When Vincent appeared, the entire Brown family instantly lost their bravado.
Eight years ago, Vincent had personally taken on Alexa’s defense and crushed the Brown family in court. The psychological shadow of that defeat still lingered.
Haelor immediately supported Madam Brown and led the rest of the family away through another corridor.
Karina looked at their hasty retreat and let out a snort.
“Cowards. Bullies, the whole lot of them.”
In fact, since Vincent had shown up, he hadn’t spoken a single word-
To Vincent, the Brown family wasn’t even worth noticing.
He merely gave Sophia a brief look before turning to Arthur.
“You know each other?”
Arthur pointed at Karina and smiled. “Ran into a familiar face.”
even cast a glance at the Browns.
Karina and Arthur worked at the same hospital, albeit in different departments.
But she hadn’t expected Arthur to know Vincent–and seemingly well, too.
Karina turned to glance at Sophia.
Sophia was staring at Vincent. Her expression seemed calm, but the tightly pressed lips betrayed her inner turmoil.
She’d already made the decision to let Vincent go, but feelings didn’t just vanish on command.
Every time Vincent appeared, her eyes still instinctively followed him.
Karina sighed silently.
Love really was… merciless.
Alexa immediately recognized Vincent.
“Vincent.”
At the sound of her voice, Vincent turned to look at her–then, seemingly unintentionally, let his gaze settle on Sophia standing beside her.
Sophia’s lashes fluttered the moment their eyes met, her entire body tensing up..
Alexa hadn’t expected to see her benefactor on her first day out of prison. Emotion surged within her as she stepped forward and gave him a deep bow.
“Vincent, I never had the chance to thank you properly. Thank you! Without you, my daughter and I wouldn’t be reunited today.”
Vincent looked at her, his expression distant.
“Mrs. Alexa, you give me too much credit. I was only doing my duty.”
His voice was low and composed–formal and detached.
Sophia’s hands at her sides curled into fists.
13:44
Oleon’s
Chapter 27
“Vincent?”
Doris walked out of the private room, looking around at everyone before tilting her head up to glance at Vincent with innocent eyes.
“Is something wrong?” she asked softly.
The moment Doris appeared, every last trace of color drained from Sophia’s face.
Alexa, seeing Doris–with her grace, looks, and elegant demeanor that matched Vincent so well–smiled and said:
“This must be Mrs. Williams, then? Vincent is young and successful. Even his taste in a wife is excellent!”
Sophia’s pupils shrank violently.
Vincent raised an eyebrow, his gaze drifting briefly to Sophia, eyes narrowing slightly, but he said nothing.
Doris smiled politely at Alexa and asked gently,
“Hello, ma’am. I don’t believe we’ve met. May I ask your relationship with Vincent?”
“I…” Alexa hesitated for a moment, then simply said, “Vincent helped me. He’s a great benefactor to me.
“I see.” Doris looked to Vincent.
“Rowan just called. He’s being fussy and wants us to come home.”
Vincent gave a faint nod.
“He can’t get his way every time. Tell him we’ll come back after we finish our meal.”
“You’re right,” Doris replied gently, taking out her phone and heading back into the private room.
“Rowan…”
The door hadn’t fully closed. Doris’s sweet voice floated out from inside.
“Mommy and Daddy are having dinner… It’s with someone very important to Daddy… Rowan’s the best boy. I’ll bring you a present when I get back…”
Sophia’s knees nearly gave out at the
scene.
Karina couldn’t take it anymore. She quickl
Her face was pale as a sheet.
y wrapped an arm around the oblivious Alexa and said,
“Auntie, let’s take Sophia to the hospital. Her burn needs treatment.”
Alexa’s heart clenched, her guilt overwhelming.
“Oh, my poor memory! Sophia, let’s go quickly!”
Sophia lowered her gaze and gave a slight nod.
The three of them left in a hurry.
Only after they’d gone did Vincent withdraw his gaze.
Arthur glanced at him, brows slightly furrowed.
“You know that Mrs. Alexa’s daughter?”
Vincent turned his head slightly, eyes cold as obsidian.
13:44
Chapter 27
It was nearly 2 p.m. by the time they returned home from the hospital.
Inside the room. Sophia lay on the bed, half asleep.
Suddenly, her phone vibrated.
She blinked open her eyes, and when she saw the caller ID–Vincent–her breath caught in her throat.
She didn’t want to answer, but thought he might be calling about finalizing the divorce.
So, she picked up.
“You haven’t been home the past few days?”
Vincent’s voice, deep and emotionless, came through the line.
Sophia answered honestly.
“I moved out.”
