Chapter 425

"Sophia, can we talk? If you're uncomfortable being seen at the company, let's go to a café nearby," Liam suggested eagerly.

Sophia nodded.

They stepped out together. Her gaze instinctively darted toward the spot where Ethan usually parked. Coincidentally, his car wasn’t there. Assuming he hadn’t arrived yet, she followed Liam to the café across the street.

"Ten minutes. That’s all I have," Sophia said firmly. She didn’t want Ethan waiting for her, nor did she want him to know she was with Liam.

She didn’t care about herself, but she refused to drag Liam into trouble.

"Fine, ten minutes," Liam agreed.

They ordered two glasses of water and sat down. Then, they spoke simultaneously.

"Sophia, leave Ethan."

"Any news about Noah?"

Liam stiffened.

Sophia didn’t flinch.

After a tense pause, Liam asked quietly, "Is Noah all you care about? Is he that important to you?"

Sophia didn’t hesitate. "Of course. He means as much to me as Lily and my late mother. He’s family, Liam. You promised to help me find him. Did you?"

Liam shook his head apologetically. "I’m sorry, Sophia. I was about to start looking. Elder Thornton fell ill, and you know my ties to Charlotte. Plus, with the Thornton family’s connection to my mother’s side, I’ve been tied up in Kingsbury. I haven’t had time."

He hesitated before adding, "Isabella’s been quiet lately."

Sophia frowned. She had noticed the lack of harassment from Isabella.

"Sophia, leave Ethan," Liam urged again. "I’ll give you enough money to disappear. Take Lily abroad. He’ll never find you. I swear, I’m not playing games this time. No conditions. No expectations. Just go."

"Thank you," Sophia said softly.

"Will you?"

"No."

Liam’s face fell.

"Why not?" he pressed. "He controls you, but you still work. Lily still goes to school. You could run. Are you afraid? Do you think without Noah, you have no one?"

His voice dropped, raw with emotion. "Sophia, I can be your anchor. I’d die for you and Lily. Just say the word, and we’ll leave. Please."

He reached for her hand. "I love you. I want you free. I want you happy. Even if it kills me."

Sophia’s breath hitched.

"She is happy."

A cold voice sliced through the air.

They looked up.

Ethan stood there, his expression thunderous.

"C-Cousin," Liam stammered, paling.

Six years ago, he’d feared the ruthless heir. Now, he feared the tycoon even more.

Ethan ignored him. His gaze locked onto Sophia.

She met it calmly. So what if she was at a café? If he wanted to blame her, he’d find a reason even if she never left home.

His eyes softened unexpectedly. "Does your stomach still hurt?"

Sophia blinked.

"Yesterday, at the manor," he reminded her, lips quirking.

Her face burned. She’d forgotten that lie.

And last night… he’d proven it false.

He was doing this on purpose.

Ethan sat beside her, draping an arm around her shoulders. He picked up her water glass and scowled.

"Liam," he said icily, "this is unacceptable."

Liam stiffened. "Cousin, we just—"

"Did you ask if she could have cold water?" Ethan cut in. "She’s unwell. She needs warmth."

Liam gaped.

Sophia flushed harder.

"Waiter!" Ethan called sharply.

One rushed over. "Sir?"

"She can’t have cold drinks. Bring her hot brown sugar water."

"Right away, sir."

Ethan turned back to Liam. "Now, what business do you have with my wife?"

Sophia shot to her feet, scarlet-cheeked. "I’ll wait outside!"

She bolted before either could stop her.

Whatever they discussed, she wanted no part in it.

Outside, Nathan’s car idled by the curb. She yanked the door open and slid inside.

Nathan startled. "Mrs. Blackwood! Why are you—?"

Sophia cut him off. "Did he see us the moment we walked in?"