The warm, thick blood, the cold scalpel, and the smell of disinfectants–she felt as if she had once again


    brushed shoulders with death. “Having a nightmare?” Beside her was Colby’s deep voice.


    Only then did Sophie realize she had been leaning on Colby’s shoulder. “I fell asleep,” Sophie said, her


    eyes filled with exhaustion.


    “The surgery isn’t over yet,” Colby said calmly. “I’ll take you home. I have people here watching over


    things.”


    Sophie shook her head. “I’m worried about Uncle Perry. He’s the only family I have left in this world.”


    Colby tapped Sophie’s forehead lightly. Rubbing the spot, she asked, “What’s that for?”


    “Go back and rest. I’ll bring you back here early in the morning.”


    “But-”


    “You being here won’t change anything. Mr. Perry will need rest after the surgery anyway.”


    “But-


    “No arguing with me.”


    Colby’s tone was firm, and Sophie knew that he was already being gentle with her.


    “Okay, let’s go back.”


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Sophie followed Colby to the car, but they didn’t head toward the Russell residence. They were on the


    way to the Costello residence instead. Sophie said, “I can go back to my ce.”


    “My house is closer to the hospital. It’ll be more convenient to head back in the morning.” Colby gave


    Sophie a casual excuse.


    Sophie didn’t argue. She was too tired to even speak, so she just leaned back in her seat and closed


    her eyes for a light nap.


    After what felt like an eternity, Sophie was suddenly awakened by a ‘ding. Opening her eyes, she found


    Colby’s stern face just inches away from hers.


    She instinctively tried to move back, but Colby only reached out to unbuckle the seatbelt on the


    passenger seat before sitting back


    down.


    “Your phone.” Colby’s voice was deep.


    Only then did Sophie realize her phone had rung. She took it out to see a call from Tricia.


    Sophie answered the call, asking, “What’s up?”


    “Ms. Sophie, Isaac has been taken away.”


    “What?”


    Sophie thought she had misheard. Tricia repeated, “Isaac was taken away by Mr. Burke.”


    Sophie was shocked. “James?”


    The guys outside the Russell residence were overpowered by James‘ men. After they stormed in, they


    went straight to the basement, dragged Isaac out, and drove away. We have no clue what’s really


    happening. It was urgent, so I called you immediately, Ms. Sophie.”


    Sophie furrowed her brow. She had thought Jessica and Isaac wouldn’t be targeted, so she hadn’t left


    many people to guard the Russell residence. Who could have anticipated James would make a move


    so suddenly?


    “Are you sure he went there himself?”


    I’m positive!”


    Don’t panic. I’m on my way there now.”


    Sophie hung up the phone and turned to Colby, saying, “Isaac’s been taken by James. I need to go


    back right now.”


    Crapter 32


    “Hold tight.”