Chapter 4: She Decided to Lie

Sophie had seen Sebastian Whitmore on television, the kind of person at the top of the pyramid that she would never encounter in her lifetime. But now, Sebastian Whitmore himself was sitting in front of her. He looked even better in person, his perfectly tailored suit highlighting his tall and elegant figure, exuding an innate noble and cool demeanor. Handsome, composed, and commanding a powerful presence.

Sophie was so nervous that her palms were sweating, her heart racing, and her cheeks flushing. Which woman wouldn't feel their heart flutter at the sight of such a handsome and wealthy man?

Sebastian Whitmore spoke, his tone indifferent: "About last night, I promised you I would take responsibility. You can choose to accept this five-million-dollar check or move to Hawthorne Manor and be my woman."

Last night? Sophie was completely confused. The phrase 'be my woman' left her even more stunned. This was more thrilling than winning the lottery. Sitting before her was Sebastian Whitmore, the billionaire head of Whitmore Corporation.

Being Sebastian Whitmore's woman meant endless wealth and luxury. Sophie was too shocked to speak.

Seeing Sophie's pale face and frightened look, Sebastian Whitmore softened his tone: "I found your resume on the floor of my hotel room, which led me here. You don't need to be afraid; I'll give you time to think about it."

Sophie had long black hair and used the same shampoo and body wash as Isabella, giving her a faint mint scent that confirmed to Sebastian Whitmore that the woman from last night was Sophie.

Sebastian Whitmore had his people investigate Sophie; she was an orphanage graduate from a carpentry school, currently unemployed and looking for work. Her background was clean. The red stain on the hotel bed sheets proved it was Sophie's first time, and as a man of honor, Sebastian Whitmore felt he had to take responsibility.

More importantly, she was the first woman who made him lose control.

Seeing Sophie still silent, Sebastian Whitmore changed the topic: "Why were you at Grand Meridian last night?"

"Grand Meridian? I..." Sophie stammered as she recalled. She had only given her resume to Isabella, who had a department dinner at a restaurant under Grand Meridian last night.

Sophie realized that Isabella must have returned in the morning and lost her resume. She understood what had happened—Isabella was the one with Sebastian Whitmore last night; he had mistaken her for Isabella.

"I went there looking for a job. I... I didn't know it was you last night. I got scared and went home."

Nervously, Sophie decided to lie. Faced with the billionaire, handsome Sebastian Whitmore, how could she resist? If she stayed with him, she could rise to great heights and might even become Mrs. Whitmore one day. At worst, she would still receive compensation and never run out of money.

She wouldn't have to live in poverty anymore or squeeze into this cramped rental apartment.

Sebastian Whitmore didn't seem suspicious: "I'll give you three days to think about it."

"...Okay." Sophie didn't agree immediately; she couldn't appear too eager in front of someone like Sebastian Whitmore.

More importantly, Isabella would be back soon. Sophie worried they might run into each other and expose her lie.

"When you've made up your mind, call my assistant."

Sebastian Whitmore didn't stay long; he left behind a business card for his assistant before leaving.

As his car started, Isabella's taxi arrived just in time to pass by.

The taxi stopped, and Isabella got out and returned to the apartment: "Sophie, did you see my message? We're going out for dinner tonight..."

Seeing Sophie sitting on the sofa in a daze, Isabella walked over curiously: "Sophie, what's wrong? Didn't get the job? It's okay; I've been promoted now. I'll support you. Let's go out for dinner tonight."

"Let's eat at home," Sophie said nervously as she steadied herself. "I bought groceries; I'll cook."

With that, Sophie went to the kitchen to busy herself.

"Then let's eat at home. When Victor returns from his business trip, we'll go out for a big meal together," Isabella said as she followed Sophie into the kitchen to help. "Sophie, what's wrong? You seem distracted."

Hearing Isabella's good news without reacting was very unusual for Sophie; normally, she'd be clamoring for Isabella to treat her.

"Nothing," Sophie avoided eye contact and stammered: "Isabella, I might be moving out."

"Why suddenly move out?" Isabella was very surprised: "You haven't found a job yet; you're out of money. Where will you go? We've never been apart."

"I'm moving in with my boyfriend; he said he'd take care of me." Sophie looked steadily at Isabella: "You wouldn't stop me from pursuing happiness, would you?"