Chapter 12
790 Words
The next morning, Sofia woke up to a quiet house. The tension from her confrontation with Carmen still hung heavy over her. She sat up in bed, staring at the faint rays of sunlight streaming through the curtains. The previous night’s revelations refused to leave her mind, and now, more than ever, she felt a deep need to take control of her life.
She wasn’t sure what Ethan wanted, but it was clear he wouldn’t stop until he achieved it. And Carmen… The memory of her friend’s betrayal made Sofia’s chest ache.
Enough, she thought. If she wanted answers, she couldn’t sit around and wait for someone else to hand them to her.
Pulling on a light sweater over her pajamas, Sofia padded downstairs. Her mind raced with thoughts of her next move when she spotted Alexander in the kitchen, a cup of coffee in hand. He turned at the sound of her footsteps, his expression softening into a smile.
“Morning,” he greeted, his voice gentle. “Didn’t think I’d see you up this early.”
“I couldn’t sleep,” Sofia admitted, pouring herself a glass of water.
Alexander leaned against the counter, studying her. “You’ve been distant lately. Is something wrong?”
Sofia froze, her fingers tightening around the glass. She considered brushing off his concern but decided against it. Alexander deserved to know—at least some of it.
“I found out something yesterday,” she began carefully. “Something about the gala. I think… I think Carmen was involved in getting me there. And Ethan—he might have orchestrated the whole thing.”
Alexander’s jaw tightened, his eyes darkening. “Why would Carmen do that? And Ethan—what does he want from you?”
“I don’t know,” Sofia said, frustration creeping into her voice. “But I can’t ignore this anymore. I need to figure out what’s going on, Alexander.”
He set his coffee down, moving closer. “We’ll figure it out together.”
Sofia looked at him, her heart softening at his sincerity. “Thank you,” she whispered.
But as much as she appreciated Alexander’s support, Sofia knew she needed to confront Ethan alone.
Later that afternoon, Sofia found herself standing outside Ethan’s office building. The grand structure loomed over her, its sleek glass facade reflecting the bustling city around it. Her palms were clammy, her pulse quickening as she stepped inside.
The receptionist greeted her with a polite smile, but Sofia could feel the tension in her own body. “I’m here to see Ethan Sinclair,” she said, her voice steady.
The receptionist made a quick call before gesturing toward the elevator. “He’s expecting you. Top floor.”
Expecting me? Sofia frowned but stepped into the elevator anyway.
When she reached the top floor, the doors opened to reveal Ethan’s office—an expansive, tastefully decorated space that screamed wealth and power. Ethan was seated behind a massive desk, his signature smirk already in place.
“Sofia,” he drawled, rising to his feet. “What an unexpected surprise.”
“I think we both know this isn’t a surprise,” Sofia shot back, stepping forward. “You’ve been playing games, Ethan, and I want to know why.”
Ethan chuckled, his hands sliding into his pockets. “You’ve always been direct. I admire that about you.”
“Cut the crap,” Sofia snapped. “Why did you orchestrate that night at the gala? What are you trying to gain?”
Ethan circled his desk, leaning against it as he regarded her with an amused expression. “It’s not about what I’m trying to gain, Sofia. It’s about what you stand to lose.”
Her breath hitched, but she forced herself to stay calm. “What do you mean?”
He tilted his head, his smirk widening. “Secrets, Sofia. Everyone has them. And some are more damaging than others.”
Sofia’s mind raced. What could he possibly mean?
“You’re bluffing,” she said, her voice firm.
Ethan straightened, his demeanor shifting into something more serious. “Am I? You’re playing a dangerous game, Sofia. Be careful where you tread.”
The warning sent a chill down her spine, but Sofia refused to let him see her fear. “I’m not afraid of you, Ethan. Whatever you think you have, it won’t work.”
Ethan’s smile returned, but it no longer reached his eyes. “We’ll see,” he said simply.
Sofia turned on her heel, walking out with her head held high. But as she exited the building, her composure cracked, doubt and anxiety clawing at her.
Whatever Ethan was planning, it was clear he wasn’t finished yet.
- Writer
