CHAPTER 97: CHAPTER 97: THE WALKING WIFE-WATCHING STONE

Zane stopped his movements first.

He held back.

Damn, this is so uncomfortable...

He looked at the little woman with a radiant face, completely flushed.

Unable to resist, he pinched her cheeks a couple more times.

So soft.

Then he got up and fastened his loosened belt.

Sophia took a moment to get up.

She pulled the dress back up from her chest and buttoned the hidden buttons.

Who would have thought that this cold and noble man would swear like that.

Zane bent down, picked up the tablet from the floor, closed it, and placed it back on the bedside table. "Wear more later; it’s cold tonight."

Sophia mumbled a heavy "hmm" in response.

Before going out, she touched up her makeup, and it was almost six o’clock by then.

Looking down from the small balcony, she saw quite a few people arriving on the lawn, and there were people working by the grill too.

The spot for tea by the fire was almost full.

Sophia quickly followed Zane downstairs.

They walked out, passed through the corridor, and arrived in front of the elevator.

Zane tried to hold her hand, but she pulled it back into her pocket first. "Not even a handhold, so stingy?"

With a nasal tone, Sophia’s voice was sweet and soft, making one’s legs weak, "So many people, no way."

Zane snorted, as if to say, getting married even needs a report to hold hands.

But he didn’t mind; it was her first time meeting the family, so she was probably nervous.

The elevator doors opened, and they walked in together.

Zane put his arm around her shoulder.

She wanted to break free, but he held her tighter.

Helpless, she gave up resisting; this man’s domineering nature couldn’t be stopped by eight horses.

The elevator door opened.

The first floor of the castle was filled with delicacies, drinks, and an array of desserts.

Nearby, chefs were cooking steaks and various foods on the spot.

The entire scene was dazzling; how could this be an ordinary family dinner? This was more like a cocktail party.

Inside, it was elegant.

Outside was the more casual setting.

A dozen maids were busy, also taking care of the children to prevent them from making a fuss.

Security guards were patrolling outside.

Sophia was a bit nervous.

This scene was only seen on TV or in novels; to truly experience it was a first for her.

But most of the people dressed casually, unlike serious banquets where everyone wore suits and ties.

Someone noticed the handsome and beautiful couple emerging from the elevator and started whispering.

"They really came back."

"The one beside him is probably his wife."

"I haven’t heard of him getting married. When introduced last year, Zoe said he was married. I thought it was fake. Didn’t expect it to be true."

...

Zane didn’t pay much attention to them, just nodded towards them, and Sophia nodded along, then they walked out.

"Oh my little darling! You’re finally here!"

A familiar voice called out from the side.

Zane and Sophia turned their heads to look.

Before they could see clearly, Zoe Walsh came over and hugged Sophia tightly.

All eyes were on them.

Sophia’s appearance was too captivating.

With blonde hair, blushing cheeks, and a delicately made-up face, she looked noble without being extravagant.

She wore a light blue traditional hooded plush coat, gentle and elegant, stunningly beautiful.

Sophia, feeling embarrassed by the hug and afraid of passing on any illness, quickly let go.

"Sorry, Miss Walsh, I overslept and only just got down," Sophia said a bit shyly.

Hearing this, Zoe gave Zane a hard punch on the side.

Zane looked at her innocently.

What did he do to her?

Zoe said angrily, "In the dead of winter, did you let her freeze?"

Sophia giggled softly.

Zane could only admit, "Alright, alright, my fault."

Is this really his biological mother?

Her son just returned, and she didn’t show any care.

Zoe tilted her chin, glancing at the few people making tea by the stove not far away, "Your dad and grandpa are waiting for you over there. I’ll take her away; we’ll come back once the skewers are ready."

Zane looked at Sophia, a bit unhappy.

He finally had some time off to be alone with this little woman, and now she was being taken away?

Sophia slyly tugged his hand and gave it a shake, "I want grilled mushrooms and eggplant."

He squeezed her hand, which had reached out tentatively, and reluctantly nodded.

Sophia quietly added, "Love you!"

With that, she left, pulling Zoe along.

Zane stood there, watching their retreating backs.

Did she just say: love you?

Did I hear that right?

He licked his lips, smiling slightly.

His hand lightly clenched, rubbing for a while, as if her warmth was still lingering there.

Three months, he succeeded.

This little hedgehog had laid down her quills and started walking into his life.

He smiled.

"A walking ’missing wife stone’," Eugene Sterling looked at him from a distance.

Grandpa Sterling chuckled, "Completely wrapped around her finger."

"But honestly, this girl is quite something."

Zane’s uncle, Leo Sterling, teased, "Aren’t you afraid she’s just here for the money? When he was hurt, everyone ran away. Now they are flocking back."

Leo was slender, having developed abroad for years, but still maintained a good relationship with the family.

Eugene explained, "She’s not just any girl. When Zane was recuperating abroad, she handled his three meals a day. Even though she has a sharp tongue, she’s fiercely protective."

"Not just protective of him, she’s even protective over her father-in-law!" Grandpa Sterling laughed gleefully.

Eugene mocked, "That’s right, she even yelled at me and nearly hit me."

The group of men found it hilarious.

Amidst their lively conversation, Zane walked over and sat next to Eugene.

"Grandpa, Dad, Uncle." Zane spoke mildly.

"When do you plan to get back to work?" Grandpa Sterling asked nonchalantly.

They all looked at him. In previous years, he didn’t even come home, and now he’s back; no one knew how long he would stay.

They were afraid he’d settle in today only to leave tomorrow.

"We’ll see, after the New Year, no rush."

No rush.

Hearing these words, they all breathed a sigh of relief.

"Can you drink?" Leo tentatively asked.

If he could drink, then they could have a proper chat.

"Yes."

Hearing the satisfactory answer, Grandpa Sterling patted his shoulder and nodded.

They exchanged smiles.

The child who had wandered for years had finally come home.

---

Zoe Walsh and Sophia found two single sofas and sat down, placing the plates with steaks on the small table between them.

Zoe couldn’t help but ask, "How did you convince him to come back?"

"Hmm?" Sophia popped a piece of steak into her mouth, "I didn’t persuade him."

She didn’t persuade him.

In fact, she thought that if he didn’t want to come back, they could travel for a while and then return later.

Zoe was a little surprised.

In previous years, they tried openly and implicitly to have him come back, and he had all sorts of excuses to decline.

She smiled, seeming to understand something.