He just didn't expect...

intoxicated.

After their families had parted ways on had terms last night, Edun would still do

such things to Chloe.

Well, since it's come to

The Mewart the Baker family should be tied together.

Right now, Ethan was still willing to spend so much money to curry favor with

Chloe.

This suggested that the Baker family had not yet reached the point of complete

ruin

Of course, although Ethan publicly claimed he was investing in their studio umber

Clilor's name, it was just as much a move for the Baker family to attach itself to

the Roscute family,

As for the relationship with the Bakers

It had to be maintained, at least for now

Goff rated his hand and took the shopping bags from Cidor "Alright, you and Elan

have been a solod, engaged couple now. You're getting along

ont let something minor tear you two ajan"

hæ can't, then I'll step in"

"Since Ethan promised to convince Mrs. Baker, let him handle it if he

12:48 PM cc

"One

way or another. I won't let you

u suffer any grievances in the Baker family.

Chloe's eyes instantly reddened, and she looked at her father with teary,

affectionate eyes. Thank you, Dad"

Griffin nodded, "You've picked out so many gifts, you must be tired. Go rest upstairs for a while."

Chloe obediently agreed, deeply moved.

As she turned and walked toward the spiral staircase, the gentle, soft smile on

her face immediately disappeared

Her fingers clenched tightly around the bags, and a cold, obscure light flashed in

her eyes.

Did Griffin really think she didn't know what was happening in the house?

This house...

It already had her people in i

Her people had long passed on the conversation between Griffin and Felicity to

her

ears.

Griffin still hadn't given up on Sophia

Now that he'd chosen her, why the Sophist

Being greedy wasn't the way to ga

She had worked so hard to send Sophia away from this house, and she would

never let Sophia have any chance to come back.

This home was hers.

So was Ethan

Everything Sophia had once had belonged to hert

The Roscente Andrewrents were not at all affected by Griffin's call.

After hanging up the phone, they just enjoyed thier meal.

The two of them decisively dismissed any thoughts o

of the Stewart family

Sophia returned to her room and discussed the details of the proposal with Finn.

Afterward, she carried the herbs she'd selected the previous day at the research

lab and went to the backyard.

Walter had specially set up a luxurious and beautiful gazebo in the area where

Sophia often ground herbs, equipped with a variety of specialized

Sophia began to work busily.

Over the next few

days.

Sophia stayed home with the grandfather, grinding herbs, having meals with

Tristan, or hosting him at the Roscente residence.

She also occasionally took time to discuss matters concerning the Ramle Hotel

with Finn.

Her days were packed with no gaps in si

ps in sight-busy, but fulfilling.

After a week of this. Sophia learned from Sherry that Xandra and Chloe had

made a big splash by creating their own studio.

Briccalled "Princess.

Xandra har started budding g the "Princess" brand while studying abroad.

And now they were bringing it to the domestic market, clearly planning to make a

big move,

Sherry gizgled, her laughter bright and animated. "When she used this name for

her fashion brand, she really thought of herself as a princess,

O Sophia umaled slightly, not particularly interested.

Before her arrival, Xandra had indeed thought of herself as the only true daughter

of the Roscente family

she thought of herself their one and only princess.

12:48 PM cd

Xandra's lifelong dream seemed to be to win the adoration of everyone in the

Roscente

family.

"By the way, babe, I can't see how their first three new designs have anything to

do with 'Princess at all," Sherry mused, propping up her chin. "T think their first

designs... kind of look like Luminous's' style"

When she heard "Luminous", Sophia's interest was piqued, and she looked up

slightly.

Sherry clicked her tongue, completely losing her usual poised demeanor as a high-society lady. "I heard the first three designs were personally created by that little bit. Didn't expect her to have this much talent. No wonder she was able to go from living in a slum to studying abroad,"

"Honestly, if I can't get my hands on Luminous's latest collection, I'd be tempted to

settle for their brand

Sophia stopped what she was doing and narrowed her eyes.

Chloe's design style resembled Luminous'st

That made her curious.

sophia didn't know much about Chloe's past, except that Felicity had bragged

about Chloe's expertise and her time abroad when she brought Chloe back.

All the talk implied that the Stewart family's girl was exceptional-that even living

in a slum could produce miracles.

Meanwhile, Sophia, who had enjoyed the Stewart family's resources but hadn't

even finished high school was labeled a "failure" "inferior genes"

But Sophia had never actually seen Chloe's designs.

Given Chloe's personality, if she was truly that talented abroad, had won any

by awards, wouldn't she have shown them off by now!

It seemed Chloe was really good at keeping her cards close to her chest.

It seemed Chloe was really good at keeping her cards close to her chest.

She'd been hiding it all until now, only revealing her impressive abilities after she

and Xandra set up their studio.

That was enough to leave an impression.

After all. Sherry's praise meant something-it was proof that Chloe's debut designs

had something worth noticing.

all because of

"Son, they're having a press conference in three days to officially launch the

Princess' brand, and at the conference, they'll reveal two new designs that will be

their main focus for upcoming collections"

Sherry's eyes were darting around, giving her already alluring features a more

seductive flair.

Her lips curled into a sly smile

Sophia caught her drift with just one glance. "You want to stir up some trouble?"

"How can you call it stirring up trouble?" Sherry feigned seriousness. "I'm just

being curious, She hasn't stolen anything or committed any crime. What kind of

trouble could 1 cause? Just a little excitement to see what she has left to

surprise us."

Sophia wasn't

wasn't particularly eager to get involved. Mouly because she found it boring and unnecessary.

Xandra and Chloe were clearly y enemies of hers

Even if she dadn't care much for them.

If she went to their event, it would just bring a load of trouble.

Instead of that, she'd rather grind more pills and make more money.

Sophia was about to speak. Suddenly, a familiar avatar popped up in the corner of her laptop screeni

She clicked it open.

to your

It was a message from Averie (Alills, boss! Have you seen the trending topics

recently? My basl, I couldn't get that designer who's similar to style at our team"]

Sophia wasn't surprised.

12.48 PM cd

If she were in their shoes, and hers

rstyle was similar to Luminous, the wouldn't join Luminous either.

After all, within Luminous team, she would always just be one of it and never her

true self.

Averie must knew that Sophia didn't give a hoot about the news on designers

So she just kept typing: [Boss, hoss, boss! The brand Princess' that's been all

over the trending list these past few days-have you noticed? I heard the founder

of that brand is claiming they're aiming to compete with us, Luminous!]

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