Ch. 801..810

Chapter 801 SERVES HER RIGHT

There was no need for people to work with someone they did not like.

“Tristan, both you and I know how powerful the Sable family is. Their power in Anglandur is not to be underestimated,” said Sophie. This is the Sable family we're talking about. If we face them head-on, there's no guarantee what the outcome might be.

There would always be someone more powerful in this world. Not every enemy was a mere lackey.

“I know. I never underestimated them. I just don't want to see you making yourself suffer.”

Moreover, Sophie had to travel to Anglandur if she wanted to bring Nicholas to a psychiatrist. That was a situation Tristan did not want to see.

He did not want her to have any interaction with Nicholas, even if she was going there to save a life.

Sophie stood on tiptoes and pecked his chin. “Don't worry. I'll take good care of myself. I'll come back to you in one week, tops.”

“No. I won't allow it even if it's for one week. If you must go, then I'll go with you.” Tristan would not let her face the danger alone.

There was no way he was going to allow that.

“Nicholas wants to kill you. You'll be in danger if you come with me,” said Sophie. She did not want him to take the risk.

Love was the reason they did not want each other to be in danger.

“Don't underestimate me, Sophie. It's just Nicholas. He's nothing in my eyes.” Tristan was determined to go with her. If not, he would not stop worrying.

“I don't want you to go, Tristan.”

Sophie was incredibly persistent as well.

Immediately, Tristan's gaze hardened. What does she mean by that? I'm her fiancé. How could I just let her put herself in danger? Nicholas is a madman. If she goes, there's no telling if she'll be able to return. How could I just let her leave?

Wrapping her arms around his waist, Sophie said, “Tristan, I know Nicholas likes me. That's why I'm sure he won't do anything to me. But you're different. He's sick. Your presence will only anger him. He'll kill you!”

“He can't!” Tristan refuted indignantly.

“I mean, what if? I'm afraid this might happen. I love you. That's why I don't want you to be in danger.”

Why does he not understand this?

“And that is also why I don't want you to be in danger, because I might risk losing you.”

“All right. I get it. You should get some rest.” Sophie did not want to talk about it anymore.

They would only end up arguing if they did.

Sophie did not want to get into an argument with him in that kind of situation.

The matter had not come to a conclusion, but Tristan could only fall silent when he realized she did not want to continue talking about it.

However, he did not want to leave either.

He was afraid that Sophie might fly off to Anglandur alone if he left. It was something he could not bear to see happen.

As if reading his mind, Sophie hugged him and assured him, “I won't go to Anglandur alone if you don't agree to it. Go and get some sleep.”

Sophie needed to think carefully about it.

“Since we've already decided to be together, we should solve every problem together, no matter what it is. Don't push me away, okay?”

I'm not someone she can get rid of whenever she wants. Besides, she doesn't have to worry about me. Both Nicholas and I are equally powerful, but I believe he's not my match.

“Yeah, I know,” responded Sophie while leaning against him.

However, it was one thing to know what he meant and another to let him go against Nicholas. Sophie could not let that happen.

She did not want to see Tristan in danger.

That was why she was behaving that way.

“All right. Stop thinking about it. It'll be fine. We'll definitely rescue her.” Tristan knew Sophie was a loyal person.

Hence, Sophie would never leave Butterfly.

“Okay.”

With that, Tristan carried her to the bed and lay down beside her.

“Get some rest. Butterfly will be fine for now,” said Tristan. After all, Nicholas only had one objective.

He would not harm Butterfly before his objective was achieved.

Feeling drowsy, Sophie fell asleep in his arms. Seeing that, Tristan planted a kiss on her forehead. He knew she was a responsible person, and she would deal with matters properly no matter what it was.

However, Tristan hoped he could resolve that matter on his own. After all, it was a battle between him and Nicholas.

Getting off the bed, Tristan made an international call and gave the instructions for a rescue mission.

It had been many years. Naturally, Tristan had people on his side in Anglandur. That was why he was not afraid of Nicholas.

Butterfly had only been given a drug that drained her of strength. Nonetheless, Nicholas did not limit her freedom.

She could roam around freely in the mansion.

In fact, Nicholas even had breakfast with her.

However, Butterfly lost all her appetite at the sight of him. She knew Nicholas was using her to threaten Sophie.

The mere thought of that made her lose her appetite to have breakfast.

“Ms. Sekelsky, is the breakfast not to your liking? If that's the case, I can get someone to make something else for you.”

“The food's not the problem. It's the person I'm eating with. I lose my appetite when I see you, so please get lost.” Butterfly was not afraid of Nicholas. There was nothing she needed to be afraid of when she was already caught by him.

“What did you say? Are you courting death?” Richard could not tolerate someone talking to Nicholas like that.

However, Nicholas waved his hand.

“What's this behavior, Richard? Ms. Sekelsky is Sophie's friend, and Sophie's the woman I love the most. You must never get angry at Ms. Sekelsky, no matter what she says.”

“The woman you love the most?” Butterfly scoffed. How shameless of him to say something like that.

“What are you laughing for? Am I not allowed to love her? Who does Tristan think he is, anyway? I came to know Sophie first!”

His words rendered Butterfly speechless.

Just then, she recalled Sophie telling her Nicholas was mentally ill. Hence, she did not want to agitate him further.

The odds are against me, anyway. He's allowed to like anyone. It has nothing to do with me.

“Why aren't you talking anymore? I was the one who knew Sophie first.” Nicholas was insistent on that point.

He just did not understand why Sophie did not like him. We're meant for each other, aren't we?

“All right. I get it. You like Sophie, and no one's stopping you from feeling that way. Can I give her a call? I don't want her to worry about me. Don't worry. I'm too weak to go anywhere.”

Butterfly finally gave in. She was a good-looking woman. As long as she acted weak, the surrounding people would have the urge to protect her.

“Okay.”

Knowing Sophie would be worried about Butterfly, Nicholas tossed the phone to the latter.

Immediately, Butterfly gave Sophie a call.

At first, Sophie did not want to pick it up when she saw Nicholas' name on the screen. In the end, she still answered it.

“Sophie, it's me. Don't worry about me. I'm fine,” assured Butterfly. It's what I deserve.

 

Chapter 802 LIVID

Hearing Butterfly's voice, Sophie raised her brow. That's impressive of her! She managed to call me at this point in time.

“Are you really fine? Did Nicholas do anything to you?” asked Sophie with worry. Even though she knew Nicholas would do nothing to Butterfly for the time being, she could not help but worry.

Touching her face, Butterfly said, “He won't dare to do anything to me. Anyway, don't worry about me. I'm fine here. You don't have to bother about me.”

I was the one who insisted on coming here. It only serves me right for getting caught. Sophie doesn't need to risk her life for me.

“All right. Don't worry. Just stay there for now. Nicholas won't dare to do anything to you for the time being.”

“I know. I just wanted to tell you I'm fine.” Butterfly had spent a lot of time with Sophie. Naturally, she knew what the latter was like.

Now that Butterfly was captured by Nicholas, Sophie would definitely save her.

Butterfly felt extremely regretful for having caused Sophie so much trouble. Nonetheless, there was no changing the past.

“Give me the phone,” Nicholas said to Butterfly.

“All right. I'll be hanging up now. You really don't have to worry about me, okay? I'll find a way.”

Butterfly was somewhat capable after having been with Sophie for a long time.

“I know. Don't worry about it.”

Suddenly, Nicholas snatched the phone from her. At that moment, Butterfly wanted nothing more than to kill that man. How could he be so ungentlemanly? Can I not give him the phone if he wants it? Why does he need to snatch it from me?

“Sophie, I'm sure you know I have no other intentions. I just miss you. Please come to Anglandur so we can meet up,” said Nicholas. That was all he wanted.

Upon hearing his voice, Sophie hung up right away. There was no use talking to someone mentally ill.

