Chapter 199

The past still haunted her.

Especially those three agonizing months.

Sophia had been tossed around like a plaything among Harborview City’s elite, nearly losing her life in their cruel games.

That was why she no longer believed in love. She would never entangle herself with another wealthy man. All she wanted now was a quiet life with her daughter Lily and her savior, Noah, in this small town.

Nothing more.

Sophia hesitated before replying, "Lucas, I have something to handle. I’ll call you later."

She ended the call and guided her electric bike home, Lily chattering excitedly behind her.

As soon as the bike stopped, Lily dashed inside, shouting, "Uncle Noah! Uncle Noah!"

Noah wheeled himself out from the living room, grinning. "Ah, my little warrior is back! Tell me, who did you defeat today? Did you leave them scrambling for their teeth?"

Sophia shot him a disapproving look. "Don’t encourage her. She’s a girl, not some street brawler."

Noah sighed. "I just want her to be strong. Not like her mother—too kind, too trusting, always getting hurt because of it. Lily needs to be fearless. She should never let anyone walk over her. Understand?"

Lily nodded solemnly. "I won’t let anyone bully me, Uncle. And when I grow up, I’ll protect you and Mommy. No one will ever call Mommy names or say mean things about you again."

Sophia’s heart clenched.

Before she could respond, a furious shout erupted from outside. "You little brat! Get out here! I’ll tear this house down today!"

Noah’s expression darkened. "Sophia, what’s going on? Who is that?"

Sophia froze.

She hadn’t expected Mason Dawson’s parents to actually show up at her doorstep. She had planned to discuss transferring Lily to another school after dinner, but now they were here, demanding confrontation.

Seeing her hesitation, Noah’s voice turned firm. "Both of you, hide. No matter what happens, stay inside. Call the police, but don’t come out. Understand?"

Tears welled in Sophia’s eyes. "Noah—"

"I’m still a man, Sophia. I won’t let them hurt you." He gripped his wheelchair. "Now go."

"No!" Sophia pushed him back inside and turned to Lily. "Stay with Uncle. Mommy will handle this."

She marched outside before Noah could protest.

A group of burly men stood beyond the fence, carrying a stretcher with Oliver Dawson—Mason’s father—lying on it, his face twisted in rage.

"You little witch!" Oliver snarled. "Your daughter pushed my boy! Kneel and apologize, or I’ll flatten this house!"

Sophia’s hands trembled, but before she could speak, a cold voice cut through the tension.

"I’d like to see you try."

She turned.

Lucas Grayson, the CEO of her company, stood there, impeccably dressed, his presence commanding.

"Mr. Grayson?" Sophia blinked. "What are you doing here?"

Lucas held a bouquet and a gift basket. "I came to invite you to dinner, but you’d already left. Thought I’d drop by." He glanced at Oliver. "Problem?"

Oliver scoffed. "You think I’m scared of you, Grayson? You might be the big shot in this town, but I don’t back down from anyone!"

Lucas smirked. "Then let’s settle this in court."

Oliver hesitated before snarling at his men. "Let’s go!"

As the group retreated, Sophia exhaled shakily. "Thank you. I didn’t expect them to come here."

Lucas’s gaze softened. "Oliver’s just a loudmouth with connections. He won’t bother you again."

Sophia bit her lip. "What kind of connections?"

"Former government official. Family made money from demolition projects. Thinks he owns the town." Lucas shrugged. "But he knows better than to cross me."

"Thank you," she murmured. She didn’t invite him in, keeping her tone polite but distant. "I’ll work harder to repay the company’s trust."

That was the only promise she could make.

Lucas understood. But he wasn’t giving up.

"Looking forward to it." He smiled. "Goodnight, Sophia."

"Goodnight, Mr. Grayson."

Back inside, Noah studied her. "He cares about you."

Sophia shook her head. "Noah, I’m done with rich men. After everything in Harborview City… I just want peace. For us."

Noah sighed but didn’t push.

Some wounds ran too deep.