Mr. CEO's Substitute Bride

Sophia Hamilton wasn’t too keen on staying in the old house at first, but her mood improved considerably when she saw the accommodations Violet Zimmerman had arranged for her.

The three-story villa wasn’t too shabby, not much smaller than the main house where Violet lived. The first floor consisted of the living room, kitchen, and quarters for the maid. In just these few days, Violet had prepared a nursery in the master bedroom on the second floor.

Inside, there were toys, a small bed complete with a pure white carpet.

Juliana Lancaster’s room was inside the nursery, sharing a floor with her daughter, making it convenient for her to care for her.

The thing Sophia appreciated the most was the swing in the yard, and there was a wooden gazebo in front of the villa... just like the private quarters of an ancient family’s young mistress, complete with flowers, plants, and a swing.

During mealtimes, Violet only came over with Joseph Lancaster; even her eldest son, Robert Lancaster, wasn’t invited, nor were other relatives from the old house informed.

Violet did this entirely to care for Sophia, who had just undergone surgery, worried that too many people would disrupt her rest.

Although she had invited Juliana to care for her daughter, Violet had also arranged for two maids and a maternity nanny. Typically, Juliana would be busy before and after meals, but now, with the help, she felt unnecessary.

If she wasn’t worried her daughter might be unaccustomed to the new place, Juliana would have returned home that very day.

The next day, Evander Lancaster went to work at the hospital as usual, leaving the mother and daughter at home. In the afternoon, Sophia welcomed her first guests, Willow Lancaster and her mother, Catherine Taylor.

During Gabriel Lancaster’s hospitalization, Catherine had always been by his side, devotedly caring for him. After more than twenty years of marriage, Gabriel ultimately didn’t file for a divorce.

Unable to bear children herself, and with over twenty years of father-daughter-like relationship, Gabriel simply treated Willow as his own daughter.

After that bleak period, Willow had returned to her sunny self, though her temperament had changed significantly; she was no longer the arrogant and domineering person she used to be.

The maid led them to Sophia’s room. Apart from Violet and Joseph, Juliana hadn’t met any other senior members of the Lancaster Family.

Catherine took it upon herself to introduce herself, noting Juliana’s hesitant gaze towards her, she smiled and said, "In-law, please sit; we’re all family, no need for formalities."

Catherine guided Juliana back to sit on the bed and continued, "I’m the second aunt in Evander’s family, and when I heard they moved back, I brought my daughter along to visit."

"Oh, please have a seat," Juliana offered Catherine the single sofa in front of the bed, feeling a bit unfamiliar and speaking somewhat reservedly.

Willow had always been hostile towards Sophia, but after her near-suicide, she seemed to have come to terms with it all. Although she wasn’t Michael Lancaster’s biological daughter, the world viewed her as the rightful eldest miss of the Lancasters.

The Lancaster family was vast and powerful, yet there weren’t many girls. She was the only one among several uncles.

With such a prestigious and notable status, how dare she have any unruly thoughts.

Her mother advised her that one shouldn’t be too greedy; she already possessed everything that shouldn’t have belonged to her, so she should be satisfied.

Upon entering, Willow eagerly asked, "Sis-in-law, can I hold my little nephew?"

Sophia was someone who bore grudges; regarding Willow, she still felt resentful. If not for her suddenly going to Evander’s apartment and attempting suicide, she wouldn’t have been in a cold war with Evander for so long.