As the meeting came to a close, Sophie felt a newfound sense of direction, though her face betrayed none of it. Her mind replayed the recent conversation, examining Leo's words and the weight they carried. He seemed driven by something she couldn't quite place—a mix of intrigue and respect. She didn't trust easily, and she certainly didn't trust him yet, but there was a peculiar warmth in his gaze that lingered in her thoughts.
Peter led her out of the room, his hand gentle on her shoulder. "You don't have to do this if you don't want to, Sophie," he said quietly as they walked down the corridor. "You've been through enough already."
Sophie gave a slight nod, but her eyes remained distant. "I don't have much choice, Uncle Peter," she said, her voice cold yet calm. "If joining them is what it takes to protect Alex Jr. and find out who destroyed my family, then I'll do it. But this isn't about becoming part of some organization. It's about taking back control."
Peter paused, a look of worry deepening on his face. "Just don't lose yourself, Sophie. You're stronger than you realize, but don't let this path harden you beyond repair."
Sophie's lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes lowering. "I lost who I was a long time ago, Uncle Peter. There's nothing left to lose."
Back in his office, Leo watched as Sophie disappeared down the hallway with Peter. He leaned back in his chair, his gaze thoughtful. There was something captivating about her—her cold resilience, her ability to keep going despite everything that had been taken from her. But more than that, he saw a glimmer of potential, of strength, that intrigued him deeply.
Steve, seated beside him, broke the silence. "Are you sure about this, Leo? She's been through hell. Involving her in our operations could put her in even more danger."
Leo nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving the door where she'd exited. "I know, dad. But she's not like anyone else. There's a strength in her, a focus. She's willing to fight, and that's rare. But I also want her to have a choice. If she decides this isn't for her, we'll still protect her and Alex Jr."
Steve watched him with a raised brow, a faint smile on his lips. "You've taken an interest in her, haven't you?"
Leo didn't reply immediately, his gaze still distant. "I respect her," he said after a moment. "She's different from anyone we've met before, and I can see her making a real difference if she chooses to stay. I think she could help us as much as we could help her."
Steve chuckled softly, though his expression turned somber. "Just be careful, Leo. People like Sophie… they don't break easily, but once they do, there's no putting them back together."
Leo nodded, understanding. He had seen it happen before—how the weight of the world could destroy even the strongest souls. But something told him that Sophie was different. She had already survived more than most could bear. Perhaps, he thought, she was stronger than any of them.
---
Meanwhile, Sophie returned to her room, where Alex Jr. was still fast asleep. She sat on the edge of the bed, her gaze fixed on him as he lay peacefully, oblivious to the storm raging around them. Her heart softened as she reached out, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. He was her last remaining family, the only thing that reminded her of the life she'd lost.
A surge of anger flickered within her. She clenched her fists, vowing silently to herself that she would protect him, no matter the cost. She had already lost too much; she wouldn't lose him too.
"Sleep well, Alex," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I'll make sure no one ever hurts you again."
As she sat there, a steely resolve began to form within her. She would play their game, join this organization, and use every resource they had to uncover the truth about what had happened. And when the time was right, she would make them pay.
Because this time, Sophie wasn't going to run. She was ready to fight.