Chapter 2

When Sophia heard my angry outburst, she immediately put on a look of wide-eyed innocence. “Miss Gwen, I’m so sorry! I was just trying to press the elevator button for you!

“Please, don’t report me. I’m just a sales consultant, not like you. You can probably get a house with just a bat of your eyelashes. You can yell at me all you want later. Just… please don’t file a complaint.”

Seeing that the spot where her heel had landed was red, Asher kneeled down, gently massaging the top of my foot. He looked up, concerned, but said, “Gwen, let it go. I don’t think she did it on purpose. I’ll carry you if it hurts.”

My chest tightened with frustration, but I forced myself to calm down. We were here to pick out a home, after all.

Grandpa had only recently approved our engagement, and I didn’t want to ruin the mood.

I took a deep breath and nodded stiffly.

Once we entered the model home, the pain in my foot became too much, and I looked for somewhere to sit.

However, just as I was about to lower myself onto a plush sofa, Sophia suddenly stepped in front of me.

“Miss Gwen! Wait a moment!” she exclaimed, rushing off to the bedroom. She returned with several towels and began meticulously spreading them over the sofa.

“Miss Gwen, this is luxury furniture. We have to be careful, don’t you think?

“Don’t get me wrong. I do this for all my clients. It’s just protocol.”

Then, her tone shifted, laced with mockery. “But usually, real socialites and wealthy ladies understand these things without being told. Perhaps your etiquette classes didn’t cover this?”

Her final comment made my blood boil. I shot up from the chair, glaring at her. “What are you trying to say?!”

Sophia immediately shifted her demeanor, flashing an ingratiating smile. “Miss Gwen! You misunderstood me! I wasn’t criticizing you. I was just admiring how lucky you are to have found such a wonderful husband!

“Marrying into a wealthy family isn’t easy these days. I genuinely envy you.”

Asher walked over and kneeled down beside me again, gently patting my hand. “How about we get ice cream after this, hmm? No more getting angry. It doesn’t suit you,” he said softly.

Sophia clutched the towels to her chest, looking startled. “Miss Gwen, did I say something wrong? If I did, I’m sorry… I swear it wasn’t intentional.”

I glanced at Asher, biting my lip in frustration. She wasn’t worth my energy.

“Forget it.”

Asher smiled approvingly and stood, leading me further into the home.

The duplex was breathtaking, spanning over 5,000 square feet with lavish decor. Even the dining table was set with plates and glasses worth thousands of dollars.

I was admiring the layout when Sophia suddenly bumped into me from behind, sending me sprawling onto the table.

There was a deafening crash as the glassware shattered, scattering across the floor.

A sharp sting ran up my leg. It had been cut by the broken shards.

I turned around furiously, ready to confront her, but before I could speak, Sophia burst into tears.

“Miss Gwen… How could you be so careless? I… I…”

Asher rushed in, alarmed by the commotion. I pointed at her, my voice icy. “You bumped into me, didn’t you?”

Sophia glanced at Asher, her eyes brimming with tears. “Mr. Asher, I swear I didn’t… This set of dishes costs more than my monthly salary. I wouldn’t dare push her!”

I gestured toward the security camera in the top corner of the room, grabbing her wrist tightly. “You think saying you didn’t do it is enough? Fine! Let’s check the footage!”

Sophia struggled against my grip, wincing. “Miss Gwen, let go! You’re hurting me… Maybe I wasn’t paying attention, but I didn’t mean to stand so close behind you!”

She crouched down to pick up the shattered glass, her tears streaming. Combined with her short skirt and dramatic sobbing, she looked pitiful, yet oddly flirtatious.

I kicked a piece of broken glass in frustration. “What kind of unprofessional behavior is this?”

Asher stepped forward, wrapping his arms around me protectively and saying, “Gwen, it’s okay. I believe you. It’s just some broken plates. We can afford to replace them.

“By the way, I think this duplex is perfect for our future home. Don’t you think?”

The words “future home” made Sophia flinch. Her hands trembled as she continued to pick up the shards.

She glanced up, her eyes red, and her voice shaky, “Miss Gwen… but I thought… the man who gifted you two houses last time treated you well?

“Oh, wait. Aren’t there multiple “godfathers”? Do they all know about each other?”