Chapter 12 Shadows Of The Past

• Sophia spent the rest of the day in a daze, replaying her conversation with Oliver and weighing the implications. The game was becoming more treacherous by the minute. Every step forward felt like a careful balancing act, where one misstep could send everything crashing down.
• As the evening settled in, the city’s bustling energy slowly gave way to the dim, soft glow of streetlights and the muted hum of traffic. Sophia returned to her hotel room, her mind still racing. She felt the need to think, to plan her next move. But first, she needed clarity—something that had been in short supply since she’d set foot back in this city.
• She poured herself a glass of wine and stood by the window, staring out at the sprawling cityscape. The towering buildings and endless streets stretched out before her, a maze of power and ambition. Somewhere out there, Victoria was plotting, just as she was. And then there was Ethan—caught in the middle, perhaps the most dangerous piece on the board.