Chapter 404

Cedric had always detested roses, and Sophie had also come to view them with disfavor, without a specific reason.

"Perhaps he wishes to begin anew with you, Ms. Luxford. After all, what's past is past," Linda commented.

"Is it, though?" Sophie mused, furrowing her brow as she gazed out the window. It had been three months since Vivienne’s tragic death, yet the memories lingered as if it were yesterday.

'Once bitten, twice shy. Each time I gather courage, Vivienne’s dreadful end haunts me.'

"Linda, do you know? I’m scared. I’m scared that there might be another Vivienne, or worse, that one day I might become someone like her."

Linda's expression softened with empathy. "You’re nothing like Vivienne. You’ve navigated challenges tactfully, never resorting to harm."

Sophie had employed tactics in her dealings with Vivienne or Melissa, though never to the point of endangering lives. Since the incident with Valerie, she had halted all her plans.

She offered a slight smile, concealing h