Chapter 4 I Am Begging You

“Sir, you've mistaken me for someone else,” Sophie said, pulling her hand away. Caleb furrowed his brows. Looks like she still hasn't forgiven us. “Sophie, I know you despise us, but back then, we really had no other options.” “No other options? How can there be no other options? You've already made your decision.” “Sophie, Grandpa has returned. He wishes to see you. Even if we've all made mistakes, Grandpa surely hasn't, right? His health has been deteriorating.” I suppose she only cares about Grandpa in the entire Tanner family. “I will go back to see him.” Sophie agreed to return at the mention of Josiah. “Grandpa sent me to pick you up. Let's go back together.” “I'll go back myself,” Sophie said and stopped engaging in further conversation with him. Upon returning to her residence in Horington, she pulled out her laptop. She typed in a string of code with ease and effortlessly obtained the information she was after. Then, she sent it off to the media. The Minister of Education in Horington, huh? This information is enough to completely ruin his reputation! What good can come from a man who raised such a delinquent son? Only then did she start packing her luggage. Upon leaving the airport, Sophie immediately hailed a cab to her pre-booked hotel. She had returned, but she had no intentions of staying at the Tanner residence. After checking in at the hotel, she took a bath before hailing a cab to the Tanner residence. “Mom, are you saying Sophie is back?” Willow's expression turned sour when she heard the news. “Your grandfather had your brother bring her back.” Charmaine's face was contorted as well. “What is Grandpa thinking? Sophie did something so disgraceful. Even now there are people at school who secretly curse me! Now that she's back, how many more will talk behind our backs about the Tanner family's daughter—” Before Willow could finish speaking, Sophie had already entered. She had heard everything that Willow had just said. Willow wasn't afraid of her overhearing. “Sophie, how can you be so shameless? I'd be embarrassed to live in this world if I were you.” Willow's words were incredibly harsh. “Rest assured, even in the event of your demise, I would not opt for the same fate. Where's Grandpa?” Sophie had no interest in engaging with them. She had returned only because her grandfather wished to see her. Willow was livid. “Mom, look at her!” “Everyone, quiet down!” At that moment, Josiah descended from the second floor. “Sophie is my granddaughter. She should live in the Tanner residence. If either of you dare to utter another word, I'll have you both thrown out.” “Grandpa, you can't do that. Sophie is—” “Willow, do you not understand what I'm saying?” Josiah warned coldly. “Sophie, come here. It's been five years since I last saw you.” A pang of pain struck Sophie's heart when she noticed that Josiah's hair had turned completely white, but she still obediently approached him. “Grandpa, I've come back to see you.” Josiah held onto Sophie's hand. She was all alone in Horington, with no one to take care of her. She has become so thin due to the circumstances. “Sophie, I don't know what happened five years ago. I was not around. But now, I'm back. No one will dare to bully you with me around.” “Thank you, Grandpa.” In this household, Josiah was the only one who believed in her unconditionally. “My dear, there's no need for formal expressions of gratitude such as 'thank you' between us. Morgan, please prepare a room for Sophie.” Seeing Sophie put Josiah in high spirits. “Charmaine, arrange for Sophie's school enrollment tomorrow.” “Dad, although the school claimed five years ago that Sophie was taking a break, in reality, she was expelled! Now, I doubt there's any school that would accept her.” They weren't in Horington, where a bit of money could easily secure a school for Sophie. “Go to Jipsdale Premier High, where Willow is!” Josiah ignored Charmaine's words. “Dad, do you think Jipsdale Premier High is some kind of supermarket? It's the most prestigious and difficult school to get into in all of Jipsdale. Even wealth and power can't guarantee admission. Willa got in through her own abilities and hard work.” “Grandpa, you don't need to worry about my affairs.” Sophie had merely come to check on Josiah. “Besides, I have a place to stay. I won't be living here.” Josiah's expression turned gloomy when he heard that. “Sophie, as long as I'm here, no one will dare to bully you. The future of the Tanner family still needs to depend on you.” “Grandpa, what does Sophie know? All she knows is how to fight and hang around with hoodlums.” “Shut up!” Josiah barked. Everyone fell silent, not daring to utter a word. “Willow, say one more word and you'll be out of my sight,” Josiah roared in fury. “So, just because I've been away from home for five years, my words carry no weight anymore, is that it? Sophie, are you also choosing not to listen to me as well?” “Grandpa, I—” If it were anyone else, she wouldn't have given them the slightest bit of respect. But now, standing before her was Josiah, the only person who ever truly cared for her. “All right, I understand,” she said. If this was her grandfather's final wish, she would go to Jipsdale Premier High. “But I won't live here.” Living with people she didn't like, she couldn't guarantee she wouldn't end up driving them to their wits' end. “All right, I won't force you,” Josiah said. “But you just got back tonight. How about spending the night at home with me?” Sophie nodded, signifying her agreement. “Grandpa, it's getting late. You should rest. I'll stay home and keep you company these next few days.” Sophie didn't want to disappoint him. “All right. I'm an old man now. All I want is to see my family living in harmony,” Josiah said with a profound meaning before he ascended the stairs with the help of the butler. Charmaine, accompanied by the housekeeper, went to tidy up Sophie's room. In the living room, only Sophie and Willow remained. As Willow looked at Sophie, she couldn't shake off the feeling that the girl in front of her had transformed significantly from the one she once knew. Yet, regardless of the extent of her change, she could only be the sole daughter within the Tanner family. “Sophie, I truly didn't expect you'd dare to return.” Willow's face was filled with anger and resentment. Sophie reached into her pocket and pulled out a piece of chewing gum. After peeling off the wrapper, she popped it into her mouth. “Willow, I will drive you out of the Tanner family!” Sophie had no desire to say more. She turned around, ascended the stairs, and entered the room she once called her own. Willow collapsed onto the couch, seething with anger. Damn you, Sophie! How dare you utter such words? Early the next morning, Josiah personally escorted Sophie to the prestigious Jipsdale Premier High. The principal of Jipsdale Premier High, who also served as the Minister of Education in Jipsdale, held two positions and was always busy. He wasn't someone just anyone could meet. Josiah was somewhat of a notable figure in Jipsdale. He was waiting in the principal's office with Sophie. It wasn't until after eleven that Andy Langston arrived at his office. Upon seeing someone waiting for him, he immediately instructed his assistant to open the office door, allowing the two individuals to enter. After understanding the situation regarding Sophie, Andy found himself in a difficult position. There was no way they would accept a student as underperforming as Sophie at their top-tier high school. “Mr. Langston, I've never asked anyone for a favor before, but this time, I'm begging you to help me out.” “Old Mr. Tanner, it's not that I'm unwilling to help you. As you know, Jipsdale Premier High is essentially an elite private institution. Even our least accomplished students manage to get into one of the most prestigious universities. Your granddaughter's grades, I'm afraid, put me in a difficult position. I suggest you consider a community college instead. I believe it might be a better fit for her.” Sophie had never wanted to make Josiah beg. She stood up and left. Josiah knew that the child had a strong sense of pride, so he immediately followed her out. At that moment, Andy received a call from Felix.