Chapter 1058 Two Childish Men
As the smart person she was, there was no way Sonia would not know that; the same went for Toby as well. However, both of them had no intention to clarify it, let alone averting the public’s attention from the news.
Given the situation, the only explanation Charles could come up with was that the couple was planning on something. Otherwise, why would they delay it for so long? It was especially so for Toby, whose loved one was the targeted victim of this scandal.
He loved Sonia and would never turn a blind eye to the malicious comments thrown at her. Yet, he was not doing anything about it; something was definitely off.
Mom must’ve seen through it. That’s why she stopped me from clearing up the misunderstanding and had me ask Sonia herself so that I won’t screw up her plan.
“Other plans…” muttered Sonia.
Charles nodded. “Yeah. Otherwise, why aren’t you guys clarifying to solve the issue?”
She chuckled with mixed feelings. “There is, but it depends on Toby. This is also a test for him.”
Had she not known that the mastermind was Harry’s granddaughter, she would not have dragged it until today. Rather, she would have clarified the issue. She wanted to watch Toby looking into the mastermind and see how he was going to deal with the matter. In short, it was the critical moment their relationship was hanging on.
“A test for Toby?” Charles could not follow. “Why are you testing him?”
She pinched her nose bridge. “Now’s not the time yet. You’ll know soon. All you gotta remember is that I have my reasons.”
He then held his tongue while staring at her in silence. A couple of moments later, he sighed. “Fine. What can I say when you already have your plan? Still, I think it’s better to settle it as soon as possible. You don’t deserve all the criticisms you’re receiving now, but… there’s something strange.”
“What?” She raised her head at him.
Charles touched his chin. “Me. It is a scandal that involves the both of us, but no one recognizes that the man is me. That’s odd.”
Sonia lowered her gaze. “What’s odd about that? Society holds double standards for men and women. Women have to bear more than men do for the same mistake.”
“I cannot agree more. Should I come forward and clear things up, then? I don’t care whether they will believe it, I can at least bear the criticisms with you. I can’t let you handle those alone, can I?” Charles gazed at her.
She was not sure how to respond to that. “Wow, someone volunteering as a tribute for cyberbullying; that’s a first. Isn’t it fortunate that no one recognizes it’s you? Why must you expose yourself and call for criticisms? It won’t do good to you or Lane Corporation.”
“I know, but both of us are involved in this. I can’t let you take it upon yourself all alone.” His brows creased.
Sonia smiled. “Charles, I understand your intention, but it’s really fine. It’s best for one to take the hit instead of two, right? Don’t worry. I know that you’re trying to protect me. I feel the same too, but I don’t wanna see you in trouble. So, you don’t have to meddle in this. I can settle it on my own.”
“But—” He intended to say something, yet someone pushed open the door at that moment. It was Toby, who strode into the office with his slender legs.
She was stunned for a moment to see him after which she rose from her seat unconsciously. “Why are you here?”
Meanwhile, Charles turned his head to see Toby, who made him snort. Despite his silence, he was displeased with the man.
Even so, this was the man Sonia liked; hence, Charles could not be fussy like he did before no matter how annoyed he was. He should at least save Sonia’s face, right? Anyway, he could not snap at Toby, but it should be fine to not talk to the man in the very least.
Toby glanced over at Charles before averting his gaze and walking toward Sonia. He was baffled by Charles’ presence, but at the thought of the raging topic on the Internet, he had a vague guess of the reason behind Charles’ visit.
Charles always had his sharp tongue ready whenever Toby was around, as if Toby did not know how to snap back at him.
Yet, shunning one was the deadliest blow compared to hurling sharp-tongued critics. Thus, Toby would only spare Charles a glance and never interact with him. It was as though he was an invisible man.
“You didn’t accept my video call, so I was worried.” He stood next to her while replying gently. So, he’s worried about my mood because I didn’t accept his call.
A crumb of honey-sweet happiness surged in her chest as the concern about her future choice waned. After all, that was the future; at least he cared for her at the moment and she was delighted at that.
“Have a seat.” Sonia offered her office chair to him before taking another chair for herself.
Toby accepted her offer and sat down.
“Were you busy on something? Why didn’t you accept my call?” He looked at the woman beside him.
She masked her emotions with her downcast eyes and responded indifferently, “I was busy, so I didn’t accept your call.”
He pursed his lips as no one knew whether he was believing her words. Then, he said, “I know everything about the issue that’s going on the Internet. I’m sorry for making you handle it alone.”
Feeling the tingle on her nose tip, she shook her head lightly. “It’s nothing, but there’s something I wanna know. Do you… believe in it?”
Charles was stunned at that. “Sonia, what are you talking about? You didn’t know whether Toby believes in it? But you—”
“No. I don’t trust those articles,” Toby interrupted Charles’ squeaky mouth by answering her question with solemnity. “The netizens are silly to buy it, but I am not. I know you will never do such a thing. Besides, how will other shabby men be able to strike your fancy when you already have me?”
His words were directed at Charles implicitly, causing the man to flip out. Slamming the table, he stood up and pointed at Toby’s nose. “Toby Fuller, who are you calling shabby? Are you trying to put on a fight?”
He folded his sleeves up, totally geared up for a fight.
Toby raised his gaze upon Charles and reciprocated nonchalantly, “Do you think you stand a chance against me?”
It was not a condescending question. Putting Charles’ loss in terms of height and figure, Toby learned combat sport; as such, going up against a few at a time was not a problem for him. On the other hand, judging from Charles’ small figure, he did not seem like he had taken such lessons.
Charles’ aura unsurprisingly shrunk like a deflated balloon at Toby’s question. After clenching his hands, he seated himself again in defeat. “Fine. I’m not your match. You win.”
Next, he turned his head sideways, trying not to upset himself by looking at Toby.
In the meantime, their dispute amused Sonia as she actually giggled while covering her mouth. “Stop it, you guys.”
They’re in their thirties yet they fight like three-year-olds. They’re so childish and funny.
Her smile smoothened the furrowed brows on Toby’s forehead, even the irritated Charles was slightly appeased by it.
She looked at Charles apologetically. “Sorry, Charles. I lied. I didn’t ask Toby about it until now, but I knew that he wouldn’t believe it. That’s why I gave you that answer.”
