Chapter 160: Sophia Leaves Emerald Harbor

Seeing this, Natalia was about to stand up to see her off, but Sophia shook her head and said flatly, "Don't bother, I'll go back on my own. I want some time alone."

Hearing this, Natalia didn't press further. She nodded and reminded her, "Then be careful. I don't want anything to happen to you."

"Don't worry." Sophia smiled at her, gathered her things, and left.

The evening breeze was a bit cool. The streets were getting more crowded, with people getting off work pouring out from all directions, filling the roads with bustle.

Sophia walked slowly, weaving through the crowd.

The big screen by the roadside was playing various ads and news on loop. As she passed under the screen, she caught a glimpse of a breaking news ticker scrolling by, and her steps suddenly stopped.

[Breaking News: Felix, new president of the Barnett Group, suspected of multiple illegal activities, police investigation underway.]

Soon, the screen switched to a pretty female anchor with a serious expression. "Today, according to multiple sources, Felix, current president of the Barnett Group, has been exposed for allegedly producing and selling prohibited drugs, conducting inhumane clinical trials on unspecified groups, and being involved in multiple serious illegal activities including international smuggling and money laundering. Related evidence was handed over to the police and multiple overseas regulatory agencies today, and investigations are currently underway."

"Meanwhile, reporters learned from insiders that Felix may have been targeted by enemies. At 2:35 PM today, an explosion and fire occurred at an abandoned warehouse in the western district of Emerald Harbor. The fire department has rushed to the scene, and the fire is now mostly under control. According to preliminary investigation, suspected casualties were found inside the warehouse, with identities still being confirmed. Police do not rule out the possibility that Felix himself may have died in this incident."

A small aerial shot of the warehouse scene appeared on screen, with the ruins still smoking and orange-red embers flickering in the twilight.

Sophia stood under the screen, looking up, watching the news segment to the end.

People came and went around her. Some also looked up at the screen for a moment, let out a few sighs, then continued on their way.

Wind blew from the other end of the street, lifting the loose strands of hair on Sophia's forehead, then letting them fall.

She tidied her hair and prepared to call a car back to The Kensington Estate. She had already decided to leave Emerald Harbor with Emily tomorrow afternoon. With Felix dead, the Kensington Group would be safe for now.

Ten minutes later, The Kensington Estates.

Sophia was changing her shoes in the entrance when she heard laughter from inside.

She recognized it as Emily's voice—soft, with a new, faint vitality.

Curious, she walked in a few steps and saw Alexander sitting on the sofa, leaning forward slightly, saying something to Emily with a gentle expression.

Emily was curled up at the other end of the sofa, eyes bright, listening intently.

Watching them, Sophia's heart softened. She leaned against the wall without moving.

Just then, Alexander noticed her, turned his head, and nodded at her.

Emily immediately turned around, her eyes brightening even more, and rushed toward her. Sophia quickly stepped forward to catch her, pulling her into her arms.

"Sophia." Emily buried her head in her chest, her voice somewhat excited. "Alexander told me so many interesting things. He said there's an old street in Emerald Harbor where people set off fireworks at night, and it's really beautiful. He can take us there sometime."

She paused, as if thinking of something, then looked up at Sophia and lowered her voice. "He also said you might be leaving tomorrow, and he wants us to take his private jet."

Sophia was stunned for a moment, then looked up to meet Alexander's gaze.

Alexander's expression was natural, as if he had already arranged everything.

Sophia felt something stir in her chest. She nodded at Emily and smiled slightly. "Yes, we're leaving tomorrow."

"Where are we going?"

"Silvermoon City." Sophia smiled. "Haven't you always said the climate there is the best?"

"Yes!" Emily's eyes curved into crescents as she buried her head back in Sophia's chest without saying more.

Sophia patted her back. "I'll go pack."

Four hours later, after Sophia finished packing and washing up, the night had grown deep.

She stood on the balcony, elbows resting on the railing, gazing into the distance.

Emerald Harbor's night sky wasn't very clear. There were too many lights, dimming the stars. Only a few bright ones hung sparsely in the sky, looking very distant.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in."

Alexander pushed the door open and stood beside her, his gaze looking toward the night sky.

The two stood side by side for a while before Sophia spoke first. "Why aren't you asleep yet?"

"I came to see you." He said, "Do you really have to go?"

Sophia didn't hesitate and nodded. "Yes."

Alexander was silent for a few seconds, then turned around, took something from his pocket, pulled her hand over, and placed it in her palm.

A gold ring, gleaming with a warm luster in the moonlight.

"Actually, our family also has something like the Foster family's heirloom." Alexander spoke seriously. "This is meant for Mrs. Kensington. I never gave it to you before."

He paused, then looked up directly at Sophia, his blue eyes reflecting her image. "In this lifetime, I will only love you. In my eyes, you are the only Mrs. Kensington."

Sophia's movements froze.

"So this ring belongs to you." He said, "Whatever you do with it is up to you."

Sophia looked down at the ring in her palm, her breathing slowing. She didn't want to accept it, but meeting Alexander's firm gaze, she could only sigh softly and carefully put the ring away.

"Take care of yourself."

"You too."

The two stood in silence for a while.

Then Alexander turned and walked toward the room. He paused at the door without turning back and said softly, "Get some rest early."

After that, he closed the door and left Sophia's room.

The next afternoon, upon hearing that Sophia was leaving, Victoria quickly came over.

Her eyes were red, and her hair was casually tied up.

"Have you been crying?" Sophia asked.

"No." Victoria's tone was stubborn. "It was windy on the way here."

Sophia didn't call her out on it. She brought her luggage out and placed it in the entrance, then turned to see Victoria standing in the middle of the living room with her head down, fingers twisting together.

"Victoria." Sophia walked over.

Victoria looked up, her voice hoarse. "You have to come see me often, okay? Stay in touch. I'll come see you when I have time too."

Without waiting for Sophia to answer, she continued, "Don't worry about the perfume studio. I'll take good care of it for you. If anything comes up, I'll call you."

"Victoria," Sophia reached out and hugged her, saying from the bottom of her heart, "Be happy."

Victoria, on her shoulder, finally stopped holding back. Tears flowed silently for a while, then she took a deep breath, pushed her away, and wiped the corners of her eyes.

"Alright, alright." Her voice still carried a crying tone. "Go on now, don't waste time."