The tension in the air was almost suffocating. Sophia had reached her limit today. Sheen had crossed the line, pushing her patience to its breaking point.
Had Sheen known her place, she might have only faced rejection, a cold shoulder at most. Instead, she had chosen the path of arrogance, daring to provoke someone who had no interest in entertaining her nonsense. The slap she received wasn't just a reaction—it was a statement.
A few minutes after Sophia left, Sheen stood frozen, her body stiff and her left cheek burning red. Whether it was the sting of pain or the weight of humiliation was unclear. Her once flawless features were now slightly distorted, bearing the mark of the impact. Yet, the real wound lay in her pride.
The sharp slap had not just bruised her skin but shattered her arrogance. Shame and anger swirled inside her, making her fists clench involuntarily. The humiliation lingered, more painful than the physical sting, as she struggled to process the reality of what had just happened.
Her hands compressed into fists. Frustration boiled inside her. With a sharp, angry motion, she has thrown the makeup bag she had been holding onto the ground. The contents scattered across the cold tiles, but as she took two steps forward, something made her pause.
A new wave of frustration washed over her, but still, she turned back and picked up the bag with an angry huff. It would be beneath her to leave it there, after all. With heavy, indignant steps, she stormed out of the bathroom, her heels echoing loudly as she stomped down the corridor.
As soon as she emerged, her eyes darted around the cafe, searching for Sophia. It didn't take long to spot her. Seated near the window, she was sipping tea with Emily, the picture of serenity.
Sheen's anger surged. How could Sophia remain so calm, acting as if nothing had occurred, completely unfazed by the confrontation?
With quick, purposeful steps, she made her way to their table. Emily noticed her first, smiling politely as she greeted her. "Sheen, what an accident! Are you here for tea as well? Sophia and I love the atmosphere here. Come, sit with us."
Emily's voice was warm and welcoming, but Sophia's reaction was harshly different. She barely spared Sheen a glance. Instead, she lifted her teacup, took a slow, careful sip, and then set it down gently, as if Sheen were nothing more than a speck of dust in her outlying vision.
Sheen gritted her teeth. The barefaced disregard only added fuel to the fire. But instead of lashing out immediately, she let out a low sneer.
"Hmph. Sophia, do you think too highly of yourself? Do you believe you're the rightful wife, while I'm the mere mistress? What makes you so special? What gives you the right to act superior?" Her voice dripped with contempt. "If you were truly so powerful, do you think your husband would be looking for someone else outside?"
A mistress provoking the sincere wife—such bravery.
Yet Sophia remained unfazed. If anything, she looked even more indifferent. To her, Sheen's words were no more than the ramblings of an insecure woman seeking validation.
If Sophia had cared enough, she would have crushed Sheen long ago. She had the power to keep someone like her away from Ethan, but the truth was, she simply didn't care. If it was something unworthy of her attention, why should she waste her energy?
Emily, sensing the tension, quickly interjected her tone diplomatically. "Sheen, this isn't the place for such discussions. Let's talk calmly. There's no need to argue." She reached out, trying to ease the situation, but Sheen wasn't interested in being pacified. She yanked her arm away, unwilling to be restrained.
And she wouldn't forgive it either. "Calmly? Why should I be calm?" Sheen scoffed. "Professor Sophia? Ha! You're nothing more than Emily's errand girl! Who knows, maybe you'll even steal her position one day.
Can you even be a professor at your age? Or did you just buy your title with Ethan's money? And yet, you have the nerve to flaunt it in front of me? If you're so capable, show me your professor's certificate!"
The words were laced with venom, but before she could bask in the satisfaction of her attack, a sharp pah echoed through the cafe.
A red notebook hit the table with a sharp thud. Sheen's breath hitched, her chest tightening as shock and unease gripped her.
She stared at it, stunned. The color drained from her face as realization dawned on her.
"Can you shut up now?" Sophia's voice was calm, but it carried a weight that crushed any further argument. "Stop mistaking your shallow bitterness for righteous defiance. It's pathetic. If you lack ability, at least learn to suppress your jealousy. Otherwise, when the scale tips too far, the consequences will be unbearable."
A heavy silence followed. Sheen's mouth opened, but no words came out. Her confidence had been shattered in an instant.
Sophia then turned her attention to Emily, her expression softening. "Sister Emily, while the environment here is lovely, it has suddenly become rather noisy. It's a shame to have our afternoon tea spoiled like this. I think we should find somewhere more peaceful."
With that, she reached for the certificate, slipping it back into her handbag. Both she and Emily rose from their seats, their movements graceful and composed.
As they walked past Sheen, Emily paused momentarily, meeting her gaze. There was no anger in her eyes, only quiet disappointment. Then, without another word, she turned and followed Sophia out of the cafe.
Sheen remained frozen in place, her hands clenched tightly by her sides. The humiliation burned deep. She had stormed in intending to shame Sophia, only to be utterly defeated.
Watching them leave, her nails dug into her palms. One thing was certain—she wouldn't forget this day, the weight of it lingering in her mind.