When Nicholas heard the beep on the phone, he threw the phone out angrily. That d*mned woman! I just wanted to talk to her. Did she have to do that?

Meanwhile, Butterfly simply watched him in silence, not because she was afraid of him but rather because she knew it was not the right time to annoy him. The odds were against her, after all.

Richard, too, dared not say anything.

He knew Nicholas did not stand a chance against Sophie, and the latter could only let her treat him however she wanted.

As Nicholas' subordinates, they, too, had no choice but to take everything in silence.

Nicholas still felt upset after smashing the phone. Hence, he wrecked everything destructible in the dining room.

Butterfly glanced at Richard, who did not dare to say anything. He could only let Nicholas throw the things around until the latter was satisfied. After all, the Sable family was rich. They could just buy another set to replace the broken things.

In the meantime, Sophie was at the medical association. All the data for the new virus was out, and all that was left to do was combine them.

She handed the data to Arius and informed him, “I'll be busy for the next couple of days, so I'll leave the rest to you. This data is extremely important. Please take good care of it.”

No way! Are these people trying to work me to death? I'm already tired enough!

“Sophie, didn't you tell me to look for a girlfriend? How am I supposed to look for one when you guys keep exploiting me?” Arius complained. I'm not a robot! I need rest, too! It takes time and effort to compile the data into a final result.

“Didn't you say you didn't want to look for one? If that's the case, we won't force you,” said Sophie indifferently.

Arius was baffled.

“I need to rest. I've been too tired these days. Look at my dark circles!” said Arius while pointing under

his eyes. “I don't care. The results are not an urgent matter, anyway. Let's do it together when you've finished your matters.”

I refuse to do this alone!

“Professor Gullifer, weren't you the one doing it before I arrived? What is this? Are you asking me to do it because you think I'm a pushover?” Sophie questioned expressionlessly.

“How could it be? Who's treating you as a pushover? I'd be thankful if you don't bully me,” Arius refuted. Who'd dare to bully this woman?

“Good that you know. Get the final results processed. I want to see it when I come back from Anglandur. If you're too busy, you can get Georgina to help you.”

Georgina was really eager to help him out.

“Forget it. I'd rather do it alone,” said Arius.

Georgina was a rather capable person, but she harbored romantic feelings for him. At first, Arius thought of giving her a go, but when he saw the expectant look in Georgina's eyes, he worried that he would disappoint her if he did not end up loving her. Thus, he decided to forget it.

She won't be disappointed if I don't give her hope in the first place. I should stop before any interaction starts. That's the best outcome.

“You coward. She's such a cute and decent woman. She's not as scary as you think.” Sophie never expected Arius to be so cowardly when it came to such matters.

“Yes, I am a coward. What can I do? I just don't want to hurt her feelings.”

It's precisely because she's a cute and decent woman that I'd be committing a crime if I end up hurting her.

“All right. Whatever floats your boat. It's a real pity for a girl like her, though.”

“It's okay. She'll find her prince charming one day,” Arius commented. Her sorrow and dejection are only temporary.

Meanwhile, Georgina, who had come to see Sophie, overheard Arius' words. Am I still troubling him?

Georgina really liked him and simply hoped to stay by his side from afar. However, Arius did not seem to want that either.

She tried her best to hold in her tears, but her eyes still reddened.

Liking Arius is my own problem. It's only normal for him to not like me back.

“I'm sorry. My behavior recently must've put you in a difficult position.”

Sophie and Arius turned around instantly to find Georgina, who was on the verge of tears. It made others feel bad to see a cute and decent lady on the verge of tears.

“Let's go, Georgina. I'll treat you to a cup of milkshake. This guy deserves to be alone forever.” Sophie had a relatively good impression of Georgina. Hence, she decided to bring the latter out when she saw

how upset the latter looked.

With that, Georgina and Sophie went to a milkshake bar and ordered a milkshake each.

“I'm fine, Sophie. He doesn't like me, that's all. I'm just feeling a little sad. I'm really fine. Besides, I know I'm not good enough for him.”

There were many women out there who liked Arius. Georgina could not help but think an ordinary woman like her had no right to fall for a dazzling star like him.

“Georgina, love has nothing to do with whether you're good enough for him. If you like him, that means you like him. Likewise, if you don't, then you don't. You don't need to belittle yourself like this.”

 

Chapter 803 A POUNDING HEART

“I know. I'll be fine. Don't worry about me,” said Georgina. The truth was, she had expected that outcome.

It was not like she had to have him and only him.

After all, she was just unconsciously attracted to him.

The women continued chatting for a while until Sophie received a call from Barney telling her to return. Hence, they went back together.

Upon arriving at the entrance, Georgina halted in her tracks.

“Sophie, I'm feeling a little unwell. I won't be going in today.” Deep down, Georgina felt upset despite saying she was fine. At that moment, she needed to go home, get some rest, and sort out her feelings instead of going back to work.

Sophie understood what Georgina was feeling, and she nodded her head.

“All right. Go home and get some rest. Don't think too much, okay?”

“Okay.”

With that, Georgina left, looking rather dejected.

Seeing Sophie returning alone, Arius asked with a frown, “Where's Georgina? Don't tell me she

couldn't handle it?”

Sophie rolled her eyes at him.

“That's enough. Stay away from her in the future if you don't like her.” Georgina's a decent girl. I will not let her be afraid to fall in love because of him.

“Okay. I get it. I'll stay away from her in the future,” promised Arius.

He never wanted to hurt Georgina. However, he just did not want to get into a relationship at that moment.

“Let's go. Isn't Dr. Smith looking for us?” said Sophie while taking the lead.

Although Arius was not attracted to Georgina, he still felt bad for making her upset.

Looks like I've got to find a time to apologize to her.

Soon, they arrived at Barney's office. He took out a document that had the International Medical Association's seal.

“Why are you still keeping in touch with them, Dr.Smith? They're absolutely heartless people.

” Arius had seen through the people of the International Medical Association.

“Arius, the field of medicine has no national borders. They need our help with a new and complicated

disease.” Barney recalled his experiences at Anglandur when he read through the document earlier.

No matter what the circumstances were or which countries were involved, there would always be evil people. However, the ones that were affected the most were always the innocent citizens.

If they ignored the request for help, more innocents would die.

Sophie had no issue with the arrangement.

She accepted the folder from Barney and read the documents before nodding. “It's quite complicated.”

As society was rapidly developing, so were viruses. To make matters worse, some viruses were hard to deal with once they mutated.

“Don't tell me you want to go back, Dr. Smith? It was hard enough for you to get out last time. If you go back again, there's no guarantee what will happen to you.” Indeed, there were no national borders in the field of medicine, and the sick were truly pitiful.

Even so, one needed to put their well-being first.

No matter how much they cared for others, it would be a huge loss if they suffered instead.

“What do you think we should do, then? Are you saying we should just sit idly by?” Barney cast Arius a look of disagreement.

Arius was dumbfounded.

Fine. Just pretend I never said anything. I have no right to make decisions, anyway. These two can make the decision while I'll just carry out my duties.

“What do you think, Sophie?” Barney had already made up his mind. If the other two refused to go, he would go alone.

No matter what the outcome was, he would bear the consequences.

After all, the ordinary patients were innocent. As a doctor, he could not sit by and watch them die.

“I'll go with you, Dr. Smith.” Sophie nodded.

She would not let Barney go to Anglandur alone. Besides, she could use the opportunity to bring Butterfly back.

Arius could not help but roll his eyes.

Hmph. I feel like I'm just a superfluous existence.

“Forget it. I'll go with you two. Ugh. What am I going to do about you two?” Arius was at a loss for words.

Dr. Smith is a great person. The only problem is that he's too selfless.

Hearing that, Barney nodded.

“Who's going to take care of this place if all three of us go?” asked Arius. They had many ongoing

researches here.

There would be no one to manage the place if all three of them went to Anglandur.

