**Through Silent Meadows We Trace Stories Left Behind Yesterday by Asa Rowan Flint**
Exfour observed Sophie as she trudged away, her exhaustion palpable. He felt a pang of empathy and decided against pressing her further, allowing her the space she so clearly needed. With a heavy heart, he watched her disappear into her room, the door clicking shut behind her.
As soon as Sophie crossed the threshold of her bedroom, her phone buzzed with an incoming call from Ryan. The moment she answered, his voice, laced with genuine concern, filled the air. “Miss Chandler, did you make it home safely? Did Marcus do anything to you?”
“I’m home safe, Ryan. Please, don’t worry about me. He didn’t harm me,” she replied, though a sigh of frustration slipped from her lips. “But he did smash the camera, so all the effort put into tonight’s performance was for nothing.”
Ryan’s heart sank at her words. He had anticipated Marcus’s volatile nature when he snatched the camera, but a flicker of relief washed over him at the thought that the private investigators had been silenced. Their secret remained intact—for now. “There’s a resort that’s been gaining popularity lately. What do you think about going there tomorrow? We could let the private investigators gather more material for Liam.”
Ryan had come to understand Marcus’s feelings for Sophie, and he wasn’t about to remain a passive observer. The thought of Marcus, who was perpetually buried in work at the company, being away from the resort was an opportunity he couldn’t let slip away. This would be the perfect chance for him to spend some quality time alone with Sophie—he simply couldn’t miss it!
Sophie hesitated, her mind racing. “Maybe we should just forget about it. I don’t think it’s appropriate.”
Feeding her fruit earlier had felt innocent enough, but heading to a resort felt far too intimate. The memory of Marcus’s destructive outburst sent a shiver down her spine. It was best to avoid any potential trouble for now.
“I heard there’s a miraculous doctor at that resort,” Ryan continued, eager to persuade her. “He specializes in cardiac rehabilitation after surgery. Many people from our circle have sought his help.”
Sophie’s heart fluttered at the mention of the doctor. The prospect of his expertise could mean a significant improvement for her father’s recovery. “Alright, I’ll go with you,” she conceded, her earlier reservations fading.
However, she quickly added, “But I twisted my ankle and can’t drive, so could you pick me up tomorrow?”
“Not a problem at all. Sleep in, and we’ll leave once you’re ready,” Ryan assured her, his voice warm and reassuring.
As the call ended, Ryan hung up, his eyes glinting with determination. He felt a surge of hope; before Marcus could fully realize his feelings for Sophie, perhaps he still had a fighting chance. He couldn’t afford to wait any longer!
Meanwhile, Sophie was getting ready for the day, her mind swirling with thoughts. She limped into the room, lifting her foot gingerly. “It doesn’t hurt anymore. The swelling has gone down,” she announced with a hint of relief.
“That’s good to hear,” Ethan replied, concern still etched on his face. “Ryan came early this morning and is waiting downstairs. Do you want to go down?”
Suddenly, Sophie remembered their agreement from yesterday and smacked her forehead in realization. “Oh no, I need to entertain him first. I’ll change and come down.”
“Don’t rush. Take your time getting ready,” Ethan instructed, leaving the room with a protective air.
Before Ethan had ventured abroad to start his business, he had shared a good rapport with Ryan and had no qualms about Sophie spending time with him. After all, knowing Ryan’s background was far preferable to entangling with Liam or Marcus.
Unaware of Ethan’s thoughts, Sophie quickly changed into a fresh outfit, grabbed her suitcase, and made her way downstairs. As she limped into view, Ryan rushed to her side, swiftly taking the suitcase from her grasp.
“I already informed your brother about our trip to the resort, and he’s on board,” Ryan said, his tone gentle as he offered her his support, allowing her to lean on him.
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