Chapter 580 Unwilling to Give Up
Caroline had just wrapped up a chat with Sophia when Nicholas dropped the bomb that he'd be out on a business trip for a few days. He didn't spill the beans on where he was headed, and Caroline didn't bother to pry.
Next day, Caroline hit the road to City H with Lisa.
By afternoon, Sophia was on kid duty, picking up the four munchkins from school.
Josie was all hyped about crashing at The Lancaster Manor for the next few days. She knew Caroline couldn't drag her along for work, so she didn't kick up a fuss. Plus, she got to bunk with Emma.
Gabriel, who'd been MIA on a business trip for a week, finally made his grand return.
Come dinner time, three grown-ups and four cute kiddos were gathered around the table. Emma handed Josie a big ol' chicken leg.
"Eat up. My mom says more meat makes you grow faster."
Josie had shot up like a weed this year and was already taller than Emma.
Emma just wanted to play the big sister role and look out for Josie.
Josie dished out some food for Emma too. "Emma, try this. It's delish."
She wanted to look out for Emma too!
Sophia watched the two with a grin, Ethan just shook his head, and Sam was trying not to laugh out loud.
After dinner, the four kids huddled in one room, while Sophia headed to her studio to crank out some design drafts.
Gabriel walked Ruth back to her room.
"Grandma, I tracked down Peter's family and dug up some juicy info."
Ruth's eyebrows shot up. "What info?"
Gabriel helped her sit on the bed.
"On the day Peter had his accident, it wasn't just Sophie's dad who went to see him; there was another dude who was tight with Peter."
"That guy's probably Logan. I think Logan might've offed Peter, but his motive's likely tied to that project. Problem is, we got zilch to pin him down yet."
Gabriel's face got all serious.
He felt like he was getting closer to the truth, but the road ahead was still a mess. He wanted to clear Sophia's dad's name ASAP.
Ruth nodded. "After all these years, digging up the truth ain't gonna be easy. Gabriel, Celeste's been asking about the Kellys. She's got Colin and David on the case too. Maybe you guys should team up."
"I'll fill Colin in on what I found tomorrow."
Gabriel left Ruth's room and headed upstairs, bumping into Sophia coming out of her studio.
Not seeing her for almost a week had him missing her like crazy.
Gabriel's eyes softened as he walked towards Sophia.
Sophia was holding an empty cup, ready to head downstairs for some water. Seeing him staring and walking towards her made her heart race.
"What are you doing?"
She gulped, trying to keep her cool.
Gabriel smiled and stopped just a step away from her.
"I missed you so much," he said, laying it all out there.
Sophia's eyes went wide, and she stared at Gabriel, suddenly at a loss for words.
Sophia thought, 'Should I say I missed him too? Nah, that's too mushy.'
"I didn't miss you."
And just like that, the romantic vibe was shot down.
Gabriel sighed and playfully pinched her cheek.
"You're so heartless."
Sophia slapped his hand away. "You're the heartless one."
'Yeah, I'm heartless,' Gabriel thought to himself, regret hitting him hard.
Sensing the shift, Sophia looked down. "Business trips are exhausting. You should get some rest."
With that, she tried to walk past him.
But Gabriel grabbed her hand and pulled her into a tight hug.
Sophia was so startled she almost dropped her cup.
Gabriel whispered in her ear, his voice low and sexy, "Business trips suck, but hugging you makes it all worth it."
Before she could react, he kissed her forehead and quickly let go, darting into the bedroom like he was scared she'd get mad.
Sophia stood there, stunned. She touched her forehead, her heart racing and cheeks burning.
'Why do I suddenly find Gabriel kinda cute when he's running away?' she thought.
Sophia poured herself some water and drank half a cup to cool down. Then she went to check on the kids.
They were all passed out on the floor.
Luckily, there was a thick carpet, so they wouldn't catch a cold.
Sophia carried them one by one to their beds.
When she picked up Ethan, she noticed he was still clutching the lucky iron box from the ruins.
She tried to take it, but Ethan held on tight.
Not wanting to hurt him, she let him sleep with it.
She had a hunch the box might hold clues about her mom's past, so she hadn't opened it yet and was feeling anxious.
Ethan must've sensed her worry, which is why he held onto the box every day.
Ethan was always so thoughtful and caring, putting Sophia first.
Sophia bent down and kissed his forehead.
The next morning, the kids got up, washed up, dressed themselves, and lined up to go downstairs.
Josie looked a bit down, probably missing Caroline.
Sophia hugged her and gently rubbed her head.
"Missing your mom?"
Josie nodded.
"How about we video call her?"
Josie shook her head. "No, she's super busy. I don't wanna bug her. I'll wait till she picks me up."
Emma came over, hugging Sophia's arm and rubbing it. "I miss my mommy too."
Sophia tapped her forehead. "You little rascal, you're with me every day."
"Even if we're together every day, I still miss you."
"Go have breakfast."
Ruth sat at the head of the table, watching the kids with a kind smile.
"Ethan." Sophia handed him a piece of bread. "It's okay if you can't open the iron box. Mommy doesn't need it anymore."
She didn't want Ethan to feel pressured about the box.
Ethan tensed up at the mention of it.
He shook his head. "I'll open it. It might just take a bit longer."
He had read a ton of books and was halfway through his research. He didn't want to give up.
"But it might stress you out."
"I don't feel stressed. I want to open it."
Seeing his determination, Sophia thought for a moment.
"Alright, but make sure you don't push yourself too hard."
Ethan nodded firmly. "I know, don't worry, mommy."
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