“We have Georgina! She's not bad. Although she's young and lacks experience, she's not bad,” said Barney. After spending time with her, he genuinely felt that Georgina was a great candidate.

“Yep. All right, then.” Sophie, too, agreed that Georgina was a good solution to the problem.

However, their words elicited a frown from Arius.

“Can she handle it? She's just a young lady. Can she manage so many people?” The people from the Chanaean Medical Association are not the easiest to handle.

Sophie answered with confidence, “She can. That reminds me. Dr. Smith, I discovered two talents. I'd like to let them try working here.”

“Really? If that's the case, bring them over, then.”

Upon receiving Sophie's call, Simon and Sandra came rushing over. They had not seen Sophie since the start of the holidays.

When they found out that Sophie wanted to meet them, they practically rushed over without having second thoughts.

The moment they found out where Sophie was planning to meet them, the duo was confounded.

“Simon, are we at the wrong place? This is the Chanaean Medical Association.” Sandra was befuddled.

Immediately, Simon took out his phone and checked their location. Shaking his head, he said, “We're at the right place.” His heart was racing wildly, for he had always known that Sophie was an incredible person. She must be a member of the Chanaean Medical Association now! It makes sense. How could a talented person like Sophie not be?

“Come on. Let's go in and have a look. We'll find our answer once we go in there,” Simon prompted, leading Sophie into the building.

When the guard realized they were invited over by Sophie, he immediately brought the duo to her.

It was a first for Simon and Sandra to visit such a place.

As soon as they stepped into the building, they were greeted by the sight of people in white laboratory coats conducting experiments. The scene left the duo dumbfounded.

Never in their wildest dreams did they imagine themselves stepping into the medical association.

Meanwhile, Sophie was already waiting for them.

“Didn't you guys say you always wanted to visit the Chanaean Medical Association? Well, this is it! I noticed you two have been doing quite well recently, so here's the deal. Come and try working here. Let's see if you can adjust to the tough working environment.”

Sandra was shocked beyond words.

Am I hearing things? Sophie's speaking in Chanaean, yet why am I not understanding what she's saying?

“Really?”

Simon was the first to snap back to reality. Ever since his family's hospital got into trouble, he realized everyone needed to have their own abilities. That was why he had been working so hard recently.

 

Chapter 804 SHE IS ONE OF US

Even so, Simon knew hard work would only get him that far. He still needed connections to bridge the gap.

Now, Sophie was giving him that chance.

“Yeah, try it out! I'll be gone for a couple of days, but Dr. Bates will be here. If you have any questions, you may go to her.”

Sophie then introduced Georgina to the two.

“Hi, I'm Georgina Bates. Feel free to ask me any questions you might have. I'll try my best to help you out! My phone number is...”

Simon and Sandra immediately took out their phone and saved Georgina's number. After a few more exchanges, Georgina excused herself to return to work.

Meanwhile, Sophie took the two on a tour around Chanaean Medical Association.

Sandra and Simon looked around curiously. Everything seemed so novel to them.

“Can we really work here, Sophie?” Sandra still couldn't believe that was true.

She knew her abilities well and was aware it wasn't sufficient to land a job there.

Simon was even worse than her.

“Sure you can! You can start as a trainee. There'll be a test two years later. If you pass it, you'll be part of the medical association,” Sophie explained. “Are you willing to be a trainee?”

Simon nodded immediately as if afraid Sophia would rescind her offer.

Is she joking? Even if the job is part of a cleaning crew, I'll still eagerly take it, much less a trainee!

Sophie turned to Sandra.

“What about you?”

Sandra had been shadowing her at the University of Medicine for a year and had actually improved by leaps and bounds. However, she didn't realize it.

“Of course I'm willing. I'm still in a daze, Sophie. It feels like I'm in a dream.”

The dream she had always wished for had finally become a reality that day. How could she be unwilling to accept Sophie's offer?

I'm more than willing!

“This is reality, Sandra. This is not a dream. Don't worry. There's nothing impossible in this world as long as we have Sophie with us,” Simon concluded proudly.

They were grateful to have met and befriended Sophie.

Sandra nodded, agreeing with Simon's words.

He's right. There's nothing impossible with Sophie here.

“Since Georgina joined earlier than you both, you can look for her if you have any questions. Don't be shy. She's one of us.”

“Okay, Sophie. We know you're busy, so you can leave us to our own devices and return to work.”

They could wander around themselves.

“I'll be abroad for a few days, so let's talk once I return. Whatever questions you may have, I'll answer them then.” Sophie knew they had plenty of questions for her, but she really didn't have time to clear up their confusion.

“Where are you going? Is there something we can help with? Remember to tell us if it's something that we can help you with. Don't be courteous.” After all, Sophie had been helping them the whole time, and they hadn't been able to return the favor.

“All right. Thank you for your kind offer.” Sophia had no intention of divulging her issues since they couldn't help at all, so she didn't want to cause them more trouble.

“Aren't we useless, Sophie? We can't help you with anything.”

Disappointment filled Sandra as she couldn't give a helping hand to her dear friend.

There had been many occasions where she and Simon wanted to help, but their capabilities became their stumbling blocks.

“Don't overthink. I still have some work to finish. Feel free to take a look around.” Sophie still had other things to do, so she didn't have the time to accompany them.

Once Sophie left, Simon said excitedly, “Sandra, don't overthink. Haven't you always dreamed of being a part of the medical association? Now that we're finally here, we just have to do our best so that we don't embarrass Sophie!” They refused to be a source of chagrin to Sophie. Anything they did would reflect on her since she brought them there.

“Yeah. I'll work hard. Simon, you have to work hard too! We have to work even harder!” He's right. How can I embarrass Sophie? We might not be as talented as her, but we should be able to increase our chances of staying at the medical association if we work hard.

“I don't ever want to leave the medical association since I'm already here, Simon.” She might not be as obsessed if she hadn't been there. Yet, because she'd been there, she was more determined than ever to stay.

Simon nodded.

“It looks like we're on the same page.” You can only protect the one you want to protect when you stand at the very top.

Simon resolved to work hard, albeit slowly, to equip himself with abilities that could get him to the top. He didn't want others to determine his life and death.

Ysabelle knew Sophie was leaving for Anglandur soon, so she began packing. When Sophie arrived at the mansion, she saw Ysabelle lugging a packed suitcase toward her.

Sophie narrowed her eyes at Ysabelle, trying to get a read on her.

“What do you think you're doing? Don't you have any work recently?” It's already a new year, and I'm sure she has plenty of things to do, but isn't her work supposed to be local?

Ysabelle immediately shook her head.

“I heard you're leaving for Anglandur. I'm going with you,” Ysabelle said with a smile. “Please don't turn me down, Sophie! I want to go with you.”

She had come over because she overheard Felix and Tristan talking about it.

Since it's dangerous, all the more reason for me to go with her. I don't want her risking her safety alone.

Sophie ruffled Ysabelle's hair.

“I know what you're thinking, Ysabelle, but you can't help with anything even if you came with me. Instead, you'll only be a distraction, so please be good and stay here. I'll be back before you know it.”

Sophie wasn't planning to be there for long, so why would Ysabelle follow her?

Ysabelle frowned at Sophia's rejection.

“Do you think I'm a bother, Sophie?” Am I a burden to her because I can't protect myself, nor can I help

her with anything?

“No! Why would you think that? But it's true that you can't help me with anything even if you came with me. Be good and stay at TS Entertainment.”

TS Entertainment was established for Ysabelle and The Wheelers, so she should work hard.

Ysabelle shook her head.

“But I want to go with you! Whatever the danger, I want to face them with you.”

“What about Felix? Shouldn't you think about his feelings? I'm sure he'll be sad if you're being this stubborn.”

A troubled expression marred Ysabelle's countenance at the mention of Felix. She couldn't be as impulsive as before. After all, he was someone she truly liked.

“That's why you should stay here with Felix.” She really doesn't need to follow me there. That'll only give Nicholas more leverage over me.

