CHAPTER 81: CHAPTER 81: TROUBLE MADE

He smiled almost imperceptibly, put on his glasses, and fastened his Patek Philippe watch.

"Grandpa doesn’t plan to take any orders next year. The shop will be transferred. The location is good, has a strong foundation, and meets Hugh Irving’s requirements. You can take her to check it out when you have time."

Sophia nodded.

The classic custom clothing shop really did have a great location, and its reputation had been established. If they took over, they could open for business the very next day.

The two sat in silence for a while.

Zane Sterling scrutinized her with a probing look.

"What did you chat about with Ethan Sinclair today?"

"Just some casual talk."

She sipped her tea.

Zane didn’t believe her, but didn’t press further.

Sophia was unsure if she should ask, and in the end, she didn’t.

He actually had liked her for so many years, so he must have deep feelings for her.

She had to thank Zane for letting her quickly see through Henry Quinn’s façade.

Otherwise, she might still be in the dark about that scumbag.

But there was one thing that puzzled her.

If he fell for her that year...

What was the reason?

That year, Sophia hadn’t even seen him; they hadn’t interacted at all.

Other than making him a month’s worth of terrible meals, she couldn’t remember a time she might have caught his attention.

Sophia took a sip of coffee, silently cursing herself.

It’s a miracle Zane survived...

In the afternoon, Ethan Sinclair drove, waiting with Hugh Irving for Sophia at the company entrance.

She didn’t go back with Zane but instead went directly to Grandpa Sterling’s small courtyard with Hugh.

Hugh rested her head on Sophia’s shoulder, extending her hands to admire her newly done manicure.

An air of charming allure.

"I’ve borrowed Ethan for so many days. Why isn’t your boss mad?"

"Humph, maybe you didn’t borrow Ethan. Maybe he’s a spy your boss is happy to plant."

Sophia thought it over and figured she should be angry, feeling deceived into marriage.

Luckily, the man was decent, or Ethan might have been torn to pieces by now.

"How can you call it a spy? At least he’s a strategist." Ethan laughed.

"You both are smug, making a fool out of me."

Hugh chuckled, "I heard Assistant Sinclair pulls strings for everyone else. Do you have a suitable one for me too?"

"That’s simple." Ethan smirked.

The car arrived at the courtyard entrance.

As soon as they got out, they heard noisy arguing inside.

Sophia followed the sound with her eyes.

Inside, a man was pulling on Grandpa Sterling, angry about something.

Nearby were two men in suits.

Grandpa Sterling was also visibly upset.

Corinne Chapman didn’t know how to mediate.

Sophia hurried over.

The man was in formal attire, appearing in his mid-forties, radiating hostility, and had a leader’s air, cold and distant.

It was exactly how Zane had been when they first met.

An ice block.

"I’ll shut this store down by tomorrow!"

"How dare you! You’ve got some nerve to do that!"

"Why wouldn’t I dare?"

...

"Let go! What are you doing?"

Though Sophia hadn’t arrived yet, her voice was already ringing out.

Hugh and Ethan followed behind.

The two who were pulling and tugging looked at Sophia.

She pulled Grandpa Sterling back, shielding him behind her.

Hugh quickly supported Grandpa Sterling, checking his wellbeing and pulling him further back.

Ethan squinted, about to say something, but Sophia spoke first.

"Sir, dressed so well, how can you pull and tug at the elderly in broad daylight?"

Facing the three men in suits, she showed no fear.

Ethan tried to pull her back, gesturing for her not to speak.

But she glared at him, shook off Ethan’s hand.

She didn’t know what kind of influence Zane had on Ethan, making him so timid and evasive in the face of trouble.

The man remained silent.

He stood with his hands in his pockets, glanced at the smirking Grandpa Sterling, then at the indignant Sophia.

"What? Cat got your tongue? As a grown man, even if someone did something wrong, this isn’t how you handle it. Is having a crowd a big deal? Shutting down the store? What next? Flying to the moon?"

"Miss, this is..." Ethan subtly signaled with his eyes.

"Not at all! Whose side are you on? I was hoping you’d back me up in a fight." Sophia rolled her eyes at him.

"Feisty young lady."

The man spoke, his voice now sounding much gentler.

Sophia’s aggressiveness toned down, though she still felt a tad uneasy.

"Depends on who! What’s the point of a grown man bullying an elder?"

Ethan still wanted to speak.

The man glanced at Ethan, who quickly shut up.

"Indeed, I didn’t think it through."

Seeing him lower his stance, Sophia couldn’t press the advantage.

"Then apologize."

The man’s eyes darkened.

Ethan held his forehead, moving slightly aside.

He had tried his best; he had given enough warning just now.

The man nodded slightly, speaking to Grandpa Sterling, "I’m sorry, Dad."

Now it was trouble.

What an embarrassing mess.

Hugh was dumbfounded.

Grandpa Sterling, however, was very amused.

Sophia stood there stunned, her mouth slightly open before quickly pressing her lips together.

She glanced at Ethan.

Ethan had already moved to one side, not daring to meet her eyes.

Sophia swallowed hard.

Silently she thought: Zhuge Liang, how do I handle this...

Now my first impression is permanently set here; how will we interact in the future?

A complete failure before even trying.

Bracing herself, "Dad..."

The man nodded meaningfully, "Hmm."

He naturally recognized Sophia.

When Zane posted the wedding certificate photo to the family group, he had studied it for a while.

She seemed so gentle, yet that combat power was impressive.

Right on the mark.

——

Eugene Sterling, Zane’s father.

He came today to take Grandpa Sterling for a check-up, but Grandpa was unwilling to go.

The reason was that a previous check-up showed some issues, and the family kept pushing for a recheck, which he refused.

Eugene could only come to the courtyard to bring him.

Ethan, Sophia, and Hugh sat in a row.

Looking like they were waiting for a verdict.

Grandpa Sterling also didn’t dare to speak.

Eugene sat with his arms crossed, legs crossed.

Like an authority figure interrogating a group of misbehaving children.

Corinne Chapman quickly poured tea before rushing off the battlefield.

Eugene didn’t address the three but instead asked Grandpa Sterling.

"Going for the check-up tomorrow or not?"

Grandpa Sterling nodded and smiled, "I’ll go."

"With the younger ones here, if you back out, it’s disgraceful for an elder." Eugene remarked.

"No backing out, definitely not."

"Alright."

Eugene adjusted his attire and stood up.

The three quickly stood up as well.

His days of earnest persuasion were outdone by a couple of good words from the young ones.

His gaze settled on Sophia.

"Sophia, keep an eye on Grandpa. If he acts up, let me know."

"Okay."

Her voice was a bit shaky.

"Make sure to bring that blockhead back home for dinner when you can."

"Okay."

Blockhead?

Was he referring to Zane?

Indeed, that metaphor was quite apt.

With that, he turned and left.

The two men in suits followed him.