Sophia helped Eleanor to a chair and gently recounted Ashton's condition.

Eleanor, a longtime friend of her father’s, had been a constant support since her mother passed away. Sophia knew that Eleanor had feelings for her father, but he had always been too stubborn, his heart devoted only to her mother, and he never accepted her affection. Sophia had once tried to convince her father privately, but he only said, “There’s no rush.”

“Sophia, don’t worry. I’ll have El call Harry and have him fly to Harborville tomorrow,” Eleanor said, patting Sophia’s hand and gesturing to the man standing nearby.

The man nodded, taking a few steps back to the hospital corridor’s window and making a call. The sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on him.

“Aunt, this is…” Sophia asked softly.

“You ungrateful little girl! El saved you when you were younger, and now you’ve completely forgotten about him. Poor guy,” Eleanor scolded playfully.

Before she could finish, a deep voice interrupted, “Aunt, please don’t say that.”

“Rude kid! Is it wrong? You’re 28 now, and I haven’t seen you with a girlfriend yet,” Eleanor snorted, looking up at the man. “Your mom even said to me recently that even if you’re into men, we’d still accept you!”

Elliot Blake was speechless. Then he softened his tone, saying, “Harry will be flying to Harborville tomorrow afternoon and should arrive the day after. I have to go now.”

“You’re running away after I say a few words? With your personality, when will you ever get a wife?” Eleanor muttered as he walked away.

Sophia was taken aback, catching the awkwardness between them, and smiled faintly. “Aunt, I’ll walk this gentleman out.”

They walked side by side out of the hospital.

Sophia noticed that Elliot, although helping her out by finding a doctor, seemed distant and nervous, likely because they weren’t familiar with each other.

Elliot smiled slightly and spoke gently, “It was nothing, really. Don’t worry about it.”

“No, even if it was just because of Aunt… I still owe you a favor. If you ever need anything, I’ll help you!” Sophia said, her eyes sparkling with sincerity.

Elliot glanced at her. She seemed different now than when they first met. He remembered when she was only six years old, climbing a tree at the Dolce house, even though she was scared. He had watched her, smiling as she made her way up, only to fall and land in his arms.

The next time he heard of her, it was that she had married Aaron. Aunt had said she’d always loved him. After she married Aaron, Elliot left for France, thinking she would be happy, only to find that the man treated her poorly.

“Did Aunt tell you you’re an artist?” Elliot asked with a smile.

Sophia nodded.

“Our company is hosting a charity auction next month. I’m not well-versed in art and was wondering if you could help me with a proposal. We’ll hold it at your gallery, if that’s okay with you?”

Sophia frowned. 'The ONE' was struggling lately, losing many orders, and its reputation wasn’t great. How could he possibly be interested?

“Not willing to help me?” Elliot chuckled lightly.

Sophia forced a smile. “It’s not that. I’m just worried it’ll turn out poorly and embarrass you…”

“You don’t need to worry about that. Just go ahead, I trust you. Once Uncle is done with surgery, come to Magnifica to sign the contract, and we’ll discuss the details.”

Sophia nodded, about to say something when she noticed a man stepping out of a Maybach at the foot of the hospital steps. His dark expression and imposing figure made the air tense.

Aaron, dressed in a well-tailored black suit, stood at 6’2”, exuding an intense pressure. He raised an eyebrow at Elliot and spoke in a low voice, “Mr. Blake, long time no see. When did you come to Harborville?”

Elliot easily noticed the challenge in Aaron’s tone but didn’t want to cause a scene in front of Sophia. He replied calmly, “I arrived last night, accompanying an elder on a visit.”

Aaron nodded before looking at Sophia. “How is Father?”

Sophia was reluctant to engage with him but didn’t want to cause a scene in public. She turned to Elliot. “Mr. Blake, Aunt is staying at the Dolce house tonight. Do you think that’s alright?”

Elliot nodded and left.

Sophia turned to head back into the hospital, and Aaron followed her closely. Neither spoke.

Finally, when they reached the hospital corner, Sophia stopped. “Let’s go talk over there.”

She opened the door to the stairwell, waiting for Aaron to enter before closing it behind them.

But before she could react, Aaron pushed her against the wall, his gaze cold. “Do you know Elliot?”

Sophia, unfazed, responded, “Yes, he’s Aunt Grant’s nephew.”

Aaron smirked. He knew exactly what Elliot’s eyes meant when he looked at her.

“Hmm,” he said, pressing closer to her, his hands roaming dangerously.

“Aaron, are you crazy? This is a hospital!” Sophia recoiled, her voice trembling in anger.

Aaron laughed coldly, his eyes filled with venom. Though he said nothing, Sophia understood him well. They had been together for ten years, and she could tell what he meant. He didn’t care about her, but as long as they were still married, he wouldn’t allow anyone else to touch what was his. Just like how he had confronted Ryan at the bar the night before.

Sophia forced a bitter smile, pushing him away. “Aaron, I’m not like you. You say you love me, but you can still sleep with someone else. If I want to be with someone, I’ll be completely done with you first, and then go be with them.”

“You should go. My father is still unconscious, hasn’t woken up yet.”

With that, she turned and left, heading back to the ward.

Aaron stood frozen for a moment before following her.

Outside the ICU, he saw Eleanor and Arthur. Ashton was lying motionless in bed, hooked up to various machines.

Sophia spoke briefly with Eleanor, updating her on the doctor’s rounds. She mentioned that Ashton’s vital signs were stable, and once Harry arrived, they could discuss the surgery plan.

Aaron, clearly frustrated, grabbed Sophia’s wrist. “Arthur, you watch over Dad. Sophia and I need to talk. We’ll leave first.”