Chapter 228
228 A Mother’s Line, A Daughter’s Pride.
Sophia gently pushed the teacup toward Wendy and poured her a fresh cup.
+8 Pearls
“Ms. Wendy, when it comes to my daughter, I usually respect her choices. If she doesn’t want to say something, I won’t press her. She left with bodyguards, so her safety isn’t a concern. That’s why I didn’t ask where she was going. If this is about school, you can tell me, and I’ll pass the message along.”
Of course, that was just polite talk.
Wendy and Scarlett had each other’s contact info. They could’ve exchanged messages or called anytime.
The fact that Wendy had chosen to visit in person meant this wasn’t a simple matter.
So Sophia had no intention of giving up any information easily.
She was only making it clear that she, as a mother, wasn’t the overbearing type others might assume her to be.
Sure enough, Wendy fell silent.
She lifted her teacup and took a slow sip.
Sophia took the moment to observe her closely.
Everyone in their circle knew that Wendy had been adored since childhood. Even in an era that favored sons over daughters, Wayne had gone against the grain and only had her.
When Wendy graduated from college, people used to call her the little princess of the capital.
That alone spoke volumes about her status and influence.
Back then, Wendy had been radiant–wherever she went, the atmosphere seemed to come alive with her
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But now…
Though there had been rumors about her divorce, she looked far more worn down than expected.
Fine lines had formed at the corners of her eyes, and dark circles pooled beneath them. Her cheeks had sunken, and deep nasolabial folds made her look even older.
Sophia was older than her, yet now looked like the younger one.
“Ms. Wendy…” she started.
“Madam Lane,” Wendy said softly, lifting her gaze and taking a deep breath. “If Scarlett comes back, please let her know I was here. Also, this is a small token of thanks.”
She reached into her bag and produced a sandalwood box.
It fit in the palm of her hand, crafted with exquisite, traditional artisan techniques. Even amo this type of jewelry box fetched sky–high prices.
And whatever was inside it had to be worth even more.
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228 A Mother’s Line, A Daughter’s Pride
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“This…” Sophia slowly withdrew her gaze. “I’m sorry, but I can’t make decisions on behalf of my daughter .
“If it’s not urgent, maybe you can set up a time to meet her yourself. Wouldn’t that be better?”
Wendy looked momentarily stunned.
She glanced back at Sophia, and despite the yellowing shadows beneath her eyes, they lit up a little.
“No wonder you and Ms. Lane are mother and daughter,” she said with a soft, bitter smile. “You’re both sharp, decisive women.”
Sophia smiled politely. “If you’re saying Scarlett takes after me, I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Wendy sighed.
“There’s actually something else I’d like to ask of you.”
Sophia quickly raised a hand. “You’re Scarlett’s friend. No need for formalities like asking favors.”
Wendy gave a half–smile, but her expression darkened. Something weighed heavy behind her eyes.
She composed herself and spoke slowly.
“The Dane family built their name through law. I know the top attorneys are at your family’s firm. I’d like to hire the best criminal lawyer you have. Price isn’t an issue.”
Sophia hadn’t expected the conversation to shift so suddenly.
For a moment, she didn’t even know how to respond.
20
The Dane family had started as a clan of courtroom advocates and evolved into a full–fledged law firm- small at first, then gradually growing into the most powerful in the country, with a global reputation.
Their lawyers were constantly in demand and nearly impossible to book without an appointment.
Except, of course, for family members.
When Sophia had married in, she’d brought one of the family firms with her as part of her dowry. The Dane family had poured resources into it, and their attorneys were now every bit as skilled as the gold–tier lawyers of the Duanmu Group.
So clearly, Wendy’s real purpose today wasn’t just Scarlett.
As realization dawned in her eyes, Wendy gave a self–deprecating smile.
“I really hate having to ask this.”
“We grew up in the same circle. You watched me grow up. And yet here I am, a fool for love who married. that bastard. Now the divorce has turned into a criminal case… I guess I brought this on myself”
Sophia was stunned.
She hadn’t heard a word about that.
She was too shocked to even know where to begin.
228 A Mother’s Line, A Daughter’s Pride
Wendy didn’t hesitate.
“Madam Lane, is it possible? If it’s too much to ask, I can limit it to consultation only. He doesn’t have to appear in court.”
Her eyes were glassy, her voice laced with quiet desperation.
Meanwhile, Scarlett’s car rumbled over the winding cobblestone road, past a cluster of villas nestled between snow pines and walls of climbing roses. The wrought–iron fence shimmered with warm gold under the morning sun, the engraved motifs glinting with fine craftsmanship.
Even the bronze vermilion bird sculpture perched atop each column bore the unmistakable weight of a master artisan’s hand.
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