âHop in the company car, Bartlett. You can fetch your own ride later.â
Bartlett raised an eyebrow. âWhy? Isnât it more convenient if I drive?â
Ellinor explained, âWeâre both going for a site inspection. Taking the company car is more appropriate.
It avoids any misunderstandings.â
Bartlett frowned. âEllinor, arenât you being a bit too cautious?â
Without further explanation, Ellinor headed straight for the company minivan. Bartlett reluctantly shrugged and followed suit.
Bright and early, Sophia started preparing breakfast for Marcus. She was trying to make amends for upsetting him the previous day. She hoped her efforts would lighten his mood.
She made oatmeal and boiled eggs and sauted a plate of spinach and shrimp.
Marcus brought Tristan for breakfast and remained silent at the table.
Sophia peeled an egg for Marcus. âOnce weâre done eating, letâs take a stroll with Tristan. My father will wrap up his work soon, and weâll have to head back to M State.â
Marcus paused before accepting the egg. âMmm.â
Sophia looked at Marcus cautiously as she tried her best to please him. âWhatâs wrong, Marcus? Donât you want to go back to M State?â
Marcus looked back at her with a detached gaze. âEven if I donât want to go back to M State, would you agree?â
Sophia was taken aback by his blunt response. âUh⦠Marcus, why wouldnât you want to go back to M State? Our home is there He hummed dismissively. âHome? Everywhere feels like a cage to me. I have no freedom.â
Sophia was stunned. âMarcus, are you blaming me for restricting your freedom?â
Marcus didnât respond. He simply lowered his head to sip his water.
Sophia put on a pitiful face. âI only restrict your movements because I worry about you. With your legs in their current condition, I canât help but worry. Iâm only trying to look out for youâ¦â
Marcus interrupted her. âDo as you please! If youâre not actually seeking my input, donât bother bringing it up. My opinions seem to be irrelevant to you anyway. Just make the decisions yourself.â
Sophia was speechless. She wanted to defend herself but didnât know what to say.
She couldnât tell him that she would consider his opinions.
What if he genuinely wanted to stay and didnât want to leave? Wouldnât she be shooting herself in the foot?
After some thought, Sophia just ate her breakfast in silence, not saying another word.
After breakfast, Marcus took Tristan to change clothes and was ready to head out. Sophia also changed and did her makeup. Once ready, she wheeled Marcus out the door with Tristan in tow. As they passed her fatherâs suite, the door happened to open.
âDadâ¦â Sophia took the initiative to greet her father, despite their unpleasant conversation the day before.