Thomas Shannon lowered his gaze, looking at Sophie Sullivan, who was particularly well-behaved and adorable after the surgery, hoping she would always maintain this proactive and self-aware attitude.

"Of course I can."

Thomas Shannon held her chin with one hand, scrutinizing her face. "Did you take the medicine?"

"I did." The gauze hadn’t been removed, and the surgical wound still hurt faintly.

Old Mr. Standford told her to take painkillers, and Sophie took them on time, which also alleviated her pain.

After taking the medicine, she basically couldn’t feel the pain anymore.

Thomas Shannon released his hold and patted her back. Sophie reached out with her tender index finger, poking his chest, "What were you thinking about just now, zoning out by yourself?"

"Bay King said he’ll bring Linda over for a meal tomorrow."

Sophie’s hand paused in its movement. Edward Benson was bringing Linda over?

She looked up, examining the slightly gloomy man, "Did you agree to that?"

"Do I have a reason to refuse?"

No matter what, Edward Benson was his friend. When you’re involved, you can’t see clearly, but an outsider can.

He was caught in the whirlwind of emotions, unable to see the true faces of those around him, and it wasn’t his fault.

Anyone who’s blinded by love wouldn’t suspect their beloved person.

Sophie withdrew her hand and snorted, "So you just agreed, letting Edward Benson bring Linda over, giving her a chance to make a move on you, to kill you?"

Listening to her furious questioning, Thomas Shannon’s heart inexplicably felt pleased.

He grabbed her retreating hand, holding it, giving it a squeeze, "Linda’s target is indeed to kill me, but Edward doesn’t know. This time she comes, she won’t easily pass up the opportunity. We might as well play along, let Edward see her true colors."

This was the only effective method he could think of.

Now, no matter what he said to Edward Benson, he wouldn’t listen. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

He could only let Edward see the reality for himself, when the facts were laid before him, he’d have no choice but to believe.

"How will you play along?" Sophie asked patiently, curious how he knew what method Linda would use to kill him.

Thomas Shannon lowered his head, pinching her soft little hand, chuckling softly, "You’ll know when the time comes."

Alright, since he was so confident, Sophie decided not to ask further.

To know how he’d deal with it, she’d only have to wait until tomorrow to see the result.

...

The next day.

Linda woke up early, got done washing up, changed into her clothes, and hid the medicine inside her close-fitting attire.

Then she went down the stairs. No matter how early she got up, Edward Benson was always earlier.

Already in the kitchen making breakfast, Edward Benson heard the footsteps, stepped out, saw her coming down, and looked over at her with deep eyes, carrying a gentle warmth, "Good morning, Linda. Breakfast will be ready soon. I’ll get you a cup of milk to settle your stomach first."

"Okay." Linda nodded, unusually cooperative.

After having breakfast, the two walked in the courtyard to aid digestion, with Linda attentively listening to Edward Benson recounting interesting stories from their past.

When the stories got amusing, Linda would also laugh along with him.

It was still early, and Linda didn’t dare mention the visit to Shannons’ Manor; she waited for Edward Benson to bring it up himself.

Edward Benson, however, wasn’t in a hurry; he preferred being alone with Isla Stanley, cherishing every single second.

Nowadays, she was willing to listen to him talk about the old days, and he was already very content.

...

"Thomas Shannon, what are you trying to do?"

Sophie was just about to change into a skirt when Thomas Shannon threw the skirt into the wardrobe.

Sophie glared at him angrily, "Take the skirt out."