When Tristan and Felix arrived at the mansion, they saw Ysabelle causing a fuss in her bid to follow Sophie to Anglandur.

Tristan's brows furrowed at Ysabelle's immaturity. Why is she acting so immature? We're all busy, yet she's causing a scene.

“Felix, can you control your woman? Stop letting her show off her IQ here.”

Felix didn't know how to respond to Tristan's barb.

“Mr. Tristan, can you not look down on her so much? She's your niece! Plus, she just really likes your wife. Can't you appreciate that she's fond of your wife? Why do you have to consider her a bother?”

Isn't he crossing a line here?

 

 

Chapter 805 MY MAN IS NOT USELESS

“Do you have to be so enraged?” Tristan cast Felix a side glance.

“How could I not? No matter how she is, she's still my girlfriend at the end of the day. How can you talk about her like that?” Regardless of how terrifying Mr. Tristan is, I still have to stand up for my girl!

“Since it pains you to hear criticisms about your girlfriend, hurry up and take her away! Stop letting her feel wronged by remaining here.”

Felix crossed the room toward Ysabelle and tugged her over to him.

“Let's go, Belle. We're going home.”

Humph! Does he think we like coming here? We'll just leave since he thinks we're a bother.

Ysabelle broke free from Felix's grip.

“What do you think you're doing, Felix? I've already packed my bags. I'm going to Anglandur with Sophie.”

“Ysabelle, you can't help with anything even if you follow her there. Let's just wait for them here.” He knew she wanted to help, but Sophie's matters were never simple.

Not anyone could help.

“Even you think I'm useless, don't you?” They all think that I'm useless. That's why none of them want

to bring me with them.

Felix wrapped his arm over her shoulder and gently pulled her into a hug.

“No one thinks you're a bother. We're just worried about you and don't want any harm to come to you. That's it.”

How can we think she's a bother? No one in this room will have that kind of thought. We just want her to continue living in her ivory tower.

Felix's heart ached at her putting herself down.

“Next time, okay? You can go with her on the next trip, but stay with me this time around. I also need you here with me.”

Ysabelle still wasn't happy. She wanted to go with Sophie.

“Sophie, are you really not taking me with you?”

Sophie gently patted her head.

“Take her home, Mr. Northley.” Butterfly isn't the only reason I'm heading to Anglandur. The mutated virus over there is dangerous too. Thus, I don't wish anyone of them to follow me there. I don't mind risking my life, but I can't endanger anyone else's.

“I'll write you a new song once I'm back from Anglandur. How about that?” Sophie offered with a smile.

Ysabelle nodded resignedly, knowing Sophie had already made up her mind, and there was no changing it.

“All right, then. You must be careful since you'll be going there alone. Remember to call me.”

Ysabelle felt aggrieved, but what else could she do about it? They already said she wasn't any help even if she went.

That was why she chose to stay and not let them worry about her.

“Ysabelle, help me look after TS Entertainment since you'll be there most of the time.” Sophie didn't want her to overthink, so she assigned her a task.

“Okay, rest assured! I'll help you watch over it and make sure nothing happens to the company!”

Since Sophie gave me a task, I'll do my very best to complete it!

“You should head back since I'll be leaving in a while. You don't have to send me off.” Sophie didn't need anyone sending her off since she would be leaving with Barney.

“Okay.”

With that, Felix took Ysabelle home. Tristan went inside the mansion and started packing his bags. However, Sophie grabbed his hand, stopping him.

“Tristan, I don't want you to follow me there this time. Can you stay?” She didn't want him in danger.

What if he's infected by the virus?

Creases marred Tristan's forehead at her request.

“You don't want me either, Sophie? How can you go alone?” He had thought he was an exception.

He figured Ysabelle couldn't accompany her, but he could, at least. That was what he assumed.

Why can't even I go?

“You know what I mean.” She didn't want to explain further since she knew he would understand her intentions after being together for such a long time.

“I know you're worried about me, but I can't agree with you going there by yourself.”

Since I know how dangerous the situation at Anglandur can be, all the more reason I can't let her go alone!

“I've resolved to go with you no matter what.” I wouldn't mind letting her go alone if it weren't dangerous, but that's not the case.

“Can you listen to me just this once, Tristan?”

Tristan couldn't bear to reject her when she gazed at him with such pretty eyes. However, he also couldn't let her go alone.

“Sophie, I can help you.”

Isn't it better to have someone by her side when facing conflict? Why does she always want to push me out of her world?

“I—”

Sophie had already made up her mind but conceded in the end.

She couldn't help but worry about his safety. However, she didn't have a choice since he wasn't someone who would change his mind easily.

When they arrived at the airport, Arius spotted Tristan tugging their luggage toward him while Sophie walked by his side empty-handed.

“I knew that brat would follow her. No one wants to go to Anglandur now, but he's adamant about it.” Is this so-called true love? Is he planning to serve his life on a silver platter?

Barney was satisfied with Tristan as Sophie's fiancé since the younger man treated her well and loved her very much.

“This is true love, okay? I asked you to date and get yourself a girlfriend, but you refused to listen. I'm sure you can't comprehend what love is.” A couple in love is always like that. They always think of a way to stay together, no matter the danger they might face. None of them wants the other to endanger themselves.

“True love? What can he do even if he goes there?” Arius figured Tristan couldn't help Sophie with

anything when it came to the medical field.

“He just wants to stay by Sophie's side. Do you think he cares whether he can help out?” Barney was gratified regardless of Arius' remarks.

Naturally, as Sophie's mentor, he was glad she had found someone who loved her so much, and they lived happy lives.

Back when they were in Horington, he really felt bad for Sophie.

At that time, he thought he wouldn't ever see another smile on her face.

Yet, he noticed Sophie was smiling more with Tristan around. Wasn't that the definition of a blissful life?

Getting to know someone, falling in love, then being happy together—that was the true meaning of love.

“Tristan, you're well aware you'll only be our burden if you come, so why do you still want to go?” Arius questioned. His irritation was evident in his tone.

“That's none of your business.”

Tristan ignored him.

He might not be knowledgeable in medicine but could've learned it if he had known Sophie earlier. That way, he could be by her side every moment of the day.

However, it was a bit too late to study medicine by then.

Yet, that wasn't a reason to stop him from accompanying her.

“Enough, Arius. Can you stop spewing nonsense?” Sophie barked. No matter how much I agree with Aruis, I'll take my man's side any time. No one can accuse my man of being useless. Truthfully, I'm happy that he can stay by my side. I didn't want him to accompany me simply because I didn't want to endanger his life.

Chapter 806 NOT FRIENDS

“All right, I won't say anything anymore. Is that fine by you?”

What happened to mates before dates? Our relationship has changed after the appearance of Tristan. I'm going to let him feel bad for a while first.

“Nicholas is definitely not going to let things go just like that. What are you planning to do?”

Barney had already found out about Butterfly.

This time, Sophie had to be the one to resolve the matter.

“Dr. Smith, you don't need to fret about this; I'll make the arrangements,” Sophie said, not wanting her elderly mentor to worry about too many things.

“All right.”

Barney dropped the topic at that. Once they were on the plane, he went searching for a place to nap.

Work had been hectic lately, so he was exhausted. It seemed like age was really catching up to him. He would not have had any issues avoiding sleep for a few days in the past.

Yet, now, he was tiring out after just two days of staying up.

While Barney went to sleep, Arius, Tristan, and Sophie took seats close to each other.

“Nicholas is still stubborn about this. I don't know what else he is going to come up with this time.” Arius gritted out, his hatred for the maniac audible in his voice.

“What can he possibly do? Didn't he want to meet me? I'll do that, then.” Sophie had fully recovered, so she was no longer afraid of Nicholas pulling some sort of lowly trick.

At most, she would fight him. It was not as if he was a master fighter.

Furthermore, they were not at that point yet, so Sophie did not see the need to worry about it. Overthinking it would not help her at all.

