Sophia's instincts were screaming at her to be cautious, to not trust Alex. But a part of her was desperate for an ally, desperate for someone to help her take down Ethan.
"What do you mean, you're not as loyal to Ethan as I think?" Sophia asked, trying to keep her tone neutral.
Alex's smile was calculating. "Let's just say that Ethan and I have had our differences. He's not the only one who's been pulling the strings in our business dealings."
Sophia's eyes narrowed. "What are you saying? That you're willing to betray Ethan?"
Alex's expression was unreadable. "I'm saying that I'm willing to do what it takes to protect myself. And if that means taking down Ethan, then so be it."
Sophia felt a shiver run down her spine. She didn't know what to make of Alex's words, didn't know if she could trust him.
As they stood there, locked in a silent standoff, Sophia realized that she was caught in a web of deceit. Everyone around her seemed to be hiding something, seemed to be playing their own game of cat and mouse.
Ethan, Alex, even Rachel - everyone seemed to have their own agenda, their own secrets.
Sophia felt a wave of despair wash over her. Who could she trust? Who was telling the truth?
As she looked into Alex's eyes, Sophia knew that she had to be careful. She had to tread carefully, had to watch her back.
Because in this game of deceit, Sophia was starting to realize that she was the pawn.