The comments reached Sonia’s ears as well, but she just smiled and didn’t take them to heart because she had heard such things countless times.
Confused, Carl looked at her smiling face and asked, “Aren’t you angry, Sonia?”
She took a sip of juice and replied, “There’s nothing to be angry about.”
“They’re speaking so badly about you.” Narrowing his eyes, Carl scanned the gossip-mongers as though he wanted to memorize their faces.
Chuckling, she answered, “Just let them say whatever they want. I can’t possibly seal their mouths, can I? Furthermore, I can’t be angry at so many people.”
“But I am!” A spiteful look flashed in his eyes, but it disappeared the next second. These people who insulted Sonia… I won’t let any of them off!
Not knowing what was on his mind, Sonia patted him on the shoulder and said, “It’s alright, I know you feel unjustified for me, but you shouldn’t be bothered since I’m not even angry about it. Just let them be. They’re simply a bunch of gossip-mongers, and we don’t have to stoop to their level.”
Grinning, Carl nodded. “Alright.”
“I’m going to get another glass of juice,” she said and placed her empty glass on the side before heading off to the drinks corner, leaving Carl and Charles alone.
Resting an arm on Carl’s shoulder, Charles asked in a hushed voice, “Rascal, are you going to do something to these people?”
Throwing his arm off his shoulder, Carl replied coldly, “Of course. I have to teach them a lesson since they have the nerves to insult Sonia.”
“I’m with you on this, but don’t overdo it. If they become suspicious of Sonia—”
“I got it,” Carl interrupted while looking at him.
Charles patted him lightly on his shoulder and said, “Good, Sonia’s coming back now. Don’t reveal anything.”
“Yeah,” he muttered as Sonia came over with a glass of mango juice in her hand.
Smiling, she asked, “What are you guys talking about? I saw from afar that both of you looked very serious.”
“We’re just discussing your birthday gift,” Charles said, laughing loudly.
Going along with his answer, Carl nodded. “Yes, Sonia. What would you like for your birthday?”
“My birthday is in June next year,” she said, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. “There’s still half a year to go and you’re already discussing what to prepare as my gift. Don’t you think it’s too early for that?”
“Not at all,” Carl replied gently, shaking his head. “Some gifts have to be custom-made ahead of time.”
“Exactly, darling,” Charles agreed.
“Are you guys discussing what to get for Sonia for her birthday? Count me in as well,” Zane interrupted suddenly as he joined them.
Charles rolled his eyes at him and said, “What’s Sonia’s birthday got to do with you?”
“Of course it does since she’s also my friend,” Zane answered, sticking out his chest.
Snorting, Charles snapped, “Let me correct that. Your friend is Toby Fuller.”
“So what if he is? There’s no limit to the number of friends I can have, and I’m also Sonia’s partner in work, right?” he said and winked at Sonia.
Charles sulked and had no words to retort all of a sudden, but Carl narrowed his eyes and asked, “Sonia, what are you working on with Mr. Coleman?”
“It’s something important, but I can’t tell you the details just yet,” she answered, smiling.
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