Chapter 275: Surnamed Ortiz
At Maple Valley International Airport, Sophia, in red high heels, confidently walked towards the waiting Rolls-Royce. Her elegant dress lifted slightly, showing a glimpse of her slender calf as she got into the car.
Neil's eyes darkened, remembering how just that morning, Sophia's leg had wrapped around his waist during their passionate moments.
After leaving the airport expressway, the car headed straight downtown.
Sophia was in a good mood, humming softly as if she were in her own car.
Next to her, Neil took a call, looking serious but excited. "Hello. Are you sure about the news? Alright, got it! She's at Serenity Manor, right? Send me the house number."
After hanging up, Sophia glanced at him. "Why so excited? Did your uncle die?"
Neil's uncle had always been a troublemaker, framing Neil and even kidnapping Nolan.
Thinking of Nolan's injuries, Sophia felt a deep hatred for Neil's uncle.
Neil explained, "Aaron found out my sister's in Maple Valley. I'm just going to check on her since it's on the way."
Aaron Harrison was his assistant.
"Your sister?" Sophia was surprised, then it clicked. "The one who cut ties with the Ortiz family years ago, the one you never talk about?"
Sophia was curious, but despite being married to Neil for so long, she had never even learned his sister's name. Neil's sister was a taboo in the Ortiz family.
Neil's expression stayed the same as he nodded. "Yes."
When they arrived at Serenity Manor, Sophia stayed in the car to avoid any awkwardness.
For the first time, Sophia saw a hint of fear on Neil's face.
Neil said, "If you don't want to wait, you can have the driver take you back anytime."
Sophia quickly responded, "Okay."
In the evening, just as we were about to have dinner, the doorbell rang. It was Sophia.
Nolan, hearing Sophia's voice, quickly slid off his chair and ran to her, throwing himself into her arms. "Mom!"
Nolan and Sophia had a heartfelt reunion.
I went to the kitchen to get an extra set of utensils and invited Sophia to join us for dinner.
Jerry glanced at Sophia with a smile. "Had enough fun?"
Sophia snorted, "What do you mean? I haven't even settled the score with you. Was it your idea for Neil to come all the way to bring me back?"
Jerry raised an eyebrow. "I didn't. I just suggested he explain those rumors to you."
Sophia replied, "We're divorced. Who needs his explanations?"
"But did you listen?"
Sophia glared at Jerry. "You're just being unreasonable."
She had been abroad for days and must have missed home-cooked food, eating heartily. "By the way, that mysterious figure from the Ortiz family is back in Maple Valley."
Jerry casually pushed a plate of meat toward me. "What mysterious figure?"
Sophia continued, "Neil's sister! As soon as we landed, he got a call from Aaron, who even sent him her current address. I've never seen Neil afraid of anyone, but he seemed quite scared of his sister. Before getting out of the car, he even told me that if I couldn't wait, I should have the driver take me back."
"And guess what?" Sophia laughed, tucking her hair behind her ear. "She didn't even let him in the door!"
Jerry frowned. "Someone dared not to see him?"
Over the last couple of years, the Harris family had faced pressure from the RF Group, while the Hammer Group, under Carlos, seemed shaky.
Neil's position in Maple Valley was like Christopher's in Jacquar; everyone knew to respect him.
Sophia took a sip of juice. "I used to hear the Ortiz family servants mention that Neil's sister left the family impulsively and must have suffered a lot. But now she lives in the priciest mansion at Serenity Manor; she's doing great even without the Ortiz family."
I asked, "The most expensive building in Serenity Manor?"
I was busy helping Nolan with his meal and hadn't been paying much attention, but I caught the key words. I remembered Madison's place was the most expensive one.
It was incredibly valuable, but Madison could afford it. She had brought several top-tier celebrities to fame. Celebrities earned a lot, and even more so the capital behind them.
Sophia nodded. "Yes, worth at least several billion dollars."
Jerry looked at me. "What's up?"
"The last time I went to Madison's place, she lived in that one." I didn't hide it and spoke truthfully.
Sophia was very surprised and then exclaimed, "So, the top figure in the entertainment industry is my son's aunt? Oh my goodness! How did that not click for me? Madison and Neil share the Ortiz name."
Although prominent families didn't hold many celebrities in high regard, Madison was an exception, given her wealthy background. Her connections and resources surpassed those of regular prominent families; others had to seek her out.
If Madison hailed from the Ortiz family, that would really be something else.
I was a bit stunned. The lost necklace also had "Ortiz" engraved on it.