CHAPTER 160: RECOGNITION

Afternoon.

Marcus finished his business at the branch office and went straight to the Hilton Group.

The moment Lucas saw him, he finally understood what it meant to sit on pins and needles.

"No need to be nervous just because you see me," Marcus said calmly. "I’m just one of Sophia’s uncles. Sit, sit. I’ve heard plenty about you. In the business world back home, you’re known as a powerhouse. Just bring out that same confidence."

"Uncle Gordon, please don’t say it like that," Lucas replied with a polite smile. "That confidence is for outsiders. How could I use it on family?This is a premium tea I received earlier—try some."

Marcus took a sip, his lips lifting slightly.

"That kid wanted to return home earlier, and I didn’t agree at first. I worried she wouldn’t be able to handle things on her own. She didn’t even tell me when she got married at first... though at least she didn’t lie about it in the end. I watched her grow up. I love her like my own daughter. When it comes to your relationship, I won’t interfere too much. But I know what kind of man you are. If you truly care about her, then control yourself and act right. Because if the day comes when you hurt her... I will go after you."

His tone was light, casual even—yet every word was a threat.

"Uncle Gordon, I know Sophia is like a daughter to you," Lucas said seriously. "So I promise you—I’ll treat her well. I won’t let anything or anyone hurt her again."

"I know what kind of man you are. And I believe you’ll keep your word.

From now on, I’m entrusting her to you. In the moments when I can’t be there for her, I hope you will. Don’t be fooled by how fierce she acts on the surface—her heart is softer than anyone’s. If one day you two fight, just slow down and coax her. If she won’t forgive you the first time, then coax her twice. There’s nothing in this world that you can’t win back from her if you coax her properly."

Marcus looked at the man before him and realized Lucas was far better than he himself had been in his youth.

At least Lucas had the courage to express himself. No matter what happened, he would always stand in front of Sophia and shield her.

Unlike Marcus back then—hesitating, missing chances, holding back even when confessing, until the final result was a lifetime of regret.

He saw Sophia as his own daughter.

More than anything, he wanted her to be happy.

He refused to let her repeat Aurora’s path.

"Uncle Gordon, you can rest assured," Lucas said seriously. "I can tell you responsibly—I will never let her down. Whatever happens, I’ll stand in front of her. We’ll share hardship together. She will never face anything alone. I know she came back for revenge, and I’ll never let her lose herself in it. I’ll support her, give her the best, and never let her betray her own future. Revenge is important—but the future matters even more."

He hoped that one day Sophia could let go of everything, stop dwelling on what had already passed.

People had to look forward. Aurora belonged to the past.

One could miss her, remember her—but shouldn’t live trapped in the memories.

Marcus grew even more satisfied.

"To be honest, you remind me of myself when I was younger. Actually... you’re even better. Back then I was impulsive and reckless. I did many bold things, but luckily they turned out well. But I’ve looked into you. Every step you’ve taken has been calculated and steady, and you’ve reached your position with solid footing. With that kind of stability, I can trust her in your hands."

Marcus lifted the cup of tea, took a slow sip, and let a faint smile appear.

"I came back to deal with Andrew. Didn’t expect fate to play the perfect hand—he practically destroyed himself. If I hadn’t arrived in time that day, Sophia would’ve been in real danger. I’m not giving him any chance to come back from this. And the same goes for the Wright family in City Y."

"Uncle Gordon, I know. The Wrights are my responsibility too. Whatever concerns her concerns me. You can trust me completely—I’ll stand by her."

"Sophia is a strong one. To endure all those years and still become the woman she is now... it wasn’t easy. So when I say ’help her,’ I mean truly understand her, support her from behind, even when she doesn’t say a word."

Marcus spoke with rare earnestness, then pulled something from his pocket—a ring.

"Uncle Gordon... what’s this?"

"Aurora’s keepsake. Technically, it’s their family heirloom. I think giving it to you now isn’t too early. Don’t disappoint me."

Lucas rose immediately and accepted it with both hands, solemn and respectful.

"Seeing her doing well back home means I can rest easy. I’ll be heading back in a while."

"Why not stay longer, Uncle Gordon?"

"With you here, I’m reassured."

Marcus stood and patted Lucas’s shoulder, a half-smile on his lips.

"And don’t tell Sophia."

"Alright."

In just a few days, he could already see it—Lucas truly cherished Sophia.

What mattered most was that the two of them could live a good life together.

As soon as Marcus left, Lucas turned around... and caught Sophia stepping out of the lounge.

A smile tugged at her lips. "See? You’re not the only man in the world who spoils me."

But as she said it, her eyes turned red.

"If it weren’t for Uncle Gordon, I wouldn’t have survived six years ago."

Lucas pulled her gently into his arms. "Now you have me. And six kids."

"They’re already grown."

Sophia thought back to when they were first born—wrinkly, scrunched-up little things, terribly ugly and perfect.

"Then we’ll have more."

"In your dreams. Go give birth yourself."

Sophia shoved him away instantly, all tenderness gone.

...

LA Cemetery.

A bouquet of roses rested before Aurora’s grave.

Marcus stood straight as ever, then slowly lowered himself into a crouch.

He looked at the photo on the tombstone and smiled softly.

"Aurora... I finally came to see you. Have you been waiting a long time?It’s not that I didn’t want to come—I just never had the chance. You won’t be angry with me, will you?"

"She’s grown up now. I brought her back to you safe and whole. If you could see her, I don’t think you’d blame me. She’s even found someone she loves."

"If you were still here, you’d probably worry. But this time, I made sure personally—he’s a good man. Braver than I ever was."

"I keep wondering... if I’d held on tighter back then... if I’d fought a little harder... would our ending have been different?"

Marcus looked up at the photo, touched it gently, and smiled with heartbreak hidden in the curve of his lips.

"Aurora... more than twenty years, and my whole life...I’ve been waiting for you."