Chapter 445

Alexander couldn't refute his father's words no matter how hard he tried.

It was true.

His grandfather had met Sophia in person, yet he didn’t see any resemblance to his late aunt. Why?

Alexander was baffled.

But deep down, he knew Sophia had to be connected to his aunt somehow.

He just needed to wait for his brothers to return from abroad. Once they were back, he’d take them to see Sophia. If they agreed that she looked like his aunt, then he was right.

Until then, he was fighting a lonely battle.

For now, Isabella would continue strutting around the Thornton estate like she owned it.

If he wanted to help Sophia, he’d have to do it discreetly.

That afternoon, after feeding his grandfather lunch, Alexander coaxed him into taking a nap.

Once the old man was asleep, he slipped out to call Sophia.

He’d been in Kingsbury for three weeks. His grandfather’s health had been unstable, so he hadn’t had time to check on Sophia’s work situation.

He’d considered asking Julian to look after her, but then he remembered how Ethan had snatched Sophia away—and that Julian wasn’t exactly trustworthy either.

So he dropped the idea.

He hadn’t told anyone Sophia worked at his construction company. He didn’t want to cause trouble for her.

Meanwhile, Sophia, back in Harborview, was completely absorbed in her work.

The office was buzzing with gossip about her and Liam. Most of it painted her as the villain, claiming Rayna had been right all along.

Sophia didn’t care.

She lived by the principle that a clear conscience fears no accusations. She kept her head down and worked.

But just before the end of the workday, Liam stormed into the design department.

"Sophia! Why the hell aren’t you answering your phone?"

Sophia exhaled slowly, forcing down her irritation. "Liam, what do you want now?"

She glanced around. The other women in the office were watching with barely concealed amusement.

Before Liam could respond, the receptionist rushed in. "Designer Montgomery, there’s a call for you! A man from Kingsbury is asking for you, but I don’t know your extension."

Sophia blinked. "A man?"

She thought it might be Ethan.

The receptionist nodded. "He wouldn’t say who he was. It’s not Mr. Montgomery’s voice."

Sophia frowned.

"Oh my God, how many men do you have lined up?" Linda sneered from her desk.

Sophia turned to her, voice icy. "Jealous, Linda? That I outrank you despite being new? That I’m younger? That I have more admirers? Must be exhausting, being so bitter."

Linda’s mouth snapped shut.

Liam cut in, his tone dangerous. "Let me make something clear. The Sterlings might not be what we used to be, but crushing ants like you? Still easy. Next time I hear any of you spreading rumors about Sophia, I’ll personally make sure you regret it."

The women paled.

Everyone in Harborview knew Liam’s cousin, Ethan Blackwood, ruled the city with an iron fist. Even if the Sterlings had fallen, Liam still had connections no one wanted to mess with.

Liam turned back to Sophia. "Answer your call."

Sophia nodded to the receptionist. "Extension 26."

A moment later, her desk phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Sophia, it’s Alexander." His voice was thick, like he had a cold.

Sophia hesitated. "You sound sick."

She didn’t want the office knowing about her connection to Alexander—not after the rumors about Liam.

Alexander chuckled hoarsely. "Kingsbury’s air is too dry. My throat’s been killing me. How’s work? I haven’t been able to check in since my grandfather got sick. You settling in okay? And why the hell is your phone off? I had to call the office line."

Sophia lowered her voice. "I’m fine. I like the job. My phone died—I forgot my charger. Didn’t think anyone would call."

"Good. Keep it up. Let me know if you need anything."

"Thanks."

"I’m in Kingsbury—want anything? Limited-edition Hermès? Perfume? Just name it." His tone was warm, almost brotherly.

Sophia’s chest tightened briefly before she shut it down. "No, thanks. I’ll talk to you later."

She hung up before he could argue.