Chapter 10: Insignificant No More

To everyone's surprise, Henry turned out to be someone whom even Maxwell Wallace, a man of great stature, had to listen to and heed. "Minnie, come introduce your college friends," Maxwell Wallace suggested, trying to change the topic, the tension evident in his voice. Taking his arm proudly, Minnie proceeded, "Sophie, this is my husband, Maxwell. A genuine returnee from overseas, he’s back and considering setting up a company." Upon hearing this, Chloe and Mason hurriedly extended their hands, eager to establish a connection with such an influential person. However, as Maxwell’s gaze landed on Henry and Sophie, an awkward silence enveloped the room. But Minnie, oblivious to the tension, blurted out, "This is my college friend, Sophie, and her husband. He doesn’t work. Instead, he stays at home, cooking and cleaning for Sophie. A real gem, isn't he?" She stressed the last words, with a hint of mockery. Before things could escalate further, Maxwell sternly reprimanded, "Minnie! Enough!" Turning to Henry, a look of genuine respect on his face, he said, "Mr. Yang, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you." Henry merely nodded with a slight smile, "Likewise." As everyone took their seats, Minnie looked on, perplexed by her husband's sudden outburst and his uncharacteristic deference towards Henry. The usual dominant and assertive Maxwell was now treating Sophie’s so-called “worthless” husband with an unexpected reverence. Raising his glass towards Maxwell, Henry remarked sagely, "Maxwell, while it's commendable to be ambitious, you need a supportive partner by your side. And remember, while you can be reckless with your food, words demand caution." Acknowledging the wisdom in Henry's words, Maxwell replied, "You’re right, Mr. Yang." Seeing the usually unflappable Maxwell treating Henry with such deference made the others rethink their previous disdain. The jibes and mockery ceased. Upon returning home, Henry received a call from Maxwell, "My apologies for earlier, sir. I promise to make it right." "Very well. And begin the acquisition of King City's largest media group," Henry instructed. "Understood," Maxwell replied promptly. Hanging up, Sophie curiously inquired, "Who was that?" "Just a friend," Henry replied evasively. The next morning, Sophie received a call from her company, informing her that the issue with the counterfeit makeup products had been resolved. A small celebratory gathering was planned for Ella Mitchell and Theo Roberts, which Sophie, as an employee, was obliged to attend. Upon arriving at the company, she noticed a large crowd, particularly the elegantly dressed couple, Ella and Theo. Glancing around, Sophie chose a quiet, inconspicuous corner to sit. As much as they tried to keep a low profile, Sophie and Henry couldn’t escape the attention. No sooner had they settled in their seats than Ella Mitchell and her husband approached with smug expressions. "Well, well, if it isn’t my dear cousin and her husband! I hope you two enjoy yourselves tonight," Ella remarked, sarcasm dripping from her voice. Henry simply took a sip of his drink, choosing to stay silent. Sophie, on the other hand, fixed Ella with a steely gaze, neither woman willing to back down. The room's focus shifted as Grandpa Mitchell, patriarch of the Mitchell family, made his entrance. The room buzzed with respect, everyone rising to greet him. "Let’s all relax tonight. This is just a small, internal celebration for our family," Grandpa Mitchell announced, his eyes twinkling. Ella, glowing with pride, chimed in, "Yes, Grandpa's right. Tonight, we’re celebrating at the Marriott International Hotel. Everyone should let loose and have fun!" Turning his attention back to the room, Grandpa Mitchell continued, "Due to Ella’s successful handling of the counterfeit crisis, she will officially be appointed as the new General Manager of our cosmetics company. Moreover, we’re on the verge of a promising collaboration with the Royal Entertainment Media Group." The room erupted in applause. Ella beamed, visibly pleased with her achievements. If this partnership worked out, it could solidify her position at the helm of the entire Mitchell Corporation. Amidst the ensuing adulations, Sophie felt a sting. After all her years of hard work and dedication to the company, all her sacrifices seemed to amount to nothing. It was almost laughable. Henry, sensing her turmoil, whispered reassuringly, "Don’t worry. Their day will come when they will come begging at your feet." Sophie glanced at him, skeptical of his confidence but comforted nonetheless. As Ella stood in the spotlight, radiant and proud, Sophie couldn’t help but feel that it was her rightful place that had been usurped. "Thank you all. I promise to elevate the Mitchell Corporation to the ranks of King City’s top enterprises. And let me make one thing clear - anyone jeopardizing the interests of our company won’t be tolerated," Ella declared pointedly, her gaze fixed on Sophie. The room tensed. Her message was crystal clear, and Sophie felt dozens of eyes on her, making her visibly uncomfortable. "Sophie, given the circumstances, I’ve decided that you’re no longer permitted to attend any company meetings. You simply don’t have the credentials. So, I’d advise you to leave, and take your worthless husband with you," Ella spat out. The room buzzed with murmurs, many joining in the condemnation of Sophie. In the midst of this uproar, a defiant voice rose, "Ella, you’re pushing things too far." Sophie Mitchell bolted upright from her chair, her voice icy as she confronted Ella. "Really, Ella? Would our company and family have been plunged into this crisis if not for your counterfeit makeup scandal? And now that I've resolved the crisis, you’re green with envy? You should consider yourself lucky I haven’t ousted you from the company already." "Now you have two choices," she continued, her eyes fierce. "Either leave the company or humbly work as a store clerk. Your choice." "What nonsense are you spouting?" Ella shot back, her face flushed. "What does the counterfeit makeup scandal have to do with me?" Sophie's face turned beet red with frustration. "The company I painstakingly built from the ground up... How could you suggest I would ever tarnish its reputation?" "I've done my homework. It's clear you conspired with outsiders to bring fake products into the market, attempting to tarnish the family's reputation. We've shown you leniency merely because you're a Mitchell. But don’t think we'll stand by idly forever," Ella spat out, her eyes blazing. The room went abuzz, fingers pointed at Sophie, accusations whispered. Sophie, at a loss for words, looked desperately at Grandpa Mitchell, tears brimming in her eyes. But he looked back, his face impassive, his eyes barely opened. As the room settled into a tense silence, he spoke, his voice cold and final. "Sophie, our family has been more than generous with you. Now, take this useless husband of yours and leave!" "Grandpa..." "Enough!" he barked. Henry, with a calm voice that carried throughout the room, interjected. "Ella, you've played your cards well. Sophie’s hard-won achievements are now yours to enjoy. And on top of that, you falsely accuse her. Some people really have no shame." Sophie grabbed Henry's arm. "Let's go, Henry. A company like this isn’t worth our time." Suddenly, Grandpa Mitchell’s voice thundered through the room, demanding silence. "Enough of this!" Everyone went quiet, waiting for his next move. Grandpa Mitchell scanned the room, his gaze finally settling on Henry. "Sophie, you and your good-for-nothing husband owe Ella and her husband an apology. If you want to remain part of the Mitchell family, apologize. Otherwise, you, your husband, and even your parents can leave our family for good. The Mitchell name has no place for the likes of you." With Grandpa Mitchell clearly on Ella's side, Sophie's unshed tears shimmered in her eyes, her lower lip quivering. "Honey," Henry murmured softly, "why would you want to be part of such a family?" Suddenly, a slap echoed in the room. Sophie, in a swift motion, had slapped Henry. The room gasped collectively. Henry stood there, dazed. Although Sophie had been distant over the years, she had never acted so impulsively. Now, in front of everyone, she had slapped him. "Apologize," she commanded, her voice cold, as she stared at her stunned husband.