Chapter 562
The news had come in-Sharon had made it clear that she had no intention of designing a dress for Sophia.
"Sharon's studio staff informed us that she will not design a dress
for you, no matter what amount you offer," Betty timidly conveyed the message to Sophia.
Sophia's eyes bulged in anger. She growled, "But why?"
"Mom, don't press for the reason," Betty found it difficult to disclose Sharon's reasoning.
"Quit beating around the bush! Tell me now!"
Shuddering, Betty bit the bullet and confessed, "Sharon said that she
will not ruin her reputation by designing dresses for clients with tainted reputations."
Betty had, in fact, rephrased Sharon's words to sound civil, as Sharon's original remark was incredibly insulting. It appeared that Sharon held Sophia in low regard.
"Damn it! This is outrageous!" Sophia exclaimed in a fit of rage and hurled her expensive makeup products onto the floor. Her eyes blazed with anger, and her face turned beet red.
"She's just a dress designer. Who does she think she is? Without Sharon's dress, I can still outshine that bitch, Lyla Nelson, on her big day!"
Suddenly, the room was enveloped by silence.
Betty saw Javier standing like a statue by the door and panicked. "D- Dad..."
Sophia quickly spun around and saw her husband wearing a sullen expression. She immediately cooed, "Javier, you're back from your business trip! When did you get home? Why didn't you tell—"
Javier cut her off, frowning at the sight of the mess in the room, saying, "What are you up to now? Why did you smash your stuff?"
"I wanted the designer, Sharon, to tailor a dress for my birthday party. Not only did she snub me, but she also verbally abused me! How can I ever get over this?"
Teary-eyed, Sophia ran up and hugged Javier. Her demeanor resembled that of a teenage girl that even Betty couldn't emulate.
Sophia continued, "Javier, as your wife, I represent both you and the Beckett Group. Sharon's actions are like a slap in your face and a blatant disrespect to the company. You need to stand up for me and have her blacklisted! Teach her the consequences of crossing Mrs. Beckett."
"Blacklist her? She's a globally renowned designer who doesn't rely on local markets for sales. Will that even affect her?" Javier retorted with a harsh tone.
In the past, Javier had adored Sophia's spirited personality. She was always a character, with moments of sudden fits and tears or times when she'd act charmingly before him. He had found her endearing.
However, Sophia kept getting herself into troubles that she could not recover from. Merely a few days after her previous incident, she had already forgotten the lesson and was making a scene again. He perceived her as immature and unfit for her role as Mrs. Beckett.
"I ... I..." Sophia struggled to find her words. A sense of bitterness and resentment welled up within her.
"Betty, could you please step out for a moment? I need to talk to your mom."
"Sure, Dad!" Betty seized the chance and escaped. After all, Sophia had become more hostile and unfathomable. Was Sophia experiencing symptoms of menopause?
Once the door was closed, Sophia appeared more composed. She asked, "Javier, have you taken a look at the guest list I sent you? Is it alright with you?"
"Sophia, may I ask why your birthday party was moved to the
weekend instead of Thursday?" Javier inquired. He had been troubled by the news when he first heard it abroad.
He continued, "You're well aware that Winston's third wife, Lyla Nelson, is having her birthday party on the same day. Did you intentionally choose the same date to spite her?"
Sophia bit her lip and remained silent.
"Should I take your silence as a yes?" Javier pressed on. He slowly pushed her away with a look of confusion in his eyes. "It's been 20 years since your rivalry. Both of you have retired from the industry, and the public has moved on from those past scandals.
"If you're trying to challenge her now, you'll only resurrect those old controversies. It's needless trouble at this point."
A dangerous glint appeared in Sophia's eyes as she chuckled. "What do those scandals have to do with me? Lyla was the one humiliated by the scandals! The public will always remember me as the
charming and dazzling actress Sophia Kirkman!"
"That is a ridiculous thought!"
"Ridiculous? Am I being ridiculous, or are you feeling guilty?" She simmered in resentment.
Javier's frown deepened. "What does that even mean?"
"You're still on Lyla's side, aren't you? After all, 20 years ago, there were rampant relationship rumors between the two of you."