Sophia's eyes narrow. The room is smaller than it was a moment ago."I put a question," she says, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "What is going on?"Adrian steps in before I can speak. He comes between us, not too fast. Not suspiciously. His expression changes from the rough, defenseless man of a moment before to the CEO. The mask is armor-like.Adrian says, "Elena has some bad news." His voice is calm. Controlled. "Her grandmother is sick. She was in a state. I was giving her time to get herself together before she returned to work."Sophia looks at me. Her eyes are sharp. Calculating."Is it so?" she asks me.I swallow. My hand drops from my stomach."Yes," I say. My voice trembles, and that is to my advantage. "Martha—my grandmother—she fell this morning. I just got the call."Sophia's gaze flicks to Adrian. Then back to me. She is not stupid. I can see her testing the tale, seeking fissures."Why do you have your hand on your stomach?" she asks.My heart stops.But Adria
Last Updated : 2026-04-16 Read more