Sophia hugged her arms as she glanced sideways at Lisa. She was afraid that the woman was going to put her niece, Sofie, forward as a suitable partner for Evan.
Fat chance.
Sophia was not about to let her have her way.
Hence, she immediately threw a direct wrench into Lisa’s schemes.
“Your suggestion may be a sound one, but I’m concerned that the prospective party would be like Sofie with Evan– Unable to develop mutual feelings for each other despite being acquainted for many years. If that’s the case, I’m afraid that this plan might backfire badly, causing Evan to become increasingly attached to Nicole.”
Sophia’s suggestion was met with silence.
Lisa had not counted on Sophia saying that.
Her face darkened. “Perhaps that could be where Evan and Sofie differ. Once Evan’s ill-fated alliance with Nicole ends, the relationship between Evan and Sofie will surely blossom.”
“You’ve sure had it all figured out. In any case, it is Evan’s decision to make, if he wants to be engaged to Sofie.”
“Then, we ought to give Sofie a chance to get closer to Evan. If she is able to win Evan over, I shall approve of her joining the Seet family.”
Russell, who had been overlooking from his perch on the second floor, had spoken.
His words had left the rest of the family present in silence.
It was not that long ago that Russell had used to dislike Sofie.
For him to agree to give her a chance at Evan is certainly unexpected.
Nevertheless, as the head of the family did not directly ask for Evan to be engaged with Sofie, it could be considered that he had no intention of forcing this union upon his grandson.
When Lisa heard Russell’s words, she quietly began to reel in her glee as she sneered at Sophia.
This is an excellent opportunity for Sofie.
Lisa lifted her head to regard Russell. “Dad, Evan is still devoted to Nicole right now so it might be inappropriate for Sofie to get mixed up in this, given the circumstances. We may need to get Jonathan and yourself to help, in convincing Evan.”
Russell understood his daughter-in-law and looked to Sophia. “You should go and talk to Evan. Let him know that this is the conclusion of our deliberation and tell him that he is expected to comply!”
Sophia was in a bind but she could only nod in acknowledgment at this point.
After Russell retreated to his own chambers, Lisa looked to Sophia. “Sophia, you know that there is no way that Nicole would be accepted into the Seet family, so it is your duty to ensure that Evan cuts her out of his life. I trust that you won’t refuse just because Sofie is involved, would you?”
Sophia exhaled. “Not to worry, I understand my role here much better than you do.”
She then turned and left Lisa behind, making her way upstairs.
Having seen that a reasonable resolution was set in place, Adam and Ryan deemed that their business there had been concluded.
They were still engaged in a discussion on the way out, speculating whether or not Evan would be agreeable to leave Nicole. They rubbed their hands in anticipation of the outcome.
If Evan is unable to see sense, then someone else will likely supplant him, as the heir to the Seet family’s business.
Sophia understood her son’s temperament. When Jonathan called to speak to him on this issue, Evan was extremely resistant. Hence, there was no point in trying to persuade Evan at this time.
In order to succeed, Sophia needed to adopt a different approach.
Seeing as such, she pulled out her phone and called Nicole instead.
Nicole was packing her luggage when she saw Sophia’s number light up on her phone display. She hesitated briefly before picking up.
She thought that it would be nice to see Sophia again before leaving.
After all, she would be counting on Sophia to help, in caring for her four children in the future.
Nicole politely answered the phone.
Sophia did not beat about the bush. “Would you be home in half an hour? I’d like to meet you in Summervale.”
“Alright. I’ll be waiting.”
Sophia drove down quickly to Summervale. Nicole had already prepared a fine tea for her, as she respectfully brought it to the marble table in front of Sophia. “Please help yourself.”
Sophia raised her head to look at Nicole. If not for this mess, she would have wished for Nicole and her son to be married as soon as possible.
Oh, how the fates toy with people!
“Ms. Lane, do you understand the purpose of my visit here?”
Nicole did not respond directly to the question that she was asked. Rather, she sat across from Sophia and earnestly started to talk about her four children’s preferences.
She did not touch on Juan and Kyle’s as she fondly remembered Sophia’s kindness toward them during this time.
Nicole did, however, re-emphasize Maya and Nina’s personality quirks. Sophia’s brows knitted as she could not grasp Nicole’s intention in relating such matters to her.
When Sophia wanted to seek clarification, Nicole concluded, “I may have to be away for a while. Please take care of the four of them in my stead.”