“Yeah, you're right,” Tristan agreed.

At most, they would resort to violence.

So what if Nicholas was an impressive man? It was not as though Tristan and Sophie were weaklings. They did not need to fear him.

Arius nodded at the two.

“You're right. My worries are pointless. The two of you aren't doormats anyway.”

Those who crossed Sophie and Tristan would face the consequences of their actions, and Arius was better off spending his time researching the virus.

They had to make themselves useful if Barney intended to save lives. Moreover, only by resolving the

virus issue could they return to Jipsdale as quickly as possible.

Once Tristan saw that Sophie was back in her seat, he asked the air stewardess to bring a blanket for her.

“Take a nap. Once we're at Anglandur, we're going to be staying up for nights again,” he told Sophie, knowing their true aim in heading to that country.

Butterfly's rescue was their secondary priority.

What was most important for them was the resolution of the virus at Anglandur.

Frankly, the lives of others had nothing to do with him, and he did not want her to head there. However, he never knew how to reject her.

Therefore, he let her do what she wanted.

“Okay.”

After Sophie draped the blanket across her body, she leaned on his shoulder and closed her eyes, though she did not fall asleep.

“Don't wander around when we're in Anglandur, okay?” Sophie worriedly said to him.

She, Barney, and Arius were researchers, so their presence there was necessary.

However, Tristan was not.

He could have stayed in Chanaea, the country that was currently the safest place to be at.

Tristan tilted his head to the side to kiss her forehead.

“All right, don't worry about this anymore. I'm a grown man. I know my limits,” he reassured, thinking that she was worrying excessively about him.

He was there to protect her, not to make her worry.

Just as their plane landed at the airport, Nicholas received news about their arrival from his subordinate.

“Boss, Ms. Tanner and the others have arrived. Tristan Lombard is here too,” Richard reported right after he received a call from his subordinate.

“Okay, I got it. Find an opportunity to kill him.”

Nicholas could not find it in himself to like Tristan, for he felt that the man was stealing his woman from him.

A man like that was not someone Nicholas would let off alive.

“Of course, Boss. I'll heed your order,” Richard answered unhesitantly.

“Now, I'm going to meet the woman I love most.” Nicholas had spent the entire morning selecting clothes. It had been a long time since he had seen her, and he wanted to present himself in the best

possible way.

“Richard, how is this suit's color? Looks good?”

Richard had never seen his employer in that way. Nicholas was an attractive man, his beauty surreal.

Yet, he had spent the whole morning picking out clothes just because he was going to meet Sophie.

“Boss, these clothes suit you perfectly. You'll surely look stunning to Ms. Tanner.”

Despite Richard's words, Nicholas did not feel happy.

“She won't like me no matter what I look like. She has never been a shallow woman.”

The woman he had been infatuated with for the longest time never once spared him a glance.

“Boss...” Richard started, but Nicholas cut him off.

“All right, let's go. So what if she doesn't like me? What's most important is that she's going to be my wife and be by my side in the future. That's enough for me.”

Right as Sophie and the others got out of the car, they spotted Nicholas waiting for them. The man was dressed in a suit, looking bright.

Tristan briefly glanced at Nicholas. He was astounded by how bold Nicholas had grown to have the courage to appear before him.

In the next second, Sophie held his hand.

Nicholas still had Butterfly trapped with him, so they could not make any rash moves.

Perhaps that was why Nicholas had the guts to appear in front of them.

Tristan patted the back of her hand and quietly reassured, “Don't worry. I know what I should and shouldn't do.”

Sophie nodded in response.

Meanwhile, the second Arius saw Nicholas, he scowled. He genuinely abhorred Nicholas.

He felt that Nicholas was an unwanted gum who kept sticking to Sophie, but there was nothing they could do about him, and that felt terrible.

“Sophie, it's been a while. I've missed you,” Nicholas said with a smile.

Naturally, Sophie did not want to see his smile.

“Nicholas, what are you trying to do? You should know why we're here this time. There are many innocent Anglandurans who are waiting for us.”

In other words, she did not have the time to waste on him.

“What do they have to do with me? All I know is that it's been a really long time since I've seen you. Now that you're here, I'd like to have a meal with you,” Nicholas said before looking at her in

anticipation.

He was not making any absurd request. He only asked to have a meal with her, which he was sure would not put her in a tight spot.

“Don't request ridiculous things, Nicholas. Anglandur's president was the one who invited us here, so we don't have time to talk nonsense with you,” Arius curtly told him.

“Arius, we're friends. What are you doing? It's just a meal. It won't take too much time.”

Who the h*ll is friends with him? I don't have a lunatic as a friend.

Chapter 807 ONLY WORRIED

“Come on. I've made arrangements for it already. I'm sure you're hungry since you just got off the plane,” Nicholas gently said.

At the thought of Butterfly, Sophie nodded and agreed to it. After all, it was just a meal.

“I'll come with you,” Tristan said. There was no way he was going to let her have a meal with Nicholas alone.

“Me too.” Like Tristan, Arius did not want Sophie to go alone. They were up against the lunatic Nicholas, and they were not going to watch Sophie enter the wolf's den by herself.

Nicholas was speechless.

What is wrong with them? Why are they so adamant about being the third wheels? Is it exciting for them?

“But I don't want to eat with you. Seeing you makes me lose my appetite,” Nicholas bluntly told them.

Then, he walked over to open the car door before inviting Sophie into the car.

Arius took a deep breath.

“Who do you think you are, Nicholas? Do you think we can stand the sight of you too?”

Meanwhile, Tristan was close to lunging over and breaking Nicholas' neck there and then.

Nevertheless, the thought of the captive Butterfly halted him from executing his plan.

“Don't worry. He wouldn't dare to do anything to me even if I'm going there alone.”

Sophie had a gun. If Nicholas were to do something foolish, she was going to whip it out and shoot him dead.

“Okay.”

If they were in a different situation, Tristan would not have agreed to it. Alas, Butterfly was someone important to Sophie.

Before they found Butterfly, he could not do anything impulsive.

Tristan did not want Sophie to lose anyone important to her.

Once Sophie was in the car, Nicholas turned to give Tristan a taunting look. Wordlessly, he was saying, See? One day, Sophie will willingly come with me.

Even after Nicholas drove off, Tristan and Arius remained in their spots.

“Mr. Tristan, I'm surprised you were capable of enduring that,” Arius remarked, turning to Tristan. The latter had always been a swift and merciless man.

“I have no choice. Butterfly's important to Sophie.”

Therefore, what they had to do first was to look for Butterfly. That way, they would be able to do anything they wanted.

“You're right. Forget it. I'm not skilled in looking for people, so I'll leave this matter to you. Dr. Smith and I have to head to the International Medical Association right now. We can't waste any more time.”

“Okay, I understand. Go ahead first. Just leave the search for Butterfly to me,” Tristan agreed.

Arius patted his shoulder.

“Good luck.”

The words of encouragement were the only thing Arius could offer Tristan.

Meanwhile, Nicholas brought Sophie to a restaurant. The restaurant seemed like an upscale, elegant place, and it was a location perfect for conversing.

When they reached their table, Nicholas politely pulled out Sophie's chair for her, and she sat down on it.

It was only then Nicholas sat opposite her.

“How long has it been since the two of us had a meal together?” Every time he thought about how she had been with another man, he would feel the urge to scream in anger.

“Don't speak. I don't want to hear you talk. Let me have some quiet time,” Sophie bluntly said.

If she had been someone else, Nicholas would have killed her there and then. However, she was not— she was Sophie—so he could only smile at her.

“I know you don't like others forcing you to do things, but what can I do? It's not as if I'm trying to do anything to you. All I want is a meal with you, but you never gave me a chance to do that.”

If he had to be honest, he did not want to do this either.

“If you know that I don't like others pressuring me, then let Butterfly go. This is between us, and it has nothing to do with Butterfly,” Sophie muttered.

