The Man Who Destroyed Me Is Now Begging to Mend Me 33

Sophia flinched, too nervous to even glance at Richard’s reaction. “Mr. Sterling,” she said to Edmund, Tm married.”

Even if she weren’t, someone like Richard was way out of her league. A man like him–sharp, powerful, elite–would only ever end up with a woman as flawless as him.

Edmund let out a soft, regretful sigh. “Married so young? Who’s the lucky guy?”

To Lucas, marrying me was probably the worst luck he ever had. Sophia thought.

“Son of the Westwood family. From the north side of the city,” she said.

Edmund thought for a second, but the name didn’t ring a bell. He just shrugged it off. “Well, lucky them. You’re a catch.”

Sophia’s throat tightened, a sharp sting behind her nose.

Since the day she married Lucas, it had been nothing but ‘you’re not good enough lectures. Everyone acted like she’d hit the jackpot just by snagging him. Edmund was the first guy to look at her like she was the trophy.

“I’m the lucky one,” she said quietly. “Getting to marry into a family like that.”

The Westwoods were rich. If the Evans family hadn’t taken her back, she’d never even have crossed paths with Lucas.

Edmund chuckled warmly, “Come on, don’t sell yourself short.”

His words hit her hard. No one had ever said anything like that to her before. Her eyes filled with tears. “Mr. Sterling…”

He patted her hand gently. “We’re all born equal, you know. Nobody’s really above or below anyone else. Don’t let other people decide your worth. Even if you come from nothing, who’s to say you can’t become someone amazing?

“Just keep it real. If you’re a pearl, the dirt will slide off sooner or later and you’ll still glow.”

Sophia went quiet. She’d known Edmund less than ten minutes, yet he’d seen right through her–past the fragile facade to the insecurity she tried so hard to hide. “Mr. Sterling, thank you.”

He just patted her hand again, still patient and kind. “You’re young. When you’re my age, you’ll see: other people’s opinions are like a breeze. Maybe they ruffle your clothes, but that’s it. In the end, you live for yourself.”

She was too young for that wisdom to stick just yet. A few kind words couldn’t magically shield her from the world.

Edmund, realizing he’d said enough, smoothly changed the subject.

Just then, Richard’s phone buzzed. He left the room to take the call.

As soon as that walking thundercloud was gone, Sophia’s lungs actually worked again.

Edmund noticed how uneasy Richard made her but kept it to himself, sparing her any embarrassment.

Richard ended the call in the hall just as Sophia slipped through the door.

She eased it shut, glanced up, and froze–he was staring.

Their eyes locked for a second, then she padded toward him, voice low. “Your father’s asleep. I should get going.”

“I’ll walk you out.” He swiveled toward the elevators. Sophia hung back a step.

He remembered Harley’s intel–she’d quit Yadel Group. With everything she’d done for Edmund, plus her mouse–quiet vibe, he figured he owed her at least a “what’s next?”

He turned to ask, and she wasn’t there.

He looked back; she was still shuffling along, forehead down, lost in her own thoughts.

Then, she smacked right into his chest, squeaked, and rocked backward. He snagged her elbow, steadying her, then let go the second she was solid.

When she bumped into him, his arm brushed against something–soft, firm, smelling like fresh shampoo. It left his arm tingling.

“Head in the clouds, huh? Watch out,” he said.

Her ears went neon pink. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Sterling. Are you okay?”

She looked totally flustered and pitiful. Richard’s gaze sharpened a bit, checking for any sign this was an act. But all he saw was a real, nervous apology.

“It’s fine. C’mon, let’s go.”

Sophia let out a quiet breath, still hearing Edmund’s words in her head. He’d said he felt an instant connection with her because she reminded him of his daughter–in–law.

The Sterlings were famously mysterious. Edmund had three sons.

William, the oldest, was a diplomat living overseas in Melaria with his wife, Vivian, and their daughter, Erin.

Edward, the second, was already a Major General in the military.

Richard, the youngest, was the only one in business–a prodigy who made a name for himself in Wallinton before he even hit thirty.

Sophia had never met Vivian Sterling. But people didn’t have to be related to look alike. Sometimes it was less about looks and more about someone’s vibe.

They reached the elevators just as one opened. Sophia slipped inside and held the door open. She glanced up at him with a small smile. “I’ll head out now, Mr. Sterling. You should get back.”

He stood there in his tailored black suit and white shirt, the dim hallway lights catching his shoulders. His face stayed unreadable, all sharp angles and cool eyes.

If he wasn’t so icy all the time, the view would be straight fire.

Sophia waved goodbye, stepped back, and the doors shut.

Richard stood there until the elevator dropped. Back in the room, Edmund was still up, waiting for him.

Richard dragged a chair over and sat. His eyebrow quirked when he noticed the plate of apple slices on the nightstand— each chunk carved into a tiny bunny. “Guess Ms. Evans was treating you like a child,” he muttered.

Edmund ignored that comment. Instead, he asked, “Don’t you think she looks a lot like Vivian?”

Richard paused. The first time he’d noticed her, it was because of that resemblance. But in a world of billions, lookalikes weren’t exactly rare.

“What’s your point?”

Edmund shook his head. “Forget it. Probably just me overthinking.” He paused, then added, “That girl saved my life. Keep an eye on her. If she ever needs anything, back her up.”

Richard’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Edmund. “Sounds like you want me to give her a job.”

“No. Sophie’s too proud. She wouldn’t accept it.”

Edmund had spent his whole life reading people. Just talking to Sophia for a few minutes had told him all he needed to know. She wasn’t the type to accept handouts. Even if she’d saved his life, she’d never ask him to pay her back.

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