Chapter 152
Chapter 152:
Sophie turned red, pushing Adrian back as she tried to catch her breath. “Wait a second. I still need to thank a few more people p>
“Why bother thanking half the world?” Adrian grumbled, lifting her into his arms and dropping onto the couch with her perched on his lap. “You should just thank me and leave it at that p>
Sophie laughed, giving him a playful swat. “I owe Frederick a thank-you. And the folks online who defended me. Oh, and I can’t forget my team leader either p>
Pulling out her phone, Sophie opened her social app and began to type a message to Theo. But she froze when his profile showed up as disabled.
“What? How’s his account suspended? He was literally speaking up for me!” Her brows furrowed in confusion.
Adrian’s expression tightened, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Is that so? Then he probably went too far, blasting back at the rumors. Someone must have flagged him just to stir trouble. These platforms mess up like that every now and then p>
Adrian stifled a bitter laugh. In his eyes, Theo was just a nobody.
He had come across countless online whispers linking Sophie and Theo, stories dressed up with convincing details. The anger that welled up nearly drove him to smash his phone. In response, he had instructed Neil to silence every account spreading those lies. To ease his fury further, he had even pushed to have Theo’s profile suspended.
𝗥𝖾𝘢𝗱 𝖿re𝖾 𝗇o𝘃𝖾l𝗌 𝗼ո
Better to erase the irritation altogether than let it linger.
When Sophie pulled up her chat app, Adrian noticed her typing out a message of thanks addressed to Theo.
A cold snort escaped him. “You’re this eager to express your gratitude p>
Sophie answered without hesitation. “Theo’s done plenty for me. He was the one who gave me that party invitation back then. And when the rumors hit, he was the first to defend me. Now his account’s gone, and it’s my fault he’s paying the price p>
Adrian arched a brow and said dryly, “What’s next? Planning to book him a private dinner as thanks p>
His tone carried an unmistakable edge, and at last Sophie picked up on the jealousy laced within it.
She laughed gently, sliding closer to him and speaking in a soft voice meant to soothe. “Come on, don’t be silly. The one I’m truly grateful for will always be you p>
“That’s better p>
The votes closed soon after, and Sophie entered the finals with a commanding lead that left no space for dispute. A week remained before the last round began.
Back at the office, Sophie walked in brimming with energy. She handed out little souvenirs she had brought back from Dranland, and her coworkers lit up as the good news spread.
Once the sharing was done, Sophie headed to Theo’s door and tapped gently.
“Come on in p>
Pushing the door open, Sophie stepped through. “Theo. Been a long time p>
Lifting his eyes, Theo offered a smile and a slight tilt of the head. “Congrats on making the finals, Sophie. Go crush it. I’m on your side p>
“Thanks a lot.” Smiling with a shy tilt, Sophie handed him a neatly wrapped box. “I appreciate all your support. Since your birthday is tomorrow, this is an early gift p>
Surprise crossed Theo’s features as he peeled back the paper to reveal a slim, elegant pen.
For a moment, he hesitated, then pushed it away gently. “This is way too much, Sophie. I love it, really, but p>
With firm sincerity, Sophie nudged the pen back toward him. “Please take it, Theo. You helped me more times than I can count. You got me the party invite. You were first to defend me when the rumors spread. A pen is the least I can give. Please don’t refuse it p>
Theo caught the weight in her gaze, then gave in with a laugh. “Fine. Thanks for the early birthday nod. Now focus up for the finals. Call me if you hit a wall p>
“Got it.” Sophie shot him one last bright smile before heading out with a spring in her step.
Once the door clicked shut, Theo studied the sleek pen, fastened it neatly to his folder, and let a quiet smile tug at his lips.