Reginald's voice was cold, calculated. "Ethan, you've failed me."
Ethan's anxiety spiked. "I'll get her back, Reginald."
Reginald's eyes narrowed. "You'd better. The merger depends on it."
Ethan's world shrunk. His family's legacy, his business, everything hinged on Sophia.
Reginald's expression turned menacing. "You know what's at stake, Ethan. Our family's reputation, our business empire... it's all connected to Sophia."
Ethan felt a chill run down his spine. "I understand, Reginald."
Reginald's voice dripped with venom. "I hope you do, Ethan. Because if you fail, you'll be the one who destroys our family's legacy."
Ethan's desperation grew. He needed Sophia back, no matter the cost.
As he left Reginald's office, Ethan felt a sense of determination. He would stop at nothing to get Sophia back.
But as he walked out into the bright sunlight, Ethan couldn't shake the feeling that he was losing control.
He thought of Sophia's words, her defiance. She'd never spoken to him like that before.
Ethan's mind wandered to their first meeting, the arranged marriage, the loveless partnership.
Reginald's words echoed in his mind. "Our family's legacy, our business empire."
Ethan realized he'd taken Sophia for granted.
Now, he faced losing everything.
Ethan's phone buzzed, Rachel's name flashing on the screen.
He hesitated, then answered.
"Hey, Ethan. What's going on?" Rachel asked.
"Sophia left me," Ethan replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
Rachel's silence spoke volumes.
"I'm sorry, Ethan," Rachel said finally.
Ethan's emotions swirled. Guilt, anger, desperation.
"What am I supposed to do?" Ethan asked.
Rachel's voice was firm. "End this charade, Ethan. Move on."
Ethan's world crumbled.
He couldn't move on.
Not without Sophia.
Ethan's thoughts turned to Reginald's words.
"The merger depends on it."
Ethan knew what he had to do.
He would get Sophia back.
No matter the cost.
The stakes were too high.
Ethan's family legacy.
His business empire.
Everything.
Ethan's determination grew.
He would stop at nothing.
But as he walked away, Ethan felt a pang of doubt.
Was he fighting for love or legacy?