Chapter 150 A Dislike Unveiled
Summer found herself brooding, fully aware that she was the architect of her own misfortune. The idea of her painstakingly built rapport with Daphne being unraveled was a bitter pill to swallow. After what seemed like an eternity, she finally mustered the courage to voice her concerns, "Do you think Mr. Murphy will ever accept me again?"Sophia held her gaze for a moment that felt like an eternity, her silence speaking volumes. She was well acquainted with Colton's character and judging by Summer's recent actions, she knew the odds of her regaining his favor were slim."Firstly, you need to rein in your behavior," Sophia eventually advised, breaking the prolonged silence. "One false move and you stand to lose everything. I hope you grasp the gravity of this situation."Summer seethed silently, her anger simmering beneath the surface.In the ensuing days, Daphne found herself shuttling between Murphy Group and Frontier Capital Group. Despite Jesse assuming the lion's share of the workload, as the company's leader, there were still matters that demanded her attention.As for Charles, he had been conspicuously absent since their last encounter at the shooting range. It seemed he was truly committed to his vow of not disturbing her until he had bested her.In the blink of an eye, the tenth day arrived, falling on a Saturday. Lydia, Daphne, and Mr. Murphy were all present. In accordance with their schedule, Mr. Murphy was escorting Daphne and the others to the prearranged restaurant.Throughout the journey, Mr. Murphy was a bundle of nerves. After much contemplation, he finally voiced his concerns, "If something comes up and you don’t wish to go, just let me know. We can reschedule.""It’s fine," Daphne responded nonchalantly.Hearing her response, Mr. Murphy sank back into his seat, his nerves frayed. He was anxious that Daphne might become disgruntled later. His deepest desire was to secure Daphne's support.Ever since Ann's passing, their home had been devoid of the usual cheer and bustle for an extended period.At precisely half-past ten, Daphne and her entourage arrived at the restaurant and were ushered by the waiter into a private room.Sophia had arrived early, anxious not to leave a negative impression on Daphne, and was already waiting for them.The moment the private room's door swung open, Daphne's gaze fell upon the occupant. It was the first time in over two years that she had seen this person up close."Daffy, Lydia, come over here and sit," Mr. Murphy said enthusiastically, beckoning them over. "Allow me to introduce you. This is Sophia, her full name is Sophia Hayes.""This is Daffy…" Mr. Murphy's introduction was abruptly interrupted by Daphne, her expression composed and cool, "It's not Daffy, it's Daphne."With that simple correction, Mr. Murphy instantly understood that Daphne preferred not to be addressed by her nickname in front of others. He reintroduced her and Lydia, using their full names, as Sophia greeted them with a gentle warmth and politeness.The time for the soup course arrived. Throughout the meal, Sophia was careful and appeared to be subtly seeking approval. Mr. Murphy picked up on this, as did Lydia. Without uttering a word, they exchanged knowing glances, understanding that Sophia was attempting to curry favor with Daphne."Try this, Daphne, it's delicious," Sophia offered with a warm and caring smile, attempting to bridge the gap.Daphne politely declined, adding, "Thank you, just Daphne is fine."
Upon the utterance of Daphne's words, a palpable pause descended upon the conversation. Her words were not inherently incorrect, yet they carried a chill that seemed to stretch the distance between herself and Sophia. The soup, usually a comforting staple, was left untouched by all, including Daphne who was not known for her pickiness. As the meal came to its inevitable end and the cutlery was laid to rest, the time for the evening's most crucial discussion had arrived. Mr. Murphy, positioned uncomfortably next to Sophia, cast a glance towards Daphne and Lydia before tentatively broaching the subject. "What are your thoughts on Sophia and I obtaining our marriage certificate?" he inquired.Lydia, with a nonchalant shrug, responded, "I have no objections."Over the past two years, her father had introduced her to Sophia, a woman of kindness and patience. Sophia's delicious cooking and maternal warmth had endeared her to Lydia. She was certain her father would be content with Sophia.Having received Lydia's approval, Mr. Murphy shifted his attention to Daphne. "Daffy, what about you?""I'd like to ask Sophia a question," Daphne responded, her formality emphasizing the growing chasm between them.Sophia, her face a mask of kindness, simply said, "Ask.""Do you know my mother?" Daphne's question, direct and pointed, hung in the air.Mr. Murphy was taken aback. Lydia, too, seemed momentarily lost.Sophia, shaking her head gently, maintained her soft tone. "She doesn't know me, but I've heard of her."A flicker of emotion crossed Daphne's eyes, but she masked it so expertly that it went unnoticed.Lydia leaned in, whispering, "Sis, what's wrong?""It's nothing," Daphne dismissed, her tone indifferent.The atmosphere within the private room plummeted into a stifling silence, as if the air had been sucked out in an instant."So... about the certificate?" Mr. Murphy ventured, his voice barely above a whisper.His worry was palpable. Daphne's displeasure was evident."I disagree," Daphne stated, her gaze unflinching. "But if you insist on marrying her, there's nothing I can do to stop you."With those words, she turned her gaze towards Sophia.Sophia's expression faltered, but she managed to muster a reassuring smile for Mr. Murphy. "It's okay, married or not, let's not make it hard for the kids."Mr. Murphy's joy deflated.After a moment of contemplation, he turned back to Daphne. "May I ask why?""There is no why," Daphne retorted, abandoning her usual politeness. "I simply don't like her."At that moment, Lydia's internal alarm bells rang loudly. Daphne had never behaved this way at the dinner table. Even when she disliked someone, she would simply ignore them with a cold, distant demeanor.This sudden change signaled that Sophia must have crossed Daphne's line."Daffy…" Mr. Murphy began, a frown creasing his forehead. He was taken aback by her forthrightness, leaving him in a difficult position. After all, Sophia was his current partner.Sensing his displeasure, Daphne decided to make her exit. "I have something else to attend to; I should go. You two talk.""I have things to do as well!" Lydia chimed in, following Daphne out of the room.Left alone in the private dining room, Mr. Murphy and Sophia sat in silence.Sophia, feeling a bit lost, quickly adjusted her demeanor, putting on a brave face. "The kids are gone, let's go too."Mr. Murphy's face was a mix of emotions. "Sophia…""It's alright. If my dad suddenly brought home someone new when I was young, I would have had a hard time accepting it too. I understand," Sophia comforted him.
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