“If I let her go, you won't even agree to have a meal with me. Sophie, I'm not forcing you to do anything outrageous; I just want to eat with you. Can't I even do that?”

I'm not being over the top, am I? I'm just asking for a chance.

“What about this? I know you have things to do in Anglandur this time, so you won't be returning so soon. While you're here, you'll keep me company and give me a chance to court you. If you're still uninterested in me by the end of your stay, I'll let you go, and I won't harass you anymore.”

Nicholas always felt that he was just missing an opportunity to court Sophie.

If the two of them were by each other's side for a while, he was sure Sophie would change her mind about him.

He truly loved her, and he could change anything for her.

Sophie was quiet for a while.

Given the complexity of the mutated virus issue, it was true that she had no choice but to extend her stay in Anglandur.

“Fine, but no tricks from you.”

Furthermore, he was holding Butterfly captive, so Sophie could not reject him.

A smile finally manifested on Nicholas' lips.

“Be fairer to me, Sophie, won't you? All I want is an opportunity,” Nicholas uttered in a tranquil manner.

Sophie only stared at him.

She did not believe his words, for nothing that came out of his mouth was truthful.

She could hear him talk, but she would never listen to his words.

Sophie would be a fool to take his words to heart.

When the waiter served the dishes, Nicholas did his best to take care of her. It had been a long time since he had a peaceful meal with her, even if she was still wary and distrustful of him.

That did not matter. He was still delighted.

Richard could only shake his head at his employer's demeanor.

No matter how capable he was, he was as weak as the others upon seeing the love of his life.

Nicholas was an outstanding man, yet he humbled himself so much around Sophie.

“Do you want some red wine?” Nicholas happily asked, easily letting his guard down whenever he was with Sophie.

Sophie shook his head.

“You should know that I'm not only here for Butterfly,” she coldly uttered.

The virus issue was a crucial matter to resolve.

She was not only doing this for Anglandur. Now, the whole world was in the same boat. With globalization, people in other countries might not be able to avoid getting infected by the same mutated virus.

That was why she was in Anglandur.

Nicholas frowned.

“What do they have to do with us? The virus is potent, and there are many who have died. I'd say you better not join the research.”

A girl like her should be protecting herself instead of putting herself in such a perilous position.

Sometimes, one has to be selfish.

However, Sophie ignored him. She was already there; it was impossible she would change her mind just because he said that.

Knowing that she would not heed his words, Nicholas muttered, “I'm just worried about you.”

 

Chapter 808 WHAT IS TAKING YOU SO LONG

He only cared about her life. The lives of others had nothing to do with him.

After the meal, Sophie requested, “I want to see Butterfly. I won't stop worrying until I see her.”

Unfortunately, Nicholas shook his head.

“Sophie, I know that I'm just a villain in your eyes, but don't you worry! Since I've promised not to harm her, I'll keep my word. However, I will never agree to you seeing her now. I know how skilled you are. Moreover, I'm certain that you're carrying a gun with you! If you were to see Butterfly, you would definitely rescue her and take her away. By then, I wouldn't even have a chance to see you.”

That was how pathetic Nicholas was willing to become for Sophie. All that he had done so far was just for a chance to see her face.

Sophie was rendered speechless by Nicholas' response to her request.

Nicholas knew her all too well.

“I can't even take a look at her?” Sophie narrowed her eyes in displeasure.

Her annoyance did not go unnoticed by Nicholas, but he would not cave. Nicholas was too well-versed in Sophie's powerful skills, which was why he could not risk it.

“Fine, then! If that's the case, I'll be heading back now. I'm tired. I want to rest.”

She had been on a flight for quite a long while. Not only so, but she still had not adjusted to the time zone and was struggling with jet lag. It was only natural that she felt tired.

All she wanted to do was to retire for the day.

“All right. I'll send you back.”

Nicholas was familiar with her temper. If he continued to retain her in the restaurant after she had made such a statement, she would be infuriated.

Sophie's temper toward himself had always been terrible.

Hence, Nicholas would sometimes be envious of the people around her, for Sophie would always be gentle to those she cared about.

Without arguing, Nicholas personally sent Sophie to the hotel.

“Can I hang in your room for a bit?” When they arrived at the hotel, Nicholas was still reluctant for them to part ways. He had pulled a lot of strings just to see her. It had always been his desire to spend more time with her.

When Sophie heard Nicholas' question, her expression darkened instantly.

Nicholas immediately took a few steps back.

“Okay. Got it. I was just asking. I know that you wouldn't agree to it.” Nicholas raised his hands in

surrender. After all, Tristan was in the room. There was absolutely no way Sophie would allow himself to enter the room.

Before he left, Nicholas left Sophie with a final statement. “Remember, Sophie, no one else in this entire world will love you more than I do.” Not even Tristan comes close. “All right. I know you're tired. Go and get some rest.”

Sophie did not reply. Whether or not Nicholas loved her was none of her problems.

Love required mutual affection from two parties. Nicholas' feelings for her were one-sided. In Sophie's eyes, that was not love but an obsession and a nuisance.

Nicholas' eyes trailed Sophie as she made her way inside the hotel until she could no longer be seen. For a long while, Nicholas did not return to the car. He stood frozen outside the hotel doors, unable to believe that all that had happened was real.

It was starting to rain. Richard approached Nicholas to shelter the latter from the rain with an umbrella.

“Boss, we should head back now,” Richard advised. You've had a meal with her and have already seen her, as you've wished for. It's time for you to go back and settle the issues within the Sable family.

“Mm-hmm.”

Nicholas hummed in response and got into the car. However, he did not order the driver to drive off immediately.

He still wanted to stay there for a moment longer.

For at that moment, the distance between him and Sophie was close enough.

Nicholas was aware of how pathetic he looked, but what else could he do?

In regard to love, whoever had fallen deeper would always be more pathetic. That was a reality that no one could change.

In the meantime, Sophie pushed open the door to the presidential suite only to see Tristan sitting on the couch and staring into space.

Curious, she made her way over to him.

“Why aren't you taking a nap?” Sophie was already feeling sleepy by then, so she could not help but wonder why Tristan did not sleep first when he had gotten back earlier than she did.

“I was waiting for you to return.” Tristan could not fall asleep with the knowledge that Sophie was out with Nicholas. Thus, he had been sitting on the couch and waiting for her ever since he got to the room.

Sophie took a seat next to him and leaned on his shoulder.

“Didn't you eat with Arius and the others? I believe they would have had something to eat before heading over to the International Medical Association.”

Tristan merely stared at her in silence. How could he possibly have the appetite to eat when he knew that she was dining with another man?

After a brief pause, he replied, “I didn't want to go with them. Besides, I'm not really hungry right now. What about you? How was your dinner with Nicholas?”

Sophie looked up at him.

“Are you feeling jealous? Tristan, haven't I told you? I have never had any feelings for Nicholas all this while.”

If it weren't for the fact that Butterfly was in Nicholas' hands, Sophie would never agree to dine with him.

That was something that Tristan had to get through his head.

“Mm-hmm. I know that.”

Nevertheless, knowing and accepting were two different entities. At the thought of Nicholas, Tristan wanted nothing more than to kill that man.

“Cheer up. Would you like me to accompany you out to eat? We can come back and get some well- needed rest after the meal,” Sophie offered.

No matter how hectic it was outside, it would be tomorrow's problem.

“No need for that. I'll just call room service to get us some food,” Tristan suggested instead, bearing in mind that Sophie must have been exhausted. Starting from the next day onward, they had no idea how long they would be at the International Medical Association, which was all the more reason for them to stay in and get all the rest they needed.

“That works too. In that case, call room service, then. I'll join you in a bit after my shower.”

“Okay.”

Sophie stepped into the bathroom. As the water ran down her body, the wheels in her head began turning rapidly.

Where could Nicholas be holding Butterfly captive? This is Anglandur. Nicholas owns mansions everywhere here.

