Revenge is Best Served After Reborn (James) novel Chapter 1829

"Hey, about last night..." Sophie started, but before she could finish, Gordon was already down on one knee, slipping a pair of slippers onto her feet.

"I've told you a million times, don't run around barefoot," he said.

"It's fine, the floor's super warm," Sophie replied, shrugging it off. She was used to it by now. The Aldridge Estate wasn’t originally fitted with floor heating, but Gordon had it installed just for her because she loved to wander around without shoes. Ironically, it made her even less inclined to wear slippers indoors.

"Did you stay with me all night?" Sophie asked, grinning as she clung to his arm. "I knew you wouldn't leave me hanging."

"There was an international conference last night; I was tied up with that," Gordon said, giving her forehead a light tap. "Don't be so reckless from now on."

"Ugh..." Sophie muttered, rubbing her brow. "But I swear it felt like you were right there beside me all night."

Gordon didn’t say a word.

Sophie stepped back a bit, creating some space between them. Jenna had once pointed out that she and her brother were too close. Being so close, Sophie often struggled to determine whether her feelings for him were purely familial or something more.

Her brother was perfect, no matter the audience. In his presence, she always felt a sense of security, like nothing could possibly go wrong.

Jenna always shared the latest gossip from their social circle, stories that Harold brushed off as her wild tales. But Sophie found them fascinating. Like the story of a girl who, after meeting Gordon, was determined to marry into the Aldridge family. She pursued him for ninety-nine days before leaving Devonport heartbroken, never to return.

Rumors flew about how Gordon had scared her off, but no one knew the truth.

Similar stories were aplenty. There was a wealthy family trying to secure a marriage alliance with the Aldridges, offering a tempting deal. Gordon didn’t even entertain it and had them shown the door.

Girls would even turn up at his office, hoping for a chance to meet him. Some orchestrated 'accidental' meetings; others tried to get close through work. But Gordon remained ever the gentleman, polite yet distant, never letting anyone get too close. Over time, people learned not to approach the untouchable flower of the Aldridge family.