Rachel took a deep breath before speaking. "Sophia, I have to tell you something. Something that could change everything."
Sophia's eyes narrowed. "What is it?"
Rachel hesitated, looking around the room nervously. "I'm the one who's been feeding information to the press about Ethan's business dealings."
Sophia's eyes widened in surprise. "You're the whistleblower?"
Rachel nodded. "Yes. I've been working with a reporter to expose Ethan's wrongdoing."
Sophia felt a surge of emotions. She was shocked that Rachel had been keeping this secret from her, but she was also grateful that Rachel had been brave enough to come forward.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Sophia asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Rachel looked down, shamefaced. "I was afraid of putting you in danger. Ethan is ruthless, Sophia. He'll stop at nothing to silence anyone who gets in his way."
Sophia's heart skipped a beat. She had already suspected that Ethan was capable of violence, but hearing Rachel confirm it sent a chill down her spine.
As they talked, Sophia realized that she had stumbled into something much bigger than she had ever imagined. Ethan's wrongdoing went far beyond just manipulating her family's business. He was involved in a complex web of deceit and corruption that reached the highest levels of power.
Sophia felt a surge of determination. She was going to take down Ethan, no matter what it took.
But as she looked at Rachel, Sophia saw a look of fear in her eyes. "What's wrong?" Sophia asked.
Rachel hesitated before speaking. "I think we're in danger, Sophia. I think Ethan knows that I'm the whistleblower, and he's going to stop at nothing to silence me."
Sophia's heart skipped a beat. She knew that she had to act fast to protect herself and Rachel.
"What do we do?" Sophia asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Rachel thought for a moment before answering. "We need to get out of here. Now."
Sophia nodded, grabbing her purse and following Rachel out of the house.
As they walked, Sophia couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. She looked around, but saw nothing out of the ordinary.
But then, just as they were turning the corner, Sophia saw a black SUV following them.
Her heart skipped a beat. They were in danger.