Chapter 285 Finale

Chapter 285 Finale

Sophia gently patted Serenity's back without saying a word.

Before long, Byron walked in with two police officers.

"Ms. Powell, Ms. Brown." Byron's face showed a rare smile. "We just got word from the border. Mr. Smith has been successfully rescued."

Serenity quickly wiped away her tears and stood up. "Byron, thank you so much. Without you, I really wouldn't have known what to do."

"It's our job." Byron waved his hand. "However, Mr. Smith is still at the border hospital. Due to serious leg injuries and his weak condition, he can't be transferred yet. He needs to stay there for observation for a few more days."

"I understand." Serenity kept nodding. "Then I'll pack right now and go take care of him. He can't see, and his leg is injured. He can't be alone."

"Serenity, I'll go with you." Sophia immediately spoke up. "I'm worried about you going alone, and that place is completely unfamiliar to you. I can help if I'm there."

"No, no need." Serenity quickly shook her head, guilt on her face. "Sophia, you've already been troubled enough during this time."

She lowered her head, her voice dropping very low. "From when James had his accident until now, you've been running around constantly. The company has so much going on. I can't keep asking you to do more."

"It's okay, Serenity. Calvin's handling the company, nothing will go wrong." Sophia tried to keep her tone steady. "Your health isn't good to begin with. I really can't feel at ease with you going alone."

"Really, no need." Serenity's attitude was firm. "You've already helped me too much. I can't ask any more of you."

She paused, then added, "Besides, with James in this condition, seeing you would put pressure on him too. I'll go by myself."

Sophia hadn't really wanted to go anyway. She was just worried about Serenity. Seeing how determined Serenity was, she didn't insist further.

"Alright then, take care of yourself. Call me anytime if anything comes up. I'll have Calvin book your flight."

"Yes, okay, thank you, Sophia." Serenity looked up at her, eyes full of gratitude.

Later, Serenity called Sophia to say James had woken up, though he was still very weak. The injury on his leg was healing fairly well.

Half a month later, Serenity brought James back.

Sophia made a special trip to the airport to pick them up.

At the arrival exit, people came and went, the terminal humming with activity.

Sophia spotted Serenity in the crowd. Serenity was pushing a wheelchair, her hair more than half gray.

In just half a month, she seemed to have suddenly aged ten years.

The person sitting in the wheelchair was James.

He had lost a lot of weight, his face pale to the point of being almost transparent.

His eyes were open, his gaze focused. He tilted his head slightly, listening intently to Serenity talking to him.

Sophia's steps paused.

"Sophia." Serenity saw her and forced out a smile.

James immediately turned his head, his gaze landing on Sophia.

A very weak smile pulled at the corners of his mouth.

"Sophia." He called her name softly, his voice terribly hoarse. "I'm sorry."

He said those words very seriously, carrying the weight of deep guilt.

Sophia looked at him without making a sound.

She had so much to say, yet couldn't get a single word out.

Did she hate him? Of course she did.

Even now, Sophia still wished he would die.

But looking at the haggard Serenity, she ultimately said nothing.

"Must be tired from the journey." Sophia changed the subject, taking the suitcase from Serenity's hands. "The car's outside. I'll take you home."

"Yes, okay." Serenity quickly nodded.

The car was quiet the whole way.

Serenity occasionally spoke up, talking about James's situation at the border hospital.

"The doctor said his eyes are a complete miracle." Serenity's voice carried a hint of relief. "It was swelling from cyanide poisoning that compressed the optic nerve. This time at the border, maybe because of the bumpy roads, the swelling went down unexpectedly, and his vision gradually recovered."

She paused, then continued, "But this leg... the doctor said it was shattered too severely, and the nerves were damaged too. In the future... he might never be able to stand again."

Her voice began to tremble as she said this.

"And also..." Serenity paused, her voice dropping even lower. "The doctor said he was hurt too badly this time, his body severely depleted. Even with good care, he probably only has a few years left."

Hearing this, Sophia actually felt a bit calmer inside.

