Upon arriving at the hotel, I parked my car but had no intention of going upstairs. She glanced at me with mild curiosity and remarked,"You should come up too. You might recognize her." Recognize her? I followed her to the reserved private room, my mind swirling with suspicion. As I opened the door, I found a woman of exquisite makeup and elegant demeanor already waiting for us.

The moment she saw us, she immediately rose, her face beaming with delight as she rushed to embrace Sophie."Sophie! It's been so long! I've missed you terribly!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with emotion.

She then shifted her gaze to me, her eyes first flashing with confusion, quickly followed by astonishment. Turning toward me, her face filled with disbelief, she cried out,"Ryan! It really is you! Sophie, how on earth did you find him?"

I absentmindedly scratched my nose, inwardly sighing. I didn't recognize this woman at all, yet from her tone, it was clear she was well-versed in the history between Sophie and me.

Sophie looked at me and said to the woman,"Him. When I went to Eldoria to acquire a company, he was driving a taxi after get off work. The taxi I booked was his. He pretended not to know me, but I didn't expect that he was working in the company I acquired."

The woman, Kelly, couldn't suppress a laugh."Isn't that fate then? It seems the universe doesn't want you two to part."

Sophie rolled her eyes."Fate? This scoundrel may be poor, but he certainly has no shortage of women."

Kelly covered her mouth, laughing."That's easily dealt with. Just cut them off!" she said, her laughter ringing out.

Unable to tolerate it any longer, I interjected,"Could you not discuss this in front of me? At least spare me some dignity."

Kelly, unfazed, retorted,"When women speak, men should remain silent."

I regarded this slightly intimidating woman and, feeling compelled into silence, closed my mouth, acquiescing. The two women took their seats, and Kelly began,"Sophie, you truly excel as a boss. I never imagined your company would grow so large, to the point of becoming a qualified supplier for ours."

Sophie gave a faint smile and sighed lightly."I'm just a shareholder, nothing more. Born with the burden of hard work, perpetually overwhelmed by the company's affairs. Not like some people, who simply sit back and enjoy the fruits of others' labor."

Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked,"Which shareholder? Lucas?"

At the mention of Lucas, Kelly's interest was piqued. She eagerly asked,"Sophie, which Lucas? Do tell me everything."

"Don't listen to his nonsense," Sophie replied curtly.

Kelly, upon hearing this, laughed even louder."What? Is he still not giving up? Still chasing after you?"

Sophie furrowed her brow, her face a picture of helplessness."Sadly, yes. Now, he'd rather work as a general manager at our company than return to his previous job."

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

Kelly scoffed dismissively."With his little tricks, who doesn't see through him? Sophie, don't be fooled by his sweet words."

Sophie nodded knowingly."I'm fully aware. His skills are hardly impressive. He thinks he can have his way simply because of his looks. He's terribly mistaken."

Kelly then inquired,"By the way, Sophie, how's that new project of yours going? I've heard it's been facing quite a few hurdles."

Sophie furrowed her brow, concern clouding her expression."Yes, we're facing some financial strain, and the competition is fierce. But I'm working on finding a solution."

Kelly comforted,"Do not be too anxious; there will always be a way. If it becomes too difficult, we can think of a solution together."

Sophie gave her a grateful glance and said,"You truly are a good sister, unlike some people who only know how to cause me trouble." With that, she shot a brief look at me.

I pretended not to notice, continuing to sip my water.

Kelly then remarked,"By the way, Sophie, do you remember our school days? Carefree and happy, those were the times."

Sophie smiled softly, her eyes filled with nostalgia."How could I forget? Back then, everything was so simple. Now, it's a constant worry over every little thing."

Kelly sighed wistfully."Yes, time does fly. But one thing hasn't changed—the bond between us."

Sophie nodded in agreement."Of course. No matter what happens, we will always be the best of friends."

I was taken aback. They were classmates? How had I never known this?

Kelly suddenly leaned closer to Sophie, speaking in a hushed tone,"Sophie, let me tell you something strange that happened to me recently."

Sophie, intrigued, asked,"What happened? Do tell."

Kelly began, animatedly recounting the story."It was at a business event I attended. I met a man who claimed to be the vice general manager of a large corporation. He was overly attentive to me. But when I inquired further, I found out he was nothing more than a conman running a shell company."

Sophie couldn't help but laugh."You always seem to find yourself in the most bizarre situations."

Kelly shrugged in exasperation."I don't seek them out, believe me. It must be my bad luck. But talking about it with you, I feel so much better."

Sophie advised,"You should be more careful in the future. Don't trust others so easily."

Kelly nodded."I know. You're always looking out for me. By the way, how are things between you and him now?"

Sophie glanced at me and replied,"What else? It's the same as it always was."

Kelly offered,"I think he's not bad. Why not forgive him?"

Sophie huffed."Forgive him? It's not that simple. What he's done, I can never forget."

I stood there, silently grimacing at the thought.

Kelly, ever the voice of reason, suggested,"No one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. Give him a chance."

Sophie remained silent for a moment, deep in thought.

At that moment, the waiter began bringing the dishes, momentarily interrupting their conversation.

Once the food was served, Kelly remarked,"Let's not dwell on these troubling matters. Let's enjoy our meal and drinks."

Sophie agreed."Yes, let's eat."

We all began to eat, and Kelly told a few more jokes, which made Sophie laugh heartily.

After the meal, Kelly said,"Sophie, let's get together more often. Don't always be so absorbed in work."

Sophie nodded."Agreed. Take care of yourself, too."

Kelly turned to me and added,"Ryan, you'd better treat Sophie well, or I won't let you off the hook."

I quickly nodded."Of course, of course."

With that, Kelly stood up and left. The room grew quieter, leaving just Sophie and me, the atmosphere growing slightly awkward.

After a moment, Sophie broke the silence."Let's go."

I followed her, my mind wandering, wondering what the future held for us, uncertain of where our paths would lead.

As we exited the hotel, the cool evening breeze gently brushed past us. Sophie pulled her coat tighter around her, and I hesitated for a moment, wanting to drape my jacket over her shoulders but unsure.

Sophie seemed to sense my intentions, and with a soft, detached tone, she said,"No need."

Reluctantly, I withdrew my hand, silently walking beside her.