I Walked Away Seven Years Too Late But Right on Time novel Chapter 184

That would push Eileen totally over the edge. He had entirely abandoned the fantasy of the two half-sisters ever finding peace. He simply prayed they would stop trying to destroy one another.

Luckily, Sophie had no intention of getting back with Luke just to spite Eileen, giving him a much-needed moment of relief.

"Please don't come tomorrow. Eileen's mother will be there. She is just..."

Harold looked utterly mortified. Victoria's hostility was no longer aimed solely at Sophie; she lashed out at anyone whose opinions didn't align with hers. In her mind, the entire world was conspiring against her, and everyone owed her a debt.

She absolutely loathed him right now, too. Every phone call devolved into an hour-long screaming match where she blamed him for every disaster that had struck.

This time, she had even pointed her finger directly in his face and cursed him out right in front of Arthur.

"I wasn't planning on going anyway. Once the lawsuit is over, I never want to lay eyes on her again. And please, rein in your wife."

Harold rubbed his temples, utterly speechless.

"If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving now," Sophie said, rising from her seat.

"Sophie..."

She paused and looked back, waiting for him to finish.

"I failed you and your mother all those years ago. I am deeply sorry. If it's ever possible, I still hope to visit you both from time to time."

"Please don't. Neither my mother nor I need that."

Sophie took two steps away before pausing to add, "Goodbye, Mr. Harper."

On the day Luke left the hospital, Harold sent Sophie a text message. Victoria had gone back home with him.

With Eileen's trial slated for late September, there was zero reason for Victoria to stick around. She figured she might as well go back and continue hounding Luke locally.

"I have a business trip to New York City. I'll be gone for about two weeks."

With Victoria out of town, Gavin could finally clock out of his self-appointed bodyguard duties. His firm had originally scheduled him for this trip earlier, but he had traded with a colleague. This time, however, attendance was mandatory.

Before leaving, he invited Gwen Grayson out for dinner.

Sophie had a terrible habit of bottling up her emotions and trying to fix everything independently. Having Gwen around meant someone would be there to help share her burdens.

Ever since then, Gavin and Sophie had mercilessly teased her about it. "Who was it that said they wanted to take things slow?"

Even with all her dating experience, the pair had managed to thoroughly embarrass her. Still, she put up a tough front. "This is our version of slow. We're not moving at a snail's pace like the two of you."

Gavin knew he was indeed moving slowly.

The truth was, he’d happily drag Sophie straight to the courthouse to get their marriage license today. But she cared deeply about his parents' blessing.

She refused to enter a marriage that felt even remotely forced.

Gavin had spoken with his parents over the phone countless times, relentlessly vouching for Sophie's character and integrity.

But his mother absolutely refused to yield. She had argued, "I'm not doubting your taste, nor am I saying Sophie is a bad person. But her family background is an absolute nightmare. Do you think marriage is just two people living in a vacuum?"

His father had added, "I want to see you achieve greatness in your research. It's a field that requires absolute focus. We've always shielded you from trivial distractions, and we don't want you dragged down by this kind of chaos."

For this business trip, Gavin planned to make a detour home to face his parents in person.