Chapter 9
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Back home, Sophia’s mom had already prepared the meal.
Seeing the table full of her favorite dishes, Sophia’s eyes turned red.
All these years, she had stayed in New York for Arnold, and the number of times she returned home could be counted on one hand–her concern for her mom was even more scarce!
She… had truly been unfilial!
Noticing something off, Fiona immediately asked with concern, “Sophia, what’s wrong? Is the food not to your taste?”
Sophia shook her head at the question, a smile tugging at her lips. “No, Mom. I just really missed you.”
Hearing the soft, childlike tone in her voice, Fiona stroked her head just like she used to when she was little. “Then stay in Fairbanks from now on. I will make you different delicious meals every day.”
“Okay, I’ll listen to whatever you say, Mom.”
Leaning against Fiona’s shoulder, Sophia felt the warmth of home she had felt in a long time.
During dinner, her stepfather, Anderson Melton, who rarely showed such gestures, put food on her plate several times. That meal left her feeling deeply satisfied.
“Sophia, come upstairs with me. I have something to talk to you about.”
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Anderson’s voice came from nearby. Sophia nodded and followed him
- up.
Inside the study.
Anderson pushed a contract in front of her. “Sophia, even though you’re not my biological daughter, I’ve always treated you like one over the years. I’m really happy you’re settling in Fairbanks this time. This is 5% of the shares in the Melton Group. Sign your name, and I’ll have my assistant process the transfer. Consider it a little pre–wedding gift from me.”
Hearing this, a trace of surprise flickered in Sophia’s eyes, but she quickly waved her hand in refusal. “Anderson, this gift is far too valuable–I can’t accept it.”
The Melton Group was one of the top companies in Fairbanks, and its shares were incredibly hard to come by.
This gift was simply too much.
“Sophia, this is my heartfelt gift–you must accept it.
“Tristan is a gentle and steady young man, carefully chosen by me as a marriage partner for you. The Graham family has a vast business empire. If you marry into it with assets of your own, you’ll have the confidence to speak up. I’m thinking about your future.”
Sop. a hadn’t expected him to be so thorough in considering her well- being. For a moment, she couldn’t bring herself to refuse.
“Then, thank you, Anderson.”
Seeing her sign the contract, Anderson finally showed a satisfied smile.
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“Sophia, I’m sure you’ve met Tristan today. Spend more time getting to know each other in the coming days. When your mom’s birthday comes around, come together and join the celebration.”
Sophia nodded. “Okay, I will.”
Just as Anderson had said, Tristan was a very good man.
He made an effort to understand all her preferences and used his insight to help guide her career. He respected her deeply and never overstepped boundaries.
One day, Tristan brought her to an abandoned studio.
“Tristan, why did you bring me here?” Sophia asked, her eyes full of confusion.
Tristan didn’t answer right away. Instead, he smiled as he unlocked the door and led her inside.
“Sophia, I’ve seen your artwork–every piece you create tells a story. You’ve been working in the design field for years, but I don’t think that’s where your journey should end. You deserve a studio of your
own.
“I bought this place a few years ago, but I never knew what to do with it. Now I know–it can be your gallery. You can paint whatever you war‘ here, recruit like–minded friends, and host exhibitions. You shot. 1 not let anything stop you from pursuing your passions.”
His words stirred something deep in Sophia’s heart.
