Chapter 394

vidently, Sophia was reluctant to tell the truth. Hylda might have scolded her if she knew that this was all because Sophia had tried to sneak into Keegan's bed. So, Sophia left that part out and claimed, "What else could it be? Tonight was Mr. Snyder's birthday, and we were all out celebrating. Keegan had too much to drink, so I was helping him. Stella was unhappy about it, and she came over and slapped me!" Hylda was furious. "Why didn't you fight back?" "Someone dragged me. I couldn't move at all!" Sophia cried and said, "Mom, you have already obtained the marriage certificate with dad. Why do I still have to stand for this stupidity? How long will I have to endure it!" Hylda felt annoyed too. There was a formal wedding when someone else was getting married, but she had to obtain the marriage certificate stealthily. Until now, she still had to pretend to be Albert's secretary when they attended those banquets every time. Hylda suffered in silence for over 20 years. Finally, something happened to Rainee, and Albert thought of getting a divorce. However, the Kane family took a liking to Stella. Albert's career stalled, and Stella's marriage was a great opportunity for him to achieve success in a short period. Hence, he would surely want to treat Stella well. Stella refused to allow him to divorce Rainee. So, he immediately gave up the idea of divorce. The anticipation and forbearance of Hylda and her children for many years were outweighed by Stella's words. If it was not for the youngest son, who had to go to school last year and relevant procedures were needed, Albert would still be reluctant to divorce Rainee even if Hylda were to cry out her grievances over the years in front of him. Albert was divorced, and Hylda had obtained the marriage certificate now. However, the current situation was no different from before. She was still Albert's secret lover. Whenever Hylda thought about all of this, she felt depressed. It was not only her hatred toward Rainee and her daughter but also her dissatisfaction with Albert's indecision. 'If Stella stayed married, do we have to hide like a mouse for the rest of our lives? My status as Albert's wife can't be disclosed for my entire lifetime, and my kids are being bullied by others now. I'm sick of this kind of life since long ago!' The noise downstairs disturbed Albert in the study. He saw Sophia and Hylda crying on each other's shoulders when he opened the door. He frowned and went downstairs instantly. "What's going on?" Hylda wiped her tears, turned her head, and said coldly, "Nothing." She patted Sophia's shoulder as she spoke. Then, she said hoarsely, "Take an ice pack and apply it. Don't you have a presentation tomorrow?" Sophia let out a "hmm." Then, she got up and was about to go upstairs. Only then did Albert see her slightly swollen face with clearly visible finger marks. Albert was taken aback, then his eyes narrowed. "Sophia, what happened to your face?" Sophia said softly with reddened eyes, "It's nothing. I accidentally fell." "How can you make a slap mark when you fall?" Albert took care of Sophia carefully and cherished her with his heart. She was well-behaved and sensible since she was a child. How could Albert see his beloved child being wronged in this way? "What happened?" said Albert. Sophia turned her face away. Her voice was crying and full of grievances. "Mom doesn't allow me to say it." The more she said it that way, the more distressed Albert became. He turned to ask Hylda angrily, "Why don't you let her say anything? She got beaten up like this. What can't she tell?" Hylda said with teary eyes, "What can you do even if I tell you? Fight back for her? Do you have the guts?" "Why wouldn't I?" Albert frowned. Hylda sneered. "Do you have the guts to punish your precious baby girl?"