Chapter 29: A Night to Remember

Luke's greasy hand reached for the buttons on Sophia's white blouse, revealing a glimpse of her fair skin under the light. Suddenly, a loud bang startled him, causing him to fall off the bed.

Several bodyguards stormed in, leaving Luke disheveled and sitting on the floor, his lower half deflating instantly.

"Sophia," the property manager rushed in, quickly removing his coat to cover her, worried for her safety. Sophia, still burning with fever and desire, clutched the sheets, whimpering.

The property manager's forehead was drenched in cold sweat. Sophia was someone they were explicitly instructed to protect.

"Miss Welsh," he stammered, panic evident in his eyes.

Preston Harris entered the room, taking in the sight of Sophia struggling to unbutton her shirt. The property manager, noticing the new arrivals, couldn't distinguish which one of them held authority.

Preston calmly buttoned Sophia's shirt back up and scooped her into his arms, casting a cold glance at Luke.

Luke felt a chill run through him, sweat pouring from his forehead. Preston, his face like a thunderstorm, walked out with Sophia in his arms.

Moments later, the property manager received a call from above. He signaled for Luke to be taken downstairs.

"Where are you taking me?" Luke shouted, panic setting in.

"Attempted rape. Where do you think?" the property manager replied. Luke's face turned ghostly pale.

"No, no, it was consensual!"

A punch landed squarely on Luke's face. The property manager was taken aback as Henry, usually composed, repeatedly pummeled Luke, grabbing him by the collar.

"You have no right to hit me! Don’t forget, you have a wife!" Luke spat, blood seeping from his lips.

Henry's fury was uncontrollable, and he continued his assault until Luke was on the ground, bleeding.

"If I see you again, you'll regret it," Henry growled, wiping the blood from his hands with his tie, his eyes blazing with rage.

The property manager stood frozen, unable to comprehend who held the real power here.

Henry walked out, feeling a deep, painful regret. He lit a cigarette, trying to calm his stormy emotions. The sight of Preston carrying Sophia away left him deeply unsettled.

He used to have the chance to marry the woman he loved.

Henry smoked heavily, his broad chest heaving. If not for that incident, he and Sophia wouldn't have ended up like this.

Meanwhile, Preston carried Sophia to the car. As they drove, she leaned closer, her fevered body seeking comfort. She clung to Preston, her lips searching for his face.

"Hot," she murmured.

Preston called Dr. Sterne, describing Sophia's symptoms. "She's very hot and unconscious."

"Preston, only you can help her," William said, ending the call.

Preston brought Sophia back to his place, laying her gently on the bed. She instinctively clung to him, her body desperate for relief. Sophia might be losing her life at any time. There was no time to go to the hospital. He carried Sophia back into the residential area, where he had a house. When the time smoke was like an injured kitten, lying on the big bed, Preston’s movements were very light. Sophia took the initiative and pressed down on him, she was barely conscious and had no idea what she was doing...

The next morning, Sophia woke up in pain, feeling like she'd been run over by a truck. She felt a sense of dread as she looked around the unfamiliar room, seeing no one beside her.

"Awake?" Preston's familiar voice came from the doorway. He approached, placing a hand on her forehead.

"Where am I?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Preston explained the events of the previous night, his expression serious. Sophia’s mind raced as she pieced together the fragments of her memory.

"Luke," she started, fear creeping into her voice.

"He didn't touch you," Preston assured her, holding her hand. "But I did."

Sophia's breath hitched. How could he say that so calmly?

"Have some water and get some rest," Preston said, his fingers still warm from holding her.

Sophia drank the water, her throat parched. He even guessed that her mouth was dry! Memories of the night before resurfaced, and she blushed, recalling Preston's surprising gentleness and the intensity of their encounter. He usually seemed so gentle and scholarly, turned into a different person in bed. Her husband was not just good; he was very good.The more Sophia thought about it, the hotter she felt. She drank several gulps of water before changing into the clothes Preston had prepared for her and heading out.Preston was standing by the window, talking on the phone. He gestured for her to go to the dining table. Sophia pulled out a chair and sat down. Preston quickly finished his call and walked over to her.

Preston returned to her side, offering a sandwich and some soup. Sophia's eyes drifted to his waist, her thoughts racing.

"Why are you avoiding looking at me?" Preston asked, amused.

He handed her a sandwich and then some soup."Are you shy? Or do you not want to have a relationship with me?" Sophia took the sandwich, feeling her cheeks burn. "I'm just...embarrassed."

Preston smiled. "I see. Don’t be. If anything, last night showed how much you mean to me."

Sophia's heart pounded as she avoided his gaze, focusing on her meal. "I'll keep working hard in the future, wifey," Preston said with a smile. Sophia blinked cautiously, so there would be a next time? However, her experience wasn't bad; after all, they were both adults.

Preston drove Sophia home, and she finally noticed their surroundings.

"We stayed at Maple Grove Estates last night?"

Preston nodded, his expression unreadable.