Sophie Smith didn’t know what Wyatt Sterling thought of her now. After all, he was aware from her past confessions that she was Asher Land’s woman in the shadows, so perhaps her image in his mind had plummeted.
Wyatt Sterling saw her greeting him and simply smiled and nodded at her, but his smile felt somewhat unfamiliar to her.
"It seems you have a pretty good relationship with President Land." Wyatt Sterling chuckled, "I underestimated you."
What did he mean? Sophie Smith was puzzled.
"Originally, Anna was supposed to attend the ribbon-cutting with me today. But it was announced at the last minute that Asher Land would replace her. Since the mall is under Golden Era’s wing, I suspect Asher is giving you a chance to be in the spotlight. By the way, how long have you known Asher Land? It’s said the longest any woman has stayed by his side is not more than two weeks."
The information in Wyatt Sterling’s words was too overwhelming for Sophie Smith to process right away.
Asher Land hadn’t exposed her excessively to the media before, so why had his attitude changed now?
Julia Brown had already figured out a few things; it seemed that this Sophie Smith was the woman beside President Land. No wonder she could play the female lead in City of Desire and even oust Anna to attend this event. It looked like following her would be promising.
"Sophie, the event is starting. Let’s get ready to go on stage."
The ribbon-cutting event was highly anticipated. Everyone knew Wyatt Sterling would be there, so the venue was already crowded with media and fans. Although the organizers had announced Sophie Smith’s attendance, most people weren’t familiar with her yet. Thus, the atmosphere was a bit awkward. Wyatt Sterling’s appearance garnered much support, while Sophie Smith’s entrance was met with indifference, leaving everyone without a reaction.
Perhaps this was the difference between a newcomer and a popular idol, but Sophie Smith didn’t mind much.
"I’m very happy to attend this ribbon-cutting event and honored to have the chance to meet those who like me." Wyatt Sterling said very formally.
After Wyatt Sterling’s introduction, it was Sophie Smith’s turn. She felt a bit awkward and nervous, as it was her first time facing the media, and she still had many things to get used to.
How should she introduce herself? It really troubled her.
"This is my partner Sophie Smith. I’ve recently taken on a film called City of Desire, where Sophie is the lead actress." Wyatt Sterling seemed to have noticed her dilemma as a newcomer and helped her out.
"Hello everyone, I’m Sophie Smith." Sophie Smith gratefully glanced at Wyatt Sterling, and his words eased half of her nerves.
"Mr. Sterling, are you satisfied with your partner?" a straightforward reporter asked Wyatt Sterling.
"Sophie Smith is a very dedicated girl, and I admire her greatly."
Sophie Smith, unaware of how she managed to endure the entire ribbon-cutting event, felt like a transparent figure in the corner while all the focus was on Wyatt Sterling. Until the event ended, she hadn’t spoken more than five sentences.
"Julia, you can head back first today. There’s nothing I need your help with."
"Alright then, Sophie, call me if anything comes up." Julia Brown said goodbye and left.
Sophie Smith sat backstage, took off her high heels, and rubbed her slightly swollen ankles.
"Are you okay?" Wyatt Sterling stood in front of her, looking down at her.
"I’m fine." Sophie Smith just wanted to stand up, but her ankle was unstable, nearly causing her to fall. Wyatt Sterling’s quick reflexes caught her.
Wyatt Sterling didn’t say anything, helping her to sit back down on the bench.
He knelt down and gently massaged her ankle with his large hands.
Sophie Smith instinctively tried to pull her foot away, but Wyatt Sterling held it firmly.
Wyatt Sterling ignored her resistance and carefully, tenderly massaged her ankle.
She didn’t understand what Wyatt Sterling meant, or why he was suddenly being so nice to her.
"Yeah, it’s more comfortable." Sophie Smith nodded, then suddenly spoke, "Do you secretly despise me?"