Chapter 185
“That sounds good,” I agreed, turning back to Sophie. “Running away isn’t a permanent solution, Sophie. We’ll figure this out, I promise. You can rest at my brother’s place for a few days, but eventually, you’ll need to face your parents.”
Sophie nodded, tears spilling down her cheeks. “I know. Thank you, Anna. Whatever you need in the future, I swear I’ll be there fot you. No questions asked.”
After settling Sophie in the villa, Joe and I returned to the car. The moment the doors closed, I felt everything crash down on me again.
“This isn’t your fault, Anna,” Joe said, starting the engine. “It was an accident, beyond your control.”
I shook my head, unable to accept his comfort. “This is my fault, I was so focused on keeping Summer safe that I completely forgot about how dangerous Charles Windsor is. I never imagined he would do something like this to Sophie!”
“Even if you had been watching Sophie,” Joe responded, his voice firm but kind. “You can’t control everything. Stay away from Victoria from now on. She’s poison. First it was you, now Sophie–who knows who she’ll destroy next time?”
“I know,” I agreed quietly.
After a moment, I suddenly noticed we weren’t on the familiar route home. “Wait, this isn’t the way to our house!”
No, it’s not,” Joe confirmed. “I’m taking you to see Brandon Stark.”
My stomach dropped. “Brandon Stark? Please don’t!”
Ever since discovering that Summer was Brandon Stark’s wife, I’d been terrified of her by association. I’d experienced Brandon Stark’s methods firsthand. The scars on my face were a constant reminder.
“Don’t worry,” Joe assured me. “You saved Summer this time. He won’t hurt you.”
“But-”
“Trust me, Anna. We might need his help with Sophie’s situation anyway. You don’t want her hiding in that villa forever, do you?
Listen to me on this one.”
Manhattan Club–the place where my nightmare had begun. My palms were sweating as we walked through those elegant doors. Joe kept a firm grip on my hand.
“Don’t be afraid,” he murmured.
James led us through a labyrinth of corridors to a private room. When the door opened, I was surprised to see Brandon Stark casually playing cards with Dr. Sean Sullivan.
“Well, look who’s here!” Dr. Sean said cheerfully.
“Mr. Stark, Mr. Sullivan,” my brother greeted them respectfully.
I couldn’t help my surprise. “Dr. Sean? Aren’t you…”
Dr. Sean gave me a curious look. “Do you know, me, Miss Watson?”
“No!” I replied quickly.
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Chapter 185
Dr. Sean turned to Brandon with a smirk. “Brandon, our guests have arrived. Aren’t you going to say something?
Brandon Stark gestured toward the empty chairs. Mr. Watson, Miss Watson, please make yourselves comfortable.
Joe nodded gratefully. “Thank you, Brandon. May I ask why you wanted to see my sister?”
Brandon’s penetrating gaze settled on me. “About last night. Miss Watson, you did well. Summer and I owe you a favor.”
I swallowed hard, hardly believing my ears. “I don’t deserve your thanks, Mr. Stark. I’m truly sorry for what I did to your wife before.
I promise it will never happen again. What I did last night was my way of making amends.”
“When I say I owe someone a favor, Brandon replied, his voice measured, I always repay it.”
“Anna,” Joe prompted, nudging me. “Thank Mr. Stark.”
“Thank you, Mr. Stark!” I blurted out, then hesitated before gathering my courage. “Mr. Stark, could … could I ask you for a favor
now?”
Brandon’s expression remained inscrutable. “Go ahead, Miss Watson.
Joe nodded encouragingly, and I took a deep breath. “My friend, my friend Sophie… she’s in trouble. Could you… could you please help her?”
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