Bloodbound Betrayal

Chapter 27: This Is My Daughter

Sophie knew he was right, but her pride kept gnawing at her. She bit her lower lip and stayed silent.

“Let’s both try to walk in step with each other, all right?” Ned rose from his executive chair, his gaze deepening.

“I’ll try…” Sophie lifted her eyes to meet his.

Suddenly, Ned cupped her face in his hands and kissed her—hard, warm, and wet. The kiss was molten sweetness that seeped into her bones, soft and inescapable. Sophie couldn’t resist his pull…

Even though she knew this was the CEO’s office and someone could walk in any second with a report, she melted into it…

Then he took her hand, led her slowly to the sofa, and gently pressed her down onto the cushions. “Don’t leave yet. Just sit here for a while. I’ll finish up, then take you to dinner.”

Her thoughts were still lost in that kiss, and the heat from his palm made Sophie’s heart race like a hummingbird. Every wild worry in her mind dissolved, as if the entire office had turned into a dreamy cloud of pink bubbles.

Knock-knock-knock. The door opened, and in walked Jonathan Harrington, Chairman of the Group.

“Ned, that analysis report…?” He caught sight of Sophie sitting on the sofa in a daze and looked momentarily startled. “Uh, why are you sitting there? Waiting to give a report?”

Sophie snapped out of it at the sound of his voice. Seeing the Chairman himself, she shot to her feet. “Chairman, hello!”

“Good, good. I’ve told you before—no need to call me Chairman. ‘Uncle’ is much warmer. I don’t even work at C&C; no need to be so formal.” Jonathan smiled kindly at her. “Sweetheart, step outside for a bit. I need to discuss some business with Ned.”

Whenever he saw Sophie, Jonathan Harrington’s face would unconsciously soften, tinged with an inexplicable fondness.

“Mhm, okay. I’ll head out. Take your time.” Sophie closed the door behind her and returned to her desk. In her mind, that kiss replayed on a loop—it had been her first.

Time blurred. Eventually, the CEO’s office door opened again, and Chairman Harrington stepped out. Spotting Sophie still staring blankly at her station, he walked over. “Sophie, come with me to the conference room for a moment,” he said, feigning sternness.

A collective gasp rippled through the office. “Hiss—” Colleagues ducked their heads like startled quail. The Chairman rarely visited C&C, and Sophie had been distracted all week. Was he about to drag her into the conference room for a private scolding?

Watching Sophie's timid figure trailing behind the chairman, the colleagues' chat group immediately exploded:

"What's going on? Sophie came out of the general manager's office looking dazed—"

"Isn't Sophie the airborne soldier brought in by the chairman? How come she's getting scolded too?"

"From the tone, it sounded pretty harsh. Little Sophie might be in big trouble..."

"But honestly, these past few days Sophie has indeed been slacking off at work, though she used to be very serious and responsible!"

"Probably the general manager finally couldn't stand her anymore and wants the chairman to reassign her?"

........................

In the conference room, Jonathan reverted to his amiable demeanor, lifting his eyes to look at Sophie. "Don't worry, the specialist will arrive in about ten days or so. Your mother will be saved."

Sophie nodded.

"There's something I've been wanting to ask—"

"Hmm? Uncle Jonathan, what is it?" Sophie blinked.

"I've visited the hospital several times, but I've never seen your father coming to take care of your mother, nor have I heard you mention him. Why is that?" Jonathan asked straightforwardly.

The smile on Sophie's face instantly froze.

Jonathan watched her, eager for a clear answer.

Sophie turned her eyes away: "Uncle Jonathan, I don't want to mention 'that person.'" She wouldn't even say the word "father."

Jonathan was very surprised. He stared at Sophie's averted gaze and the disgusted expression on her face, taking a long while to recover. "I'm sorry, child. I know asking like this is very presumptuous and strange. It's my fault. I'm sorry, child, I was too forward."

Sophie turned her face back and suddenly said: "It's not your fault; it has nothing to do with you." She spoke with some difficulty, "I've lived with my mom since I was little and have never seen 'that person.' When I was young, seeing others have one, I askedued to ask my mom why I didn't. Mom just told me that my surname is Davies, and from the moment I was born, 'that person' didn't exist. I only have my mom, and she only has me."

Thinking of her mother, who was now suffering in the hospital awaiting treatment, tears welled up in her eyes. “Mom raised me all by herself through so much hardship. I’ve long grown used to it. Not having ‘that person’ is actually pretty good.”

“Oh—, so that’s how it is…” This child wouldn’t even say the word “dad.” Jonathan’s heart was filled with mixed emotions. This is my daughter. She and her mother have suffered so much. Sarah has always been raising our daughter alone. Life in Manchester must have been incredibly hard for her.

“I’m sorry, truly sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.” After reaching a conclusion in his heart, Jonathan looked at Sophie with even greater tenderness.

“N-No, it’s okay, Uncle Jonathan. You’ve already helped Mom and me so much. If ‘that person’ were someone like you, I would feel incredibly happy.” Sophie bent deeply at the waist, bowing to him.

“If you or Sarah need anything, come to me. I will definitely help—no need to be polite.” Jonathan smiled as he gently lifted Sophie’s arm to help her straighten. “I’ll head out now. Finish work early and don’t overthink things. Remember, I’ve got your back. Be good—” He gave a faint smile and turned around.

But the moment he turned, the smile faded from his face…

His expression suddenly aged as if by a decade. His right hand pressed against his chest where a dull pain had begun, his face grave.