Chapter 2 - THE GIFT SOPHIA NEVER EXPECTED
“Alexander! Evelyn has ruined everything!”
Sophia Reynolds was screaming so loudly that Alexander had to pull the phone away from his ear.
He stood in his study, still holding the letter his wife had left behind.
“What are you talking about?”
“The police are here!”
Alexander went still.
“What police?”
“Financial crimes investigators! They have warrants, Alexander. They're searching my office!”
He looked down at Evelyn's handwriting.
One final gift. For Sophia.
“What did you do?” he asked.
Sophia made a strangled sound.
“Me? Your wife is trying to destroy me!”
“Answer the question.”
There was silence.
Then Sophia whispered, “I need you to make them leave.”
Alexander closed his eyes.
For fifteen years, Sophia had used that sentence in one form or another.
I need you.
And Alexander had always come.
He had paid her debts, rescued her from embarrassing situations, introduced her to investors, and defended her whenever anyone questioned her intentions.
Including his wife.
Especially his wife.
Now Evelyn was gone.
Their daughter was gone.
And Sophia was demanding another rescue.
Alexander looked toward the empty hallway.
“Where is Evelyn?” he asked.
Sophia stopped crying.
“What?”
“Did you know she was leaving?”
“Alexander, how would I know that?”
He stared at the letter.
“Because you always seemed to know everything happening in my marriage.”
Sophia's breathing changed.
“Don't start blaming me.”
Alexander's voice hardened.
“Then tell me why the police are searching your office.”
“I don't know!”
He ended the call.
For several seconds, he stood motionless.
Then he called his head of security.
“Find out whether Evelyn and Lily are safe. Do not approach them, and don't interfere with their travel.”
“Understood, sir.”
Alexander swallowed.
“And get me the records for every financial transaction connected to Sophia Reynolds.”
---
At that exact moment, Evelyn was sitting beside an airplane window, watching clouds stretch across the Atlantic.
Lily slept against her shoulder.
Her little fingers were curled around the sleeve of Evelyn's sweater.
Evelyn kissed her daughter's hair.
For the first time in three years, she was leaving without asking permission.
May you like
And although her cheek still hurt, she felt something she hadn't expected.
Relief.
