Chapter 41 Shattered Illusions

• The revelation of Sophia’s original intent weighed heavily on them both in the days that followed. Though they had vowed to move forward together, the knowledge that she had once plotted his downfall haunted Ethan in quiet moments. Likewise, Sophia wrestled with guilt over what she had nearly done. It was a fragile peace they had built, and though love had brought them closer, it was not enough to erase the scars that still lingered.
• Ethan returned to his office with renewed focus, determined to put the past behind them and ensure that the company could withstand whatever obstacles lay ahead. Blackwood Enterprises had taken a few hits recently, and though he tried to remain optimistic, he couldn’t ignore the nagging feeling that something darker was brewing beneath the surface.
• Sophia, meanwhile, threw herself back into her work. She took on new projects and buried herself in meetings, her mind constantly racing with strategies and solutions. But no matter how much she tried to distract herself, the memory of her confession lingered in her thoughts. She had bared her soul to Ethan, and while he had been understanding, the unspoken tension between them was impossible to ignore.