Chapter 546 Manipulation
“I will,” she promised with a firm nod.
Before entering the complex, the students were instructed to conduct a simple warm-up before dispersing into groups for a one-on-one lesson on the basics of skiing.
The intensity and the expanse of white as far as the eye can see conjured a strange sense of desolation despite its untainted beauty.
Sophia enjoyed playing with snow, though she did not express the same interest in learning how to ski. With the thought of finding the perfect snow for Natalie weighing heavily on her mind, she became more and more distracted from her lesson.
After quickly weighing the chances of the options available to her as her beady eyes darted back and forth, a cunning plan was formed in no time at all.
“Excuse me, sir,” Sophia bleated as she held up her hand to interrupt the instructor. “I need to pee.”
The male instructor hesitated, clearly uncomfortable.
“The restroom is behind that door. Can you manage on your own, young lady? Or would you like me to find you a female teacher?”
That was the last thing Sophia wanted. Her detour was for the sole purpose of achieving the mission of collecting the best snow she could find for her mother.
“I’ll be fine, mister,” Sophia assured him as she clenched her fists. “Don’t worry about me!”
“All right. Come back quickly, please. We’ll be waiting for you.”
After handing her ski poles to the instructor, she skipped her way to the little door indicated by the instructor with her backpack on her back.
Taking advantage of the narrow window of the instructor’s distraction, she went past the little door to a deserted stretch of untainted snow.
Momentarily swept away with awe, Sophia quivered with anticipation at the thought of what Natalie might say in the face of such a spectacular sight.
She remembered what her mother said about how excited she was to see what Sophia had in store for her.
I don’t like Yara at all. I’d much prefer being around Natalie. I’d do anything to make her smile.
“The other children are learning to ski, Sophia,” the woman on the bus remarked casually as she appeared and squatted down next to Sophia, interrupting her reverie. “What are you doing here all by yourself?”
Sophia jumped and looked up to discover that she did not recognize the woman.
“How do you know my name?” Sophia asked timidly. “I’ve never seen you before. Are you a new teacher?”
The woman laughed. “Yes, I’m a teacher. It’s my duty to be with you. It’s dangerous for you to stay here all by yourself.”
Sophia grimaced as she had intended to conduct her business in peace. Nevertheless, she nodded obediently at the adult’s imposition.
Soon, Sophia forgot all about the woman marching next to her as she ran ahead to explore the area for the best possible snow she could find.
“What are you doing, Sophia?” the woman asked in spite of herself.
“I’m looking for snow!” replied Sophia enthusiastically. “I want to take back the best snow I can find for Mommy.”
“Mommy? Is Yara your mother?”
Sophia exclaimed scornfully. “Yara’s not my mother but Natalie! She’s so much better than Yara.”
The woman smiled grimly. Ah, same old Natalie. Still adept at manipulation. It doesn’t matter if it’s Yandel or this child, they will all fall prey to her sweet words and listen to her. This little girl has no blood relations with Natalie and yet she is so fiercely loyal to her. Now I understand what drove Yandel to lay a trap for Yara on Natalie’s behalf that I had in inadvertently stumbled into!
The woman stood deathly still, trying to compose herself at the thought of how Yandel broke her heart despite knowing the extent of how much she loved him.
To her disappointment, she discovered far too late that Yandel’s feelings toward her had never been sincere.
“Natalie?” the woman, Melissa, repeated as her gaze seared with fury.
“What is it, miss?” asked Sophia timidly. “Your eyes look so fierce!”
