Chapter 153
Sophia's POV:
My mind went blank for a few seconds.
Liliana clearly said he'd lost his memory and didn't remember me.
But now he was standing here, calling out my name accurately.
I quickly pushed down the storm of emotions in my heart, forcing myself to stay calm. I couldn't let anything slip.
James was too smart. I absolutely couldn't let him notice something was wrong, or with his personality, he'd definitely dig into me relentlessly.
Our business partner Lyndon Myles didn't notice anything unusual and was still enthusiastically introducing James: "Ms. Brown, this is Mr. Smith, the biggest investor in our project—James Smith. Mr. Smith, this is Sophia Brown, the lead designer for our jewelry collection. Very talented."
"From your tone just now, it sounds like you know Ms. Brown?"
"Yes, Ms. Brown and I are old acquaintances." When James said this, his eyes were fixed on my face, as if trying to read something from it.
"That's wonderful." Lyndon smiled. "Saves us time getting to know each other."
"Mr. Smith, I've always lived abroad. From what I remember, I don't think I've ever met Mr. Smith." I stated it directly and clearly.
James let out a meaningful laugh: "Is that so? Maybe we do know each other, who knows."
My hands clenched tightly.
I didn't know if he'd discovered something or was just testing me.
Lyndon seemed to sense something was off between us. He looked back and forth but didn't dare speak.
James took the initiative to extend his hand, easing the atmosphere: "Ms. Brown, looking forward to working together."
I reached out and lightly shook his hand. The warmth from our fingertips made my heart tremble, but I maintained a proper smile on my face: "It should be Mr. Smith looking after us."
His hand was steady. I shook it once and let go, keeping perfect professional distance—exactly the attitude for meeting a business partner for the first time.
But he...
Perhaps it really was as I suspected—he knew something, but not everything, which was why he kept testing me.
"I've seen the initial concepts for Ms. Brown's work. Very natural." James's gaze fell on my face with a hint of inquiry, but quickly moved away to Lyndon. "Mr. Myles has good taste."
"You're too kind. We should thank Mr. Smith for giving us this opportunity." Lyndon smiled and exchanged pleasantries.
Next, we briefly discussed the collaboration project.
James didn't say much, but every comment hit the mark. Occasionally, he'd ask me one or two questions about design concepts.
His attitude was professional, but he kept looking at me. His gaze carried a hint of restraint.
I felt like I had a target on my back. I made an excuse about needing to use the restroom and nodded politely to them: "Mr. Smith, Mr. Myles, excuse me."
As I turned to leave, I could feel James's gaze following me like a shadow.
After staying in the restroom for a while, I messaged Lyndon saying I wasn't feeling well and needed to go back and rest.
Lyndon asked with concern.
[Is it serious? Do you need to see a doctor?]
[Probably just jet lag.]
Lyndon thoughtfully told me to hurry back and rest. He'd explain to James for me.
I left almost as if fleeing.
Only after getting into a taxi did I dare let out a long breath. My palms were covered in cold sweat.
My phone vibrated. It was Liliana.
"Sophia, did you arrive? Where are you now?"
I interrupted her, my voice trembling slightly. "At the reception just now, I saw James."
There were two seconds of silence on the other end: "What was his reaction?"
"He said I looked familiar. He was testing me." I leaned against the car window, watching the night scenery fly past. "But I denied it."
"I'm sorry, Sophia, for putting you in this position." Liliana's voice dropped. "He's been investigating you. Even Grandma can't stop him. I've caused you trouble."
"His memory... really shows no signs of recovery at all?"
Liliana sighed: "The doctor says it can recover, but doesn't know when."
I closed my eyes and said softly, "Liliana, I might go back early. I'll try to complete the domestic work remotely."
Facing James every day was just too dangerous. What if he remembered one day and changed his mind about letting me go?
"I understand." Liliana asked, "How's the baby?"
I touched my now-visible belly, my expression softening: "Very healthy. I had a checkup right before coming."
"That's good." Liliana paused. "Sophia, if... I mean, if James remembers everything one day, what will you do?"
I was silent for a long time.
"Liliana, a shattered mirror is hard to restore." I continued, "Even if you piece it back together, the cracks will always be there."
"I'm worried it'll be too hard for you alone."
"Liliana, I chose this path myself. No matter how difficult the road ahead, I'll keep going."
"I'll always be with you."
After hanging up, I watched my phone screen go dark.
The taxi stopped at the hotel entrance. I paid and got out. As soon as I walked into the lobby, I froze in place.
James was sitting on a sofa in the lounge area, phone in hand, seemingly waiting for someone.
He saw me, stood up, and walked over.
"Ms. Brown, what a coincidence." He said, his eyes looking at me nakedly, like staring at a piece of prime meat.
My heart jumped. This wasn't a coincidence at all. He probably had someone investigate me after I left.
"Mr. Smith." I tried to keep my voice calm. "You're staying here too?"
"Decided to stay the night at the last minute." He walked closer. I could smell the faint scent of alcohol on him. "Didn't expect Ms. Brown and me to be so fated."
Fated? Who's fated with you?
Wasn't this you deliberately tracking me down?
"Traveling for business while pregnant must be hard." His gaze fell on my abdomen, which was hidden by a loose dress, but the curve was still visible if you looked carefully.
My spine instantly stiffened.
"The baby's well-behaved, knows I'm working, hasn't been giving me trouble," I answered briefly and pressed the elevator button.
James followed: "Let me see you upstairs. It's late, not safe for you alone."
"No need, thank you." The elevator door opened. I quickly walked in and rapidly pressed the close button.
But before the door fully closed, he put his hand out to block it.
The elevator door opened again.
James walked in, standing beside me.
In the small space, his presence was suffocatingly strong.
"Mr. Smith, which floor?" I forced myself to ask.
"2608."
I was in 2607. He was right next door to me. Could things really be this coincidental?
I pressed my lips together and said nothing more.
The elevator slowly ascended. The mirrored walls reflected our figures—he was a head taller than me, his profile sharp and defined in the light.
"Ms. Brown." He suddenly spoke. "We definitely knew each other before, didn't we?"
I took a deep breath: "Mr. Smith, you've already asked this question."
"But I think you're lying." His voice was soft but carried a kind of stubbornness. "The way you look at me—it's not how you look at a stranger."