Chapter 21

Sophia felt like she'd already won. He was asking questions, not saying no. "Phase one starts this week. Anonymous tips to gossip websites about Bella being mean to her staff, using family money to fix problems. Small stuff, but it starts something."

"Phase two?"

"Business problems. Questions about how Romano Enterprises got certain deals. Wondering if Bella getting back with Sterling lines up with Sterling's money problems getting better."

Thomas was nodding now, really into it. "And phase three is about the kid?"

"Leaked court papers. Talking to people who will say that keeping a kid from her dad for five years isn't good for the kid. Child experts worry about using kids in grown-up fights."

"That's risky," Thomas warned. "Going after a kid, even a little, can make people mad."

"We're not going after Emma. We're asking if the adults are doing the right thing. There's a difference, and we'll be careful."

Thomas closed the folder and sat back, thinking. "You've put a lot into this. Why do you think I'd help?"

"Because Elena Romano made you look bad at work and in life. Because she cost you a ton of money and years of work. Because she made you not matter in your own world." Sophia's voice got tough. "And because this is probably the only way you can get back at her where it counts."

"Revenge costs a lot and never feels good."

"This isn't just revenge. It's doing what's right." Sophia leaned in again. "Elena Romano has been running the show for years, taking down people, and using her family's money to crush anyone who got in her way. Her granddaughter does the same thing. They think they can't be touched because they never have been."

"And you want to prove them wrong."

"I want to prove that actions have results. That you can't treat people like trash and not expect anything to happen. That too much power always comes at a cost."

Thomas looked at her for another minute. "What do you get out of this? Besides getting Mikel Sterling?"

That one stung, but Sophia was ready. "I get what I've earned. Five years of being with him, five years of being there when no one else was, five years of showing what I'm worth. I get to show that love isn't just about big moves and childhood stuff. Sometimes it's about being there, being dependable, being the right choice."

"And if Sterling picks his ex anyway?"

Sophia's smile got cold. "Then he'll learn that some choices have a price he can't pay."

Thomas was quiet for a long time, stirring his coffee and watching the light change in the hotel. Sophia waited, knowing this was it.

"You said you needed stuff," he said finally. "What do you want from me?"

Sophia felt like she'd won, but she kept her cool. "First, the press. I need stories in the right places, not just gossip blogs. Writers asking tough questions, people raising concerns about what public figures do in their private lives."

"Done. What else?"

"Political connections. City people who might wonder if public money should go to companies run by people who make bad choices. State people who could ask questions about how companies are run."

"Harder, but doable. Keep going."

"Business power. I need business leaders to start wondering if Romano-Sterling getting back together means things will be better or worse. Investors are wondering if feelings will screw up business."

Thomas nodded. "My reach isn't what it was, but I can still do that. Anything else?"

"Money. This kind of thing costs money. Private eyes, press people, lawyers for when they try to fight back."

"How much?"

Sophia slid the paper across the table. "What it'll cost for six months of keeping the pressure on."

Thomas glanced at the number and didn't even blink. "Fine. But I want updates, and I can change things if they're not working."

"Of course. We're in this together."

"Right." Thomas put his hand out across the table. "Elena Romano taught me that the best attacks come from out of nowhere, using things your enemy doesn't expect. Her granddaughter is about to learn that too."

Sophia shook his hand, feeling how strong he still was. "To do what's right," she said.

"To consequences," Thomas corrected, and his smile reminded Sophia why he used to be one of the scariest guys in Seattle business.

As they left the hotel, Sophia felt good for the first time in years. She'd been spending too long reacting to Mikel, trying to be the better choice. Now she was taking charge, setting things up her way.

Bella Romano Sterling thought she could just walk back into Mikel's life and take back what she left. She was about to learn that some bridges can't be unburned. And some enemies never forget.

The fight for Mikel's future was about to start, and this time, Sophia was going to win.