Sophia crossed her arms defensively, âSo what? He doesnât remember you now and heâs not going back with you!â
Ellinor arched an eyebrow. âWanna bet?â
As she turned to walk towards Marcus, Sophia grabbed her arm. âWhat the hell do you think youâre doing? Stay away from my husband!â
âAre you scared, Sophia? I thought you were so sure he wouldnât remember me or want to go with me.â
Sophiaâs face darkened, and her grip on Ellinorâs arm tightened. âHeâs my husband now. I have every right to keep other women away from him!â
While the women were arguing several yards away, Marcus and Bartlett were locked in a quiet standoff.
Seeing Theo reappear caught Bartlett off guard. He squinted and gave him a small nod. âTheo, long time no see.â
Marcusâ icy gaze was unreadable, and his tone matched Bartlettâs. âDo I know you?â
Bartlett gave him a half-smile. âFull-blown amnesia, huh?â
Marcus remained impassive as his gaze shifted towards Ellinor and Sophia.
Bartlett followed his gaze. âWeâve all been worried about you these past few years. But it seems youâve been doing quite well for yourself. You even started a family.â
A flicker of sarcasm passed through Marcusâ eyes. âWhoâs âweâ?â
Bartlettâs smirk was cryptic. âMe and Ellinor. And of course, your family and friends.â
Marcusâs eyes narrowed. âYou all keep in touch?â
Bartlett shrugged nonchalantly and grinned. âYeah, we do. Itâs tough for Ellinor to raise her kids on her own. She needs a man around. So, whenever I can, I go and help out. I even babysit.â
Marcusâ gaze darkened, but his expression remained stoic.
Bartlett chuckled. Theo, even with your memory gone, youâre still as possessive. But youâre with Sophia now, right? Not exactly in a position to be jealous.â
Marcusâs cold gaze swept over Bartlettâs probing face. After a moment of silence, he said in a low voice, âYouâd better take your friend and leave. Sophia and I need to get the kid to our next stop.â
Bartlett studied him, catching the warning in Marcusâ tone. He thought for a moment, then walked over to where Ellinor and Sophia were talking.
Tristan watched silently as he stood by his father. He wanted to run over to Ellinor, but remembered his fatherâs warning that he had to forget Ellinor when Sophia was around. So he stayed put.
As Ellinor and Sophia continued their standoff, Bartlett sauntered over, inserting himself between them.
âEllinor, what are you two chatting about? Youâve been at it for a while.â
Sophiaâs hand was still tightly gripping Ellinorâs arm, preventing her from going to Marcus.
Upon hearing Bartlettâs voice, both Ellinor and Sophia turned to look at him.
Bartlett stopped in front of them as his eyes fell on Sophiaâs white-knuckled grip on Ellinorâs arm. He frowned. âWhat are you two arguing about? Is it getting physical now?â