Chapter 717 Early Surgery
Jennifer pulled Sophia to take photos with many industry leaders and introduced her to them.
Sophia was so poised and confident that she spoke freely with people in her area of expertise.
Jake watched her silently.
When it was about time, Sophia went backstage to rest; there was still a celebration banquet in the evening.
The fashion show was broadcast globally and immediately became a trending topic online. The outfits from the show were already being reserved by various world-class celebrities.
"Sophia, congratulations," Larry came up to her.
It was his first time seeing such a grand fashion show, and he knew that following Sophia gave him this opportunity.
He also had an outfit to showcase today.
Sophia replied, "Thank you, you did well too, Larry. You have a bright future ahead."
Larry smiled shyly, feeling hopeful for the future and immensely grateful to Sophia.
Sophia was a benefactor in his life. Without her, he wouldn't have entered Fusion Dynamics Corporation or achieved such success.
Larry looked increasingly mature and steady.
"By the way, Sophia, did you find out who damaged the clothes?"
Sophia shook her head. She had her suspicions, but the fashion show was more important now. She would only investigate after it was over.
Moreover, she had more important things to do tomorrow.
Jennifer was entertaining some VIPs, while Sophia handled some post-show matters backstage. Then she quickly joined Jennifer to take the VIPs to dinner.
Unexpectedly, Jake was among the VIPs!
Jake greeted Sophia with a bright smile.
Sophia returned a smile, but it was distant.
Jennifer knew Jake. When Fusion Dynamics Corporation was slandered by Logan, Jake appeared by Sophia's side.
Jake seemed nice, but his intentions were somewhat unpredictable.
Unlike Gabriel's straightforwardness, Jake always gave off a sense of gloom that was hard to articulate, not as sunny as he appeared.
But now that Sophia had reconciled with Gabriel, Jennifer believed Sophia could handle Jake, her suitor.
With so many people around, Jake didn't approach Sophia but instead chatted with others appropriately.
Everyone chatted as they headed to the restaurant.
Celeste and Ruth had already gone ahead to the restaurant. Ruth's eyes lit up with a smile when she saw Sophia; Sophia was truly outstanding!
Then she saw Jake.
Ruth's smile faltered for a moment.
Jake occasionally glanced at Sophia and his gaze was filled with tenderness, making his feelings obvious.
Every time Ruth saw Jake, he reminded her more and more of that woman.
Sophia walked over.
"Grandma Blackwood, Grandma Lancaster."
Celeste held Sophia's hand, "You've worked hard. You did very well today. I feel assured leaving Fusion Dynamics Corporation in your hands."
Ruth also smiled warmly, "Sophie is amazing. The Lancaster family is lucky to have such a future mistress."
Sophia felt a bit embarrassed by the praise.
During the meal, she sat next to Celeste and Ruth.
Jake sat across from her.
As the president of Micro Circuit Group, he was qualified to sit with Celeste and other celebrities.
Jake raised his glass in Sophia's direction.
"Sophie, congratulations on becoming the best designer today."
Sophia couldn't refuse his toast, so she politely raised her glass and took a small sip.
Jennifer smiled, "I didn't expect Mr. Hughes from Micro Circuit Group to attend the fashion show. Did you see any outfits you liked today, Mr. Hughes?"
Jake shook his head, "Most of today's outfits were women's wear. I'm single, so women's wear is of no use to me."
"We'll invite you again when we host a men's fashion show."
"Sure."
The group continued to chat and laugh, but every time Jake tried to talk to Sophia, Ruth or Jennifer would change the subject.
Sophia was thinking of something else, so she excused herself before the meal ended.
Jennifer saw her off.
"Aunt, I need you to investigate the damaged clothes."
Jennifer nodded, "Who do you suspect?"
"Kathy."
Jennifer frowned, "Alright. Are you attending the celebration banquet tonight?"
"No, I'm going home to be with the kids."
Jennifer saw Sophia off to her car before returning.
Recently, the busy fashion show had exhausted Sophia. Once she relaxed, she instantly felt fatigued.
She picked up her phone and saw a message from Gabriel, asking if the fashion show went well.
Gabriel should be resting at this time, but Sophia still replied.
"Smooth going."
Then she saw a message from Alex, informing her that Gabriel's condition was stable.
Sophia was about to leave when a figure suddenly appeared in front of her car.
Jake's eyes were red, and he looked sad and desolate, like a heartbroken nobleman.
Sophia sat in the driver's seat, her hands unconsciously gripping the steering wheel.
Sophia and Jake's eyes met through the windshield, and neither said a word.
She had no intention of getting out, and Jake had no intention of leaving.
Since he wouldn't move, she couldn't leave either.
Jake took out his phone, and after a while, Sophia's phone rang.
Sophia eventually answered.
Jake's hoarse and despondent voice came through, "Sophie, are you really going to cut ties with me?"
Sophia took a deep breath, steeling herself, avoiding his pitiful look.
"I've reconciled with Gabriel. We have three lovely children. Unless something unexpected happens, I will be his wife."
"Jake, you're a great person. You'll find your own happiness."
"Without you, I won't be happy," Jake said despondently, then hung up and stepped aside.
He stood by, watching Sophia's car leave.
Jake's heartbroken look quickly turned into a mad look, and he gave a sinister smile on his lips.
The next day, Sophia officially started her vacation. She had already bought plane tickets, and the kids were being sent to the Blackwood Manor. Ruth, who was lonely at home, decided to go to the Blackwood Manor to keep Celeste company.
That day, Sophia was packing in her room when Ruth came in.
"Sophie, be honest with me. Did something happen to Gabriel?"
Ruth had sensed something was wrong but trusted Gabriel and Sophia, so she hadn't asked.
But now that Sophia was going abroad, claiming it was for a vacation but not taking the kids, Ruth felt the situation was more serious.
Sophia knew she couldn't hide it from Ruth, so she decided to be honest about Gabriel's condition.
Ruth, surprisingly, remained calm. She was silent for a moment, then held Sophia's hand.
"Go ahead. I'll take good care of the kids."
"Don't worry, Grandma. I'll make sure Gabriel gets his surgery soon."
"I believe in you."