Chapter 5 - Dr. Bruce

"Why didn't I understand that I was of hiring Mia?" Sophia wondered. 

"You know Dr. Bruce?" shouted Professor Peterson as well. 

With a little smile, Mia said, "What a coincidence. When Dr. Bruce discovered my family following his success, he attributed my mother's support to having assisted him through school back in the day. He has been our company's technical help for the last few years. He would not turn down any of my demands." 

Sophia's eyebrows went up a little. 

She grew raised in the Johnson household, depending on Mrs. Johnson's nurturing during her early years. 

So that she would have a cause to return Mrs. Johnson's generosity, she made up that narrative and contacted her under the name "Dr. Bruce" after starting her own profession. 

She has been providing free technical support to Mrs. Johnson's enterprises for the previous few years. 

But when did she start to comply with Mia's demands so much? 

That was really over the top. 

But Professor Peterson thought Mia was right. "Where is Dr. Bruce teaching now?" 

Mia said, "I pledged the dean that I would bring Dr. Bruce to teach at our university." 

"That's great!" With much delight, Professor Peterson glanced at Sophia. "Sophia, you are following the same path in research as Dr. Bruce. I will present him to you when the appropriate moment arrives. For your postgraduate recommendation, there may yet be chance if Dr. Bruce agrees to speak on your behalf." 

Mia tried to seem concerned. "Are you sure, Professor Peterson? The wealthiest family in Oscalake, the Parker family, generously donates a sizable sum of money to our institution each year for research." 

I don't think Professor Peterson took this seriously. "Dr. Bruce is currently in great demand. I've heard that he's had invites from international universities like Oxford and Heddon, and that a lot of companies want to invest in him. Dr. Bruce will undoubtedly be selected by the institution if she is willing to take the lead." 

Falsely, Mia sighed. However, Dr. Bruce is taking this action on behalf of my mom. He would undoubtedly assist us if it were for me, but Sophia is my father's illegitimate daughter and she opposes my mother. Should I ask Dr. Bruce on your behalf, Sophia? 

Says Sophia, "Don't bother." 

Like a clown, she discovered Mia. 

Sophia gave Professor Peterson a little grin and replied, "Don't bother, Professor Peterson. I never wanted to pursue graduate courses, as you are aware." 

Professor Peterson was taken aback and sympathized with Sophia. 

It was him who saw Sophia's potential in the major and demanded that she receive a reference for a postgraduate study. This was not how he thought things would turn out. 

His eyes filled with tears. "Then I'll write you a job reference." 

Maryann gave a smirk. Avoid squandering your efforts. Even after offending Donald, she still wants to work at Oscalake? She must be having a dream." 

Professor Peterson became enraged. "I don't think anyone in Oscalake can truly do anything they want! Come work as my teaching assistant if you truly are unable to find employment! I'll employ you. 

Sophia felt a warm sensation rise in her chest. "Professor, there's just a misunderstanding between me and Donald," she clarified. After we resolve it, everything will be OK. There's no reason for concern." 

Prof. Peterson let out a sigh. "If you can clear up the misunderstanding, come back and be my student again." 

Sophia quietly said, "Sure," as she observed the intense anticipation in her teacher's eyes. I'll return. 

Being a tutor at the University of Oscalake seems good. 

Mia, nevertheless, balled her fists. 

She was unable to comprehend. Although Sophia was only an ordinary student, she was an amazing student, so why did Professor Peterson only regard her? 

Was Sophia's attractive features enough to captivate this elderly man too? 

Despite her anger, Mia shot a quick glance at Maryann before asking, "Sophia, are you going to annoy Donald again? He's already tied the knot. This is not the proper thing for you to do. 

Maryann was, in fact, quite enraged. 

Smack! 

A smack reverberated throughout the workplace. 

Sophia got stung in the cheek from Maryann slapping her in front of Professor Peterson; she was shocked! 

Maryann had no remorse at all. With a curse, she gestured at Sophia's nose. "You spiteful bastard! It appears that you have forgotten the home rules after a few years! Now go apologize to your sister! Make a vow to never see the Parkers once more. 

Gradually, Sophia's eyes lost their warmth and turned icy. 

When she said "the last time" the other day, Maryann didn't seem to be listening to her. Sophia was still viewed by her as the naive young lady who used to follow orders and show respect for Mia. 

Sophia pondered, "If she can't be reasoned with, don't blame me for being ruthless…" 

Mia was looking on from the side, and she felt a deep feeling of contentment. 

Sophia used to wince at her when they were little. She never fought back when beaten or took offense at being reprimanded. 

Their paths crossed again at college after Sophia moved out. Sophia was no longer submissive, but she still had a bad appearance. 

"She seems to have forgotten her place and not been beaten in years," Mia thought to herself. 

Let her learn a lesson from Maryann today." 

Mia was still contemplating this when she noticed Sophia approach her slowly—possibly to offer an apology. 

Mia grinned, but just after that, something strange happened! 

Abruptly, Sophia lifted her head and gave Mia a series of cheek slaps. 

Smack! Smack! 

Mia was taken aback by the unexpected attack and confused. 

Maryann barked and came running over. "Sophia Johnson, how dare you!" 

Sophia pivoted abruptly! 

A terrifying sight flooded her gaze. She gave off the appearance of a creature that had just emerged from hell and was brimming with rage! 

Her manner startled Maryann, who stopped in disbelief. "What are you planning to do, exactly? You selfish bastard, I'm your mother! Will you really put up your hand to strike me? You beastly unfilial!" 

"You're a terrible mother, so don't blame me for being selfish!" 

Sophia sounded icy and emphasized every syllable. "Stop casting judgment on my life, otherwise whatever you do to me, I'll make Mia suffer double the amount!" 

She turned her back on them and gave Professor Peterson a deep bow. "I appreciate all of your help over the past four years. I'll be coming back. 

After saying this, she turned around and walked away without hesitating. 

It took Sophia leaving the room for Maryann to finally come to her senses. She dashed over to Mia's side. Mia, how are you doing? That bitch struck you, how dare she? That is absurd." 

Despite her body shivering with indignation and her red cheeks, Mia questioned calmly, "Where did she get the courage to do this?" 

Startled, Maryann said, "Is Donald truly fond of her? That isn't feasible. She is wed. How could Donald enjoy faulty merchandise? 

Mia had the same thoughts. 

However, Sophia's captivatingly gorgeous face made Mia feel uneasy. 

Professor Peterson was taken aback by all that had occurred. 

He gave Maryann a disbelieving glance. He couldn't help but think, "Is she really Sophia's mother, not Mia's?" when he heard her awful words. 

Professor Peterson was not sure if it was his imagination, but he had the strange impression that the two women in front of him were rather identical. 

Samson called as Sophia was leaving the school grounds. 

"It's worked out, boss! Donald claimed to be married, but I know he doesn't know you!"