While Sophia hesitated, a voice joined the conversation. On the other line, Wendy curiously asked, "Is that Sophia? Are you sleeping over tonight? That's great! Brody and I will wait for you for his bedtime story!"
Hearing that, Sophia was at a loss of words. Since Wendy had also invited her, it was very difficult to refuse. Thinking how much she missed Brody, Sophia readily agreed.
Before they drove to the Li Manor, Sophia stopped the car at Waterside Boulevard to drop Aaron off. "Take care, sister."
"You too. Go back home early."
"Wait for a moment." Colin told Sophia. He got off the car and closed the door behind him. Outside of the car, Colin walked towards Aaron. "They'll think you're retaliating against her. Watch your back."
Aaron knew who he was talking about. Inserting his hands into his pockets, he gazed at the buildings in the distance. "I know, brother."
But he wasn't afraid. He had been through hell. How could he fear the Lien Clan and Pei Clan after that? They were nothing to him in comparison.
Colin patted his shoulder. "I know you're capable of protecting yourself, but don't worry your sister."
Although Sophia had no idea, Colin knew what Aaron had been through in England. If Aaron hadn't contacted him last year, or if he hadn't used his influence in England at the time, Aaron would've been long gone by now.
Driven by curiosity, Aaron couldn't help but ask, "By the way, brother, what's the deal with Brody?"
At the mention of his son's name, Colin smiled and glanced at the woman sitting in the car and playing with her phone. "Your sister doesn't know that our son is alive."
Aaron's eyes widened in shock as he stared at Colin. Did he mean... Did he mean that the dead son his sister mentioned was still alive?
But his sister was so certain of the child's death. "But sister said the child..."
Colin sighed heavily. "No. I had Wade take away the child and raised him myself. Your sister now thinks he's my child from another woman."
"Why not tell my sister? She was so sad..." Aaron could still recall how Sophia wailed over her son's death over the phone.
Complex feelings surged in Colin's eyes. "It isn't time yet. I'll tell her about Ambrose soon. And until then, you have to keep quiet."
Aaron didn't agree. He insisted, "Brother, she's overwhelmed by grief every time she remembers the child!"
"I know. But she sees him often now, I think it compensates for her sadness. Don't worry, I'll tell her as soon as possible." He would tell Sophia about their child as soon as he had dealt with the Pei Clan and Lien Clan. When he was sure that he was Sophia's true love, and Sophia relied on him the way a wife relied on her husband, that would be the time.
Aaron wanted to say more, but he remained quiet. He hadn't been in A Country for many years, and had no idea what had happened between them. He didn't want to make any assumptions. "Okay. I'll find a chance to visit the elders and see my nephew one of these days!"
"Okay, take care. And if you meet any trouble, ask Herring for help." With that, Colin went back to the car and sat in the passenger's seat.
Aaron nodded. "I will. Take care, sister, brother!"
"Take care!"
Sophia started the car. As she drove to Li Manor, she glanced at Colin. "What has Aaron been up to these past few years in England? Do you know?"
"Yes." Colin knew better than anyone else.
"Tell me." Sophia was worried for her little brother.
Colin closed his eyes and leaned against the back of his chair. "Let him tell you himself."
Sophia was speechless.
But Colin seemed tired, so she stopped asking and concentrated on driving.
When they arrived at the Li Manor, Brody was already waiting for them outside. He jumped in joy when he spotted Sophia's car.
After Sophia parked the car, he threw himself into her arms when she was within reach. "Aunt Sophia!"
Sophia picked him up. "Brody, it's really cold outside! Why didn't you wait in the house?"
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