Chapter 197 - Party at Hill villa (6)

Edward noticed that Stella is not there. She loved hosting parties, and it was unusual for her to leave. When she returned, Edward approached her. "Is everything going well?"

Stella smiled. "What makes you think that something is not going well?"

"I noticed your absence" Edward said.

"Oh?" Stella raised her eyebrows. She was cheerful and innocent. No one could guess that just few minutes ago she coldly and efficiently arranged clean-up of a mess that was left by a mutilated body of a young man after her daughter was assaulted.

"I always notice when you are not around." Edward looked at her dotingly with a gentle smile on his face. He knows that Stella is not a simple woman, but he knows that if she does not want to talk about it, he should not probe into it too much.

Stella giggled like a young woman being courted for the first time. "All is well, don't worry. But... I saw you talking with Felix... It would be nice if you give some attention to Aiden also. He is a good young man, and he takes care of Sarah well."

Edward got serious and nodded. "I know... but I still struggle..." He wanted to bring out the point that Aiden is from White family, and that no matter how good he cares of Sarah his background is not something that can be ignored. But he kept that to himself. For now.

Stella gave him a meaningful look. "You struggled with Felix also, and you did just fine. Make an effort with Aiden, it will please Sarah."

Edward didn't respond, his eyebrows creased.

"I hear that he is a top student, just like our Sarah. And he is doing great at White corp. as a software developer. You should have things in common to talk about." Stella gave him tips. She purposefully avoided mentioning his martial arts, because it might rub Edward the wrong way.

Edward was convincing himself that it's all fine. They are only dating. Who knows… they might break-up soon. They are young. Maybe they change their mind… find someone else… but at this time he can't show that he is biased. He was nice and made effort with Felix. He needs to be nice with Aiden as well. Edward nodded and responded: "Makes sense." He got his phone and texted Sarah.

...

Sarah and Aiden were dancing when Sarah's phone vibrated. She checked and her surprise could not be hidden.

"What?", Aiden was curious. Usually he would not be nosy about her texts, but seeing her reaction, he could not help himself.

Sarah looked at him. "Papa Hill wants to talk to you."

Aiden's face got serious. "Did I do something wrong?"

She laughed. "Silly, what did you do wrong? Look..." she showed him the phone. Message said to bring Aiden to him, so that he can introduce him to some people.

He looked at the phone, then at Sarah. She encouraged him, "Don't worry. In my family, my mom is the scary one... I think Edward just wants to get to know you. That is a good thing... He will love you. Come on." Sarah pulled him outside.

"What if he doesn't like me?" He was concerned. Edward is Sarah's father, and he wanted to leave a good impression. He wanted Edward to accept him as Sarah's boyfriend, because of Sarah.

"What is there not to like?" Sarah laughed as they left.

Ed didn't remove his gaze from Sarah. Seeing them leave while holding hands and laughing, his expression became dark.

...

In Sophia's room, JoAnna gave to Sophia medicine to calm down, and left her with Felix.

Felix washed his hands in the sink and came to help Sophia undress so that she can shower. Atmosphere was heavy.

Sophia looked at Felix with eyes full of tears, "Felix, I..."

"Shhh..." He interrupted her. "There is no need to say anything. Let's get you freshened up, and then you can rest." His expression was gentle and reassuring.

"Will you stay with me?" Sophia asked in a weak voice.

"Of course..." He responded with a faint smile. Felix could not help but think, what did this young woman in front of him went through. The urge to protect her swelled in him.

...

Sarah returned without Aiden, got herself a True Love cocktail and sat on a sofa, observing people. She was worried about Sophia and wanted to know how she is but didn't want to disturb her. The only thing she could do is hope that JoAnna will return soon and give her an update.

"Your prince left?", Ed approached Sarah and took a seat next to her.

"Just temporarily." Sarah remembered: Ed knows that she was in the hospital. No one should know that, right? Her dad might mention that to Sam, but why would Sam share that with Ed? Also, he said previously that she ended up hurt because she is with a wrong guy. It might have been just jealous talk. Separately, they are not very important, but when put together, Sarah could not help but wonder if there is more to it. She decided to talk to Ed and see if she can find out something else. He is proud and rash, so hitting on his ego is a good strategy.

"You don't mind me giving you company?" Ed was surprised that she didn't chase him away, and she didn't seem to be very cold to him either.

"Why would I mind? You are guest in my house, attending my party." Sarah forced a smile.

Ed's eyes lit up. Two of his friends approached him. "Ed, come and play a game with us." One of them said.

Ed faced them angrily. "We are only talking, and lady does not mind. Go and play by yourselves." He waved his hand, gesturing to them to go away.

Sarah looked at two men who glanced at each other nervously before stepping away. They didn't go far and kept looking their way.

"I didn't know you brought bodyguards." Sarah smirked.

"Huh? What bodyguards? They are just two dogs that my dad paid to make sure I don't cause trouble." Ed shrugged.