By the time Leonard and Sophie got out of bed, it was already close to noon. When they finally stepped out, Madam Yan was already waiting in the dining hall, sipping her tea with a raised brow and a faint smirk on her lips.
"I heard some… unusual sounds coming from your room last night," she said, her voice light but laced with curiosity. "Care to explain?"
Sophie flushed instantly, her cheeks turning a deep shade of red. She opened her mouth to respond, but Leonard calmly placed a hand on her back and spoke first.
"Amelia drugged me," he said flatly, his tone cold. "She tried to make me sleep with her. Her goal was to replace Sophie as Mrs. Yan."
Madam Yan froze, her teacup halting midair. "She did what?" Her voice grew lower, laced with anger.
Leonard gave a curt nod, his expression unreadable. "Fortunately last night Sophie came in time."
Madam Yan set her cup down with a sharp clink, her expression a mix of outrage and disbelief. "That woman has truly lost her mind."
After they finished their meal, Leonard turned to Sophie, his expression now serious. "It's time to pay the Lin Residence a visit," he said, his voice low and firm. "They need to understand that no one—absolutely no one—threatens us and walks away unscathed."
Sophie nodded slowly, her heart steady as she took his hand.
The black Rolls-Royce Phantom came to a slow stop in front of the Lin Residence. Sophie Lin sat tense in the passenger seat, her hands tightly clasped in her lap. She hadn't returned since her wedding, and just seeing the house stirred memories she'd rather forget: cold looks, whispered insults, and the constant feeling she never belonged.
But today was different. She wasn't returning as the unwanted daughter. She was returning as Leonard Yan's wife—the most powerful man in the city. And from the fire in his eyes as he stepped out of the car, Sophie knew this wasn't just a visit. This was a warning.
Inside, the atmosphere shifted the moment they entered. Every eye turned to them, the room falling into a heavy silence. At the head sat George Lin, her father, his expression carefully neutral, though a flicker of unease betrayed him. Her stepmother clutched her teacup a little too tightly. Amelia—her stepsister—looked like she had seen a ghost. Amelia had tried to drug Leonard, to break their marriage apart. And now, she was about to face the consequences.
George forced a smile, his voice strained. "Leonard, Sophie… what brings you here?"
Leonard didn't sit. He didn't smile. He stood tall and calm, his presence commanding, his hand resting firmly on Sophie's waist in a quiet show of dominance. His voice cut through the tension like a blade. "I'm here for one reason," he said, his gaze sweeping the room. "To make something clear." He looked at each of them, his tone cold and firm. "Sophie is my wife. And she will always be my wife."
A heavy silence followed, the air thick as Leonard's words settled like a blade over the room. Then his voice dropped, colder and sharper. "If any of you even think about trying to take her from me…" His eyes darkened, his expression turning ice cold. "I will destroy this family."
The room went still. No one moved, no one spoke. The threat wasn't loud, but it was clear—and terrifying. Leonard didn't need to raise his voice. His calm, unwavering tone carried more weight than any shout could. Sophie's chest tightened, both with fear and awe. He would protect her—no matter what. The Lin family had underestimated Leonard Yan. Now they would see the truth for themselves.
George Lin's posture stiffened, the confident mask he wore beginning to crack. His fingers dug into the arms of his chair, knuckles white. Madam Lin's teacup rattled in her hands, her forced poise slipping into panic. And Amelia—her glare faltered, her jaw clenched as her hands curled into fists at her sides. "You wouldn't dare," she spat, though her voice wavered. Leonard's gaze snapped to her, sharp and cutting. Amelia flinched.
A slow, dangerous smile spread across his lips as he took one step toward her. "You really think I wouldn't?" he said quietly.
The cold in his tone said more than words ever could.
Amelia's jaw tightened, her breathing shallow as she struggled to stay composed. "Leonard, this is a family matter. You—"
Leonard let out a cold, humorless laugh. "A family matter?" he repeated, his tone mocking. He stepped in closer, his presence overwhelming. "Like how your father treated Sophie like she didn't belong? Or how you spent years mocking and belittling her?"
His words hit like knives, slicing through the silence. Amelia opened her mouth, but no sound came. Her face paled.
Leonard wasn't finished. His next words were slow and sharp. "Or are you talking about the part where you tried to drug me?"
The room went still. George Lin's face went ghostly white as he turned to Amelia, voice trembling. "Amelia… is that true?"
Madam Lin gasped, her hand flying to her mouth, staring at her daughter in horror. Amelia's hands shook. There was no denying it—Leonard knew everything. She was exposed, cornered, and done.
Sophie stood silently by Leonard's side, heart pounding as she watched the family unravel. Leonard's hand stayed firm on her waist, steady and strong. He wasn't just standing up for her—he was making sure no one ever hurt her again.
Leonard's smirk deepened, a cold glint in his eyes as he watched Amelia unravel. "I have all the evidence," he said calmly, though the threat behind his words was unmistakable. "Do you know what happens to people who try to drug and seduce me?" His voice was almost soft—eerily so—making the danger in his tone even more chilling.
Amelia's lips parted, but nothing came out. She was pale, trembling.
Leonard went on, voice like ice. "If I wanted to, I could ruin you tonight. One word, and no respectable family would touch yours. Your perfect image? Gone."
Amelia's confidence crumbled. She finally saw how powerful Leonard truly was—and how badly she had misjudged him.
He straightened, then turned to George Lin. "I won't lay a hand on your family," Leonard said coolly, "as long as you all stay away from Sophie."
The room went still. No one moved. No one doubted he meant every word.
Leonard turned to Sophie, and just like that, his expression softened. "Let's go," he said gently.
Sophie glanced at her family one last time—her father, her stepmother, Amelia—all too stunned to speak. Then she lifted her chin, placed her hand in Leonard's, and walked out with quiet pride.
She was no longer the ignored daughter of the Lin family. She was Mrs Sophie Yan now—strong, respected, and deeply loved.