CHAPTER 72: CHAPTER 72: SHIFTING THE TROUBLE EASTWARD

Nighttime.

Sweat soaked her hair.

Buzz—

The phone on the bedside table vibrated, then rang.

Zane Sterling’s phone rang.

He unwillingly poked his head out from under the covers, his forehead covered in a light sweat.

He picked up the phone, seeing Miles Lockwood’s name on the screen.

Two in the morning, calling at this hour...

Annoying—

[Speak.]

After half a minute, he hung up the phone, looking displeased.

Sophia Lowell, flushed, didn’t ask him, just stared blankly at him.

He bent down and kissed the woman on the forehead.

"Darling, there’s something urgent, I need to go out for a while. Don’t wait up."

"Okay."

Zane Sterling paused, looking at her, suddenly feeling he shouldn’t have taken the call.

He slowly put on his pants and picked up his clothes from the floor.

His gaze dimmed slightly as he looked at the woman beside him, eyes closed, feeling a bit reluctant.

After he left, Sophia Lowell showered again, sitting on the sofa in the study, thinking about what Zane Sterling had said to her.

Helping Sylvia Coldwell arrange furniture...

She didn’t know what this man was thinking.

Wanting to refuse, but it seemed inappropriate; refusing might make her seem petty.

He explained the matter of buying Sylvia a house, stating it was a joint investment by five comrades for her.

Once her home was set up, they wouldn’t support her anymore, letting her be self-sufficient.

It counted as a good outcome.

The next day.

She got up early to go to work.

Zane Sterling didn’t show up, his replies to her messages were brief.

He didn’t come home that night either.

She decided not to disturb him anymore.

Early Saturday, she met with Zoe Walsh.

She previously arranged to look at furniture with Sylvia Coldwell, but Sylvia suggested Sophia handle it instead.

She even had someone send over the keys, washing her hands of the matter.

Sophia Lowell realized this hot potato had been pushed into her hands.

So she scheduled a meeting with Zoe Walsh.

Butler Langley drove, with Zoe Walsh and Sophia Lowell in the back seat, looking at furniture advertisements.

"Sylvia is very obedient, just very attached to Zane. I was afraid you’d mind, but I didn’t expect you’d be so considerate, helping her pick furniture," Zoe commented.

Zoe Walsh looked awkwardly.

Seems she was troubled by this matter too.

"Miss Walsh, what are you saying? She calls me sister-in-law, of course, I treat her like a little sister," Sophia Leaned closer to Zoe Walsh.

Having known Zoe Walsh for over a decade, she remained attached, sticking close.

"She’s older than you by a month though, not exactly a little sister." Zoe teased.

Sophia laughed.

Indeed, she’s grown quite impatiently.

"Zane mentioned that things will be busy until the end of the year, then there’s about a month of vacation. Have you thought about having a wedding?" Zoe’s mind wasn’t on the furniture but their personal affairs.

A wedding?

Better not, their relationship had been rushed from the start.

Their most interactive time was probably spent in bed.

Not much communication beyond that.

"That’s a bit hasty..."

She blushed.

Zoe Walsh noticed her shy demeanor and laughed, patting her hand.

"Listen to you young folks."

They visited many custom furniture shops, finalized plans, and scheduled a measurement appointment.

With the rush job, it should be ready for occupancy by spring next year.

After dinner with Zoe Walsh, Butler Langley drove her home.

Arriving home, several makeup artists waited at the door.

The bodyguard said Zane had hired them.

Knowing Sophia would attend Tim Sawyer’s birthday party tonight, he arranged help with makeup.

Sophia smiled, thankful for the saved time.

But...

It was quite awkward. The hickeys from two days ago were faint but noticeable.

Fortunately, the makeup artist could cover them.

At eight, Ethan Sinclair drove to pick her up.

Sophia: "Did Manager Sawyer invite you too?"

"No, he invited Mr. Sterling; I’m here in his stead."

"Where did he go?"

Recalling that night, he ran away like he was caught cheating.

"I thought you knew."

Sophia never inquiries into his schedule.

She was hesitant, "Think I should call and ask?"

Ethan sighed.

"If you could muster the passion you had while dating Henry Quinn, even a fraction, he’d probably come running back."

"Ha—" Sophia sneered.

The mere mention of Henry Quinn made her nauseous.

The car arrived at Brighton Gardens.

Ethan went to park, while Sophia waited at the entrance.

She called Zane Sterling, who quickly answered.

[Where are you?] She never felt seductive, but calling him, she realized she was a tease.

[Miss me?]

His voice was hoarse, with a hint of fatigue.

Sophia said nothing.

[I’m at the hospital; Sylvia’s heart had issues and she’s still unconscious.]

[What?]

Her heart sank, why her again?

[Don’t worry, I’ll return once Melora Vance is back. He’s on a trip, and no one’s watching over her.]

Melora Vance liked Sylvia; after their discharge, Melora handled most affairs. With him abroad, and her still in danger, she couldn’t just be left with the nurses. Someone needed to stay.

[Okay.]

They both fell silent.

Zane Sterling [Wife.]

Sophia didn’t answer, so he called again.

His voice was alluring, Sophia hastily hung up.

Her face flushed, fearing any more and she’d react...

Those out-of-control nights, he’d call her "wife" repeatedly...

Zane Snickered at his phone.

"Auntie, I’m starving here; phone talk not done yet?" Ethan Sinclair.

Sophia snapped back to reality, and they walked in together.

The party was bustling; Tim Sawyer eyed the entrance.

Seeing Ethan with Sophia beside him, she hurried over.

"Assistant Sinclair, Ms. Lowell."

"Manager Sawyer, happy birthday!"

The three exchanged pleasantries.

Unable to resist, Tim Sawyer asked, "Mr. Sterling..."

Ethan awkwardly smiled: "Mr. Sterling won’t make it tonight."

Her smile froze, immediately linking to Sylvia.

Before, she’d find ways to keep Zane by her side.

After the accident, Zane isolated himself, ignoring everyone.

She hoped things had improved this year, hoping he’d come, meet her parents, and mend ties.

Unexpectedly, Sylvia wasn’t easy to shake off.

Sophia noticed her slight change in expression.

This Tim Sawyer seems tenacious, her romantic pursuit apparently not thwarted.

"Heard Sylvia isn’t well; Mr. Sterling might not make time." Sophia aimed to deflect attention.

Ethan widened his eyes at Sophia, daring her to say that?

Seemed the drama wasn’t enough?

Sophia secretly pinched Ethan’s arm.

He winced in pain, swallowing his words.

Tim Sawyer snorted lightly.