I Ctrl+Alt+Deleted My Ex and Ctrl+C'd His Uncle novel Chapter 178

Sophie looked at the empty hall, a sting of bitterness rising in her chest.

Because of her, even her father couldn’t enjoy his own birthday.

“Sophie, look who’s here!”

Zack’s cheerful voice came from the doorway.

Beside him stood Sophie’s parents–who were supposed to have already gone home–and behind them trailed a crowd of wealthy heirs.

“Dad, Mom–why are you back?” Sophie hurried over.

“On the way home we ran into him. He told us the trouble had been settled and the banquet could continue. Your mother and I couldn’t stop worrying, so we came back with them.”

Mr. Chandler’s expression had eased, even showing a faint smile.

“We’re all here to celebrate Uncle’s birthday.” Zack turned to the group behind him. “Come on, everyone–music up, drinks flowing. Let’s get this party alive again!”

The rich heirs obeyed. In no time, the hall was buzzing once more. A few stepped forward with lavish gifts for Sophie’s father, showering him with compliments.

They were heirs without real power yet, but their families held the lifelines of Riverland’s economy. By pedigree alone, they were out of the Chandler family’s reach.

Now, because of Marcus, they were offering olive branches.

Mr. and Mrs. Chandler had the gifts carefully put away, waiting for Sophie to decide how to handle them once the night was over.

“Walk with me?”

Marcus’s low voice came from behind.

Sophie nodded, following him into the hotel’s back garden. Surrounded by colorful blooms, her mood lightened a little.

“Thank you,” she said softly. “Not just for showing up tonight…but for giving my dad a birthday he can remember fondly.”

She lifted her eyes. Under the starlight, they glittered like galaxies, stunningly bright.

“Marcus, you’re…really good.”

His goodness was something she had never expected.

“You’re not angry that I acted on my own?”

Sophie tipped her chin up toward the stars. “You did it for me. What’s there to be angry about?”

Marcus’s voice cooled. “You think I did it just for you?”

Her head snapped toward him, startled. “Didn’t you?”

He almost laughed in frustration. Pulling out his phone, he hit send on a draft he’d prepared long ago. Then he handed her the device.

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Chapter 178

She blinked, confused, until her gaze landed on the screen. Her eyes widened like saucers.

“Marcus–do you have any idea what you’ve just done?”

He’d posted on his private account. Just a few words:

I’m the father of this child. I’ll take full responsibility.

Within seconds, the post was already blowing up. Sophie knew it would be trending within minutes.

“You already admitted it in front of those people,” she rushed out, panicked. “But that was just the circle–they won’t openly criticize you. Posting it online…now the whole country, the whole world will know! Do you realize what they’ll say about you?”

Her voice cracked; she was almost in tears.

The internet was merciless, words poisoned, no one afraid to sling filth from behind a screen.

“Why panic?” Marcus’s tone softened, rare for him. “Pregnancy isn’t something you should bear alone. I should’ve stood beside you from the start.”

“If not for fearing you’d reject me, I would’ve claimed you and the baby the very first day Liam exposed the news.”

His gaze locked onto hers, unwavering.

“Sophie, from now on–I’ll be more forceful. I’ll let the world know you’re under my protection.”

Her heart skipped wildly. Her fingers curled into the fabric of her dress, her pulse a frantic drum. She tried to think, to analyze his words, but she couldn’t calm down.

Marcus leaned close, his breath warm against her ear.

“Lost for words? Then give me a hug.”

His voice was wicked, teasing. Sophie felt spellbound. Slowly, she lifted her arms and hugged him–just for a fleeting second. Embarrassed, she pulled away immediately.

Marcus caught her wrists, pressing her soft hands back against his waist. His eyes, sharp yet intent, stayed locked on her.

Her pale face was flushed scarlet, like the fiery glow of sunset before nightfall. Overwhelmed by his stare, she squeezed her eyes shut.

“Sophie.” His deep, magnetic voice carried a hint of laughter.

“Do you even know what it means when a woman closes her eyes as a man leans in?”

Her eyes flew open, ready to protest–but Marcus was already lowering his head.

“Be good. Close your eyes.”

Her lashes fluttered, and then she obeyed.

Nervous, expectant, her mind screamed this was madness–yet her hands never pushed him away.

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