Chapter 14: A Dangerous Game
The photograph left Evelyn shaken, but Alexander's reaction was far more chilling. His face hardened, his eyes darkening with a fury she had never seen before.
"He's getting too close," Alexander said, his voice dangerously low. "This ends now."
"Alexander, we need to be careful," Evelyn said, placing a hand on his arm. "Damian wants you to react. If we make a mistake, we'll be playing into his hands."
He glanced at her, his expression softening slightly. "You're right. But I'm not going to let him threaten you like this."
"We stick to the plan," Evelyn insisted. "Sophia might be the key to stopping him."
Alexander nodded reluctantly. "Alright. But I'm increasing security around the mansion—and around you. Damian won't get another chance."
The Gala
That evening, Alexander and Evelyn arrived at the charity gala, dressed to blend in with the crowd. Evelyn's sleek black gown and Alexander's tailored tuxedo made them look like the perfect power couple, but their eyes constantly scanned the room, searching for Sophia.
"There she is," Evelyn whispered, nodding toward a young woman with striking features and a reserved demeanor. Sophia stood near the bar, engaged in polite conversation with a group of donors.
Alexander hesitated. "Are you sure about this?"
"We don't have a choice," Evelyn replied. "If she can help us, we need to take the risk."
Alexander sighed but followed Evelyn's lead as she approached Sophia.
The Encounter
"Excuse me," Evelyn said, flashing a warm smile as she stepped up to Sophia. "You must be Sophia Carter. I'm Evelyn Wolfe."
Sophia turned, her guarded expression softening slightly. "Yes, I am. And you're…Alexander Wolfe's wife?"
"That's right," Evelyn replied, keeping her tone friendly. "I was hoping to speak with you about your brother."
Sophia's smile froze, and she glanced around nervously. "I'm not sure what you mean."
"Please," Evelyn said gently. "We're not here to cause trouble. We just want to understand why Damian is doing this."
Sophia hesitated, her eyes darting to Alexander, who stood silently at Evelyn's side.
"I don't think this is the place to discuss such things," Sophia said finally, her voice cautious.
"Then meet us somewhere private," Evelyn urged. "You're the only one who can help us stop this before it goes too far."
Sophia hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. "Fine. Tomorrow afternoon, at Café Verona. But if Damian finds out…"
"He won't," Alexander assured her. "You have my word."
Damian Strikes Back
While Alexander and Evelyn made their move, Damian was already a step ahead. From his surveillance room, he watched the footage of Sophia speaking with them.
"So, they've dragged Sophia into this," Damian muttered, his expression dark.
"What should we do?" his assistant asked.
Damian's lips curled into a cold smile. "Let them think they're winning. But if Sophia betrays me…she'll learn that no one crosses me without consequences."
He turned to his assistant. "Prepare a message for Alexander. Something he can't ignore."
The Aftermath
Back at the mansion, Alexander and Evelyn reviewed their conversation with Sophia, cautiously optimistic about the meeting planned for the next day.
But their moment of calm was shattered when Marcus rushed into the room, his face pale.
"We've got a problem," he said, handing Alexander a tablet.
The screen displayed a live feed of one of Alexander's warehouses engulfed in flames.
"Damian," Alexander growled, his fists clenching.
"That's not all," Marcus said grimly. He pulled up another image—a package delivered to the mansion's gates. Inside was a charred piece of paper with a single word scrawled on it: "Next."
Evelyn's blood ran cold. "He's escalating."
"And he's making it personal," Alexander said, his voice low and dangerous. "Tomorrow, we end this."
The Cliffhanger
As the flames of Damian's latest attack burned in the background, Alexander turned to Evelyn, his expression resolute.
"This isn't just about revenge anymore," he said. "It's about survival. Are you ready for what's coming?"
Evelyn met his gaze, determination hardening her features. "I am. Whatever it takes, we'll face it together."
Unbeknownst to them, Damian was already preparing his next move—a devastating blow that would test their resolve like never before.