Chapter 146

Chapter 146:

“I told you already, I’m fine,” Sophie said, brushing off Adrian’s concern without thinking.

“But I’m not. I miss you. More than I can say.” Adrian’s voice dropped, husky with longing.

His sharp gaze pinned Sophie through the screen, leaving her nowhere to hide. “Don’t you miss me p>

Her cheeks heated, and she turned away. “You… you only left yesterday p>

“So what? You mean you don’t miss me at all?” Adrian arched a brow, his tone half-teasing.

Cornered by his persistence, Sophie muttered, “Alright, fine… I miss you a little p>

Her reluctant confession curved his lips into a smile. His eyes softened, his voice gentle as a whisper. “Then take a few days off. Fly over. Be with me. What do you say p>

His rare plea, so open and sincere, left Sophie with no ground to refuse.

𝘛𝗋𝗲𝘯𝘥іn 𝘰ո

She bit her lip and nodded. “Okay, I’ll come p>

After the call, Sophie reached for Juliet’s contact to request leave, but her phone lit up with Theo’s name.

“Sophie, I saw the online attacks. I’ve already posted a statement on Twitter to defend you.” Theo’s voice carried sharp anger.

Sophie’s chest warmed at his words. “Thank you, Theo p>

After hanging up, she opened his post, ready to like it, but the comments were already ugly.

“Clarification? Please. The boss is just shielding his pet. Obvious favoritism. Disgusting p>

“Of course she’s protected. Her boss is just sweeping her mess under the rug. Pathetic p>

“You don’t belong in design! Pack your bags and drag your boss out with you p>

Reading the vitriol made Sophie’s blood boil. She opened her own account and fired back: “Thank you, Theo, for standing up for me. The truth will speak for itself p>

Then she switched off all her notifications, shutting out the noise.

Packing her suitcase, Sophie sent in her leave request, and soon she was on a plane to Dranland.

Unaware, as she left the storm behind, the rumor mill at home only grew darker, twisting her name with Theo’s.

The plane touched down at an airport in Dranland.

Dragging her suitcase, Sophie hurried through the arrivals gate—and spotted Adrian instantly.

Dressed in a black shirt and long coat, he stood out like a beacon, his gaze locked on her.

Before she could even greet him, Adrian strode over, took her suitcase with one hand, and pulled her into his arms with the other. Solid and warm, he smelled faintly of cedar, and the embrace swept away her fatigue and worries.

“You never told me you had work in Dranland,” Sophie murmured against his chest, half-teasing, half-joyful.

“You didn’t ask,” Adrian replied with playful confidence. He kissed the top of her head, laced their fingers together, and said softly, “Let’s go p>

A driver was waiting. Soon the car rolled through the clean streets, stopping in front of a sleek hospital.

Confused, Sophie peered out the window. “Why here?” Shouldn’t they have checked in first?

Adrian squeezed her hand. “Mrs. Powell is here for rehab p>

“What?” Sophie’s eyes widened.

“The neurology and medical devices here are world-class. Mr. Powell brought her for better treatment,” he explained.

Inside, Sophie found Frederick and Carly.

Carly, looking far healthier, brightened with a smile. “Sophie! What are you doing here p>

Frederick stood from the sofa, his expression easing. “Dr. Grant recommended this place. They’ve got the best equipment and staff. Better for Carly’s recovery p>

Relief washed over Sophie—it wasn’t a crisis, but a step toward healing.

After a bit of catching up, Adrian raised the issue of the online rumors.

Frederick and Carly froze.

“What?” Frederick’s face darkened, a cough slipping out as Carly sat up, upset. A nurse hurried in to calm her.

Frederick said, frowning, “We were buried in tests and transfers. Our assistant had our phones. We had no clue this was happening p>

He turned to Sophie, sympathy etched on his face. “Why didn’t you tell us p>

Before Sophie could answer, Adrian cut in. “Don’t blame her. She heard from a nurse that Carly’s condition had worsened, and she didn’t want to worry you p>

Frederick slammed his hand against the armrest. “Nonsense! Those nurses knew nothing and spread careless words! And you believed them p>

His jaw tightened. “What matters now is setting this right p>

His temper rising, he barked at his assistant, “Bring me my phone! I’ll post a statement myself, right now p>