Chapter 17: Brenda’s Curiosity
Sophia, sprawled lazily on her bed, engrossed in office work, was jolted by a message that flashed across her mobile screen.
Sophie's phone emitted a cheerful beep, prompting her to unlock the screen. As she read the message, a subtle glow of delight illuminated her face, and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
It was 'professor Alex Mercer'.
Professor Alex Mercer was a significant figure in Sophie's college life. While she pursued her engineering degree, he served as her computer science professor.
Sophie greatly admired him during those college days and frequently sought his advice.
Gabriel and Professor Mercer were like special guides for her.
They helped her navigate life's challenges, shared their knowledge, and shaped her path. She held deep affection for one person and held the other in high regard.
She received a message that read: "Hey Sophie, how are you? It's been a while since we last saw each other. Are you available today? I'd like to visit you.
Because of Sophie, the professor became close friends with the Grant family.
Mr. Grant and the professor got along really well and often had deep conversations about Politics and other thoughtful topics.
Sophie quickly replied, "Yes, Professor! I'm completely free today. You're welcome to visit anytime, and I'm eagerly looking forward to meeting you."
Sophie promptly messaged James: "James, my favorite professor is visiting, and he has a wonderful personality. You'd enjoy meeting him. Could you come by today?"
After sending the message, Sophie returned to her office work, immersed in the tasks that awaited her.
Brenda entered the room and asked Sophie, "How is Mom's mood now?"
Brenda: " She is sleeping."
Sophie: "Is she feeling well? Doesn't she have to go to the studio today?"
Brenda: "Perhaps he took a day off from work. Mom appeared a little unsettled; maybe Dad's morning reaction was quite unusual."
Sophie sighed, glanced back at her laptop screen, and murmured, "I wonder when things will finally be okay between them."
Brenda settled into a chair and began jotting down her class notes.
After a while, Sophie's phone chimed with a new message. She eagerly unlocked her phone and read the words:
"Hey, of course I would love to meet him. But tell me what time you want me to come."
It was from James.
Sophie realized her oversight and quickly informed Brenda, "I forgot to mention that Professor Mercer is coming to our house today.
Sophie's announcement filled Brenda with excitement, and she exclaimed, "Really? Professor Mercer is coming!"
With an excited voice, she exclaimed, "He's coming after a long time! It's been nearly 2 months since I last saw him. I have so much to catch up on!"
Sophie's smile widened as she observed Brenda's excitement.
If there was anyone outside their family whom Brenda deeply admired and trusted, it was undoubtedly Professor Mercer.
Meanwhile Sophie got another message from James. It read: "Will it be just the three of us—Brenda, you, and me?"
Sophie promptly responded, "Mom is also at home today."
After looking at Brenda, Sophie said: "I have also invited James to meet with Professor Mercer".
Upon hearing this, Brenda's expression shifted noticeably. Perhaps she wasn't pleased with the news.
Brenda responded firmly, "This is our family time. Why are you inviting him? I told you yesterday not to let me get too close without knowing him completely."
Sophie was about to reply James, when message arrived once more:
"Sorry, Sophie. I may not be able to come today. I was free, but now I've received a message from a client, so I'll also be busy. Take care, you guys."
Sophie's brow furrowed as she read the message. "Well," she said, "it's happening just as you wished. James isn't coming; he sent me a message."
From Brenda's expression, it was evident that she felt at ease upon hearing Sophie's news.
However, she still inquired, "Why? What happened to him? You had invited him, right?"
Sophie handed her mobile to Brenda and said "You can see the message yourself".
Brenda scanned James's last three or four messages, her expression taking on a peculiar twist. "Is it because Mom is at home?'
Brenda's gaze lingered on the screen, dissecting each word "But he seemed quite at ease with Dad that day."
As Sophie's fingers danced across the keyboard, she glanced up at Brenda. Her voice, a gentle reprimand, "Oh, Brenda,"
She said, "stop doubting everything. James probably has work to attend to. And perhaps he isn't as comfortable with Mom as you think."
"Woo, the 30-year-old Modern American business analyst, is increasingly uncomfortable around his friend's mom." Brenda rolled her eyes and sarcastically muttered,"'Weirdo."
Both of them burst out laughing at this.
Sophie, diligently working on her laptop, lay on her stomach in bed. Meanwhile, Brenda sat across from her, engrossed in her mobile phone.
Brenda thought she should scroll through Sophie's chatting with James.
Brenda contemplated in her mind.
She knew that unraveling Sophie's life required delving into her conversations with James.
Despite her usual aversion to such snooping, Brenda felt compelled to scroll through their chat.
There was something different about Sophie lately, and Brenda was determined to uncover that.
In the midst of their exchanges, Brenda couldn't help but notice the recurring mention of a man named 'Gabriel'.
From the messages, it was evident that Gabriel is likely not communicating with Sophie at the moment, and this has caused Sophie to feel more anxious.
As Brenda scrolled through her phone, she maintained a watchful eye on Sophie, ensuring that her actions didn't arouse any suspicion.
Brenda, without a hint of suspicion, swiftly placed her mobile phone on the bed. While Sophie remained occupied in her work, seemingly undistracted by any doubts or concerns.
As Brenda sat down to take notes for her class, she attempted to focus, but her thoughts became tangled.
Amidst this mental chaos, she wondered, "Who is this Gabriel? Sophie had never mentioned such a man before."
Brenda had known Sophie since childhood. Sophie was not one to easily wear her emotions on her sleeve; she rarely confided in anyone about her feelings except for Brenda.
"So why" Brenda wondered, "had Sophie become so emotionally invested in Gabriel?" The question echoed in Brenda's mind, a puzzle waiting to be unraveled.
"Gabriel's departure had left an indelible mark on Sophie's heart" and Brenda wondered "Why? Why does she seek solace in James, of all people?"
Sophie's voice interrupted her thoughts…
Sophie: "Brenda, my salary has come. Perhaps it's time for another donation. Where do you think we should go this time?"
Brenda absent mindedly remarked, "I have compiled a list of several organizations; I'll send it to you."
Sophie replied, "Let's share it with Professor Mercer today; he can provide additional assistance."
Sophie resumed her work, while Brenda remained lost in her own contemplations.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone