Tristan nodded, understanding the predicament that Ellinor found herself in. He could only empathize.
Ellinor desperately wished for Tristan to be by her side in times like these. However, the current situation didnât allow for it. She couldnât bear Tristanâs sorrowful gaze as he watched everyone else have fun.
âAlright, itâs too noisy around here to hear you clearly. Letâs talk later. Bye now!â She gingerly said to Marcus.
With that, the manâs phone screen went blank. The video call was over.
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Marcus stared at the screen in disbelief. She hung up just like that? Did she ever clarify whether she was with Bartlett or not?!
At this point, Tristan tugged gently at the hem of his fatherâs shirt, whispering, âDad, I think Sophia is back.â
Snapping back to reality, Marcus sat back down in his wheelchair and deleted all records of his interaction with Ellinor from his phone.
When Sophia entered the room, she only noticed Marcus looking for comfortable clothes in the wardrobe for Tristan.
She was too preoccupied with her problems to notice anything unusual about Marcus.
âMarcus, you must be hungry, right? Can I order some room service for you and Tristan? Iâm too tired to cook tonight.â
Marcus just nodded. âSure. You should rest if youâre tired. We can eat whatever.â
Sophia absentmindedly agreed. âAlright. Iâll have some food sent up.â
Marcus picked out a tank top and shorts for Tristan to leisurely wear at home.
After Tristan left to change, Marcus maneuvered his wheelchair out of the room. He found Sophia alone, looking exceptionally weary as she sat on the couch.
He squinted his eyes as he wheeled over to Sophia. He asked, âWhatâs wrong? You look pale. Is there a problem with your fatherâs business?â
Sophia was surprised and somewhat pleased that Marcus had noticed her poor complexion. She forced a smile as she answered, âNo, no. Everythingâs fine, Marcus. Iâm just a little tired.â
Marcus, with his penetrating gaze, seemed to be deep in thought.
âIf youâre tired, why donât you go to bed for a while? Didnât you say weâre heading back to M State in a few days? You should start packing tomorrow.â He suggested.
The mention of M State made Sophia look even more dejected. âUh⦠Marcus, we canât go back to Michigan yet.â
Marcus raised his eyebrows in confusion. âWhy not?â
Sophia sighed in frustration. âThereâs⦠thereâs some financial issues with my fatherâs company. I need to stay here with him to sort it out. Heâs getting old, and Bertha is giving him a hard time. I donât trust them.â
She intentionally left out the part about her travel restrictions.
However, Marcus understood. âAlright. You should stay here and help your father with his company.
Tristan and I can go ahead and wait for you in M State.â
Sophia looked shocked. âMarcus, youâre taking Tristan back without me? Youâre not going to stay here with me?â
Marcus smirked. âWhat help could I be with this broken body of mine? Your father never liked me, and seeing me only upsets him. Itâs better if Tristan and I go back to M State. You can better focus on your fatherâs company if we arenât here.â
Sophia hesitated. âButâ¦â
Marcus cut her off. âBut what? Is the issue with the company so big that itâll take months or even years to resolve?â
Sophia shook her head. âNo, no! Thatâs not it!â
âSince itâs not a long-term issue, Tristan and I will only be in M State for a few days. Weâre not used to staying here anyway.â