Chapter 77

Liam's strong arms caught her just before she hit the ground, his lips curling into that familiar, roguish smirk. "Still mad at me for saying you were trying to seduce Ethan at the gala? Or that you had no business being saved on that yacht?"

Sophia shook her head. "I'm not."

And she meant it.

What claim did she have to resent Liam? Their relationship was nothing more than fleeting encounters. Sophia had always been clear-headed about such things.

"Listen, country girl," Liam scoffed, his tone sharp. "That night, you were so desperate for money you practically threw yourself at those rich bastards. No one would’ve saved you—not unless they wanted to make enemies with Harborview’s elite. The only reason you’re standing here is because of my cousin, Ethan. And let’s be honest—you agreed to Charlotte’s little game. They paid you. So don’t act like some wronged maiden."

Sophia’s voice remained steady. "Mr. Sterling, I don’t hate you."

"Then why," he challenged, stepping closer, "were you struggling with that giant bag, missing the last bus, and still didn’t call me?"

Sophia hesitated.

"Didn’t I tell you?" His tone turned imperious. "You’re mine to look after now."

She lowered her gaze.

What could she say? Words failed her. Liam’s arrogance, his teasing—it was all just amusement to him. But Sophia wouldn’t forget that, beneath it all, he had helped her.

"Get in the car," he ordered.

She obeyed.

The drive to the southern district was filled with Liam’s off-key singing, more like a wolf’s howl than music. He didn’t speak to her, but every time she glanced at the rearview mirror, she caught him watching. She offered a small smile each time.

Liam smirked to himself. Progress.

The harder the challenge, the sweeter the victory.

When they reached the construction site, Liam dropped her off and sped away without a word. Sophia hauled the heavy sample bags, distributing materials to each building’s wiring team. By the time she finished, it was well past noon.

The site canteen was nearly empty. She grabbed a boxed lunch—generous portions, two meats, two vegetables, all for ten dollars. Best of all, a boiled sweet potato sat nestled beside the rice.

White, sweet, perfectly soft. Sophia adored them.

The canteen auntie had given her extra. Now, sitting on a newly built flowerbed, she savored each bite, carefully picking out the fibrous strands.

A shadow fell over her. "That good?"

Sophia startled. "You—you didn’t leave?"

He had driven off so abruptly earlier, she’d assumed he was gone.

Liam plopped beside her. "I dropped you here. Did you think I’d just abandon you? Or did you expect me to trail after you like some lost puppy while you crawled through half-finished buildings handing out samples?"

She didn’t answer, focusing on her meal.

"You really love sweet potatoes that much?"

She nodded. "They’re sweet."

"Sweet? It’s not chocolate." He snatched the lunchbox and chopsticks from her hands. Without hesitation, he took a bite.

Sophia stared.

Liam chewed, then paused. "Damn. This is actually good."

His exaggerated delight made her laugh—a real, unfiltered laugh, bright as spring water trickling over stones.

Liam froze.

He’d never seen her smile like that before. Not the polite, guarded ones. This was pure, effortless joy.

For the first time, he remembered—she was only twenty. Four years younger than him.

That afternoon, Liam didn’t let her return to work. He dragged her to a restaurant, ordering a feast. She barely touched the food, quietly enduring his crude jokes and wild stories.

By five, he dropped her at Grandview Medical Center, where Victoria was staying.

Sophia walked into the room—and froze.

Ethan was already there, feeding her mother spoonfuls of fish porridge.

"Ethan," she breathed. "You’re early today. Let me do it."

He handed her the bowl without protest. Sophia fed Victoria bite by bite, her mother humming happily between mouthfuls.

"If only I could live longer," Victoria sighed.

"You will," Sophia promised. "But you have to eat more. The more you eat, the stronger you’ll get."

Victoria beamed. "Then I’ll eat everything!"

Ethan watched them, then said, "Now that she’s eaten, you’re coming with me."

Sophia blinked. "Where?"

"To buy you clothes."

Her breath caught.

Ethan’s gaze didn’t waver. "You heard me."