Chapter 163 Adopting a Puppy

Chapter 163 Adopting a Puppy

Emily's eyes were round and bright, bearing a striking resemblance to the puppy in her arms. Sophia's heart melted instantly. She curved her lips helplessly and nodded in agreement, "Okay."

After speaking, she squinted and studied Scott for a moment. With his mask and bangs, he didn't really look like Alexander, and even his way of speaking was different. Yet she just felt there was an inexplicable sense of familiarity about this person.

Scott noticed her gaze and met her eyes, his beautiful eyes crinkling with a smile.

Sophia quickly looked away, embarrassed.

The three of them walked to the roadside, hailed a taxi, and headed toward the pet hospital with the puppy.

In the car, Emily took the puppy and held it, using tissues to wipe the dirty spots on its body. The dog curled up obediently in her arms without moving around.

Watching this scene, Sophia felt a wave of warmth in her heart.

Ten minutes later, they arrived at the pet hospital.

The lobby was filled with people holding various animals. Occasional meows or low dog whimpers came from the examination rooms. The smell of disinfectant mixed with air freshener, but the atmosphere was much more relaxed than a regular hospital.

A nurse took the puppy in for examination. When it came out, it was wrapped in a light blue blanket and looked more energetic.

"There's nothing seriously wrong with it, just malnutrition. It needs proper feeding," the nurse said softly. "We just gave it a basic vaccine shot. It'll need another one in two weeks, so remember to come back on time."

Sophia agreed, and Emily beside her nodded seriously, her eyes unblinking. She carefully picked up the puppy and suggested buying things for it.

Scott breathed a sigh of relief, smiled, and followed them to the shopping area, taking the initiative to push a small cart. Dog food, a dog bed, chew treats, a leash, a plaid jacket, a food bowl with paw prints, and several stuffed toys—everything went into the cart.

Before long, the shopping cart was packed full.

At checkout, Scott reached out first. Seeing this, Sophia stepped aside and blocked him, "Let me pay."

Scott looked at her, and his mouth beneath the mask moved slightly. He stepped back half a step without insisting.

By the time they left, night had completely fallen, and the streetlights cast a warm yellow glow on the road. Emily was very fond of the puppy and wanted to keep it at home. Sophia had no choice but to agree.

Scott held the bags and extended them toward Sophia, "Let me take you guys home."

"No need." Sophia shook her head. "You live nearby. Taking us home would be too much trouble—it's not even on your way. We can just take a taxi."

With that, she took the bags from him. They were quite heavy, but Sophia didn't mind and insisted on carrying them all herself.

Scott frowned slightly, his gaze lingering on her face for a few seconds. He lowered his head to look at the puppy in Emily's arms, his voice softening, "Take good care of it. It's pretty well-behaved, suits you well."

Emily looked up with a smile, "I will. Thank you, Scott."

"Alright, be careful on your way. I'll head back now." Scott waved goodbye and turned to walk in the opposite direction.

Emily watched his retreating figure, then turned her head and leaned close to Sophia's ear, lowering her voice, "Sophia, Scott is really nice."

"Yes." Sophia nodded casually, preparing to call a car.

"And," Emily paused, her voice carrying a hint of playfulness, "I feel like the way he looks at you is kind of special."

Sophia froze, then raised her hand and patted Emily's head lightly, "Don't talk nonsense."

Emily scrunched her neck and stuck out her tongue, lowering her head to play with the dog again, though the smile on her lips never faded.

The puppy moved and licked her hand.

Three days later, Victoria arrived.

She stood downstairs with a medium-sized suitcase, pressing the doorbell. Sophia went to open the door, and they looked at each other for a second before both breaking into smiles.

"You actually came."

"Of course! I've only been away a few days and I already miss you to death!"

Victoria threw herself at Sophia for an enthusiastic hug.

Hearing the noise, the puppy ran out from inside, circled around the doorway twice, sniffed Victoria's pants with its wet nose, then wagged its tail, accepting this newcomer.

Victoria released Sophia, bent down to pick up the puppy, and examined it carefully. "This is the puppy you mentioned adopting on the phone? It's even softer than I imagined."

"It's been eating much better lately." Emily walked over with a smile on her face, helping Victoria with her suitcase. "Victoria, you're here."

"Yes, I missed you guys, so I came to visit. Emily, you look so much better. Been happy lately?"

"Very happy. I really like life here." Emily's voice was full of happiness.

Looking at her, Victoria suddenly felt her nose tingle. "Alright, alright, seeing you two so happy is making me emotional."

"I came all this way, so you should have time to hang out with me, right?"

"Of course." Sophia smiled. "If you have the energy, we can go out right now."

Hearing this, Victoria perked up. "Let me take a shower first, then we'll head out!"

That afternoon, the three of them went out, leaving the puppy at home.

Sophia took them to a famous castle attraction in Silvermoon City. The castle was several hundred years old. After being converted into a tourist site, it retained its original stone walls and corridors. Dark green vines covered everything. Inside, the light was dim, and footsteps echoed on the stone floor, carrying an indescribable sense of antiquity.

They were walking through a long corridor, turning a corner when—

"Surprise!"

A clear female voice suddenly rang out from above without warning.

Victoria jumped back a step, her hand on her chest, and looked up. Someone was sitting on top of the stone wall beside them, legs crossed lazily, elbow resting on her knee, looking down at them with a casual gaze, her lips curved in that familiar, slightly provocative smile.

It was Thalia.

"Are you a ghost?!" Victoria said angrily, glaring at her. "Scaring people in broad daylight."

"Wait, what are you doing here, and what do you want now?"

Hearing this, Thalia skillfully jumped down from the stone wall, landing silently. She dusted off her hands and glanced at Victoria. "Why can't I be here?"

"Mr. Everest kept bugging me to apologize to you properly. He annoyed me so much that when I heard you guys were in Silvermoon City, I came over." Seeing Sophia's expression change, Thalia continued somewhat awkwardly, "Don't worry, I'm not planning to cause any trouble this time. I won't bother you anymore."