With the many mansions that he owned, it would be impossible for her to comb through every single one of them.

Sophie took a quick shower absent-mindedly before changing into a fresh set of clothes. She was so caught up in figuring out Butterfly's location that she just bundled her hair up with a towel, not even bothering to pat it dry.

When she thought of a location, she immediately rang up her friend in Anglandur.

“I'm going to send you an address in a little bit. Get someone to scout out the place. I'm looking for someone called Butterfly.”

“Phantom? Have you come to Anglandur?”

“Mm-hmm. I'm here for some other reason, but finding Butterfly is also an important task. Please help me check out the place.”

“All right, no problem! Don't worry about it! Your problems are my problems. Your friends are my friends.”

It was not every day Phantom would ask him for help. Naturally, he would not deny her the help she needed.

“Thanks in advance. When you find her, I'll treat you to a meal.”

“Deal. See you then.”

Sophie's contact was the best out of the best when it came to finding someone. Therefore, Sophie had complete trust and confidence to task him with finding Butterfly.

Unbeknownst to her, Tristan had also gotten the same address and had sent forces to investigate the location.

However, when Tristan's men arrived at the mansion, they discovered that the security of the place was impenetrable. It was simply impossible to sneak into the mansion.

When Tristan received the report from his subordinates, he furrowed his brows.

Nicholas was not a fool. If he dared to lock Butterfly up in that mansion, he must have predicted that they would be able to find her.

Hence, he flooded the place with security guards.

Forcefully barging into the mansion to get Butterfly out did not seem like a good plan either.

“Don't worry, Mr. Tristan. We'll come up with a solution. Once we can confirm that she's inside, we'll think of a plan.”

As of then, the most important step was to sneak into the mansion and see whether or not Butterfly was inside.

Unfortunately, Nicholas had been extremely cautious that time around. He had made it a tough challenge for others to enter the mansion.

“Be careful.” With that final instruction, Tristan hung up the phone. Seeing that Sophie had not gotten out of the bathroom after a considerable amount of time, he frowned and went over to knock on the bathroom door.

“What's taking you so long?” Tristan asked as he pushed the bathroom door open.

Upon entering the bathroom, he noticed that Sophie was still wearing a bathrobe with her hair twisted inside a towel. She had not even blow-dried her hair.

 

Chapter 809 DEEP SORROW

“What's taking you so long? I thought you'd fainted inside the bathroom and was already planning to rescue you!”

“Oh. I'm fine. I was just dealing with some stuff,” Sophie reassured.

“With Butterfly's case, you mean.”

Tristan knew Sophie's relationship with Butterfly. Thus, he deduced that Sophie would not turn a blind eye to the situation.

“Mm-hmm. I found the address of the place where I believe she's being held captive. I still need to get someone to check, though.”

“I've found a location too, and I've also sent people to investigate,” said Tristan. “Don't worry! You can entrust me with this case. I won't let you down.”

Sophie hummed in response.

The sooner they rescued Butterfly, the sooner she no longer had to see Nicholas. Being with Nicholas was as insufferable as hanging out with the devil himself.

Sophie did not doubt Tristan's abilities. However, there was always a thick tension between Tristan and Nicholas. One wrong move on their side might result in enraging Nicholas.

“All right. Let's dry your hair first. Otherwise, you might catch a cold!” Tristan coaxed.

Butterfly was not in immediate danger, which means they still had a lot of time. Tristan was confident that she would be found eventually.

Leading Sophie out of the bathroom, he pressed his hands on her shoulder and forced her to take a seat on the bed before patting dry her hair with a towel. Once her hair was no longer dripping with water, Tristan took out a hairdryer and blow-dried her hair.

At that moment, the doorbell sounded.

Tristan went to greet the door. The manager of the hotel had personally delivered their dinner to their room.

“Mr. Tristan, here's the food you ordered. If there's anything else that you need, feel free to let us know,” the manager offered courteously.

The manager was well aware of Tristan's identity and status, which was why he had delivered dinner to the room himself.

“Sure. Bring the trolley inside.” With that being said, Tristan stepped to the side.

Without wasting a moment, the manager and the staff entered the suite and arranged the food on the dining table.

“Enjoy your meal, Mr. Tristan.” Not wanting to intrude on his guests' space for too long, the manager left with the staff immediately after they served the food.

By then, Sophie's hair was already dry. Her soft hair hung loosely on her shoulders. Still dressed in nothing but a bathrobe, she exited the bedroom and took a seat at the dining table.

“Come over and eat something!” she called out to Tristan, knowing that he still hadn't eaten.

Tristan took a seat opposite Sophie.

“You don't have to accompany me if you don't want to. I know you've already eaten.”

“I might have eaten, but I didn't have much appetite,” Sophie replied. How could she have the appetite to eat when she was stuck with Nicholas?

Tristan did not reply. Instead, a pleased smirk formed at the corner of his lips.

It was evident that Sophie's statement had pleased him.

The taste of the food presented by the hotel manager was already exquisite. Combined with the fact that Tristan was in a great mood, he ate quite a huge portion.

Sophie also ate some of the food with him.

Right after dinner, Sophie's phone rang.

It was a call from Arius.

“How's it going? Are you guys not coming back to rest tonight?” Sophie skipped the formalities and

jumped straight into the topic. She knew that they had gone to the International Medical Association.

“Yeah, we're not coming back tonight. The situation is grave, Sophie.” The mutation that time around made the virus extremely potent.

If even Arius had announced that the situation was grave, it was not a situation to be taken lightly.

“Got it. I'll be there tomorrow,” Sophie promised. She would not be of much help if she were to go there now with her current state. All she wanted to do at the moment was to get some sleep.

Only after she was well-rested could she deliver her best work.

“Okay. Have a good rest tonight. Dr. Smith and I will be here to handle it!” Arius reassured.

The situation at that moment was indeed perilous, but Sophie was still struggling with jet lag. It would not be beneficial to anyone if she were to head over immediately.

“Okay.”

After hanging up the phone call, Arius turned to Barney. “Sophie will be here tomorrow.”

“Okay. It's good for her to get enough rest,” Barney stated with a serious expression.

Arius took this opportunity to get Barney to take a break as well. “Dr. Smith, you should go back and rest as well. It's not good for your health to be working all the time! Besides, this task is not something that could be settled in a short time.”

“It's fine. I'm not tired.”

So many people had been infected by the virus, not to mention the severity of the situation. How could Barney possibly sleep in peace?

“Arius, I really am not confident this time,” confessed Barney. The virus that they were dealing with was completely uncharted territory.

They had never seen anything like it.

Countless difficulties would await them once they started researching.

Seeing how dejected Barney was, Arius could only comfort him. “Dr. Smith, don't overthink it right now. There will always be a solution to every problem. The only thing we can do now is to try our best and work hard. As for the rest, we can only leave it up to fate.”

The virus was a strain that they had never encountered before. It was a completely new species.

Even though there were professionals in every corner of the International Medical Association, no one had any specialty in regard to the virus, which made the task in front of them even more daunting.

“We should send Sophie back!” Barney suggested. “She should have never been involved in all this in the first place.” If she wasn't careful, she might actually not be able to make it back that time around.

“Dr. Smith, do you really think that she'll go back?” Arius questioned. When it came to Sophie, it might be possible to convince her to stay at home before she made her decision. At that moment, however, Sophie had already flown over to Anglandur. In other words, she would not be returning to her home

country without a fight.

Barney let out a sigh.

If he had known about the situation earlier, he would have never allowed the two of them to come.

“Don't worry, Dr. Smith. With the three of us here, we will be able to solve this, regardless of how strong this virus is.” Arius remained positive.

“Let's hope so!” The situation was not looking up. Because of that, Barney did not dare to make any guarantees.

Meanwhile, Sophie's expression turned solemn after she had hung up the call from Arius.

