Chapter 95 Standing on Tiptoes for a Kiss
Michael's emotions were running high, tears glistening in his eyes. No amount of hardship or exhaustion could compare to the pain of not being understood by his parents.
His heartfelt words left Matthew speechless. Seeing his son's wounded expression, Matthew hung his head in guilt.
Compared to ordinary families, he and his wife had indeed provided Michael with far too little care and companionship. Cloud Group was the result of half a lifetime's work, but he'd forgotten that Michael was his true treasure, connected by blood.
Matthew let out a heavy breath, realizing his oversight. "You really have grown up. Go ahead and do what you think is right."
Michael's eyes flickered as he stared at Matthew for a long moment before finally breaking into a smile. "Thanks, Dad."
Matthew was about to offer more comforting words when he watched Michael turn and bolt for the door. "I'm going to find Sophia!"
Arthur lowered his head to hide his smile. Indeed, once someone gained absolute power, all problems could be easily resolved.
With Michael now Chairman of the corporation and holding decisive authority, even if he refused to acknowledge the engagement with the Phillips Family, and even if the Phillips forced Harper into marriage, they'd gain nothing. The arranged marriage had lost all meaning—the engagement was effectively null and void.
Matthew could no longer control Michael. Since he couldn't control him, he might as well let go completely.
And he, Arthur, had officially become the Executive Assistant to the Chairman—a position that would remain unshakeable.
What a perfect ending!
...
On the bus ride back to Silver Fir Academy from the airport, Sophia watched the Cloud Group product launch, receiving Michael's perfect-score answer to her unspoken question.
When the bus stopped at Silver Fir Academy's athletic field, Sophia had two male classmates help her load her suitcase into her car.
"Sophia."
Just as she was preparing to leave, Tom approached.
"The new product's about to launch. Any thoughts?"
"Aren't strategic decisions always your responsibility?" Sophia put on her sunglasses, answering dismissively.
"Alright, I can see you're in a rush to get to a date." Tom tugged at his collar, teasing her.
Sophia chuckled softly without denying it, then pulled open her car door to get in.
"Sophia!" Lucy ran over breathlessly, gasping before asking, "That thing you promised me..."
"I'm working on it." Another dismissive response from Sophia.
Finally settling into her car and buckling her seatbelt, Amelia knocked on her window.
Rolling down the window, Sophia faced Amelia's grinning expression. "Sophia, now that the field study's finally over, come to my mansion for an all-nighter!"
Sophia curved her lips upward. "Now that the field study's finally over, I'm going home!"
After being away for half a month, not going home tonight would be inexcusable.
"I'm leaving now." She rolled up the window and drove away.
Watching the taillights disappear into the distance, Amelia pouted. And she claimed she wouldn't be blinded by romance!
The moment the misunderstanding was cleared up, she was rushing off to meet Michael for a date!
The Bugatti Chiron slowly reversed into the garage at Applewood Estate. After parking, Sophia grabbed her purse from the passenger seat and got out.
She'd leave the suitcase in the trunk for now—too heavy to carry. She'd find some muscle power later to deal with it.
The moment she entered her passcode and pushed open the door, she was enveloped in a warm embrace.
Catching the scent of sea salt and lemon on him, Sophia restrained her reflexive urge to flip him over her shoulder.
"Sophia, I missed you so much." Michael buried his face in the curve of her neck, savoring her fragrance.
Feeling the warmth of his embrace, Sophia wrapped her arms around his lean waist. "You've been working hard lately. I'm sorry I misunderstood you before."
"It was my fault. The day Dad woke up, he told me he wanted me to get engaged to Harper. I refused, but I should have told you about it beforehand so you wouldn't have misunderstood."
Michael's apology was utterly sincere. If he hadn't given her advance warning, Sophia wouldn't have been caught off guard by news of the engagement.
Everything was his fault—how could Sophia be blamed for anything?
Sophia couldn't help but laugh. "Michael, I'm just realizing you're quite the irrational guy."
Michael straightened up, looking down at the girl in his arms with smoldering eyes. "So can I get a reward? Let me kiss you for a while?"
Sophia immediately grew serious. "Michael!!"
"I haven't seen my girlfriend for half a month—I can't even get a kiss?" Michael raised an eyebrow, his gaze playfully teasing.
Sophia pressed her lips together, then stood on her tiptoes and gave him a quick peck.
With Michael's towering 6'3" frame against her 5'7" height, the difference was simply too much. Looking up at him was already straining her neck, let alone standing on tiptoes to kiss him.
Michael chuckled softly and bent down to capture her lips.
Sophia had just closed her eyes to savor his passionate affection when she was suddenly lifted off the ground, startling her into opening her eyes and clinging to his neck.
Now she was hanging onto Michael like a koala, with him supporting her bottom as he pressed her against the door. His voice was low and husky, "This way you won't get tired."
His warm breath washed over her, and before Sophia could calm her racing heart, her lips were claimed in a fierce kiss that silenced any words she might have spoken.
As their tongues entwined and danced together, their body temperature gradually rose, their breathing becoming heavier and more sensual. Their intimate position allowed both to clearly feel the changes in each other's bodies.
One went limp as water.
The other became hard as steel.
Michael released her lips, gazing at the shimmering moisture in her eyes, and couldn't help swallowing hard.
He carried her to the sofa and set her down, bending to place a gentle kiss on her glistening lips. His voice was as rough as if it had been scraped over sandpaper, "Rest for a moment. I'll go take a shower in the guest room, then take you out to dinner."
Sophia was still recovering from oxygen deprivation, her brain slightly foggy as she nodded dazedly.
Michael first went to the kitchen to pour her a glass of orange juice and brought some snacks, then headed into the small guest room on the first floor.
Once her consciousness returned, Sophia's ears turned red enough to drip blood. She gulped down the entire glass of juice in several swallows, trying to cool the heat within her.
Finding it ineffective, she hurried upstairs to take a shower.
When Michael emerged from the guest room toweling his damp hair, he paused at the sight of the empty living room.
Where was Sophia?
He hadn't done anything inappropriate—surely he hadn't scared her away?
Walking upstairs to knock on the master bedroom door, he caught a glimpse of movement in the walk-in closet from the corner of his eye. He stepped back and turned to look inside.
Sophia was wearing yellow pineapple-print pajamas, head down as she rummaged through the wardrobe.
"Sophia, which outfit are you looking for? I'll help you find it." Michael wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, breathing in her scent.
She now smelled like lavender—a different Sophia.
Sophia jumped, turning to glare at him reproachfully. "Get out first! I haven't changed clothes yet!"
Michael was confused—it wasn't like he hadn't seen her in pajamas before. They'd even slept in the same bed.
Suddenly realizing what she meant, he covered his face, his ears turning bright red as he immediately turned and left, closing the door behind him.
"I'll go get your suitcase from downstairs!"