Chapter 501 - She is growing

Sophia and Felix reached their apartment and went straight to the bedroom to get ready for sleep. Sophia noticed a message from Leah. She smiled as she read it. "It seems that Isabella secured additional evidence against team Venus. It's an audio recording… Leah kept it in my desk."

Felix was surprised by this and curious to find out more. "Does it say what is the evidence?"

"One team member confessed… but it does not say what. I will find out tomorrow." Sophia was looking forward to morning when she gets to hear what was recorded. Having additional evidence means that she can use it against troublemakers to ensure they don't try anything funny. There is always a possibility that they retaliate in some way; they could spread rumors through company or even reach out to press. The more proof she has against them, less are chances they will think of getting back at her.

Sophia was excited when thinking how Isabella took the initiative to record the evidence. That shows that she is growing. She is not the same girl from few months ago who was waiting for people to tell her what to do.

"Isabella secured this evidence by herself, without me telling her to do this. She is really growing fast… soon she will not need me anymore." Sophia said this with a mix of pride and sadness. It is nice to see that person you are coaching is growing, and at the same time feeling that she will not be needed is making her sad.

"It only shows that you are a great mentor. You are the one who told her to always carry a recorder with her.", Felix praised Sophia while helping her undress.

"Thank you.", she smiled at Felix's compliment. "I told her to carry it so that she can record her thoughts when she is not in a position to write them down… but this is a good use as well."

"What do you plan to do with those people?" Felix was talking about people who were involved in the cheating during scavenger hunt game.

Sophia's face darkened. "A lot of time and effort was spent on organizing this event. They decided on their own to break the rules. The implications could be devastating to the morale of the employees. If we didn't stop them and people found out that team Venus didn't even finish the game, and ended up winning the prize in this casual setting, and it was all a set-up… how could anyone have trust in management that we will evaluate and reward them fairly when it counts? The game itself is not a big deal, but the message it carries is very important. Their actions can't go unpunished." Sophia's voice was stern, and she stood straight with her arms akimbo.

Felix looked at her and chuckled.

"What is funny?"

Felix was not able to suppress his smile. "CEO Hill, you would be more intimidating if you are wearing more than just underwear…"

"Oh…", Sophia realized what he meant and laughed.

He laughed with her.

Both of them were in a good mood.

They took a shower together.

Sophia was careful that his left arm (where stitches are) does not get wet and covered with shower gel. He said that his arm is already healed and fine, but she didn't believe him and made him put a plastic cover, just in case. If shower gel goes over stitches, it will sting, and she does not want him to feel any discomfort, if she can help it.

After shower, Felix helped Sophia apply lotion on her skin. That is her favorite part of their evening routine. Sophia enjoys magic of his palms on her body as he makes sure every inch of her skin is moisturized. As usual, she got all heated up during Felix's thorough… treatment. But she was too tired and decided to suppress her urges for intimacy.

Felix did a lot of research until he found a special cream for her belly, to prevent stretch marks. He made sure every time he applied it, to remind Sophia that even if she gets any stretch marks, he will not love her any less. His care and attention made her feel warm and fuzzy.

Felix kissed her belly and whispered: "Good night, baby…" That was the last part of their regular evening routine before going under the sheets.

They held each other in the bed while exchanging light kisses and sweet nothings… until they slept off. Sophia slept off first. No matter how much she wanted to enjoy the feeling of his embrace, fatigue won.

Felix was holding Sophia for a long time. He inhaled her scent and listened to her quiet even breathing while daydreaming about them as parents. He hoped that the baby is a girl, and that she will be cute just like her mother. And he promised that he will take her in winter ice skating, and that he will protect her from bullies, and help her with homework… and that he will never abandon them.

…

Next morning, Isabella woke up late. She had difficulty sleeping off while her mind was thinking about Leah and ended up waking up later than usual. She got ready for the day and checked her phone… it was off. She turned it off last night when she got into the room, fearing that she will give in and contact Leah. Isabella remembers reaching out for her phone few times, caving-in to her desire to reach out to Leah, but the powered off phone reminded her not to. She was tossing and turning in bed for a long time until she slept off, exhausted.

Isabella checked messages, Sophia would message her when she reaches her office… and sure it is, there was a message from about one hour ago: "I'm in… come whenever you are ready. My secretary will tell you where I am if I'm not in my office."

There was also another message, from Leah: "Sorry for being a jerk. I hope you give me a chance to apologize and explain. Lunch?"