Chapter 48

Chapter 48 Fear flared in the depths of Sophia’s eyes as she attempted to prop herself up on her elbows, but the slightest movement tormented her wounded chest, sending her falling back down. After several failed attempts to sit up, she helplessly turned her gaze toward the closed door.

Jason really abandoned me, she thought. ‘Eight years bf secret love, four years of marriage, two pregnancies, one serious injury–all for him. And in the end, he threw me into this abyss.”

A piercing scream echoed inside the room, immediately drowned out by the blaring heavy metal music. Just like all the hurt and pain were behind that closed door.

scaled Outside, near the gilded railings, Jason leaned against the wall in a seemingly indifferent pose, a hand in his trouser pocket, the other holding a cigarette. Smoke wreathed around him, blurring the features of his face.

The acrid smoke filled his lungs, but he held it in, letting the burning sensation wreak havoc within. He only released the smoke when the lack of oxygen started to fuzz his brain, a fierce feeling of suffocation sweeping over him. Only this self–destructive ritual seemed to ease the tightness in his chest.

“Did she ask for help?” Jason inquired.

talk.”

The bodyguard pressed his ear against the door for a moment, then replied with due respect. “They’re playing music inside; can’t hear any ta Playing music? Quite enjoy, huh? I handed her over, and that’s what she wanted?‘ Jason thought, a scornful smile crossing his lips. He fought back anger at the thought that he might have inadvertently facilitated something Sophia desired.

After a few intense puffs on his cigarette, Jason dialed Eric’s number. “Is Lucas safe now?” he asked.

“Yes, Mr. Wilson.” Eric’s respectful voice came through the phone. “The 16 million dollars has been sent, and I’m negotiating with the loan sharks.” Eric paused, then added. “Mr. Wilson, Mrs. Sophia loves you deeply. I believe what happened with Mr. Clark is a misunderstanding You....

Jason cut him off coldly, “Stay out of what doesn’t concern you. After Lucas is secured, confine him and keep him away from the Taylor family.”

With that, he ended the call without giving Eric a chance to speak further. The music in the private room hit a high note, and even at a distance, he could still hear it.

‘It seems they’re quite at ease. She wants a jolly good time with another man, doesn’t she? It won’t be that easy, Jason thought.

He snubbed out his cigarette and, clutching his phone, strode toward the private room.

“What’s up A few steps later, his phone buzzed. It was Camila. After a moment’s hesitation, he slowed down and answered, Camila’s anxious voice came through. “Your grandmother’s condition has worsened, she’s in resuscitation now. The doctors say it’s grave; you need to come immediately Jason’s grip tightened on the phone, a cold light sweeping across his eyes. Instinctively, he glanced toward the nearby private room, hesitating.

Camila, sensing his reluctance, raised her voice sharply. “You were raised by your grandmother. She’s dying, and you’re thinking of not going?”

With clenched teeth. Jason closed his eyes briefly and replied. Tll be home in half an hour. With that, he ended the call.

He reached the door to the private room but then withdrew his hand. His pride as a man advised against yielding so easily, lest Sophia become even more arrogant in the future.

After a brief reflection, he said to his be guard, Aaron, stay here. In three minutes, go in and find Sophia. Tell her my grandmother is critically ill nsion immediately! He was convinced that nothing serious would happen between George and Sophia in and that she must come to the Wilson such a short span.

“Yes, Mr. Wilson, the bodyguard responded.

Inside the room, George raised the belt again, bringing it down mercilessly on Sophia lying on the floor.