Betrayed by the Billionaire: His Reluctant Bride

Chapter 4: Confrontation and Threats

Sophie Wright stepped out of her mother’s room, taking a deep breath to calm the storm of emotions raging inside her. The conversation with her mother had been laced with pain and helplessness, but over the years, she had learned how to hide her vulnerability.

As soon as she stepped outside the door, Emily Wright was waiting, a smug smile plastered on her face. She approached Sophie, her expression full of mockery.

“Sister, did Mom scold you again today? In this house, you dare to make things difficult for me? You’re just asking for trouble.” Emily’s words dripped with malice. She knew that as long as she played the victim in front of their mother, their mother would always side with her without hesitation.

Growing up, Emily had used this tactic to successfully turn their mother against Sophie time and again, and this time was no different.

Sophie kept her expression calm, refusing to rise to the bait. Emily’s smirk widened as she continued, “Sister, you went through all that effort to marry Daniel Mitchell, and what did you get? He doesn’t even care about you. Your marriage is a joke—nothing but a title. You’re just a Mitchell wife in name only.”

Her tone was full of glee, as if relishing Sophie’s misfortune. Emily had never hidden her hostility toward Sophie, always hoping to see her sister suffer.

But Sophie’s calm demeanor didn’t waver. Suddenly, she reached out, grabbing Emily by the back of her head, pulling her close. Emily gasped, trying to break free, but Sophie’s grip was unyielding, like iron.

“What are you doing?” Emily’s voice trembled with fear. She had never seen this kind of strength from Sophie before.

Sophie leaned in close, her voice cold. “Even if my marriage with Daniel is just for show, the position of Mrs. Mitchell will remain mine. And as for you, don’t even think about marrying into the Mitchell family. Do you really think any respectable family in New York would accept you?”

Emily’s face went pale, her teeth gritting in anger. “Sophie Wright, you should have died in that avalanche years ago—frozen to death on that godforsaken mountain!”

Sophie let out a quiet laugh, her eyes filled with disdain. “You didn’t expect this, did you? Not only did I survive, but I’m doing just fine.”

Emily glared at her, hatred burning in her eyes. “You think marrying Daniel Mitchell means you’re safe? He already told me that as long as he’s around, you won’t be able to touch me.”

“Oh, really?” Sophie’s gaze grew colder. “Then why don’t you try it? Let’s see what he does to protect you if I decide to make a move.”

For a moment, Emily was speechless, her face flushed with anger. She suddenly raised her hand, ready to strike back, shouting, “Sophie Wright, you b—”

Slap! The sharp sound of a slap echoed through the hallway.

Sophie didn’t hesitate, swinging her hand and landing a hard slap across Emily’s face. Her expression remained icy, unapologetic. “Watch your mouth. You’ve had this coming for a long time.”

Emily clutched her cheek, staring at Sophie in disbelief, her eyes welling up with tears of fury and frustration.

Just then, their mother, Clara Wright, emerged from the room, her brows furrowing at the sight of her daughters facing off. Emily ran to her immediately, sobbing, “Mom, Sophie hit me…”

She cried as she showed off her reddened cheek, clearly expecting Clara to scold Sophie like she always had.

But Clara’s response was unexpected. She looked over at Sophie, noticing her daughter’s expression—calm, devoid of the longing for her mother’s approval that she used to have.

Clara was silent for a moment before she finally spoke in a tired voice, “Emily, stop causing trouble with your sister.”

Emily froze, staring at her mother in shock. “Mom, she hit me! It was her!”

Clara frowned, her tone turning sharp with annoyance. “I said, enough!”

Emily’s tears flowed freely, her face etched with a deep sense of hurt and betrayal.

Sophie watched the scene unfold with cold detachment, not interested in their little drama. She turned and walked down the stairs, leaving them behind. Clara, on the other hand, gently patted Emily’s shoulder, sighing. “Emily, your sister is part of the Mitchell family now. Stop provoking her. If she truly bullies you, just stay away from her and don’t engage.”

Emily’s anger flared even hotter inside her. She knew that Sophie’s new status meant she couldn’t challenge her as easily as before. But she silently vowed that she would not let Sophie enjoy the glory of being Mrs. Mitchell without a fight.

Once back in her room, Emily quickly messaged her close friends.

—Help me, girls, I’m at my breaking point.

Within moments, replies began to flood the group chat.

—What happened, Emily darling?

—It’s my sister again. She picked a fight with me and even slapped me.

—Oh my gosh, your sister is awful! I heard she threw away all her pride just to marry into the Mitchells!

—Exactly! She’s become a laughingstock among New York’s elite!

—Emily, don’t worry. We’ve got your back. We’ll make sure she knows what shame really feels like!

As Emily read the supportive messages from her friends, a satisfied smile curled her lips. “Sophie Wright, just you wait. I won’t let you enjoy being Mrs. Mitchell so easily.”

Meanwhile, Sophie made her way downstairs, catching sight of a maid who had helped her with her injuries earlier, now chatting animatedly with a group of other staff. As she approached, she overheard the maid speaking in a hushed, gossipy tone. “Did you hear? Miss Sophie was so desperate to marry into the Mitchells that she practically threw herself at him. She couldn’t wait!”

“And then what happened?” another maid asked eagerly.

Sophie’s cold voice cut through their conversation. “And what happened after that?”

The maids jumped at the sound, turning to see Sophie standing behind them, her face impassive as she fixed her gaze on them. The maid tried to compose herself, forcing a nervous smile. “Oh, Miss Sophie, I was just joking around with them, that’s all.”

Sophie said nothing, simply staring at her in silence. The longer she remained quiet, the more anxious the maid became, her face growing paler by the second.

Just then, Mrs. Rhodes, the head housekeeper, approached with a stern expression. “What’s going on here? Why aren’t you all back to work?”

Mrs. Rhodes had been a trusted aide to Sophie’s late grandmother, holding considerable authority in the household, and she had always looked out for Sophie.

Sophie offered a small smile and said lightly, “It’s nothing, Mrs. Rhodes. Just a little chat. They can go back to work now.”

“Yes, Miss Sophie.” The maids quickly scurried away, relieved to escape the awkward situation.

Mrs. Rhodes turned to Sophie, a look of concern on her face. “Miss, there’s a lot of talk about you and Mr. Mitchell circulating outside. Should I do something to put an end to the rumors?”

Sophie took Mrs. Rhodes’s hand, her voice soft but firm. “There’s no need to worry, Mrs. Rhodes. I’ll take care of it. Daniel and I are getting married soon. If Grandmother were still here, I think she’d be at peace.”

Hearing this, Mrs. Rhodes nodded, her eyes glistening slightly. She had feared that old wounds would reopen, but Sophie’s determination reassured her.

Back in her room, Sophie immediately dialed Daniel’s number. The phone rang a few times before being abruptly cut off. She let out a cold chuckle and sent him a direct text.

—Pick up the phone, or Emily’s going to have a hard time.

Not even a minute later, Daniel called back. Sophie couldn’t help but feel a surge of contempt.

His voice came through the line, thick with anger. “Sophie Wright, what game are you playing now? Don’t think that just because we’re getting married, you can do whatever you want!”

Sophie listened to him rant before calmly responding, “Daniel Mitchell, if you can’t handle the rumors about us, then don’t expect my cooperation. I’m fine with canceling the wedding.”

“You’re threatening me?” Daniel’s voice was full of restrained fury.

“Yes, I am.” Sophie’s tone was cold, unapologetically direct.