Sophie had just recovered from a fever, and as she got out of bed, her legs felt weak and wobbly, so


    she involuntarily leaning forward. Colby quickly reached out to steady her by the waist, and she


    instinctively clung to his arm..


    Colby’s arms were strong and muscr, slightly firm to the touch. The two were so close, they could


    almost feel each other’s heartbeat and breathing.


    Sophie withdrew her hand, saying, “Sorry, I wasn’t standing steady.”


    “I’ve got you You won’t fall.”


    As he spoke, a maid from outside the door brought in a set of brand–new clothes, which he ced on a


    nearby table, “I’ll wait for you outside”


    Sophie nodded. She had sweated throughout the night due to the fever. Only when Colby moved to


    wait outside did she go to the bathroom to wash up.


    The residual warmth of their contact lingered on Colby, who listened to the sound of water running


    inside the room and swallowed slightly.


    After a while, Sophie came out dressed in a clean, crisp casual shirt and jeans. Her hair was still damp,


    now flowing in waves over her shoulders.


    Colby stepped closer to Sophie, gently gathering her hair before taking her by the wrist and leading her


    into the room.


    “Where’s the hair dryer?”


    “Here.” Sophie handed the bathroom hair dryer to Colby.


    He took the hair dryer, plugged it in and started drying Sophie’s hair. His movements were skilled. He


    lifted her hair, carefully blowing it dry, ensuring it waspletely dry before he put the hair dryer away.


    “Colby, you’re even better at drying hair than I am.”


    It was an unexpected situation, and she hadn’t dried it thoroughly herself.


    “I worked in a hair salon for a while, so I’m pretty professional.”


    Colby’sment sounded like a joke, and Sophie didn’t take it seriously.


    “You’ve just recovered from a fever. You should be especially careful not to take shortcuts in drying


    your hair. A draft could give you a headache for the whole day.”


    Colby’s advice was sensible. Sophie asked, “How did the wild and untamed Colby once work in a hair


    salon?”


    “It was a long time ago. I was in a foreignnd, and to survive, I had to do everything.”


    Colby kept it brief, and Sophie didn’t press further.


    Outside the Russell family home, the driver had been waiting for a long time. When they arrived at the


    hospital, they saw Isaac kneeling by Perry’s bedside, though Perry hadn’t spared Isaac a nce.


    Once Sophie arrived, Tricia tactfully left the room.


    “Uncle Perry.”


    Hearing Sophie’s voice, Perry’s expression softened. He quickly asked, “Sophie, are you alright? Are


    you hurt?”


    “Don’t worry. I’m fine.” Sophie nced at Isaac nearby and said, “Isaac has been kneeling here for half


    the day, Uncle Perry, please calm down.”


    At the mention of Isaac, Perry’s face darkened with anger. “I’ve seen the news about what this monster


    did to you. I don’t have a son like that!”


    “Dad, I’m sorry. Please, don’t send me back to the police station! I’m sorry!” Isaac was begging, devoid


    of any dignity in the face of despair.


    “This time, even if Sophie forgives you, I won’t! From today onwards, I will sever all father–son ties with


    you, Isaac, and I’ll also divorce your mother!”


    Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Hearing this, Isaac copsed to the ground.


    Sophie frowned. Despite everything that had happened in the past, she had never heard Perry speak


    such harsh words.