Chapter 66

Ava’s faint smile vanished instantly. Elias saw the change in her expression and quickly recovered himself. I stood silently, observing. I understood: Lukas's friend was a flirt, and I hadn't expected him to target Ava. Elias decided to leave while things were still calm. He winked at Ava, saying, "I'll see you later."

As Elias left, I told Ava, "I just spoke to Cole on the phone. We'll visit you after work. Take care and ignore Elias; I see through him."

Ava glanced at me. "I see through him, too. Don't worry. I only have feelings for Cole Hopkins."

I said, with mixed feelings, "Good. And don't call him Harris anymore. Cole Harris no longer exists. There's only Cole Hopkins. Understand?"

Ava nodded. "Sophia, I understand."

After tidying Ava's blanket, I left. In the parking lot, I saw Lukas nearby, popping a mint into his mouth.

He saw me and said, his eyes flickering, "Get in the car. I'll drive you back."

I hesitated, unsure if he was waiting specifically for me. I refused, "It's alright. I drove myself, and I'll be returning this afternoon."

Lukas looked angry and annoyed. He repeated, "Get in the car. I don't want to repeat myself. If needed, I can drive you back this afternoon, too."

I quickly shook my head. "Really, no need, Mr. Strakovski."

Unspoken Farewell at 30,000 Feet

Lukas's face darkened. "I have something to talk to you about." He opened the car door, placing his hand on it.

Understanding his intent, I said seriously, "Mr. Strakovski, I know what you want to say. Don't worry; today was a coincidence. I won't consider it fate, or entertain any inappropriate thoughts about us being destined for each other."

Lukas's face paled. His voice was tight, "That's not what I wanted to talk about."

I looked confused. "Then what?"

Lukas glared silently.

After a moment, feeling overwhelmed by his gaze, I walked toward the car. I'd been in his car before; there was nothing to fear.

Lukas snorted and closed the car door, taking the driver's seat. As they left the hospital, he waited a long time before speaking. "When did you meet Anthony?"

I answered truthfully, "Today."

Lukas sneered. "You meet someone today, and suddenly you're on good terms? Your relationships progress rapidly."

My internal alarm bells rang. I looked at Lukas. "Rest assured, Mr. Strakovski. No matter how quickly my relationships progress, with you, I'll maintain boundaries and not make you uncomfortable."

Lukas's face darkened. "Where did you get that idea?"

"What do you mean?" I frowned, puzzled.

Lukas struggled to remain calm. "It's best to keep your distance from him. Don't let anyone see you together and spread rumors that you knew Anthony beforehand and conspired to frame Bella. Understand?"

I was stunned, then it clicked.

Unspoken Farewell at 30,000 Feet (Continued)

Chapter 66 (Continued)

I hadn't considered that possibility, but given journalists' imaginations, it was plausible.

I nodded quickly. "Rest assured, Mr. Strakovski, I'll be careful."

Lukas was furious. The light turned red, and he braked, turning to glare at me. "Can you stop with the formal speech? It's irritating."

I hesitated, then pursed my lips. "Alright, I'll change it."

Lukas hadn't expected to be so angered by my words. Though respectful and even submissive, he found them unsettling. Yet, he'd asked me to keep my distance, and now he couldn't even scold me.

Seeing his silence, I asked, "Mr. Strakovski, is that the only reason you called me?"

Lukas responded coldly with a vague "Hmm."

I nodded. "Then thank you for the reminder. I wouldn't have thought of it myself."

Lukas frowned and looked at me sharply.

I quickly added, "Sorry, I'm used to speaking formally. I'll stop."

Lukas snorted but said nothing else. I looked out the window, trying to be inconspicuous.

Chapter 67

Cole considered Lukas's request, hesitating. "Since you're new and have no private clients, I wanted to let you know that private customizations are crucial at Strakovski Jewelry. The company values this area greatly. If you feel pressured, I can introduce a few clients. Participate in competitions, build a reputation, and you'll naturally gain more clients." He watched my reaction.

I immediately declined. "Senior, I appreciate your concern, but I can't accept. Private customizations have strict three-month deadlines. If I can't meet the company's standards within that time, it means I'm unsuitable or incompetent."

Cole felt helpless. "Why are you still as stubborn as in college?"

I smiled. "It's not stubbornness; it's my principle. If I changed it, I wouldn't be Sophia."

Cole chuckled. "You have a point. I just wanted to offer help; I didn't expect you to be so proud."

I smirked. "Senior, I appreciate your kindness."

Cole smiled. "Alright, understood. You can go back to work."

Third Person POV

As Sophia left, Cole sighed and called Lukas. "Lukas, I spoke with Sophia about helping her with private clients, but she declined."

Lukas paused signing documents. "Did you tell her it was my idea?"

Cole shook his head. "No, I said it was my idea." He'd anticipated her refusal. On the phone, Lukas's tone was emotionless. "It seems you understand her well."

Earlier, Lukas had told Cole Sophia wouldn't accept help.

Cole couldn't understand Lukas's attitude. "It's not that I understand her, but she always refuses help, so I guessed."

Lukas responded, "Train her well. Her design talent is good. That's all." He hung up.

Cole's palms felt sweaty. Sophia was assigned to Strakovski Jewelry by Lukas, but his attitude was strange, and Cole couldn't figure out his intentions. He sighed helplessly.

Sophia POV

After work, Cole and I went to the parking lot. Lukas's car pulled up next to Cole's.

Lukas rolled down his window. "Sophia, get in. I'll take you to the hospital."

I was startled, remembering his morning offer. I quickly shook my head. "Mr. Strakovski, it's not necessary. Director Hopkins is taking me."

Lukas frowned. "I said I'd take you this morning." He disliked changes to plans.