Untouched for Three Years: Leaving My Billionaire Husband and Return the Pool のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 131 - チャプター 140

Sophia stared at the screen for nearly a minute.Then she put on a sweatshirt, slipped the phone into her pocket, and took the lift to the lobby.Caroline was waiting in a private lounge behind the hotel bar. She had replaced the bright suits she wore around the team with a dark green dress and a soft cream coat folded across the chair beside her. A pot of coffee stood between two cups. There was no champagne, no camera, and no assistant listening from the corner.On the table lay a Sheffield media schedule and a narrow folder with Sophia’s name printed across the front.Sophia remained near the doorway. “Devon tried to stop the film?”Caroline did not pretend to misunderstand. “His team requested that we suspend distribution and remove the contrast between you and Romy. He called it inflammatory. I called it accurate.” She poured coffee into the second cup but left it on the table for Sophia to choose. “Anny has already proved herself internationally. No one can take her position awa

The celebration around Sophia lasted until the staff began clearing the timing equipment.Romy had packed her goggles when Sophia stopped beside the bench. Her damp hair hung down her back, and satisfaction had softened none of the sharpness in her expression.“How does it feel to lose the place everyone expected you to take?” Sophia asked. She adjusted the strap of her Sheffield kit bag. “Being the reserve may suit you. You can sit in the stands, watch us win medals, and give the cameras a disappointed expression for another comeback film.”Romy zipped her bag. “You earned the place today. Enjoy it without asking me to be miserable for you.”Sophia’s smile tightened. She had expected anger or humiliation, something that would make victory feel complete. Romy gave her neither.Liam approached before she could answer. “Miller wants the selected swimmers in the briefing room in ten minutes.” His tone remained professional, but he positioned himself close enough to end the conversation.

Yanxi’s companion touched his sleeve when he stopped beside Devon’s table. “Our table is ready.”“I know.” Yanxi gave her an apologetic smile before looking back at Devon and Romy. “Give me a minute. I have not seen him outside a boardroom in months.”Yanxi and Devon had grown up in the same schools, family dinners, and charity functions. They had argued over cars before either could drive. Walking past without speaking would have been stranger than stopping.The woman beside Yanxi laughed. Yanxi turned to Romy. “Congratulations on making the Sheffield team. Becoming the reserve after less than two weeks is impressive.” Romy thanked him without pretending the position was more than it was.Yanxi’s companion followed the hostess after he promised to join her shortly. Devon indicated the empty chair, offering an old friend the courtesy of a brief drink.Yanxi sat but ignored the wine list. Devon was listening when Romy spoke, and the new ease between them did not look false.“This is un

As the one who stayed, Devon called Caroline while they waited for the car. He kept the phone at his ear, but the service area was quiet enough for Romy to hear Caroline’s answer when he asked her to send the sponsor vehicle back.“The media crew has a fixed installation window,” Caroline said. “If we turn around now, the campaign screens will not be ready for the press walkthrough.”Devon’s jaw shifted. “The team is standing beside a broken coach.”“The active swimmers have transport. Romy is not competing unless someone withdraws, and the others are not required until later. My responsibility is the sponsor presentation.” Caroline spoke without raising her voice. She did not need to. She had already decided which problem mattered to her. “We will see you at the hotel.”The call ended before Devon could answer.Sophia watched his car enter the service area. Her face had been unusually bright since breakfast, and she rolled her shoulders as if she had too much energy to stand still. W

The revolving doors opened before Caroline could answer.A young woman wearing a sponsor credential hurried into the lobby. Her hair had slipped loose from its clip, and she was breathing hard. In one hand, she held a plastic event credential. In the other were several stamped forms.“Miss Thorne.” She stopped beside Caroline and passed her the documents. “It’s done. The association restored Miss Palmer’s reserve status. Her name is back on the final list.”The tension in Liam’s shoulders did not disappear, but it changed.Caroline checked the credential before holding it out to Devon. “You don’t have to take my word for it. Check it yourself.”Devon accepted it.Romy’s name, athlete number, and reserve status were printed correctly beneath the event logo. The approval time showed that Caroline’s assistant had reached the association desk before the replacement coach arrived at the hotel.For the first time since the confrontation began, Devon hesitated.Caroline had been part of his