Pursuing Her

“I see,” William commented upon Sarah's explanation.

Many of their acquaintances were typically enrolled in famous universities. However, for people like them, who were in the upper echelons of society, being studious was a far less useful trait than developing new connections.

William continued questioning Sophie about the Tanner family, and the latter answered all his questions calmly and gracefully.

Her elegance was right up William's alley regarding his preference for a daughter-in-law.

Alas, it's a shame her family background isn't ideal. It's not a match for our Tristan at all.

Sophie was no fool, to begin with. She immediately sensed William's disapproval of her.

Nonetheless, he was Tristan's father, and she wisely kept mum about her postulations.

After their meal, Sophie handed the gift she had prepared to William, who did not even spare the item a glance.

Tristan was understandably upset about his father's behavior.

He did not want to blow up in front of Sophie and swallowed his discontent. Be that as it may, he secretly held her hand to reassure her that he was on her side no matter what.

His gesture also told her that everyone else's opinions did not and would not sway his feelings for her.

Sophie shot him a grateful smile.

In truth, she was hardly bothered by William's actions. Nothing much could fluster her, considering what she had experienced to get to where she was today.

William largely maintained a gentlemanly approach to the meeting.

Despite his dissatisfaction with his son's girlfriend, he never voiced his feelings openly. While it was far from a cheerful meeting, the atmosphere was spared from becoming too awkward.

When William noticed his son was more focused on refilling Sophie's plate than his own, he could not help but frown. What happened to my revered and formidable son?

After the meal ended, they exchanged pleasantries before Sarah sent William home.

“Dad, are you unhappy with Sophie or something?” His behavior had put something of a downer on everyone's mood.

“Yes.”

He reckoned there was no need to hide his negative opinions of Sophie from his daughter.

Sarah asked, “Is it because of her family background? I always believed you were an open-minded person. I didn't think you would dislike someone because of these extrinsic factors!”

“I am rather open-minded, but in reality, family backgrounds are still an important determinant behind a good match! Besides, I've never even heard of Tanner Group! I don't need her to add any achievements to Tristan's name, but she can't drag him through the mud by association,” argued William.

My son stands at the pinnacle of society! How can he become weak because of a woman?

“Dad, Sophie is talented enough to bring Tanner Group to new heights. The company has already undergone massive improvements since she took over. But that's not the most important thing here; your son can't live without her.”

Sarah had never spoken truer words.

She continued, “It's a Herculean task for people of our social status to find someone we truly like. That's why I hope you won't stop them from dating each other.”

Sarah had always had a soft spot for Tristan since they were young.

Aware of how much her younger brother adored Sophie, she wanted to appeal to their father on his behalf.

Instead, William replied, “In fact, it's better if he doesn't have such strong feelings for her, or she'll become his Achilles heel.” Then, it's too easy to become hurt.

“But Dad! Is that how you feel toward Mom? Don't you love her at all?” Sarah was distraught. How could he think like this?

William said sternly, “That's enough. Don't talk about your mom to me.”

She better not come back after deciding to leave us. I can still be happy alone. In fact, I am happy alone.

Sarah shook her head in resignation, out of ideas on how to convince her stubborn father.

She warned, “Are you going to look for Sophie? You better not pull a stunt like that. If Tristan finds out about it, he's going to explode!”

“As if that scares me,” retorted William.

I'm his father. What can he do to me?

Meanwhile, Tristan and Sophie were still at Blossom Garden.

“What's wrong? Are you upset?” Tristan knew his father's behavior had been far from ideal, but he had stressed earlier that other people's opinions of their relationship would not sway his decision.

Sophie replied, “I'm not, but what should we do? Your dad doesn't seem pleased with me.”

“Did you forget what I said? Just ignore him. You're dating me, not him. You don't have to care about his feelings.”

Naturally, William's blessing was the best-case scenario. However, if the old man took issue with their relationship, Tristan was happy to lead his life outside his father's scrutiny.

We can live happily without each other's interference, yes?

Sophie explained, “I just don't want your life to become difficult.”

“Will you leave me because of that?” That was the only concern on Tristan's mind.

She shook her head. “Why would I leave you over such a reason?”

She had already decided to be with him, and she would face any hurdles life threw at them hand-in-hand.

I'll never let go of his hand.

Her words were exactly what Tristan wanted to hear.

He declared, “That's right. No matter what challenges life throws at us, all we have to do is to hold hands tightly and face them head-on. There won't be anything we can't overcome.”

Tristan vowed he would not allow anyone to harm a single hair on his girlfriend as long as he was still alive, even if the perpetrator came from his own family.