In her view, his remaining years would all be spent in pain.

Though she couldn't take revenge with her own hands, this was already the harshest punishment he could receive.

In a few more years, Serenity would have time to slowly accept all this.

For Sophia, though this outcome wasn't perfect, it was enough.

She glanced at James in the rearview mirror. He had his head down. She couldn't see the expression on his face.

The car soon arrived at the Smith family's villa.

Sophia helped carry the luggage inside. Serenity took her hand, sincerely urging her to stay. "Sophia, stay for dinner. I'll make your favorite beef stew."

"No, Serenity. I have things at the company, I need to get back." Sophia shook her head. "You and James just got back. Rest well. Call me anytime if you need anything."

"Well... alright then." Serenity couldn't insist further. "Drive safely, and come visit me when you have time."

"I will."

Sophia turned and walked out of the Smith family's villa.

As soon as she reached the entrance, she saw Nathan's car parked by the roadside. He was leaning against it, a cigarette between his fingers. Seeing her come out, he stubbed out the cigarette and walked toward her.

"How's James?" Nathan asked.

"Fine. He's still alive." Sophia's tone was flat.

"That's good then." Nathan nodded and opened the car door. "Get in, I'll take you back to the company."

Sophia got in the car, and Nathan started the engine.

After a moment of silence in the car, Nathan spoke again. "What are your plans now?"

A faint smile curved Sophia's lips. "What plans could I have? Manage the Brown Group well, take care of Clara, make sure she's happy. That's enough."

Nathan's hand on the steering wheel paused slightly. He turned to glance at her and asked softly, "What about me?"

Sophia turned her head, meeting his gentle gaze, and felt something shift inside her.

He had never pressured her, never used what he'd done for her to tie her down. He just quietly stayed by her side, waiting for her to be ready.

Sophia was silent for a few seconds, then smiled lightly. "Nathan, I don't want to think about these things right now."

Nathan didn't show disappointment, just nodded, his tone still gentle. "That's okay. I'll wait for you, however long it takes."

Sophia didn't answer, turning to look out the window again.

Sunlight streamed through the car window onto her face, bright and warm.

Five years later, Sophia stood on the stage at the Outstanding Young Entrepreneur awards ceremony, her expression confident and composed.

She accepted the trophy and bowed deeply to the audience below.

Warm applause erupted from the crowd.

Nathan sat in the front row, watching her on stage, a proud smile on his lips.

Sophia's gaze landed on him, and she smiled back warmly.

After coming down from the stage, Nathan immediately came up to her, handing her a bouquet of white roses. "Congratulations, Sophia."

"Thank you." Sophia took the flowers with a smile.

"Let's go. I booked your favorite restaurant to celebrate." Nathan reached out naturally to take the trophy and certificate from her hands.

The two walked out side by side. Halfway there, Nathan's steps paused. After a moment's hesitation, he spoke up. "Sophia, there's something I need to tell you."

"What is it?" Sophia looked at him.

"James... doesn't have much time left." Nathan's voice became much lower. "The doctor said it's just a matter of days now. He had someone pass along a message. He wants to see you one last time."

The smile faded from Sophia's face. She shook her head gently. "I'd rather not."

Nathan raised an eyebrow deliberately. "He's practically on his deathbed, and you still won't go see him?"

Sophia lifted her head and looked at him, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "He's practically on his deathbed, and you're still jealous?"

"Why shouldn't I be?" Nathan slipped an arm around her waist and leaned in to murmur in her ear. "You know what they say. A dead ex is the hardest competition. Of course I'm jealous."

Sophia couldn't help but laugh, a trace of helplessness in her eyes. "He was never my ex. He doesn't mean anything to me now."

She paused, then added, "When he actually dies, I'll go to his funeral."

Nathan's lips curved up as he reached out to ruffle her hair. "Okay, whatever you say."

Sophia smiled, linking her arm through his, and looked up at the sky.

Dusk was ending, golden light falling on the streets and buildings, quiet and warm.