Chapter 373

Sophia jumped to her feet, her excited shriek cutting through the rushing wind.

"Hold on tight!" Vivian warned with a gentle laugh, gripping the steering wheel.

Her heart swelled with joy.

Though Coral Haven had been peaceful, Harborview City was home.

This was where her roots ran deep—where generations of Lockharts had lived and loved.

Her people were here. The memories, both sweet and painful, that shaped her. This city still claimed her soul.

She'd vowed to return only when strong enough to protect what mattered most.

As the car slowed, Sophia settled back into her seat, studying Vivian with sudden curiosity.

"Viv, tell me the truth," she pressed. "Why this secret homecoming? Why hasn't Nathaniel heard you're back?"

Only Sophia knew about Vivian's return. She'd sworn her to secrecy—not even Liam could know.

"No grand scheme," Vivian murmured, one hand on the wheel, the other propping up her chin. "I missed home. And the Lockhart estate needs restoring before Adrian and Abigail arrive."

Sophia's eyes lit up. "You're bringing them here permanently?"

Vivian didn't deny it. "If all goes well," she said with a meaningful lift of her brows.

"It will!"

"God, I've missed this place. We'll paint the town red like old times. You can't imagine how lonely it's been without you—no one measures up to my ride-or-die."

Vivian's chest tightened. She reached over to squeeze Sophia's hand like she often did with Abigail. "I know these years haven't been easy. But soon you'll never be alone again. We'll be unstoppable."

"How soon? You're not lying to me again, are you?"

For four endless years, Sophia had prayed for this moment.

Every phone call ended with Vivian's infuriating refrain: Not yet. The timing isn't right.

"Four years of excuses!" Sophia accused. "I watched your babies grow from babbling infants to sassy little debaters through a screen. How could you do that to me?"

Vivian chuckled. "Guilty as charged."

Then her expression sobered. "This time, I mean it."

"Fine. One last chance." Sophia folded her arms with mock indignation.

"But listen—if you bring them here, you'll need to be careful." Sophia's voice dropped. "Your ex isn't to be trusted. After failing to have kids with Cassandra all these years? He'd snatch yours in a heartbeat—especially Adrian. That boy is his mirror image."