Sophia's mind was a whirlwind of confusion as she left the Blackwood estate. Gabriel or Adrian—who was telling the truth? Both men held pieces of her past, but now, it felt like they were playing a game she didn't understand.
The weight of Adrian's revelation gnawed at her. Could Gabriel, the man who had always appeared so righteous, be involved in her mother's death? The idea seemed absurd, yet Adrian's conviction had been undeniable.
Her car sped through the city streets, but her thoughts raced faster. She needed answers—and she knew where to start.
---
Gabriel's Penthouse
Sophia stormed into Gabriel's penthouse unannounced, her anger sharp and raw. He was lounging in the living room, sipping a glass of red wine as if the world wasn't crumbling around them.
"We need to talk," she snapped.
Gabriel raised an eyebrow, unfazed by her sudden intrusion. "I assume this isn't a social visit."
"You told me Adrian's family was responsible for my mother's death," she began, her voice trembling with fury. "But Adrian says you were involved too. Is it true?"
Gabriel's calm demeanor faltered, a flicker of something dark crossing his face. He set the wineglass down carefully. "Adrian is trying to manipulate you. He'll say anything to keep you from the truth."
Sophia stepped closer, her eyes blazing. "Then tell me the truth, Gabriel. Stop hiding behind half-answers and cryptic warnings. What really happened to my mother?"
Gabriel sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Your mother was brave, but she was reckless. She got too close to secrets that could ruin powerful people—people like Richard Blackwood. I tried to protect her, but..."
"But what?" Sophia pressed, her voice rising.
He hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor. "But I couldn't save her. The Blackwoods made sure of that."
Sophia's fists clenched. His words sounded sincere, but there was a hollowness to them that made her uneasy. "And your role in all this? Were you just an innocent bystander, Gabriel?"
His jaw tightened. "I made mistakes, Sophia. I didn't pull the trigger, but... I made decisions that put her in danger. I'll carry that guilt for the rest of my life."
Sophia stared at him, her heart breaking all over again. She wanted to believe him, but doubt lingered like a shadow.
"If I find out you're lying to me," she said, her voice cold, "you'll regret it."
Gabriel nodded solemnly. "I'd expect nothing less."
---
Later That Night
Sophia sat alone in her apartment, staring at the file Gabriel had given her. It contained documents, photos, and handwritten notes—evidence of the Blackwoods' crimes. But there were gaps, pieces of the puzzle missing.
One photo caught her attention: a picture of her mother, smiling warmly, standing next to a younger Gabriel. They looked happy, almost like...
Sophia's breath hitched. Could it be?
Her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. It was a message from Adrian:
We need to talk. Meet me at the old factory, midnight.
Her instincts screamed danger, but curiosity won out. She grabbed her coat and headed out, determination etched on her face.
---
The Old Factory
The factory was dark and foreboding, its rusted metal walls echoing with the creaks of the wind. Sophia stepped inside, her footsteps hesitant but steady.
Adrian emerged from the shadows, his face obscured by the dim light. "You came."
"Spare me the dramatics," she said. "What do you want?"
He gestured to a table in the center of the room, where a single envelope sat. "This. It's proof of what I told you."
Sophia approached cautiously, picking up the envelope and opening it. Inside were photos—surveillance images of Gabriel meeting with a man she recognized as one of the Blackwoods' enforcers.
Her stomach churned. "What is this?"
"Proof that Gabriel was working with my family," Adrian said. "He's not the hero you think he is."
Sophia's hands shook as she held the photos. "And you expect me to believe you? After everything you've done?"
Adrian stepped closer, his voice low. "I don't care if you believe me. But you need to know that Gabriel isn't who he says he is. He's been using you, Sophia."
Before she could respond, a loud crash echoed through the factory. Both of them turned as a group of masked men entered, guns drawn.
"Run!" Adrian shouted, grabbing her arm.
They bolted toward the exit, the sound of gunfire ringing in their ears. Sophia's heart raced as she followed Adrian through the maze of the factory, dodging bullets and shadows.
They burst outside, and Adrian pulled her into an alleyway, pressing her against the wall to shield her from view.
"Who were they?" she gasped, her chest heaving.
Adrian's face was grim. "My father's men. He knows we're digging into the past."
Sophia's mind reeled. She was caught in a web of lies, and every thread seemed to lead to more danger.
As they stood in the alley, Adrian's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his expression darkening.
"What is it?" Sophia asked.
He turned the phone toward her, showing a message that sent chills down her spine:
If you want to see Sophia alive, stop digging. Consider this your only warning.
Sophia's blood ran cold. Someone was watching them, and they were closer than she realized.