Chapter 6

"It's not off the table. I'll marry you, just like we agreed." Alexander said it casually. Then he noticed Daniel standing outside, pointing at his phone. He released Sophia gently, offering a hint of apology. "Something's come up at work. I'll swing by later." As soon as he left, Sophia quickly wiped the tears off her face. The sorrow vanished, replaced by excitement. Everything was happening way faster than she expected. Moments later, a nurse slipped in and softly said, "Miss Clark, the photos turned out great." She brought up the pictures on her phone, smiling. "You and Mr. Brooks look like you were made for each other." In the photo, Sophia was nestled in Alexander's chest, while he looked down at her with a gentle gaze. She gave a satisfied nod and sent the photo out. Once the nurse left, Sophia ripped off her bandages without care, revealing hands marked by faint scars. Playing the piano was her livelihood. No matter what, she wouldn't really risk damaging her hands-not even for Alexander. These scars were plenty convincing. Outside the hospital, Daniel hurried to open the car door as Alexander stepped out. Alexander got in, smoothed his coat beside him, and rubbed his temples. "Did you dig anything up?" Daniel's tone turned serious. "News just hit the internet-it's true. The Johnson family's eldest daughter is back." Even though it wasn't brand new info, Daniel still looked stunned. Two years ago, Eira vanished. Everyone in Oceanvein knew. Rumors even said she was dead. Seems like Alexander was the only one who never gave up. Alexander's fingers tapped the armrest slowly, his eyes dark and unreadable. "Keep an eye on the Johnsons. Bet things won't stay quiet for long." "Got it," Daniel replied, turning to watch the road ahead. The car glided through shifting patches of light and shadow, casting patterned reflections on Alexander's calm, brooding face. "What's Eira been up to these past few days?" Daniel felt a chill run down his spine. "Mr. Brooks, she's completely off-grid. She hasn't even returned to the villa." That in itself was strange. Eira had always been gentle. Her world revolved around Alexander. But now? Not only had she asked for a divorce, she'd vanished without a trace. Hearing that, Alexander's expression darkened further. His eyes were like frost. "Didn't think she could be this persistent." ***** At that moment, Eira was sitting at the head of the Johnson Group conference room table, her voice cool and commanding. "If you've got something to say, lay it out. I'll deal with it one by one." She swept a steady glance across the table at the shareholders. In the silence, a newly appointed shareholder couldn't hold himself back. He pointed at her, scowling, "You're just a woman, and you think you can claim the CEO seat? That's just greedy!" "This company isn't your playground. I'm absolutely against it!" Eira smirked, clearly unimpressed, her voice full of disdain. "This seat was always mine. I'm not taking it-I'm reclaiming it." "I don't care who you think you are. As long as I'm here? Not happening!" "Oh? That so." Unfazed, she motioned toward the door. Instantly, the bodyguards outside stormed in and dragged Caspian Wells out without hesitation. "Anyone else got an issue?" Eira toyed with the pen in her hand, her tone icy. "If it's something that's actually good for the company, go ahead." Her words shut the room down. No one dared speak. At the side, William looked like his face had been through five different paint jobs. He hadn't expected his niece to come back after two years and flip the table like this. Lucky for him, he wasn't caught off guard. He'd planned ahead...