CHAPTER 85: SURVEILLANCE

"Mommy, you’ve already made your decision, so why are you asking us? What else is there to say?"

"No other reason."

Sophia was only asking for their input symbolically; she had no intention of changing her plan.

"Then isn’t it a bit unnecessary for you to ask?"

"Mommy just wanted to hear your opinions, but I can always choose to ignore them."

After talking in circles, there was no effect; she had already made up her mind.

Sophia pulled out her phone and called Harper, speaking in secret to her without the kids knowing.

That evening, when Lucas returned, he was surprised to find a grand feast waiting for him.

"Mrs. Wilson, why so much food?"

"Madam said you’ve been working too hard at the company and need to replenish your energy, especially since you’ll be leaving soon. So, I made sure you had more to eat tonight. After all, food abroad isn’t the same as at home; you can’t always find the same dishes. That’s why I made all your favorites, plus a few that the young masters and young misses enjoy."

Sophia came down from upstairs and, with unusual attentiveness, hung his clothes up on the hanger.

Then, she noticed the scar on his neck.

She pretended nothing had happened.

"Sophia, are you acting a bit strange today? Or are you feeling guilty after seeing the scar on my neck?"

"Is there a scar? I didn’t notice, maybe you’re overthinking it. I heard from Alex that your flight tickets are already booked for tomorrow morning. To reward you, of course, I made sure to give you extra food tonight. Don’t hold back; Mrs. Wilson has outdone herself!"

Sophia even poured him some red wine herself.

"Aren’t you worried I might suddenly not go?"

"You’ve always kept your promises, how could you not go? I believe you’ll definitely go. If you end up staying too long, it’s fine, you don’t need to worry. I’ll stay at home, waiting for you to return. It’ll be perfect, actually. If you go for two or three months, that just happens to be when our contract will end."

Lucas’ eyes darkened.

He realized he shouldn’t leave; something felt off about leaving and returning. He was afraid that after being gone, some people might not be the same.

But the issues with the Country D branch had to be dealt with.

"You’re pretty bored here in the country too, why don’t you come with me? I can add another ticket."

"No! Don’t even think about it! You should go and come back quickly. It’s fine if you’re gone for three to five years, as long as you’re not worried about the company falling apart." Sophia was trying to act tough.

"Daddy, don’t listen to Mommy, she actually doesn’t want you to leave at all."

Sophia froze. She couldn’t believe those words had come out of her oldest daughter’s mouth.

Lucas smiled slightly. "Really?"

"Angela’s right, Daddy. Mommy really doesn’t want you to leave; she actually misses you. She can’t live without you. One day apart feels like three months! If you leave for a few months, she’ll go crazy thinking about you!"

"Big brother and sister are right, Daddy. Maybe you shouldn’t go?"

It was rare for his kids to be on his side, and it left Sophia feeling a bit disoriented.

"Angela, Billy, what are you talking about? How could you slander me like that?"

Sophia’s eyes clearly showed her disapproval.

"Don’t listen to them; they’ve picked up bad habits somewhere. Now, all they do is talk back."

"I actually think they’re telling the truth. After all, when others say ’to beat is to love,’ there’s still the mark of your love on my neck."

Lucas found that the person in front of him was becoming even more captivating.

After dinner, Lucas headed to the study, while Sophia tried to catch the six kids, but they dashed off, refusing to be caught.

"Those little rascals think they can get away with anything?"

Sophia recalled the awkwardness at the dinner table and couldn’t help but rub her forehead.

She stepped outside, walking around the villa a few times to digest her food.

If Lucas really left, she’d have a chance to get the core secrets of the company.

But did she really want to do that?

If she did, the consequences might mean they’d be enemies for life.

Sophia furrowed her brows, folding her arms.

The temperature had dropped a little in the evening.

Suddenly, her eyes were caught by a flash of light.

A bright gleam flickered briefly.

Sophia squinted, her gaze sharp as she looked in the direction of the flash.

A figure quickly disappeared.

Sophia narrowed her eyes—looks like someone wanted to sneak a peek at their nighttime activities?

She picked up her phone, sent a quick text, and then continued walking as though nothing had happened.

But her eyes never left that spot.

Soon, Lucas came over with a coat in hand.

He lovingly draped it over her shoulders. "Where is he?"

"Five o’clock."

"How did you spot him?"

"He is not very subtle."

Sophia shrugged, wrapping her arms around his neck, her eyebrows raised in playful challenge. "What now? Should we catch him?"

"He came out at night to see if we’re real or fake. Who do you think it could be?"

"Just the usual suspects, nothing to guess about. By the way, is your security at Blackstone Manor not up to scratch? How did he get in?"

Lucas’ expression darkened slightly.

"I’m not saying you’re incompetent, relax."

Sophia leaned closer, and from the angle, she could just catch a glimpse of the distorted photo.

The person secretly taking photos clicked away rapidly.

"Want to give him something even more exciting?"

As Lucas said that, Sophia felt a slight unease.

The next second!

She was suddenly lifted off the ground!

Like a koala, she was clinging to him.

Lucas looked down, holding her head with one hand, and kissed her.

"Mm..."

"Be good, cooperate with me."

"Do you know this is being totally mischievous?"

"You’re my wife."

To her surprise, Lucas held her in his arms and slammed her against a tree.

The person in the shadows, secretly snapping photos, smirked and looked on with disdain.

So predictable.

"Lucas, that’s enough!"

"Not yet. If it’s not enough, why would he hand over the pictures to his boss?"

Lucas’ hand rested on her waist.

"Eh, Lucas... all you’ve got is some dirty money. So reckless, let me take this photo and ruin you!" The photographer kept muttering under his breath, though his eyes betrayed growing jealousy.

Sophia was a stunning beauty, and now the photographer had a reaction!

Suddenly!

He felt a tap on his shoulder.

"Don’t touch me."

The tap came again.

"Like what you see?"

"Obviously, now get lost and stop disturbing me."

The photographer shuddered, slowly realizing something.

He turned around and found himself facing three security guards!

"Bang!"

The man was kicked out with a forceful shove, not given a chance to escape!

Meanwhile, Lucas suddenly pulled away, and Sophia almost fell to the ground.

"Mr. Hilton, what about him?"

Lucas glanced at the man on the ground, his aura intense and his voice cold. "Who sent you here?"