I Walked Away Seven Years Too Late But Right on Time novel Chapter 103

After walking out of the pharmacy and settling back into the car, Sophie swallowed a painkiller with a sip of water and closed her eyes.

A sudden wave of warmth spread across her back. She opened her eyes and patted the leather beneath her—it wasn't her imagination. Gavin had turned on the heated seats.

"Feeling a bit better?" he asked softly.

Sophie nodded, giving him a grateful smile.

Gavin flicked a glance at the rearview mirror, tracking a car trailing them, before taking a sharp left at the next intersection.

"Aren't we going home?" Sophie asked, noticing the detour.

"A buddy at work recommended a great diner down this way. They make amazing chicken soup. I figured we'd try it."

"I really don't have an appetite. I just want to lay down," she mumbled, resting her head against the window.

"A hot bowl of soup will help soothe your stomach," Gavin coaxed gently.

As they neared the restaurant, he slowed the car, checking the mirror again. The suspicious vehicle was still on their tail.

Inside, Gavin specifically asked the server to add extra ginger and herbs to her order. The rich, steaming broth worked wonders; Sophie broke a light sweat, and the sharp cramps finally began to dull.

When they left the diner, Gavin pulled onto the main road. The tail car seemed to have vanished, but a mile later, it reappeared in his mirror.

He glanced at Sophie. She was resting with her eyes closed, so he kept his mouth shut, pulling into her apartment complex and walking her up to her door.

"I'll stick around until your mom gets back," he said.

Sophie took the mug of hot tea he handed her, looking hesitant. "I just want to sleep."

"Don't worry, I'm not going to try anything." A playful glint flashed in Gavin's eyes. "Besides, it's not like I can do anything anyway."

After washing up, Sophie saw him sitting rigidly on the couch. It felt bizarre for her to lay in bed while he camped out in the living room.

"Just come in," she called out. "Keep me company for a bit."

He followed her into the bedroom, tucking the blankets around her before wandering over to the window. He peered down at the street. Empty.

He pulled the curtains shut and leaned against the sill, taking in the space.

It was minimalist—crisp white walls, light wooden furniture, completely devoid of flashy decor.

The curtains were a soft beige linen, matching the plain bedding. If it weren't for the row of cute figurines on the bookshelf, the glass vase of white tulips, and the potted plant by the window, it barely looked like a woman's bedroom.

Gavin smiled at her. "This is my first time in your room."

Sophie looked around her space. "Pretty basic, right?"

"It's cozy. Clean and relaxing. Just my style. Honestly, I assumed all girls' rooms were decked out in princess pink."

Sophie shot him a skeptical look, mimicking Gwen Grayson's drawn-out, knowing hum.

Masking his annoyance with a smile, he pushed open the door. Victoria was lounging on the sofa. "Weren't you taking Eileen to her therapist today? What brings you here?"

"Eleanor Lawrence felt sick, so she couldn't come. I had two hours to kill, so I figured I'd drop by."

Harold dropped his files onto his desk, casting a quick glance at his computer. It had gone to sleep and was safely locked.

He let out a silent breath, walking over to sit beside her. He patted her hand affectionately. "You've been working so hard lately."

"She's my only child. I'd do anything for her."

Victoria looked at him, the softness fading from her eyes.

"Honestly, I'm irritated. Eleanor has been so eager to join these therapy sessions just so she can gauge when Eileen is stable enough. She's dropped a dozen hints trying to get me to cancel the engagement. I'm not giving her what she wants."

Harold rubbed her hand soothingly. "Things are already so toxic between them. Forcing this marriage won't do anyone any good."

"No. I refuse to be the one to break it off. If Eleanor and Arthur Lawrence want out, they have to say it. That way, they'll owe us for the rest of their lives. You said yourself that Luke values loyalty. We can keep him tied to us through guilt and obligation. Even if he doesn't marry her, he'll still be forced to take care of her."

Harold nodded. He had been calculating the exact same thing.

He had poured years of effort into grooming Luke to be his successor. The plan was for Luke to officially join the Harper family, taking over the empire when Harold eventually retired. Now, he had to reconsider.

Handing the company to Eileen was out of the question—she simply lacked the competence. He needed to surround her with capable, loyal executives. Luke was ambitious but fiercely dependable, making him the perfect candidate.