Chapter 3
William understood at once. He glanced up at the devastated Dylan, his voice as cold and casual as he was saying something trivial.
"I don't want 30 million dollars anymore," William said flatly.
Dylan's head snapped up, a glimmer of hope flashing in his eyes.
But William's next words sent him straight to hell. "I want the Pearson family gone from Nunhill City for good."
After that, Dylan was forcibly dragged away by William's bodyguards.
He kept shouting my name, swearing he was sorry, begging me to forgive him.
I didn't spare him a single glance.
The suite fell silent again.
William took off his suit jacket and gently wrapped it around me. Then he bent down and carried me in his arms.
Instinctively, I wrapped my arms around his neck.
His arms were wide and warm, making me feel safe and at ease.
It wasn't the kind of fake tenderness Dylan had. This was the kind of bond that was etched into our very bones.
He carried me over to the couch, getting down in front of me and carefully cradled my feet in his hands.
My feet were a little red from standing on the cold floor for so long.
His hands were warm and big as he gently massaged my feet, as if I were some priceless treasure.
"You've had it rough these three years," he said softly, his voice low and full of guilt.
I shook my head, feeling like crying.
Three years ago, William and I got separated in a deliberate car accident.
I ended up in an orphanage, while he just vanished without a trace.
I thought he was dead.
But now, not only was he alive, but he'd also come crashing back into my life.
"William," I said softly, glancing at the scar on his brow. "How did you make it through all these years?"
William's hands stilled for a second.
He looked up at me, his eyes dark and unreadable, swirling with emotions I couldn't quite make out.
After a while, he gave me a barely-there smile.
"It's nothing," he said lightly. "Just crawled back from hell, that's all."
He didn't go into details, and I didn't press him.
But I knew, deep down, that the past three years must have been much harder for him than for me.
I couldn't imagine what it took to go from a clueless kid to the powerful guy he was now. How much blood did he have to spill? How many fights did he have to survive?
"Sophie." He suddenly grabbed my hand, looking more serious than ever. "From now on, with me around, nobody's ever going to mess with you again."
I nodded firmly.
Tears finally slipped down my cheeks.
For three years, I'd been wearing a mask, pretending everything was fine. It was exhausting.
I was like a tightly wound spring, never daring to let my guard down for even a second. I was terrified that if I slipped up, Dylan and that vicious elite crowd would swallow me whole.
But now, with my long-lost brother right here, I could finally drop all my defenses and cry my heart out.
William didn't say a word. He just pulled me into his arms, holding me tight and gently patting my back.
It was just like when we were kids. Every time the kids next door bullied me, he'd hold me like this, trying his best to comfort me, even if he was a little clumsy about it.
He'd say, "Sophie, don't cry. I'll go beat them up for you."
Now, William was back.
None of those who ever messed with me would get away now.
*****
I followed William back to his place.
It was a villa perched halfway up the mountainside, with security so tight one could barely take a step without running into a guard.
The guy who showed me in was Thomas Walker, a young man with a crew cut, sharp eyes, and looked every bit the professional muscle.
He was William's most trusted right-hand man.
Thomas treated me with the utmost respect.
"Miss, your room's at the very end of the second floor. William picked out everything himself," Thomas said.
I looked where he pointed and saw the door was slightly open.
William walked over and pushed it open.
The room was huge, done up in the simple style I liked best. Floor-to-ceiling windows led out to a massive terrace, where one could see most of the city sparkling at night.
The walk-in closet was stuffed with all the newest dresses for the season, and the vanity was covered in all the best skincare and makeup brands.
Everything was picked out just for me.
Surprised, I glanced over at William.
He ruffled my hair gently, his voice full of warmth. "I've been searching for you these past three years. I promised myself that when I finally found you, I'd make sure you had the very best."
He'd been getting everything ready for me, even before he knew when I'd come.
My heart melted a little.
"William, thank you," I said softly.