Chapter 5 - SOPHIA'S VERSION
Sophia arrived at Vincent's estate the following morning without calling.
She walked into the study wearing a cream suit and the diamond engagement ring he had given her. Her expression was controlled, but her eyes were restless.
“You're avoiding me.”
Vincent didn't look up.
“I'm ending this arrangement.”
She stared at him.
“What arrangement?”
“Our engagement.”
For several seconds, she seemed unable to understand the words.
“Because Anna came back?”
“Because I should never have proposed.”
Sophia's face hardened.
“You were the one who asked me to stay. You were the one who said you couldn't bear being alone.”
“I was grieving.”
“And I was there for you.”
“I know.”
“I helped you bury your wife.”
“You helped arrange a funeral for a woman who wasn't dead.”
Sophia flinched.
“That wasn't my fault.”
Vincent finally looked up.
“Did you know Anna survived?”
“No.”
“Did you know she called my office from the hospital?”
Sophia's silence lasted a fraction too long.
Vincent stood.
“Answer me.”
“I heard something about a call. Marissa said someone was asking questions, but the hospital couldn't confirm the identity.”
“You knew?”
“I didn't know it was Anna.”
“You didn't investigate?”
“You had already buried her!”
“You knew there was a possibility she was alive.”
Sophia's eyes filled.
“I was afraid of losing you.”
The confession hung between them.
Vincent stared at her.
“What did you do?”
“Nothing.”
“Who was Marissa working for?”
“I don't know.”
He walked around the desk.
“Then tell me why her employment records show payments from Bellini International.”
Sophia's face changed.
“My father has investments everywhere.”
“Your father?”
“Vincent, don't.”
“Did he know about the calls?”
She shook her head too quickly.
“I don't know.”
Vincent pressed a button on his desk.
Daniel entered.
“Escort Miss Carter out. She is no longer authorized to enter the estate.”
Sophia stared at him.
“You can't do this.”
“I can.”
“You loved me once.”
“I loved the girl I knew before she decided my wife's death was an opportunity.”
Sophia's eyes flashed.
“Anna isn't innocent.”
Vincent's expression went still.
“Explain.”
She hesitated, then laughed softly.
“You really think she came back because she missed you? You think she wants nothing from you?”
“She wants nothing from me.”
“She has your child. Your heir.”
“He's a little boy, Sophia. Not a business asset.”
“You're going to give her everything.”
“I am going to give my son what he deserves.”
Sophia stepped closer.
“Then ask yourself why she never told you she was alive.”
“Because she believed I had chosen you.”
“And you did.”
Vincent had no answer.
Sophia turned toward the door.
Before leaving, she looked back.
“You should ask Anna what happened to the original flight attendant.”
Vincent frowned.
“What does that mean?”
Sophia smiled without warmth.
“Perhaps the woman who rescued her knows more than she told you.”
Then she left.
Vincent immediately called Daniel.
“Find the flight attendant. Her name was on the original manifest.”
Daniel checked his tablet.
“Clara Evans. She resigned from the airline six months after the crash.”
“Where is she?”
May you like
“Her last known address is in Wisconsin.”
“Find her. And find out why she left.”
