Sophia gritted her teeth as Bertha led Lea away without looking back.
Thaddeus jumped up from his chair as soon as he realized that Bertha had genuinely left, not just trying to scare him. He was about to chase after her!
Sophia rose and blocked Thaddeusâs path. âDad, why are you chasing her? Canât you see through her yet? She was always saying she loves you and that nothing else matters! But now that youâre giving me all your property, and sheâs showing her true self! She claims itâs not about the money! Dad, donât go after her! I bet she wonât win in the divorce court. Sheâs never contributed to your wealth, so she has no right to take half of it. Sheâs dreaming!â
Thaddeus, delayed by Sophia, missed the best opportunity to catch up with Bertha. He watched helplessly as Bertha led Lea out of the restaurantâ¦
âEnough! Let me through! I need to bring them back! Bertha rarely returns here, and she doesnât know anyone here. Where could she take Lea!â
Sophia frowned, looking sympathetic. âDad, sheâs the one who wants a divorce, not you! If sheâs lost here, itâs her own choice, not your fault! Dad, you canât let them control you anymore. Youâre the great Thaddeus!â
âWho I am doesnât matter. I still have to take care of my wife and children!â Thaddeus was anxious.
Unable to get past Sophia, he quickly instructed his employees to chase after Bertha!
Sophia didnât want Thaddeus to chase after Bertha and Lea. She believed Bertha was manipulating the situation, deliberately making Thaddeus beg for her. She didnât want to play into Berthaâs hands!
To her surprise, her defiance earned her a stinging slap from Thaddeus!
SMACK!
Sophia stared at her father in disbelief. âDad, you hit me? You hit me for them?â
Thaddeus was furious. âHave you had enough? Iâve always told you to let Lea be. Sheâs younger than you. But youâve been constantly picking fights, upsetting Bertha! Iâve always favored you; arenât you satisfied? Do you want me to be single for the rest of my life?â
Sophia covered her cheek, looking at her father with teary eyes. âDad, you say you favor me, but you hit me for them! Youâve never hit me beforeâ¦â
Seeing Sophia crying again, Thaddeus hesitated, but then sidestepped Sophia and hurried after Bertha and Lea!
Watching her father leave her behind to find Bertha and Lea, Sophia clenched her fists in anger, jealousy, and defiance!
She wanted to follow and see if Bertha would let Thaddeus beg for forgiveness. But with Marcus still here, she couldnât leave.â
Sophia turned to look at him. He was calmly drinking water, apparently full from his meal.
Tristan, was also calm, looking completely indifferent!
Sophia was a little upset. She sat back down, covering her face. âMarcus, why didnât you say anything just now? Didnât you see that my dad hit me for Bertha and Lea. You didnât even care!â Marcus looked at her and asked, âAre you okay?â
His nonchalant concern only upset Sophia more.