Rick nodded and stepped out of the car. Once he was gone, Gordon nced down at Sophie, who had snuggledfortably and closed her eyes in his arms.


    During the drive, Sophie was restless, clinging to Gordon like an octopus. Rick, watching from the driver''s seat, couldn''t help but suggest, "Sir, maybe I should take care of Ms. Sophie."


    "It''s alright," Gordon replied, gently covering Sophie with a nket.


    "Brother, I''m not feeling so good," Sophie murmured, her eyes half-closed.


    Gordon leaned in, asking softly, "What''s the matter?"


    "I think I might throw up..."


    Gordon started patting her back gently. Rick, ncing in the rearview mirror, was ready to leap into action. He hoped she wouldn''t make a mess, especially on Gordon.


    Rick''s worst fears came true when Sophie vomited on Gordon''s suit. Rick''s face fell, and he was about to pull over, but Gordon''s calm voice cut in, "Keep driving."


    "But, sir..."


    "She''ll be fine once we''re home," Gordon assured him, continuing tofort Sophie.


    True to his word, Sophie seemed to rx after that. Gordon settled her into the leather seat, tucking the nket snugly around her. Before long, she drifted off to sleep.


    "Sir, your suit..." Rick began.


    Gordon didn''t respond, just watched Sophie''s peaceful sleeping face, a faint smile ying on his lips. She slept as fitfully as she used to when she was little.


    When they reached the Aldridge Estate, Gordon shed his stained jacket and asked Rick to carry Sophie to her room.


    The night was quiet and calm. Gordon changed into fresh clothes, warmed a cup of milk, and headed to Sophie''s room. Having lived with the Aldridge family for years her room had a cozy, lived-in feel.  swnovel


    He ced the milk on the nightstand and tucked the nkets around her. Her cheeks were rosy from the alcohol, and her breathing was deep and steady. Gordon sat on the edge of the bed, leaving a couple of aspirin nearby in case she needed them when she woke.


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    Rick appeared at the door, speaking quietly, "Sir, the international conference is about to start."


    "Alright," Gordon replied.


    He gently ced a hand on Sophie''s forehead, checking for a fever, before getting up to leave. But as he moved away, Sophie shifted ufortably, mumbling, "Brother..."


    Gordon paused, turning back to see her still asleep, muttering indistinctly for her brother.


    "Sir, the conference preparations need your attention," Rick reminded him.


    "Let''s switch it to a text conference," Gordon decided, settling back down next to Sophie with a smile. "If she doesn''t sleep well, she''ll be miserable tomorrow."


    Rick chuckled softly. Ms. Sophie had always been attached to Gordon He recalled the time when she was in fourth grade, and Gordon had finally refused to sleep beside her. She had


    cried and fussed for days.


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    It took a while for Gordon tofort her. Eventually, she stayed with the Russell


    family for six months to help her adjust.