“Is the situation grave?” Tristan broke the silence. Before they had arrived, Tristan had already received the news that the virus that they would be dealing with was extremely dangerous.

“Mm-hmm,” Sophie hummed in response. After a while, she turned to Tristan. “Tristan, I hope that you will go home first.” If they could not contain the virus in the end, Sophie did not wish for Tristan to stay in Anglandur.

For a while, Tristan was silent.

“Do you really think that I'll leave you here alone?” he asked all of a sudden.

It was Sophie's turn to be speechless.

Neither of them wanted to see the other risking their lives, which was why they wanted to be as cautious as possible.

In the meantime, Nicholas had returned to the mansion. Upon reaching, he went to see Butterfly himself. Besides being less energetic, Butterfly was not harmed.

When she saw Nicholas approaching, she deliberately made things difficult for him.

“Nicholas, I need to go out for something.”

“What do you need? If there's anything you need, just inform Richard. He'll help you get whatever you need. You're Sophie's friend, so I do not wish to make things difficult for you. With that being said, do not try me. Otherwise, I will no longer play nice.”

Nicholas was only a gentleman in front of Sophie.

No other woman would experience gentleness from him.

“I want to buy some feminine products. How can a man like Richard buy what I want?”

“Bras, panties, or pads?” Richard retorted immediately. “No matter what you need, I'll buy them for you.”

Butterfly was rendered speechless.

Richard was really beginning to get on her nerves.

“I want to buy those things myself. I won't like the ones others get for me. I wouldn't be used to it. I'm the person Sophie cares for the most. How can you guys let me live in discomfort—”

“Woman, enough with your tricks. If you're not used to it, don't use it!” With that being said, Nicholas turned to leave.

He did not have an ounce of patience in him.

Butterfly stared at his silhouette in disbelief.

“Hmph! No wonder Sophie doesn't like you! You're such a dense guy!” Enraged, Butterfly roared at Nicholas.

To her surprise, Nicholas halted in his tracks and turned around. A deep sorrow filled his gaze as he met hers.

 

 

Chapter 810 SHOWING UP

Butterfly knew how cruel Nicholas could be, so she was merely venting her frustration vocally. She immediately cowered back when she noticed he was glaring at her.

Without a word, she spun on her heels and returned to her room.

Inside her room, Butterfly quickly shut the door and patted her chest. “D*mn it. I can't believe he is such a petty man! He gave me a death glare when I was just mocking.”

However, she had to admit that Nicholas was quite good-looking.

Richard snorted icily when the door slammed shut.

“Boss, should I teach her a lesson?” he asked. Butterfly was in their hands, so they could do whatever they wanted.

Nicholas shook his head.

“Don't do that. Sophie is quite protective of her as she works for Sophie. She will blame me if something happens to her,” he explained.

Richard nodded in acknowledgment.

“Take good care of her and satisfy her demands as long as she doesn't go too far,” Nicholas added.

He had the responsibility to protect her since she worked for Sophie.

“Got it, Boss.”

Richard couldn't help but feel bad for Nicholas, for he had to humble himself in order to obtain the love he sought.

The following day, Sophie made her way to the International Medical Association, dressed in a simple but stylish ensemble of a black hoodie, skin-tight jeans, and a pair of ordinary sneakers.

When she arrived at the International Medical Association, she was stopped by the guard.

“This is the International Medical Association. You can't enter without a valid ID.” At present, the entrance was being vigilantly guarded by special forces from Anglandur.

Sophie pulled out her phone to call Arius instead of explaining who she was to the special forces.

After receiving her call, Arius came out to bring her in.

“You're early. You should've gotten more rest and come later,” he told her.

There was no telling when she would be able to go home, so he felt that she should appreciate the time she got to rest at the hotel.

“I'm already used to it,” Sophie told him. She didn't have the habit of sleeping in, so she came to work after waking up.

“What about Tristan? Isn't he worried that you came here alone?” Arius pressed on. After all, Tristan followed her all the way to Anglandur as he was worried about her.

“He has something else to do. Come, let's go in,” Sophie urged, not wanting to waste time talking outside.

She knew they would soon get busy inside.

“Okay!”

Upon entering the building, Arius handed Sophie a temporary ID which she took in her hands and barely gave it a second glance.

“Let me bring you around,” Arius offered. They would most probably have to spend the next month here.

Solving the problem of the mutated virus in a period of one month would be considered an expeditious accomplishment.

The situation wasn't great now.

Sophie gave a curt nod. Instead of hurrying to start the research, she took the time to explore the facility with Arius. As they walked, the researchers working there recognized him and greeted him politely.

After they left, someone commented, “I heard that Professor Smith got himself a mentee in Chanaea. She was also the reason he insisted on heading to Chanaea now!”

Barney was the founder of the International Medical Association, so those working there knew who he was.

They were disappointed to learn that he was leaving.

“Is Barney's mentee the young lady accompanying Arius? She looks young. I don't think she's even twenty years old yet.”

“She's quite gorgeous.”

They couldn't help but ponder if the mysterious woman was truly deserving of Barney's decision to quit his post and travel to Chanaea.

“All right, stop gossiping. We need to focus on finishing our work!” someone reminded them.

They didn't have time to gossip now.

Approximately one month ago, citizens in a city in Anglandur were struck with a highly contagious mutated virus. As the virus quickly spread throughout the city and beyond, it resulted in the tragic deaths of many innocent people.

The International Medical Association was charged with the responsibility of finding a solution to the virus, but after a month of research and investigation, they were still unable to make any breakthroughs.

Initially, the International Medical Association had a fallout with Barney as he insisted on leaving.

This time, Anglandur's president had to call Barney personally and engage in a lengthy process of persuasion before Barney consented to come with his mentees.

“To be honest, we worked hard at the International Medical Association for a long time but to no avail. What can the young lady do to help us move closer to a solution?”

“Yeah! She's just pretty, that's all. Barney must've made a mistake this time.”

They were doubtful that Sophie would be able to cope with the difficulties that came with the job.

Working at the medical association sounded like a cool and prestigious job, but the work was intense and required a high level of dedication and perseverance to consistently produce results.

“Didn't I tell you to stop gossiping? Shut up and get back to work!”

They were busy researching the virus and shouldn't be gossiping.

Meanwhile, Sophie walked around the building for a bit and came to a stop. It was too big, so a full tour would take a few days.

She took the time to familiarize herself with her new working surroundings and concluded her tour.

“You don't have to visit the other areas. See that red building? Stay away from it. You're free to explore anywhere else,” Arius told her.

Many of the buildings in the International Medical Association were off-limits. Sophie's ID was given by Barney, providing her access to many places.

“Got it,” came Sophie's reply.

She wasn't an inquisitive person, so she wasn't tempted to visit that place since Arius had warned her against it.

“Come, let's go meet Dr. Smith,” Arius said. Since his arrival, Barney had never left his laboratory.

Upon their arrival at Barney's laboratory, Arius stepped forward and pressed his finger onto the biometric scanner. He then led Sophie in. As soon as Barney caught sight of Sophie, he removed his protective goggles.

He appeared a little frazzled since he had stayed up the entire night.

“Things aren't looking good. Arius should've explained everything to you, right? It has been a month, but the researchers at the International Medical Association still have no clues whatsoever regarding the unexpected mutation of the virus. It is still a mystery to them as to how it even came about in the first place,” Barney explained.

“Yes, I know. Don't worry, Dr. Smith. All we can do is give it our all,” Sophie promised.

However, they were unable to guarantee that the results would be positive.

Barney nodded. “Yes. Most importantly, the Anglandur citizens still have no idea how contagious the virus is. They are still going on with their daily life. Attempts to control the population and their activities have, as of yet, been unsuccessful,” he revealed. The citizens of Anglandur strongly believed in the power of freedom and refused to accept any form of restriction on their movement.

Sophie quickly got to work. On the other hand, Nicholas showed up to meet Tristan before the latter could go to him.