The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

Chapter 713

Sierra exited her chat with Maggie and called Sophia.

"Hey, Sophia. Are you two coming back soon? I want to take you out for dinner."

"We're out shopping," Sophia replied. "Zachary and I are buying school and daily supplies for a few girls we're sponsoring."

She and Zachary were browsing through stationery. Sophia had decided to sponsor Lynette and the other two girls, providing them with a monthly allowance, clothing, school, and daily supplies.

Whether those girls would be grateful or turn out ungrateful in the future, she didn't know. She just wanted to do what was right in the present.

Zachary had said that a pound of help often turned into a burden of resentment. Human nature was fickle, hard to predict, and easily swayed. Finding a truly appreciative child was rare.

Lynette and the other two girls were grateful now, freshly freed from their shackles. But once they spent more time outside and experienced more of the world, who could say if that gratitude would last?

People were like that. Before they received something, they always wondered what they would do if they got it. But once it was in their hands, it was never enough.

That was why Zachary had insisted that they be clear from the start and had the girls sign a contract.

Their sponsorship wasn't unconditional. In return, the girls had to maintain good grades in school. If they failed to perform or acted out, the support would end.

They would be sent back to Coalmarsh or left to fend for themselves.

The girls signed without hesitation, promising again and again not to disappoint them.

Sophia didn't object to Zachary's approach. After all, Samuel had been the perfect cautionary tale.

Even though he and Sierra had lived abroad for years, Samantha had never stopped supporting them financially.

Sierra turned out okay. However, Samuel had turned into an ungrateful backstabber.

"Cee, do you want to come shop with us?" Sophia asked. "We'll grab a late-night snack afterward."

She dropped a pink notebook into the cart and added three more boxes of pens.

"Sure. Send me the address. I'll head over now."

"Alright."

up and sent

at home she was heading out, grabbed her

leave right away. They waited at the entrance of

them, most of whom had one in

Sophia nodded. "Yes, please."

here. I'll go get

while

of a line, but she didn't mind. Her gaze stayed fixed

white T-shirt, jeans, and a pair of sneakers. His clean, short hair made him look fresh

so often, he looked back to make sure Sophia

he smiled, and

he kept

the first to grow shy. She lowered her head, choosing to stare at

reaction and couldn't help but smile a little

took a while, but he finally got

around with them, Sierra

"Hey, Sophia."

"Hi, Cee."

other with a

to do charity work. What was the place like? And the

seem like good kids. But it's hard to say what the future holds,"

used to be a therapist. He always thinks

suddenly. "Mr. Holt looks at you with so

time for that!" Sophia's cheeks turned pink, and

her to sit on a

this one's for

to Sierra, then inserted a straw

without daring

"What were you two talking about? Sophia's face

her smoothie. "Sophia, can I tell

answered immediately, shaking her

bad. Sophia won't let me say," Sierra said

left by