Pursuing Her

“Sophie, how could you talk to the leader in that tone?” Yale scolded. “He's an important man, for goodness' sake! If we get into his good books, we'll have an excellent chance of becoming a prominent family.”

Alas, Sophie was utterly indifferent to her father's fuss.

“It's okay, Mr. Tanner. Sophie is still young. There's nothing wrong with being a little wild at heart!” the great leader remarked as he waved off Yale's concern. “Sophie, may I speak to you in private?”

Sophie nodded.

He's already here, so how can I possibly say no? I'd be lying to myself if I thought I could get out of this...

A frown crept across Tristan's face, but he managed to hold himself back from stopping the leader. After all, even he had to show the latter some respect. “I'll wait for you outside. Give me a call if you need anything.”

Given that it was the first time the great leader had seen such a reaction from Tristan, he quickly broke into a bemused smile. “My, my, is that necessary? Do you honestly think I'd take advantage of the young lady?”

Even though the great leader was only joking, Tristan glared at him, visibly annoyed. “What the hell do you want?”

Having been in a position of power for so long, the great leader barely flinched at the sudden outburst.

“Sophie, your boyfriend's not a good fit. My son, on the other hand, is around your age. How about I introduce him to you?” he teased.

This idea is brilliant! If Sophie becomes my daughter-in-law, she'll also be a member of my camp. What a superb arrangement!

Unfortunately, that only spiked Tristan's anger.

He could put up with many things, but he'd never allow anyone to lay a finger on Sophie.

“Try it if you dare, and I'll remove you from your position!” Tristan said arrogantly.

Naturally, he didn't fear the consequences of his words. After all, he could afford to be arrogant.

“You...” The leader's secretary could not take it anymore. How dare Mr. Tristan be so rude toward the great leader!

Tristan merely shot him a glance. Is he itching for a fight? Bring it on, then! There's nothing in this world that I fear!

To everyone's surprise, the great leader didn't seem to mind the commotion.

“Don't be too complacent, Tristan. You may be Sophie's boyfriend, but I fail to see how you guys are compatible. You're a lot older than her, aren't you?” he remarked, bringing up one of Tristan's major sore points.

Tristan's gaze turned cold and deadly almost immediately, to the point where even Sophie could sense the change in him.

She quickly grabbed his hand and held it tight. “I like Mr. Tristan. He's the only one for me.”

Fortunately, Sophie's words managed to get through to Tristan even though she sounded casual and calm.

“Wait for me outside! I'll be back in a while,” she added as she led the great leader to the study.

Once the great leader was out of earshot, Josiah finally breathed a sigh of relief. Otherwise, he knew Tristan would've blown his top.

“Tanny, do you know why the great leader came to look for Sophie?”

“Don't worry, Old Mr. Tanner. No matter what he's here for, Sophie will always have me by her side,” Tristan replied. As long as I'm around, I won't let anyone hurt Sophie.

Upon hearing Tristan's reassurance, Josiah began to feel slightly more at ease.

He knew very well that it wasn't necessarily a good thing to be acquainted with people in power.

The more powerful they were, the more they weren't to be messed with. Even the slightest misstep could cost one's life.

Yale, however, was like a cat on hot bricks.

“Dad, if we can get on the great leader's good side, our family will be set for life! I know you love Sophie, but you can't let her do as she pleases. You have to persuade her to listen to the leader!” Yale exclaimed.

No matter how I look at it, this is a good thing! It has to be! Why else would the great leader grace us with his presence?

Having heard the commotion and seen the crowd, Willow was hoping Sophie had gotten into trouble and was about to be arrested.

However, when she overheard the great leader wanting to introduce his son to Sophie, she almost flew into a rage.

Even now, she was hiding in a corner and eavesdropping on their conversation.

Argh! I can't believe Sophie's luck! Why does she always get to meet such influential people? Why can't these things happen to me too? This is so frustrating!

Meanwhile, in the study, Sophie invited the great leader to take a seat while she stood on one side.

“So, Mr. Larkin, what brings you here? I don't believe we're acquainted.”

“I've come today to thank you, Sophie! If it weren't for you, I'd have died!” Cillian Larkin replied. Of course, I had to come in person. How can I not thank my savior?

Sophie frowned. “Who told you about it?”

Was it Eustace? Then again, I doubt it. I've helped him quite a bit, so he has no reason to betray me.

“That's not important. What's important is that you were the one who saved my life,” Cillian said. “By the way, let me know which university you'd like to attend. No matter how you fare on the examination, I'll guarantee you a spot in it.”