Chapter 23 - Unveiling Shadows

As Nat was about to open her door, she suddenly paused. Something was bothering her, and it wasn't just the fact that her father required her to speak with Sophie, convincing her to go with them to New York. Instead, it was the unspoken events surrounding Sophie's refusal that troubled her deeply.

In an instant, she turned around, a sense of urgency propelling her. She ran to her father's room; luckily, she met him on the way.

"Seriously, Papa, what did you do this time?" Nat asked abruptly, approaching her father,

Startled. Alex's expression shifted as he halted and turned almost immediately to her, inquiring, "I thought you went to your room. What do you mean?"

"Sophie is my friend, and every time we talk about places to visit, New York is one she's always excited about. That's why I was thrilled when I heard about it. But now I find out that she refused to come along with us. You must have said something to her," she accused him.

Sighing, he responded, "You barely know the girl, Na