Chapter 260: What About Him?

Chapter 260: What About Him?

(Sophia POV)

I didn't answer, but we both knew what it was.

The next day, Mom excitedly called me to the walk-in closet.

The walk-in closet next to the master bedroom had been completely reorganized.

All the clothes that were previously piled together were now hung by color and style. The shoe cabinet held over a dozen pairs of new shoes, and when I opened the middle drawer, there was jewelry inside.

I walked over and took a look—necklaces, earrings, bracelets, all simple designs, nothing with those flashy designer logos.

"Chloe helped pick these out for you," Mom said with a smile. "She said you don't like anything too complicated, so I put her in charge. William helped too—he picked out the watch and a few scarves, said you could use them for work."

I reached out and touched a beige trench coat hanging in front. The fabric was soft, like flour against my palm. The tag was still on. I flipped it over to check the price, and my fingers froze. That number was enough to cover half a year of my living expenses back at the Cooper family.

"Mom, these are too expensive."

"Not expensive at all." Her tone was completely natural, like she was commenting on nice weather. "Those three years you spent at the Cooper family, you paid for everything yourself, didn't even buy yourself a decent coat. Can't your mom feel bad for you and make up for it?"

My nose stung. Not from wanting to cry, but from that feeling of having old wounds exposed—and discovering someone had been keeping track for you. She knew. She knew everything.

I stared down at the trench coat and didn't refuse again. I just tore off the tag.

Three o'clock in the afternoon. The doorbell rang.

Robinson went to answer it. Three people stood outside—William, Laura, and William's father Quinn Simmons.

Quinn wore a dark gray casual suit, his hair neatly combed, smiling as he carried in a case of wine.

Laura followed behind, holding an insulated container with steam escaping from the lid.

"Sophia!" She called my name as soon as she entered, her tone as warm as if she were calling her own daughter. "I made oxtail soup. You just got out of the hospital—you need to build your strength back up."

I walked out from the kitchen and quickly took the container from her. "Laura, thank you."

She grabbed my hand and looked me up and down several times. "You've gotten so thin—look how pointed your chin is now. Now that you're out of the hospital, eat properly. Don't skimp on food."

Mom came downstairs and greeted Laura with a smile when she saw her.

Laura pulled her into conversation, and the two sat down on the sofa, their voices getting quieter and quieter as they whispered about something.

William set the wine on the dining table and walked over to me, lowering his voice.

"My mom really did come to see you this time. But she probably has other motives."

I looked up at him. He shrugged. "Just wait and see."

Sure enough. Ten minutes later, Laura came over with her tea and sat down next to me, smiling warmly.

"Sophia, living alone in such a big house, don't you feel lonely?"

I paused. "It's okay. Robinson and the others live on the first floor, so I'm not really alone."

She nodded and asked again, "So what are your plans going forward? Have you figured out the work situation?"

"Still thinking about it. Noah wants me to study with him for three months."

"Mm-hmm, that's good." She patted my hand and said casually, "William's been so busy lately too, working overtime every day. There's not even anyone at home for him to talk to. You young people should get together more when you have time—don't just stay cooped up at home all day."

I finally caught on.

I glanced over at William. He was leaning against the window drinking water, his face saying "I didn't hear anything."

Mom was smiling nearby without joining in, but her eyes clearly carried some assessment. The look wasn't heavy, but it was constant.

Just then, the doorbell rang again. Robinson opened the door.

The person standing outside was someone no one expected.

Henry. Luke was behind him. No advance notice, no arranged visit.

Noah came out of the study, and when he saw Henry, his expression shifted slightly.

"Mr. Cooper."

Henry stood at the door without immediately entering. He looked at the yard, looked at the porch, and finally looked at me as I walked out from the living room. His gaze lingered on my face for several seconds.

I stood there without avoiding his eyes. "Please come in and sit."

Noah stepped aside to let them pass.

Henry entered the living room and sat down on the sofa.

Luke placed the gifts they'd brought on the coffee table.

Quinn knew Henry—the two nodded at each other in acknowledgment. The atmosphere went quiet for a moment, like something hanging in mid-air that hadn't fallen yet.

Mom handed over a cup of tea. Henry took it and drank a sip. Then he spoke.

"Sophia, are you feeling better?"

"Much better, thank you for your concern." My voice was calm, but every word was steadied from my throat.

He nodded and was silent for a few seconds. He set down the teacup.

"I came today not representing the Cooper family. Just myself, coming to see how you are."

I stood there and listened quietly until he finished.

"It's good that you came." That was all I said.

He looked into my eyes, and suddenly—I didn't know what he was thinking. But I knew his gaze had changed.

Three years ago at the Cooper family, I kept my head down, spoke in soft whispers, like a rabbit ready to run at any moment.

Now it was different. I stood here with my back straight, my eyes calm, neither humble nor arrogant.

And Daniel?

He'd lost his chance long ago.