Chapter 66

For some reason, Sophie detected a hint of sourness in his tone.

Since the first phase of the Type A aortic dissection surgical trial was of utmost importance, Sophie exchanged only a few words with Raymond and Harper before keeping Andrew and Harper behind. The three of them stayed to discuss the detailed surgical procedure.

Philip wasn't part of her team, so Sophie didn't ask him to stay. She simply handed him the work materials he needed and sent him on his way.

Sophie declined the food both Andrew and Philip had brought, saying she wasn't hungry yet.

The three of them deliberated in the office for a long time.

Raymond sat in the eighth-floor department lobby, waiting for them to finish.

During that time, several doctors and nurses attempted to curry favor with him under the pretense of bringing water or coffee. Each was stopped cold by a single icy glare from Raymond.

After several hours, Harper and Andrew finally emerged from Sophie's office.

By then, Raymond's expression had grown dark.

Whatever Sophie had said to Harper, the younger woman managed to drag Andrew away, claiming she needed help with some trivial matters.

Sophie approached Raymond. "Mr. Garcia has been waiting so long—are you hungry? May I treat you to dinner?"

Raymond stood. "Not hungry. But if Ms. Rivera is offering, I suppose I can do you the honor."

Sophie was speechless. Could this man ever just talk like a normal person?

Raymond booked out the entire Western restaurant downstairs.

During the meal, Sophie ate only a few bites before setting down her knife and fork. She looked up and got straight to the point. "I intend to invest one hundred million dollars in the Sunnyvale Senior Living project under the Rivera Group's name. However, before that happens, I'd like Mr. Garcia's assistance in helping me acquire sixty percent of the Rivera Group's shares."

Raymond also set down his utensils and looked at her. "Is Ms. Rivera planning to sideline the Rivera family?"

Sophie didn't deny it. "Rather than sidelining them, I'd say I'm planning a change in ownership of the Rivera Group."

Raymond smiled faintly. "Ms. Rivera has quite the ambition. But what makes you think I'd help you? And what makes you think I'd let you invest in the Sunnyvale project?"

Sophie didn't waste words. "Raymond, if I'm not mistaken, you're the husband I married in that whirlwind wedding, aren't you? When should we hold a proper ceremony?"

The sudden statement left Raymond stunned.

Ever since returning to Luminous City, Sophie had been investigating her flash-marriage husband. Originally, she'd intended to find him and file for divorce. She never expected the trail to lead to Raymond.

Moreover, she could sense that Raymond had known all along—which made her suspect he was actually willing to marry her.

Sophie knew her words were abrupt, but she didn't regret them. "I'll bring thirty percent of the Rivera Group's shares as my dowry. I need you to help me take control of the Rivera Group. Raymond, are you willing?"

According to the intelligence she'd gathered over the past few days, the other members of the Rivera family were already making their moves.

She had to complete her plan before they could act.

And Raymond was the best ally she could have for this plan.

Originally, she hadn't wanted to take this step. But Adam and Jesse had already dug up some damaging evidence against her brother.

She knew her parents' personalities—they would agree to any demand Adam and Jesse made in order to protect Henry.

If that happened, their side would lose all leverage within the Rivera family.

They had stolen what rightfully belonged to her family. How could she not take it back?

But she couldn't read Raymond's attitude.

Just as Sophie was about to continue persuading him, Raymond spoke coolly: "Alright."

When they left the restaurant, Raymond was already on the phone with his assistant, arranging the wedding details.

Sophie, for her part, immediately informed her family of the news.

Three days later, the first phase of the Type A aortic dissection surgical trial began.

Sophie, along with Andrew and Harper, performed the surgery meticulously for half an hour. They finished ten minutes faster than Philip's team.

Every detail of the surgical process was displayed on large screens.

Through votes from all the hospital's medical staff and international cardiothoracic surgery experts from other hospitals, the results came in: Sophie's team won.

Philip's team lost.

Overnight, Sophie's reputation at the hospital soared.

That same day, Sophie acquired thirty percent of the Rivera Group's shares.

In less than a month, the Rivera Group had changed hands. Sophie became the youngest board member in the company's history.

Of course, Raymond's contribution had been indispensable.

After Sophie took office, she needed only two months to restore the Rivera Group to glory and jointly invest with the Garcia Group in the Sunnyvale Senior Living project.

Around the same time, Matthew learned of these developments. He finally understood—she truly was exceptional and had never needed to depend on him. All along, he'd arrogantly assumed Sophie's every action was some calculated ploy to win him back. Only now did he realize how ridiculous he'd been.

No matter how much regret gnawed at his heart, the woman who had once looked at him with complete devotion was gone for good.

He had lost her.

Three months later, Sophie and Raymond held their wedding ceremony in a grand castle.

After all the guests had departed, Sophie collapsed into Raymond's arms, exhausted.

She looked up at the man before her and asked curiously, "Why were you willing to marry a complete stranger back then?"

Raymond smiled down at her. "Who said I married a stranger? I married my wife."

Sophie didn't know that Raymond had fallen in love with her the moment he first laid eyes on her—in love with the confidence radiating from her bones, her strength, her free spirit.

No matter what her status was, he would have chosen to be with her without hesitation.

In short, he loved her—loved her enough to give her everything.

Raymond gazed at Sophie in his arms and said nothing. He simply lowered his head and kissed her.

The instant their lips touched, Sophie froze for a heartbeat, then closed her eyes. His hand cupped the back of her head, his fingertips threading gently through her soft hair. The kiss was tender and lingering, as if all the joy he'd been saving for so long was finally, quietly spilling out in the stillness of the night.

When they finally pulled apart, their foreheads rested together, both breathing unevenly.

Sophie opened her eyes, the corners still flushed with color, and gave him a light shove. "I asked you a question. Answer properly."

Raymond chuckled softly, his thumb brushing the corner of her lips. His voice was low. "You ask your questions. I'll kiss you. They're not mutually exclusive."

"So why, really?" She glared at him, though her eyes were clearly smiling.

He looked at her, his gaze turning serious—though the smile never left. "Because the moment I saw you that day, I knew I was done for."

"What do you mean?"

"Done for. I knew I was going to spend the rest of my life conquered by you."

Sophie blinked, then suddenly grabbed him by the collar and kissed him again.

This time, she was the one who initiated it.

Outside the window, the moonlight was soft and still. Inside the castle, the clock chimed twelve times.

Raymond held her waist, feeling her lashes brush lightly against his cheek, and thought to himself: there was no why. It was simply meeting the right person at the right time.

And that person happened to be someone he was willing to fall for—completely and without reservation.

---------------

Dear readers, regretfully due to personal reasons, this story must end here sooner than intended. Huge thanks for your company, my sincere apologies, and hope we meet again.