Chapter 81

• She's Sophia from two years ago. Clutching at weapons in her desperation. Using whatever she can to force and threaten the outcome she wants, and even Sophia knows, Leon will never back down for something like that. She can't believe she ever stood in her shoes and behaved that manically to hold onto a man she never thought she had, and here they are, in a complete U-turn.
• "Proceed. I'm indifferent. I always knew that one day I would have to face the consequences of my actions, and if this is the moment... so be it. Sue me. Expose me. Honestly, I don't care, but if you bring Sophia's name or any details about her into the public eye, I will crush you and leave you with no options for the future. I vowed to protect her until the end... don't challenge me. I'll eliminate you." Leon's steady voice transforms into a menacing growl, sending a chill through Sophia, who instinctively curls up. Her chest tightens with nerves, but he senses her reaction and gently runs his hand through her hair, soothingly tracing down her spine with his fingertips. Signaling to calm her, ground her, and assure her that he won't allow any harm to come to her.
• In that moment, Sophia feels like a nine-year-old again, watching her best friend handle someone who upset her. It's a surreal battle, as she realizes she's struggling against him, fighting not to love him and feeling uncertain.