Chapter 44 Lydia Got Into a Car Accident?

Chapter 44: Chapter 44: Lydia Got Into a Car Accident?

Sophie’s eyes widened slightly in realization.

This was exactly what she found most annoying about Julian Sterling—he was always so sharp and could instantly grasp the main point!

Fortunately, Quentin Winslow was forgetful. He couldn’t remember what he had just said a moment ago. He merely hugged his late wife’s scroll, rubbing it gently. "It’s good to have children. Having more children means you’ll have siblings to support you in the future, unlike our Sophie... she’s all alone."

Listening to her grandfather’s muddled words, Sophie felt a pang of sorrow.

Nowadays, she was the one he worried about the most. He was afraid she would be taken advantage of, afraid she would be wronged, and afraid she had no one to back her up.

Julian also saw that Quentin was indeed confused, so he didn’t press the issue about the word "again."

Stepping forward, he placed all the scrolls beside Quentin’s hand and spoke in a gentle tone. "Alright, we’ll try our best."

Sophie wanted to laugh. Julian’s superficial acts truly left her marveling in disbelief.

When Peter Preston returned and saw Julian present, he instinctively frowned. Then, carrying bags large and small, he walked in. "Mr. Sterling, are you not busy anymore?"

These words carried a hint of mockery.

Julian didn’t bat an eye. "It’s Grandpa’s birthday. There’s nothing more important than this."

Peter glanced at Sophie. He had witnessed how the Sutton family provoked her. Even though Julian was here now, he still felt frustrated on Sophie’s behalf. It was something that could have been avoided, yet it forced Sophie to dejectedly take her grandfather away from the hotel to celebrate on their own.

He knew the Sutton family had gone too far. But the root of the problem always lay with Julian.

"There are no outsiders here today. If you’re busy, you can leave first." Sophie was in no mood to let Julian stay and put on an act in front of her grandfather.

She was calculating the time. Ivy Hawthorne should have picked up Lydia by now. She had sent a message on WhatsApp, but Ivy hadn’t replied. She was afraid something unexpected had happened. At the very least, she needed to send Julian away to feel at ease.

Julian’s gaze fell on her face. "I’m not busy. I still have time to have a meal with Grandpa."

Sophie choked on her words.

Hearing this, Quentin seemed to be in a great mood. "Julian is so thoughtful."

Sophie was speechless.

She sat on pins and needles. Although she was glad to see her grandfather happy, Julian’s display of filial piety right now was like a guillotine hanging over her neck.

Peter placed the dishes on the table and lowered his voice. "What’s wrong?"

Before Sophie could answer, Julian’s phone on the table suddenly rang.

Sophie unconsciously glanced over. It was a WhatsApp voice call. That familiar profile picture of a cold moon already gave Sophie the answer.

Julian answered and stood up. But Sophie still caught the faint, aggrieved voice coming from the other end. "Julian, please come over. Seth and I were hit by a car..."

Julian’s eyes narrowed slightly.

After merely two seconds, he replied in a low voice, "Wait for me."

Ending the call, he looked at Sophie. "I have an emergency to handle. We’ll eat next time."

Sophie looked at him quietly, her heart already so accustomed to this that it remained utterly tranquil. "Alright, go ahead."

Julian left in a hurry, his long legs taking quick strides. Once again, he rushed to the person he held dearest in his heart.

What was there for Sophie to be surprised about?

Whenever faced with a choice, Julian’s first option would always be Stella Sutton. Even if just seconds ago he had vowed to celebrate her grandfather’s birthday with him. That promise was only valid under the condition that Stella didn’t need him.

If Stella’s situation was truly that serious, would she have been able to make the call herself? But to Julian, who doted on her like the apple of his eye, it was a matter of utmost importance.

Sophie took a sip of the strong liquor from her small cup, savoring the spicy burn.

This was for the best.

She had to thank him for his bias and devotion toward Stella; otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to keep Lydia completely hidden. Only by rushing to Stella would he avoid running into Lydia.

"An emergency at Julian Corp? Is it important?" Quentin asked with concern after registering what had happened.

Sophie smiled. "Yes, very important. If he doesn’t go, it’ll cost him his life."

Peter looked at Sophie’s nonchalant demeanor, acting as if she were a complete outsider. He pursed his lips, feeling an indescribable mix of emotions.

Sophie was indeed in a decent mood. After all, her entire focus was on Lydia. As long as she could ensure a smooth divorce and undisputed custody, she could understand whatever he did.

As soon as Julian left, Sophie stood up to call Ivy for an update. However, just as she was about to dial, Ivy called her.

Sophie answered, "Are you and Lydia..."

"Sophie, something happened. Lydia and I got into a car accident."

Sophie’s expression drastically changed.

***

To keep Quentin from worrying, Sophie asked Peter to stay at the nursing home with him. She hailed a cab and headed straight to the police station.

When Ivy called her, she was already at the station.

When Sophie arrived, Ivy was sitting on a chair, looking pale. Beside her was a little girl with her hair tied in two low buns. Her fair, delicately sculpted face featured a pair of beautiful, large, pitch-black eyes with perfectly exquisite double eyelids. Even at such a young age, she had a graceful and straight nose bridge. Her features were so outstanding that even the police officers at the station couldn’t help but come over from time to time to offer her small snacks.

The little girl looked somewhat listless, her cheeks flushed bright red.

The moment Sophie saw that Lydia was safe and sound, the agonizing tension that had been torturing her instantly dissipated.

She called out hoarsely, "Baby..."

Lydia Hawthorne abruptly raised her head, surprise and joy bursting in her previously droopy eyes. "Mommy! I missed you so much."

The little girl jumped off the chair and threw herself into Sophie’s arms, her small backpack bouncing with her.

Sophie crouched down and hugged Lydia tightly, her wildly racing heart gradually calming down. But very soon, Sophie felt Lydia’s burning cheeks.

"You’re running a fever?"

Lydia was in low spirits. Sophie immediately checked on her and felt a medium-sized lump swelling on Lydia’s scalp. There was also a small scratch on her little face.

She grew anxious in an instant and inspected her everywhere with a heavy heart. "How did you get hurt? Does it still hurt?"

Lydia immediately shook her head. Cupping Sophie’s face, she planted a kiss and said in a soft voice, "It doesn’t hurt. Don’t be scared, Mommy. I’m very brave."

Ivy walked over as well, her expression grim. "Sophie, this is my fault. Lydia must have gotten a fright, which caused her fever. When I slammed on the brakes to avoid someone, Lydia bumped into the car window..."

Ivy felt guilty to death. She knew Lydia was Sophie’s lifeblood. It was her own carelessness that caused the little girl to get hurt.

Sophie’s mind was in a turmoil. She stood up with Lydia in her arms. "It was just an accident. Don’t blame yourself. What exactly happened?"

At the mention of this, Ivy gnashed her teeth. "It was Stella Sutton!

"Her little brother was running wild, acting like the road was his own house. When I went to the hotel to park, that kid suddenly dashed out. To avoid him, I crashed my car into a flowerbed, and the kid fell and scraped himself.

"Stella called the police and said she refuses to settle."