Chapter 4 - THE WOMAN WHO THOUGHT SHE HAD WON
Sophia Reynolds had spent eighteen months waiting for Claire Moretti to disappear.
Now that Claire was gone, Sophia expected the mansion to become hers.
She arrived the following morning carrying a suitcase.
Alexander met her in the foyer.
“What is that?”
Sophia smiled.
“My things.”
He stared.
“Why?”
She laughed.
“Alexander, Claire left.”
“And?”
Sophia's smile faded.
“I thought we could finally stop pretending.”
Alexander looked at the suitcase.
Then at her.
“You thought wrong.”
Her expression hardened.
“Excuse me?”
“This house belongs to my family.”
Sophia crossed her arms.
“And what am I?”
Alexander didn't answer.
She stepped closer.
“After everything I've done for you?”
He looked at her.
“What exactly have you done?”
Sophia stared.
“I've been there when Claire wasn't.”
Alexander's jaw tightened.
“Claire was at the hospital with her dying mother.”
Sophia rolled her eyes.
“Are we still talking about that?”
Something inside Alexander snapped.
“Get out.”
Sophia went still.
“What?”
“Leave.”
Her eyes widened.
“You can't be serious.”
Alexander looked toward the front door.
“Marco will arrange transportation.”
Sophia's expression changed.
“You think Claire's coming back?”
He said nothing.
She laughed bitterly.
“She hates you.”
Alexander looked away.
Sophia stepped closer.
“And even if she forgives you, your son won't.”
The words landed like a blow.
Alexander turned.
“Leave. Now.”
Sophia grabbed her suitcase.
But before walking out, she stopped.
“You have no idea what Claire's been hiding from you.”
Alexander looked at her.
“What?”
Sophia smiled coldly.
“Ask her about the money.”
Then she left.
Alexander stood motionless.
May you like
He knew Sophia well enough to recognize a threat.
What he didn't know was whether she'd discovered a real secret or was inventing another lie.
