"Rick," Gordon called out suddenly, his voice calm but firm. "You''re talking too much." "... Yes, sir."


    As Rick headed out, he gave Sophie a yful wink.


    Sophie''s heart fluttered with warmth. She knew her brother treated her differently.


    "Do you really keep a stern face when you''re out and about, big brother? What does that even look like? I want to see it!" Sophie teased, trying to catch a glimpse of anything other than Gordon''s usualposed look. But Gordon''s face remained as steady as ever. "He''s just exaggerating. Don''t believe him."


    "Oh... I thought I was special. Turns out I''m just like everyone else," Sophie pouted yfully.


    She quickly sneaked a nce in Gordon''s direction, hoping to spot any change in his expression.


    Gordon had already caught on to Sophie''s little act. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he said, "You''ve been going on about wanting to visit the new amusement park downtown. Still up for it?"


    The mention of the amusement park lit up Sophie''s face. "Didn''t you say you were too busy to take me? Has Mr. Aldridge finally eased up so you can take me out?"


    "Yes," Gordon said. "I managed to carve out some time at three this afternoon."


    "But three in the afternoon is sote!"


    "There''s a fireworks show in the evening. It''s the best time I could manage," Gordon replied, a touch of resignation in his voice.


    As the future head of the Aldridge family, he had a mountain of responsibilities, particrly since their father had started cking off. Juggling the family''s affairs left him with little time for leisure, making any outing feel like a rare treat.


    "No biggie. Just having you with me, even for an hour, makes me happy," Sophie said with a bright smile, her spirits lifted.


    "Go get ready. I''ll have Rick pick you up in the afternoon."


    "Awesome!" Sophie chirped, leaping up like a giddy child and bouncing out of the room.


    Once Sophie had left, Gordon''s face slipped back to its usual calmness.


    A whileter, Rick came in with a


    tray of


    in


    tries. Seeing only Gordoet , he asked curious/1.9%


    Ms. Sophie?"


    "She''s off," Gordon replied tly. "Get ready for the afternoon meeting."


    "Sir,


    "But sir, didn''t you cancel all your meetings for this afternoon a few days back? You mentioned wanting to surprise Ms. Sophie and take her to the amusement park..."


    Before Rick could finish, Gordon shot him a look that shut him up immediately.


    "Just follow my instructions. No unnecessary questions."


    "Yes, sir."


    Rick set down the pastries and, as he was about to leave, hesitated. "Sir, about Ms. Sophie..." "Someone will pick her up," Gordon said, his face giving nothing away.


    Rick was momentarily taken aback. He''d never seen such an expression on Gordon''s face before. In the past, Gordon had always been meticulous about Ms. Sophie''s matters, personally taking care of everything and never breaking a promise to her.