Mr. Chairman’s Devious Wife

Chapter 24

“Workplace bullying, in general, is not only bad for LH DESIGNS but can easily affect LH Group,” Mr. Randy Thompson, the legal counsel of LH GROUP, let out a sigh. “I would advise Miss Lockhart to avoid the media for now. We are going to do our best to take care of things. We have already followed all the proper protocols in case something like this happens, and we are confident that we can resolve this matter soon. Please, Miss Lockhart, the best possible thing you can do now is to stay inside this mansion where you are safe, surrounded by your family.”

“Is this the reason why you asked me to come?” Sofia looked at Lawrence, who was silently sitting next to Mr. Thompson. “I thought we already talked about this.”

Since she discovered that these people had been fooling her for years, this was the first time that she agreed to come to where Lawrence and her mother used to live-the very same house that contains all the memories. she had growing up.

In the past, she frequented this house despite living on her own. She shared meals with Lawrence and her mother and would sometimes spend the night here.

However, since she discovered their betrayal, she had avoided this place like a plague. She did not want to recall her past. It would only remind her that she was but a fool—a gullible fool.

She couldn't help but look around the meeting room. The room was only one of the many rooms inside this mansion. However, unlike most rooms, this one had a cozy vibe—not too big, not too small.

Adecent-sized rectangular table sat in the middle, where Sofial accidentally bumped her head once trying to surprise her mom. It doubled as a library and a meeting spot, filled with familiar bookshelves lining the walls.

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The place smelled a bit like old books and memories-the kind Sofia used to cherish before discovering the betrayal.

Large windows let in enough light to brighten the room, and heavy curtains hung by the sides. The walls were adorned with some classic paintings, nothing too flashy.

The floor was covered in a soft rug, and a couple of comfortable chairs were scattered around the table. It was a room that witnessed countless conversations and shared meals, but now it felt different, tainted by the past she wanted to forget.

“| want you to hear the thoughts of an expert about this matter,” Lawrence calmly spoke. “I know you wanted to prove your capability, but | promised your mother that | would take care of you. As your father, | would never let those people go. Mr. Thompson is the head of the legal counsel, and he is working with our PR team on a statement in an hour. Is that right, Mr. Thompson?”

“Yes. Please listen to the chairman Miss Lockhart. Right now, | would suggest that you stay inside this mansion. We simply cannot risk it.”

“| already found a place to stay,” Sofia calmly spoke. She leaned back and met Lawrence’s gaze. “Everyone knew that | grew up in this mansion. If someone truly wanted to harm me, then this would be the first place that they are going to infiltrate.”

“| would never let any harm-”

“Father,” Sofia interrupted Lawrence. She fought the urge to start puking. How could she call this man father? Right now, she could only blame herself for everything.

If If she had not been too complacent, then perhaps she would have noticed something amiss and told her mother. Her mother would have listened to Sofia and avoided this man.

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“| do not want to stay here,” she uttered.

“Leave us,” Lawrence said.

Mr. Thompson and two other people promptly left the room, leaving

them alone.

6% 14:28

“Is this about your mother?” Lawrence asked. “I knew you were always in a bad mood when-”

“| just want to be alone,” Sofia said. She immediately got up, intending to leave the room too. She found the current atmosphere stifling,

suffocating. Just hearing this man talk about her mother was enough to rile her up. All she wanted was to slap him, ask him how he could do something like this to them! She had trusted this man with all her life!

She had treated him as a father, a friend, a confidant, and a mentor. The betrayal truly hurt her, and she was forced to acknowledge that now.

“Where are you going to stay?” he asked.

“Far away from the media,” Sofia uttered. She had already accepted Alexander’s offer to stay in his house; the security in his building was top- notch. Sofia’s hesitation did not last long. She could not possibly read Lawrence’s mind. She did not know what this man would do just to achieve his goals.

So, when Alexander offered a security detail, she accepted it without having second thoughts. She was not stupid enough to ignore her security.

“Sofia-”

Lawrence's words were interrupted when the door suddenly burst open. “Sister...” Charlotte’s irritating voice echoed inside the room. She stood in front of Sofia with her pink frilly dress and took both of Sofia’s hands. “Are

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you alright? If you want me to help, just please tell me. | would do everything to fix this situation.” 0 14:28

“Charlotte, what are you talking about?” Lawrence immediately frowned. “This is not something that you should say. The company can handle the news. There is no need to involve yourself in this matter. You should leave...”

“Was it because | am not a Lockhart?” Charlotte asked; her eyes were already full of tears. Despite her accusatory tone, she did not let Sofia’s hand go. Instead, she tightened her grip around Sofia’s hand. “I know | am not supposed to involve myself in the company since | am not a Lockhart, but they are hurting Sofia. How could | let them do that?“—

Lawrence narrowed at her. “That is not true.”

Charlotte looked at Sofia, her face full of worry. “How about you stay with me instead? My agency has offered security, and my house-”

“| don’t think we need that,” Sofia smiled. She slowly wriggled her hand out of Charlotte’s hand. “I am leaving.”

“Are you not going to stay in the mansion?” Charlotte asked, confusion. apparent in her eyes.

“No.” “But You are safe here.”

“lam not some superstar. | don’t understand why this would become a threat to me.” Sofia looked at Lawrence. “Isn't this just a small scandal? People forget, father. Is there a need to panic? The meeting is going to happen, and | will be there to join everyone.”

With that, Sofia walked out of the room, leaving the father and daughter on their own. The moment she walked out of the mansion, her expression. changed. She almost could not hide the disgust and anger inside her. She

Chapter 24 M had to walk away, or she would have slapped that woman.

The scandal started because of Charlotte, yet she sounded as if she had nothing to do with it. Did she think Sofia was a fool? Sofia could not help but slam her hand on the steering wheel. Then she took some time to calm herself down.

She was confident that Lawrence would not do anything to hurt her right now. After all, he should be aware that if Sofia dies before her birthday, all the shares would be given to some charities. So, Lawrence had to wait for her birthday.

Soon enough, she realized that she was wrong. The moment her car got out of the parking lot, she heard a loud sound.

The sudden impact jolted Sofia’s car, sending a sudden shiver through the vehicle. The screech of tires and the harsh collision echoed through the air as another car forcefully rammed into the back of hers.

The force was enough to make Sofia grip the steering wheel tightly, her heart pounding in surprise and anger.

She peered into the rearview mirror, trying to catch a glimpse of the culprit. The driver of the other car remained obscured, hidden behind the twisted metal and shattered glass that now marred the back of Sofia’s. vehicle. The mangled bumpers and broken taillights painted a chaotic.

scene.

Caught off guard by this unexpected assault, Sofia took a moment to collect herself. The immediate rush of anger from the earlier confrontation with Charlotte was now replaced with a more pressing

concern.

She carefully assessed the damage, her frustration growing as she realized that her already difficult day had just taken a turn for the worse.