THE GUY

Mia said, looking perplexed, "Who is Donald Parker? Is he truly that important?

Sophia listened, too, fascinated.

Though she didn't know the name, she had some contacts in Oscalake.

"It's okay for you not to know him since he's a mystery," Lucas remarked. I've never even met him. He's the younger uncle of Jude Parker. At just 26 years old, he has emerged as the Parker family's true leader."

Maryann said, "Doesn't that make him more of a match for Mia than Jude?"

There is no legal grandson of the first branch who is as good as the one in charge!

"Nonsense, Donald is married!" yelled Lucas.

Sophia's eyes narrowed.

Wed...

Donald ought to be aware of the situation if he is, in fact, the guy listed on the marriage license.

"Who's his wife?," Maryann said, looking dejected. She is more fortunate than Mia."

Sophia glanced across to Lucas, and she heard him reply, "I'm not sure. There are rumors that he and his spouse dislike going to social events."

Lucas scowled reflectively. "I'm not sure why he unexpectedly chose to come here today..."

The Parker family has the highest position in Oscalake, and the member in charge enjoys a very distinguished standing.

In terms of wealth, the Johnson family is just somewhat over average. Many saw this marriage as Mia getting married. If the powerful person could make the wedding, that was remarkable enough. Why would he go specifically to attend the betrothal?

Maryann cut him off. "Mia must be so exceptional that the Parker family is interested in her! This diamond necklace isn't elegant enough for such distinguished visitors, Mia. Let's look for something much more lavish!"

Repositioning the printout in Sophia's fingers, she hurriedly took Mia away to select new jewelry.

She appeared to be more concerned about Mia than Mia's mother, Mrs. Johnson.

Sophia smiled sarcastically.

"Sir, the Parker family is virtually here."

Lucas reminded by the butler. You haven't been home in a long time," he remarked nonchalantly as he walked past Sophia to head downstairs. After enjoying a congratulatory beverage, depart."

Sophia gave a nod.

She desired to remain and discover the true nature of Donald!

Inside, Maryann assisted Mia in choosing and putting on her jewelry.

Gazing upon the intelligent girl before her, Maryann was overcome with happiness and contentment.

She would have wed Lucas Johnson more than twenty years ago if it weren't for Tawan Bruce, also known as Mrs. Johnson!

She hated Tawan so much that she staged a delivery and gave birth the same day before they switched kids at the hospital.

Now her daughter was being married in style, and Tawan was even planning to make her a lavish dowry!

Sophia, who had become an illegitimate daughter, was forced to marry a little punk because she was broke!

How times have changed. Mrs. Johnson, Maryann thought, deserves it!

downstairs.

Sophia waited silently for the Parker family to come as she idly stood in the staircase's shade, gazing at the door.

After a while, Mrs. Johnson cautiously made her way downstairs with assistance from a servant. She appeared quite malnourished, dressed in a purple outfit. She had a scholarly aura and gave off an air of being distant.

The attendant murmured, "Madam, you're not well." It's preferable that you stay up."

Mrs. Johnson coughed and shook her head, saying, "No... I can't... miss Mia's... important day..."

They moved in the direction of the entrance, ignoring Sophia.

Sophia saw Mrs. Johnson from the back, appreciation shining in her eyes.

It was a hoot. The only nice person Sophia encountered in the Johnson family was Mrs. Johnson, who really ought to be the one to despise her the most.

When Sophia was little, Maryann frequently failed to feed her and didn't behave at all like a mother.

Sophia was so underweight and starved as a youngster that as soon as she could walk, she began to search among garbage cans for food.

Mrs. Johnson saw her doing it one day and began daily food deliveries to her from the garden.

For twelve years, she followed this regimen.

Had it not been for Mrs. Johnson's generosity, Sophia would have most likely perished from starvation long ago.

Sophia scowled in concern as she noticed Mrs. Johnson fading into the distance and heard her wheeze occasionally.

There was a stir at the door at that same moment. It was the Parker family on the way!

At the door, Lucas and Mrs. Johnson welcomed them. After exchanging a few words, they moved aside to allow a stream of individuals to enter.

Sophia immediately saw Donald Parker.

He was marching at the front like a moon encircled by stars, his black suit perfectly made to fit him. His features, with a strong jawline and hard face, were more pronounced than in the images.

His narrow lips were harsh-looking, his deep-set eyes menacing, and he had a sophisticated bearing on everything.

Possibly detecting her glance, the man abruptly turned to face her.

Their gazes briefly met.

Sophia felt her heart race at his piercing stare. He looked away just as she was attempting to read the expressions in his eyes.

This puzzled Sophia a little.

She couldn't determine if he recognized her based on his demeanor.

"Donald, where's your wife?" smiled Lucas. Did she not accompany you?

Sophia felt Donald Parker give her another look at the question. In response, he said nonchalantly, "She couldn't make it."

As they made their way to the living room, they talked.

The older group was followed by Jude Parker, who had been after Sophia for four years. Wearing a suit, he exuded stability and maturity beyond his undergraduate years. He was silently speaking to Mia, oblivious to Sophia.

Donald was placed at the head of the table, and everyone started talking about the terms of the marriage.

Sophia finally emerged from the shadows at that point.

She observed the bustling scene in the living room while remaining silent.

Maryann growled at her, grabbing her arm and asking, "Sophia, why are you still here? You really can't give up on Jude?. Allow me to explain. He is now your brother-in-law."

Sophia twisted out of her hold and grinned. "Never fear. I have no desire to be someone's mistress. Mr. Johnson was the one who invited me to remain for a congratulatory beverage."

She had called Lucas Johnson "Mr. Johnson" ever since she was old enough to comprehend the circumstances.

Maryann tightened her jaw. That is only his kind manner of speaking. Do you genuinely consider it to be serious? Are you truly unaware of your position? Even I can't make the Johnsons look bad at a party like this, much less you, their illegitimate daughter. Do you deserve to be seated at this table? You had best get out of here quickly."

Does she ever stop? Sophia wondered. It really irritates me!

As Sophia was ready to respond, she observed Donald Parker getting up out of the corner of her eye with an irritated grimace. With a gesture toward his phone, he moved toward the balcony, most likely to answer a call.

Sophia became excited. "Fine, I'll go."

She dismissed Maryann and left the living room, but she stayed behind. Rather than that, she turned to face the balcony.

The modest garden outside was connected to the first-floor balcony.

The man on the phone abruptly hung up and stared coldly at Sophia as she drew nearer.

Sophia hesitated.

She met his menacing look, smiled briefly, and said, "Honey?" hesitantly.