Chapter 12
Chapter 0012
Four years later…
The sky over Sentius City was the same old blue.
Reporters from various major magazines had been at the airport since the crack of dawn. They were eagerly waiting, with their eyes fixated on the exit. Every single one of them dreaded the possibility of missing out on catching the first- hand news about Sophia Meadows if they so much as blinked.
An adorable little boy pouted and squirmed in his seat. He looked like a porcelain doll who had walked out of an oil painting.
“Mommy, Nathan needs to pee,” he said, poking the woman sitting next to him.
The woman had long, lustrous hair that cascaded over her shoulders to behind. her back. Her soft eyebrows sat above a set of misty eyes. Between them was a dainty nose, and a pair of rosy l*ps below. Her features were exquisite and delicate
-almost inhumanly so. No one would ever believe that she was a mother of a
four–year–old child.
She stared out the window absentmindedly. It wasn’t until the young boy poked her a second time that she was pulled back to reality. She lowered her head and asked in a gentle voice, “Nate? What’s wrong?”
“Pee. Nathan needs to pee.” The pouting boy pointed at his belly. She snapped out of her daze and hurriedly brought him to the lavatory.
As they returned, the pleasant voice of a flight attendant sounded through the speakers.
“Ladies and gentlemen, flight UM7827 will be landing shortly at Sentius City Airport. Please ensure you have all your belongings with you before disembarking the aircraft in an orderly fashion.”
The woman frowned. She bent down to say to her son, “Nate, you must be good. Do you remember what Mommy told you before?”
“Yes, I remember.” Nathan nodded with all his might. He announced with his chest puffed out, “Follow Uncle Francis. Mommy has something to do and will pick me up in the evening.”
“Uh huh, that’s my good boy.” The woman affectionately brushed the child’s hair, then stood up and led him out. As she expected, a man stood by the exit.
“Uncle Francis.” Nathan delightedly ran over with his tiny arms outstretched.
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The man strode over and picked him up, spinning him around in circles. “How is my little Nathan? Did you miss me?”
“Yeah,” purred Nathan as he wrapped his arms around Francis‘ n*eck.
Francis was over the moon. He planted a big fat k*ss on Nathan’s cheek. Then, he turned to the woman who had been standing aside in silence.
She walked over with a smile on her face.
“Thank you, Francis.”
“You can thank me with a k*ss,” he teased ruthlessly. She fell into a spiraling daze. She was reminded of when they first met. She had never been as bold or brash as she was back then.
But that was a long time ago.
She lowered her gaze and smiled. She then sl*pped on a pair of sunglasses. It concealed her goddess–like beauty.
Francis was beguiled. His breathing slowed as he managed a question, “Are you sure you don’t want to go out with me?”
She shook her head in response. Cupping her son’s face, she peppered his face with more k*sses and advised, “Be good, Nate. Mommy’s leaving now.
“Bye bye, Mommy.”
Nathan remained obediently in Francis‘ arms. Though his eyes were filled with a deep reluctance, he still waved his hands like the sensible child he was.
A trace of heartache flashed across the woman’s eyes. She turned resolutely and left.
The reporters were gathered around the exit. When they spotted the elegant woman saunter out, they lunged forward. They appeared to be a pack of hungry wolves that was given a piece of fresh meat.
“Ms. Meadows, why have you decided to return despite your fame in Meriscape?”
“Ms. Meadows, what are your comments on winning the “Goddess” fashion show in Meriscape?”
“Ms. Meadows, word has it that Mr. Ford has extended an invitation to
collaborate with you/Is that true? Is that why you’ve returned to the country to further your career?”
“Ms. Meadows, you’ve become a global fashion designer in four short years. How
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The entire airport was buzzing from the excitement of her arrival.
Enveloped by her black–clad b*dyguards, Sophia kept her head hung low the entire time. She appeared entirely indifferent to the media’s questions.
It was almost magical how gracefully she moved despite being surrounded by the dense crowd. It appeared as though she was taking a leisurely stroll through a peaceful garden.
Just when the reporters thought they were about to lose the opportunity, a group of burly men arrived out of nowhere. The press corps hesitated.
The uniformed b*dyguards were well–built and formed two rows. They seamlessly blended into the crowd. A man with gold–rimmed glasses took the lead. He exuded an air of refinement, yet maintained a reserved presence that kept others at arm’s length.
“Hello.” He approached Sophia with an extended hand. With a charming smile, he said, “I am Mr. Ford’s personal assistant, Jude Lawson. Welcome, Ms. Meadows.”
As she received his warm greetings, a sarcastic smile crept onto her face. It disappeared within seconds. She raised her head and removed her sunglasses leisurely. She flashed an impeccable smile. “Hello, I am Sophia Meadows.”
The moment their eyes met, Jude was momentarily stunned,
Those limpid eyes that contained a hint of mischief offered a deeper layer of cunning. With just one quick glance, he discovered an uncanny resemblance to the woman who vanished four years ago.
Yet, her facial features and contours were completely distinct. She was a different person entirely.
Despite being puzzled, Jude was a professional and could swiftly compose himself. He plastered on a courteous smile and stretched out a hand, gesturing to
her to walk ahead.
Sophia gave a curt nod and strode forward.
The muscular men in the background weren’t necessary at all. A single look from Jude made it clear to the reporters that they were not going to be very successful today.
It was no laughing matter. Not one of them dared recklessly push forward. If anyone were to get on Mr. Ford’s nerves, there was no doubt that their entire
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The reporters kept their cameras and microphones away reluctantly. Their long- awaited anticipation had amounted to nothing. As the crowd dispersed, the group hung their heads low in disappointment.
Amid their gloom, they failed to notice the red–headed man, who was cradling a little boy in his arms nearby. The pair exited the scene at a casual pace.