Chapter 9: He Treated Her as a Spice of Life

"Backstabbing wretch!" Molly cursed furiously. But before her slap could land on Lina's face, Sophia grabbed her hand.

"It was me who switched the coffees, it has nothing to do with her!" Sophia said.

Leo's eyes brightened; this woman was straightforward. However, upon further thought, he realized her motive for doing so. Ah, truly a little fox.

Sure enough, Lina, who nearly got slapped, shot a grateful look at Sophia. Yet, viewing Molly's long nails, she still felt a tremor of fear. Had the slap landed on her face, those nails could have scarred her.

"It was you who switched the coffees!" Molly was utterly surprised. "I was watching you the whole time, how did you manage to do it?" She shook Sophia's arm in awe.

Sophia massaged her forehead, really struggling to cope with the eccentric nerves of this heiress.

Leo couldn't help but chuckle, also curious. Sophia, how had she honed such swift skills, so fast that he barely saw how she switched the coffees right under everyone's eyes; not to mention her card swapping speed at the gaming table that rivaled his own.

What exactly was her background? Did she come here solely to save her brother?

Sophia was a bit pestered by Molly and suddenly noticed some dirt on her dress. Seizing the moment, she said, "Miss Lin, there seems to be some coffee on your dress..."

Miss Molly then ceased her babbling, following Sophia's gaze towards her dress: "Ah—"

Her scream prompted Sophia and Leo to immediately cover their ears.

"What should I do, my dress, wuwuwu..." Molly cried and went to find water to clean it.

"Uncle Qian, arrange for a driver to take Molly back," Leo said coolly.

"Yes!"

Three minutes later, the living room finally quieted down.

Sophia breathed a sigh of relief; she finally had the chance to say what she wanted to say.

She stood up, walked to Lina, and looked at her intently.

Having been with Molly for so long, Lina was someone who bullied the weak and feared the strong. Now being scrutinized by this woman, she couldn't help but feel anxious. Strangely, she had seen more arrogant women than the one before her, but for some reason, Lina felt intimidated by her.

Seeing Lina's evasive eyes, as if she was afraid, Sophia smiled with satisfaction. Good, she should be afraid.

"As the saying goes, even when hitting a dog, you should look at its master. I'm Leo's woman; it's not Miss Molly's place to command you to give me attitude. I hope you remember this!" Sophia said solemnly. Her voice was just loud enough for everyone in the living room meant to hear it.

Leo's face showed a knowing smile.

Admitting to switching the coffees, on one hand, showed her straightforwardness; on the other hand, it was to spare Lina from Molly's wrath. Molly hitting people always left marks. Thus, Lina would be grateful to her and even have some respect for her. With Molly gone, Sophia then brought up the main topic, skillfully sending a message to others.

He stared at her for a while until she, embarrassed, turned away. Then he laughed, ordering the servants to leave.

He stood up, walked in front of her, lifted her chin, and ruthlessly exposed her, "Though I didn't order Molly to trouble you women who throw yourselves at me, neither did I stop her. What makes you think I'd willingly be used as a shield by you?"

No wonder he had been silent all this while; he was waiting here for her, Sophia's mouth twisted somewhat, feeling both embarrassed and angry at being exposed.

"If you weren't willing to be my shield, you wouldn't have sent all the servants away before speaking these words to me. Exposing me in front of them would have been even more embarrassing, wouldn't it?" Sophia retorted somewhat reluctantly.

Leo laughed, gently pinched her cheek, and motioned her to look into his eyes. "Has no one ever told you when you're under someone else's roof, you have to bow your head? Don't take yourself too seriously."

Sophia's last layer of pretense was shattered, and she nearly burst into tears.

This man, cold, cunning, and quick to retaliate, let's wait and see, Sophia thought resentfully.

Leo didn't miss the flicker of defiance and resentment in Sophia's eyes. He chuckled and ruffled her hair, saying, "Life is finally getting a bit of color."

Sophia frowned, abruptly turning her head to avoid his hand. The feeling of being used as a mere spice in his life was really unpleasant.

Leo, however, stood straight up and began to fix his shirt cuffs as if he was about to leave.

His white shirt, seemingly simple and unassuming, was actually quite luxurious upon closer inspection. The diamond buttons, not obvious at first glance, and the wrinkle-free fabric, all subtly indicated the owner's understated luxury.

As he buttoned his cuffs, he looked at her, his gaze seeming to probe her face for something, yet also as if indifferent. His sharp eyebrows and high nose gave him a restrained and cold appearance.