The Man Who Destroyed Me Is Now Begging to Mend Me 111

Annabelle honestly hadn’t meant to come by the Pioneer Institute herself, but with Sophia’s phone switched off, she ended up showing up with food just so she could track her down.

Sophia almost forgot about that. “Oh, those were from Mr. Sterling. He bought them, and I put your address down. Totally forgot to mention it, sorry.”

“Makes sense. When I opened the door and saw a bunch of sales guys carrying in loads of shopping bags, I honestly thought I’d just struck it rich,” Annabelle laughed.

Sophia smiled, “Go ahead and have a look. If you see anything you like, feel free to take it.”

“No way, those were bought for you by Uncle Richard. I’m not about to take what isn’t mine,” Annabelle said, shaking her

head.

With a gossipy grin, Annabelle leaned in, “So, what’s the story? Why did he buy you all those clothes?”

Those were the latest collections from some of the world’s top luxury brands; they were clearly worth a fortune.

“Well, honestly, it’s a little awkward,” Sophie said, “Yesterday, Mr. Sterling invited me to join him at Grace Abbey. His father was craving bread, so I ended up making some and dropped it off last night.”

“So this is Uncle Richard’s way of thanking you?” Annabelle said.

“That is seriously an over–the–top thank you gift,‘ she wondered.

“Maybe,” Sophia replied.

Richard probably went all out just to help Sophie put Emily in her place.

No matter what, with Richard sending her so many designer clothes, it was only fair she treated him to a nice meal as a thank–you.

But for now, cracking the formula for skin regeneration was all that really mattered.

“I’ll be camping out in the lab these next few days,” Sophia said, turning to Annabelle. “Annabelle, could you bring me some toiletries and a couple of changes of clothes?”

“You got it. That’s my job,” Annabelle replied, giving her chest a confident pat.

Watching as Sophie wolfed down her dinner, racing the clock, Annabelle knew better than to distract her with more small

talk.

Sophia swallowed the last bite of her meal and headed right back into the lab, laser–focused on her data.

The others saw how intent she was and, feeling awkward about lingering, polished off their food and followed her into the

lab.

Annabelle gathered up the takeout containers and took them out herself, not wanting any leftover smell hanging in the lab overnight.

Through the glass wall, Annabelle saw the whole team busy in the lab, and a soft smile tugged at her lips.

There was just something magnetic about Sophie; whenever she was around, the whole vibe in the lab totally perked up.

As Annabelle drove out of the industrial zone, she noticed that the black sedan was still parked where it had been before.

Two men were in the front seat, peering out with shifty eyes, looking like trouble.

Annabelle frowned, wondering, Were they sent by the competition?‘

Annabelle wasn’t about to let those two lurk around any longer. Frowning, she grabbed her phone and called the police

without hesitation.

It didn’t take long before a police car came roaring in, blocking the black sedan from leaving.

From inside her own car, Annabelle watched as the officers hauled the two men away. Only after letting out a sigh of relief did she finally drive home.

Twirling her car keys, Annabelle stepped out of the elevator and immediately spotted a tall man smoking right outside her

door.

She arched a brow, waving her hand to brush away the smoke. “Well, well, what wind blew the golden boy all the way to my place?”

Lucas fixed Annabelle with a cold stare. “Where’s Sophia?” he demanded.

“Well, well, Mr. Westwood, you actually lost your wife, and now you’ve got the nerve to show up at my door asking for her?” Annabelle shot back, pure sarcasm in her voice.

‘Wow, you’ve got some serious nerve, Annabelle scoffed to herself.

Lucas’s expression was positively stormy. “Annabelle, Sophia, and I aren’t divorced. As long as she’s still my wife, she has to stay at Cherry Grove.”

Annabelle put on an exaggerated, confused face, cupping her ear. “Sorry, stay where?”

“Cherry Grove,” Lucas bit out, barely holding back his irritation.

Annabelle played dumb. “Cherry Grove? Is that supposed to be your little love shack with Emily?”

Lucas’s face darkened. “Sophia told you, didn’t she? Just as I thought, she pretends it doesn’t bother her, but trust me, she’s all twisted up inside.”

“Correction. Sophie’s not losing sleep over it; she’s just completely grossed out,” Annabelle retorted, not about to let Lucas off

easy.

‘He’s on the verge of getting dumped, yet he still acts like God’s gift, Annabelle sneered inwardly.

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