Sophia stumbled back, her world tilting as Gabriel's words hung in the air like a death sentence.
"Murdered?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "What are you saying? That's impossible."
Gabriel's expression hardened. "You think I'd come back after all these years without proof? Your mother was killed to silence her, and Adrian's family was behind it. She knew something—something that made her a threat."
Sophia's heart pounded. Every childhood memory of her mother, every whispered lullaby, every promise of love flashed before her eyes. How could the man she had once loved be connected to something so vile?
"Why should I believe you?" she asked, her voice shaking.
Gabriel stepped closer, his presence imposing. "Because you know I don't waste my time with lies."
Sophia clenched her fists. Trusting Gabriel felt like walking into a trap, but the raw conviction in his eyes was impossible to ignore.
"What did my mother know?" she demanded.
Gabriel hesitated, a flicker of something—guilt?—crossing his face. "She uncovered secrets about the Blackwood family's empire. Their money isn't clean, Sophia. They've been involved in corruption, smuggling, and worse for decades. Your mother threatened to expose them. They couldn't let that happen."
Sophia felt like the floor was crumbling beneath her. She had spent years trying to forget Adrian, trying to erase him from her heart. Now, it seemed the very foundation of her past was stained with his family's sins.
"I need proof," she said firmly, her voice steadier now.
Gabriel nodded. "I have it. But it won't be easy to get to. Adrian's father, Richard Blackwood, is ruthless. If he finds out we're digging, he won't hesitate to destroy you like he destroyed her."
Sophia's lips tightened. "Let him try."
---
The Next Morning
Sophia's penthouse was bathed in golden sunlight, but the warmth did nothing to melt the icy determination in her heart. She had spent the night replaying Gabriel's words, her mind racing with possibilities and doubts.
A knock at the door broke her reverie.
Ethan stepped inside, his sharp suit contrasting with his relaxed demeanor. "I assume last night didn't end with father-daughter bonding?"
Sophia smirked faintly. "It ended with a bombshell. Gabriel claims Adrian's family had my mother killed."
Ethan's brows shot up, and he let out a low whistle. "That's... heavy. Do you believe him?"
"I don't know," she admitted. "But if there's even a shred of truth to it, I need to find out."
Ethan crossed his arms, his expression serious. "If you're going up against the Blackwoods, you'll need backup. They don't play fair."
"I don't need fair," she replied. "I need answers."
Ethan's eyes softened. "You're not doing this alone, Sophia. Whatever you need, I'm here."
She met his gaze, gratitude flickering in her eyes. "Thank you, Ethan. I'll hold you to that."
---
That Evening: The Confrontation
Sophia stood outside the Blackwood mansion, the sprawling estate looming like a fortress. Her stomach churned with nerves, but she pushed them aside. This wasn't the time for weakness.
The butler opened the door, his expression neutral. "Mrs. Blackwood—"
"I'm not Mrs. Blackwood," Sophia cut in. "Tell Adrian I'm here."
Minutes later, Adrian appeared, his suit impeccable, his expression unreadable. He stepped onto the porch, closing the door behind him.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, his tone guarded.
Sophia folded her arms, her eyes sharp. "We need to talk."
"I think we said everything that needed to be said at the gala."
She stepped closer, her voice dropping. "Did your family kill my mother?"
Adrian's composure shattered. "What?"
"You heard me," she said coldly. "Gabriel says your father had her murdered to cover up his crimes. Is it true?"
Adrian's jaw clenched, and for a moment, his silence was answer enough. But then he grabbed her arm, pulling her toward the garden where prying eyes couldn't follow.
"This is insane," he hissed. "You think I'd let that happen?"
"I think you knew," she countered, her voice rising. "Maybe you didn't pull the trigger, but you knew what your family was capable of, didn't you?"
Adrian's eyes burned with anger—and something else. Regret.
"Sophia," he began, his voice softer now. "You don't understand—"
"Then make me understand," she snapped.
He hesitated, the weight of his secrets pressing down on him. "There are things I can't tell you. Not yet. But you have to trust me—"
"Trust you?" she interrupted, her laugh bitter. "I trusted you once, Adrian. Look where it got me."
She turned to leave, but his next words stopped her cold.
"Gabriel isn't telling you everything."
Sophia froze, her pulse quickening.
"What do you mean?"
Adrian's voice was grave. "Your mother wasn't the only one with secrets. Gabriel had a hand in her death, too.
Sophia's breath caught as Adrian's words sank in. She turned back to him, her mind reeling.
"You're lying," she whispered, but her voice lacked conviction.
Adrian stepped closer, his expression pained. "I wish I were. But if you want the truth, you'll have to choose who you believe—Gabriel or me."
Behind them, hidden in the shadows of the garden, Gabriel watched silently, his lips curling into a cold smile.