Chapter 22

• The name is like a bitter taste in her mouth, and she presses her lips together and steadies herself before pasting on a bright face. Clenching her fists under the table as it conjures up that woman in her mind's eye. At them, together, and the bile rises in her throat once more.
• "Not yet, the funds are in process...." Sophia states blankly and sees many simple nods around the table. Leon seems immersed in his papers, satisfied that his plan is steaming ahead, yet she can't let this go. The board signed off on this venture and has been eager to get things in motion to start seeing the benefits.
• "but...." Sophia adds in deliberate afterthought, her heart rate elevating and palms become sweaty as eyes dart back her way, and even Johnny frowns at her. It's not like her to be indecisive.