Sophie POV
The taxi came to a smooth stop in front of the towering Huang Group building. I stepped out, adjusting the strap of my purse over my shoulder as the driver pulled away. The glass exterior reflected the midday sun, cold and imposing—exactly how I remembered it.
Four years.
I walked through the revolving doors without hesitation, ignoring the curious glances that followed me. Some people stared because they recognized me. Others stared because I didn't look like someone who needed permission to be there.
I approached the front desk and removed my aviator sunglasses.
"Is Harley in his office?" I asked calmly.
The receptionist, a brown-haired woman with sharp eyes, looked up from her screen and forced a polite smile. "Do you have an appointment, Miss?"
"No," I replied simply. "Which way to his office?"
Her smile stiffened. "I'm sorry, but you can't see the boss without an appointment."
I raised a brow. "Is that so?"
She crossed her arms, her tone turning condescending. "Please leave, or I'll have to call security."
Before I could respond, a familiar voice rang out from the side.
"Miss Huo? When did you get back?!"
The receptionist and I turned at the same time.
Amy Yang stood a few feet away, eyes wide with surprise before breaking into a grin. She looked exactly the same—stylish, confident, and full of energy.
"Amy!" I exclaimed, walking toward her.
She pulled me into a tight hug. "You didn't even tell me you were coming back!"
"Today," I said with a laugh. "I just landed this morning."
Amy released me and nudged my side playfully. "You couldn't wait to see Harley, huh?"
Heat rushed to my face. "What are you talking about?"
She leaned closer, smirking. "Oh please. He never shuts up about you."
I cleared my throat. "How much do you know?"
"Every. Single. Thing."
The receptionist cleared her throat loudly. "Miss Yang, this woman—"
Amy turned sharply, her playful expression gone. "Watch your mouth."
The receptionist stiffened. "She's trying to see the boss without an appointment."
Amy pointed at me. "This is Miss Sophie Huo. Never disrespect her again."
The color drained from the receptionist's face.
I sighed and placed a hand on Amy's shoulder. "It's fine. She didn't know." I glanced at the receptionist. "But I hope you'll treat every guest with respect from now on."
She bowed nervously. "Y-Yes, Miss Huo."
Amy looped her arm through mine. "Come on. Let's go see him."
The elevator ride to the sixtieth floor was quiet, tension buzzing under my skin. As soon as the doors opened, a woman burst out of a nearby office, eyes red and face pale. She nearly collided with us before rushing away.
Amy and I exchanged a look.
I didn't hesitate.
I walked straight into Harley's office.
"Did I say you could enter without knocking?" a cold voice asked.
Harley sat behind his desk, flipping through papers, not even bothering to look up.
I planted my hands on my hips. "Why are you always so harsh with your staff?"
The sound of my voice made him freeze.
Slowly, he lifted his head.
His eyes widened for a split second—shock, disbelief, something dangerously close to longing—before his expression hardened into icy indifference.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
"I got a job at City A General Hospital," I said, walking over to the couch and sitting down casually. "I'm back."
His jaw tightened. "Leave."
"Harley—"
"You're disrupting my work."
I frowned. "Is this really how you're going to treat me?"
Silence stretched between us.
"I'm sorry about what happened four years ago," I said quietly. "Can we let the past stay in the past? I missed you."
That did it.
He slammed his hands onto the desk, papers scattering across the floor.
"Let the past stay in the past?" he snapped. "You rejected me—and then disappeared without a word for four years!"
My heart clenched.
I stood and walked toward him, reaching for his hands. "Harley, I—"
"Don't touch me."
He shoved my hands away and pointed at the door. "Get out."
Tears burned behind my eyes, but I refused to let them fall.
"Fine," I said coldly. "I heard you."
I turned and slammed the door behind me.
Amy caught up to me as the elevator doors opened.
"What happened?" she asked anxiously.
I swallowed hard. "I think… I ruined things."
She pulled me into a hug. "Give him time. Seeing you again stirred up everything."
I nodded, wiping my eyes. "I'm staying at a hotel tonight."
"Absolutely not," Amy said firmly, shoving her spare keys into my hand. "You're staying with me."
I smiled weakly. "Then I'll cook you a feast."
Outside the building, I hailed a taxi.
"Parkview Apartments," I told the driver.
As the car pulled away, I looked back at Huang Group one last time.
I came back for him.
But maybe… I was already too late.