Chapter 154 Breathtaking Beauty

Chapter 154 Breathtaking Beauty

Oliver paused, then began rambling incoherently, "At the police station today, you weren't too shaken up, were you? Clara didn't mean it; she was just panicked. Don't take it to heart."

"Oliver," Sophia interrupted impatiently, "If you called just to make excuses for Clara, I'm hanging up. I'm busy and don't have time for this nonsense."

"That's not what I meant! I'm not making excuses for her..."

Oliver said hastily, his voice carrying a barely perceptible note of panic. He paused again, as if gathering courage, then asked softly, "Your chin injury—does it still hurt? Did you apply the ointment?"

Sophia gripped her phone, momentarily stunned, almost believing she'd misheard.

Was Oliver concerned about her injury? In all the years of their marriage, she'd never received such attentive concern from him.

She immediately let out a derisive laugh, her tone dripping with sarcasm, "Oliver, are you drunk or have you lost your mind? What business is my injury of yours? Instead of wasting time bothering me with your fake concern, why don't you go comfort your precious Clara? She was crying so pitifully at the station today. Aren't you afraid she'll be upset that you're calling me instead of consoling her?"

Oliver, on the other end, seemed choked up, his breathing becoming heavy with what sounded like gritted teeth, "Sophia, do you have to use that tone with me? Can't we just have one normal conversation?"

"A normal conversation?" Sophia repeated the phrase, her voice full of mockery. "Oliver, have you forgotten how you brought up our divorce? Forgotten how you protected Clara and called me unreasonable? From the moment you chose Clara, all that's left between us is hostility. There's no room for 'normal conversations.'"

Oliver took a deep breath, as if finally finding a reasonable excuse, and stiffly changed the subject.

"Grandfather knows about what happened at the police station today. He asked me to call and check on you. He also said to tell you to come back to the Miller Manor when you have time—he wants to talk with you."

Sophia's expression shifted slightly. When it came to Gavin, she instinctively felt some compassion.

She fell silent for a few seconds, her tone still cool, "Thank Grandfather for his concern. My injury isn't serious—it'll heal in a few days. As for returning to the Miller Manor, I'll call him personally when I have time. You don't need to relay anything. If there's nothing else, I'm hanging up."

Without waiting for Oliver to respond, Sophia decisively ended the call and blocked the number.

Looking at her darkened phone screen, she found the entire conversation bizarre and pointless.

Sophia didn't believe for a second that Oliver was being genuinely kind.

On the other end, Oliver's expression was extremely grim.

He'd already swallowed his pride to reach out and communicate with her, yet hadn't received even a hint of warmth in return.

Mocking voices came from nearby, "Mr. Miller, looks like you got rejected!"

Oliver's expression darkened further. He hadn't even had the chance to ask Sophia to come pick him up.

The next morning, Sophia arrived at the office right on time.

She'd just finished processing several urgent documents when her assistant knocked and entered, "Ms. Brown, Mr. Windsor is waiting outside. He says he has something to discuss with you."

Sophia looked up in surprise, setting down her pen, "Send him in."

Henry entered carrying an insulated bag.

He walked straight to her desk, placed the bag on top, and opened it to reveal sandwiches and coffee inside, "I knew you skipped breakfast this morning. Had the kitchen make your favorite."

Looking at the steaming breakfast, Sophia felt warmth spread through her chest as she looked up at him, "How did you know I didn't eat breakfast?"

"Lucky guess." Henry smiled, moving to her side and leaning down to organize some files on her desk. "You went to bed late last night—I figured you'd oversleep this morning. Eat up before it gets cold."

Sophia obediently picked up a sandwich and took a bite, exactly the way she liked it.

As she ate, she listened to Henry explain, "There's a business gala tonight—the grand opening reception for the Galaxy District tech park. Many important business partners will be there. Come with me?"

Sophia swallowed her bite of food and looked up to meet his deep gaze. Without hesitation, she nodded, "Alright. But I don't have an appropriate gown—I'd need to go shopping this afternoon."

"No need. I've already had everything prepared."

Henry snapped his fingers, and the office door opened again. Several fashionably dressed stylists filed in, wheeling garment racks filled with gowns and jewelry.

"Leave everything to them. I guarantee you'll be satisfied."

Sophia looked at the elaborate setup with some helplessness, "You certainly think of everything."

"Of course I do." Henry leaned down, whispering in her ear, his warm breath brushing her earlobe and making her cheeks flush.

Sophia stepped back two paces, pretending to remain composed, "Your company certainly treats its employees well."

Henry lowered his voice again, speaking so only they could hear, "Only for you."

Several hours later, when Sophia appeared before Henry again, even he, who was accustomed to beautiful women, couldn't hide the flash of amazement in his eyes.

She wore an elegant smoke-gray strapless gown made of imported silk with subtle pearl beading that caught the light with soft luminescence.

The cut was supremely elegant, with a fitted waist that perfectly accentuated her slender figure, while the skirt featured a subtle side slit that revealed her delicate white ankles and a glimpse of her calves, paired with matching strappy heels—noble yet with just the right touch of sensuality.

Her makeup was refined without being heavy—the makeup artist had skillfully concealed the scratch on her chin with foundation while emphasizing her clear, bright eyes and full lips.

Her long hair was pulled back into a low chignon, exposing the elegant curve of her neck and the defined lines of her collarbones. Diamond studs sparkled at her ears, complementing the bracelet Avery had given her, making her seem to glow with inner radiance.

"How do I look?"

Sophia turned in a gentle circle before him, her skirt flaring in a graceful arc, her lips curved in a subtle smile as she looked at him with bright eyes.

Henry stepped forward, naturally encircling her waist with his arm, and pressed a kiss to her forehead, his voice low and magnetic.

"So beautiful that I want to hide you away where only I can see you."

His fingers gently traced the fabric at her back, his gaze filled with possessive desire.

Sophia's cheeks warmed as she gave him a reproachful look, "Stop it—we still have a gala to attend."