Chapter 200 Crushing Her Underfoot
The office suddenly seemed empty after the five people were gone, leaving only Sophia and Kathy as senior designers, along with two others. With so many vacancies and the New Year holiday approaching, it was impossible to hire replacements in time, so Margaret had to make internal adjustments, including assigning some of the work to Sophia.
The annual company party was coming up. Lately, Sophia brought Ethan and Emma to visit Madam Lancaster daily. Madam Lancaster seemed to be in much better spirits and was even able to get out of bed with assistance. The three little ones brought so much joy to their great-grandmother.
After Sophia left with the children, Gabriel came. He just missed them, but seeing that his grandmother was fine, he went to find the doctor. The doctor said, "Madam Lancaster has been in a good mood lately. I heard that two or three children have been coming to play with her. If she keeps her spirits up, she might live a bit longer." Gabriel was puzzled. Children? Could it be Sam's two friends? He had never met them and didn't know what kind of kids they were, but they seemed to be making his grandmother happy.
After talking with the doctor, Gabriel returned to the ward. Little Sam was still there, watching TV with Madam Lancaster. They were discussing the plot passionately. Gabriel noticed that Sam had become livelier and was interacting more with them. Except for his reluctance to speak, he seemed no different from a normal child. A small smile appeared on Gabriel's face as he walked in.
"Sam, do you want to bring your friends to the company party tomorrow?" Gabriel asked. Sam's eyes lit up. He had been to the company party before and knew there would be lots of delicious food, but he didn't like the crowds. However, Ethan and Emma would probably enjoy the lively atmosphere, especially the food-loving Emma.
"Can I bring them?" Sam asked. "Yes, just have David accompany you, and don't wander off," Gabriel replied. "What about me?" Madam Lancaster asked, "Are you just going to leave me here at the hospital?" Sam immediately responded, "I won't go; I'll stay with Great-grandmother." "I'll stay too then. Let Harrison speak for me," Gabriel added.
"Why don't you just take me with you?" Madam Lancaster suggested. She hadn't attended the company's annual party in years and suddenly wanted to see the company she and her husband had built, which was now flourishing under her grandson's leadership. She wanted one last look before she joined her husband, to have something to brag about.
"Grandma, your health doesn't permit it. Why don't you let Sam and his two classmates come to the hospital to keep you company? I'll have Alex livestream the event for you," Gabriel suggested. However, Madam Lancaster was not pleased.
When Gabriel left, Madam Lancaster called Sophia to complain. Sophia couldn't help but laugh, "Grandma, you really can't go. If you're bored, I won't go either. I'll come to the hospital to keep you company." "Never mind, you go. Let the three children come and play with me," Madam Lancaster relented.
If the three children really went to the party, Gabriel would certainly find out. On the day of the party, everyone had the day off. Sophia slept in and made a delicious and nutritious lunch for the kids. Sam was there too. Madam Lancaster already knew that Sam went to Sophia's every other day, so naturally she wouldn't stop it anymore.
Madam Lancaster wanted to eat Sophia's cooking, so Sophia made her favorite dishes, packed them, and brought them to the hospital.
Around three o'clock, Sophia went home to change into her evening gown and applied a delicate and elegant makeup.
Caroline insisted on curling her hair and styling it.
"OK, you're definitely going to be the belle of the ball tonight," Caroline said, looking at Sophia with satisfaction.
But Sophia remained silent... She didn't want to be the belle of the ball.
"I'm telling you, you have to outshine Tiffany, blind her with your beauty, and crush her under your feet," Caroline said fiercely.
Sophia's competitive spirit was instantly ignited. "I'll try my best!"
The idea of crushing Tiffany was of great interest to her, not because of Gabriel, but purely to make Tiffany uncomfortable.
Sophia thought her eyebrows could be drawn better, so she went back and adjusted her eyebrow shape.
For young female colleagues, the Lancaster Group's annual party was a chance to dazzle, especially for single women, who did everything they could to dress up beautifully.
What if Mr. Lancaster took a liking to them?
What if a senior executive took a liking to them?
Even if they wouldn't be noticed, they had to outshine everybody else!
Sophia parked her car, changed her flat shoes to high heels, put on a long down jacket for warmth, and wrapped herself in a scarf.
The Lancaster Group's annual party was extravagant; they booked an entire hotel. Guests entered by facial recognition, signed in, and were seated.
The hotel was warm, so Sophia took off her down jacket and scarf and handed them to the attendant, then started to look for her group.
Larry and Charlotte had arrived earlier and were already seated.
Larry had been watching the entrance, and when he saw her come in, he quickly stood up and waved.
Sophia walked over.
Larry was stunned by her beauty.
"Sophia, you look incredibly beautiful today."
Charlotte also quietly looked at her own dress and suddenly felt it paled in comparison.
Sophia wore a black evening gown with a sprinkle of stars on the hem. The strapless design showcased her delicate collarbone and slender shoulders.
With the right hairstyle and a diamond necklace, she looked as though she was surrounded by a space full of stars.
She was like a goddess of the night sky.
As soon as she entered, many people's eyes fell on her, and the other women suddenly felt that their own outfits were lackluster in comparison.
Apart from admiration, there were also many jealous looks.
Sophia ignored these gazes and walked to Larry's side.
Larry, being a gentleman, helped her pull out her chair.
"Sophia, you are definitely the most beautiful goddess tonight," Larry said sweetly.
Sophia put her handbag on the table.
"You're not bad yourself. This suit suits you very well. Did you design it yourself?"
"Yes, do you really think it looks good?" Larry showed off his suit, and after receiving Sophia's praise, he was beaming with joy.
Soon, most people had arrived, and they were just waiting for Mr. Lancaster.
A few minutes later, someone announced that Mr. Lancaster had arrived, and everyone turned to look at the restaurant entrance.
Tiffany was in a snow-white floor-length gown, adorned with many small diamonds on the hem. Under the light, it shimmered faintly, making her seem to glow.
The two of them walked as if on a red carpet, with Tiffany holding Gabriel's arm. Gabriel was in a well-fitted black suit. He was naturally good-looking, with broad shoulders, a slim waist, and long legs. He looked good in anything, and standing with Tiffany, they seemed a perfect match.
Larry muttered quietly, "I think that dress is too dazzling. It doesn't suit Miss Foster. Her temperament can't carry it off."