Chapter 14: Shadows of Deception
526 Words
The morning sun filtered through the curtains, but Sofia felt no warmth from its glow. She had spent most of the night replaying Carmen’s confession, piecing together fragments of truth while trying to understand Ethan’s endgame.
Sofia sat by the window, her coffee untouched, as Alexander entered the room. His crisp shirt and polished demeanor contrasted sharply with her disheveled state.
“Good morning,” he said, kissing her lightly on the forehead. “You’re up early.”
“Couldn’t sleep,” Sofia replied, her voice distant.
Alexander frowned, pulling a chair to sit across from her. “This isn’t like you, Sofia. Talk to me.”
Her eyes darted toward him, conflicted. She wanted to protect him, shield him from Ethan’s schemes, but she knew she couldn’t handle this alone.
“There’s something I need to tell you,” she began cautiously.
An hour later, Sofia had laid everything bare—the gala, Carmen’s involvement, and Ethan’s veiled threats. Alexander listened intently, his expression growing darker with each revelation.
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” he asked, his tone a mix of concern and frustration.
“I didn’t want to burden you,” Sofia admitted. “And I wasn’t sure what Ethan was really after. But now, I think he’s trying to manipulate me into something bigger.”
Alexander leaned back, his jaw tightening. “Ethan doesn’t scare me, Sofia. Whatever he’s planning, we’ll face it together.”
His unwavering confidence should have comforted her, but Sofia couldn’t shake the feeling that Ethan’s game was more intricate than either of them realized.
Later that day, Sofia decided to confront another lingering question. If Ethan had been watching her, what else did he know? Determined to find answers, she made a visit to Carmen’s apartment, despite her misgivings.
Carmen opened the door hesitantly, her expression a mix of guilt and relief. “You came back,” she said softly.
“This isn’t a social visit,” Sofia replied, stepping inside. “I need the whole truth, Carmen. No more half-truths, no more excuses.”
Carmen gestured for Sofia to sit, but she remained standing. “What else do you want to know?”
“Why would Ethan target me? What’s his endgame?”
Carmen sighed, running a hand through her hair. “I don’t know all the details, but I overheard something. Ethan’s company is in trouble—financial trouble. He thinks Alexander has connections that could save him, but he couldn’t approach him directly. So, he’s using you.”
Sofia’s heart sank. She had feared as much, but hearing it confirmed was like a dagger to the chest.
Carmen continued, her voice low. “Ethan’s trying to position you as a pawn. If he can get you to sway Alexander into helping him, he wins. But Sofia, I think there’s more. Ethan’s obsession with you—it’s personal, not just business.”
Sofia’s stomach churned. Personal? What could that mean?
Before she could press further, Carmen’s phone buzzed. She glanced at it and went pale.
“What is it?” Sofia demanded.
“It’s Ethan,” Carmen whispered. “He’s coming here.”
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