Brendan owed his current position to Yata’s backing. Without that support, the end of their alliance would signal the King’s wrath, and the Adams family’s business would crumble under the pressure.

Sophia saw through Brendan’s intentions, but to her, those concerns were irrelevant. Her only focus was on Katelyn’s demise.

“Trying to make a move on her today, were you? Do you honestly think your scheme will succeed?” Sophia’s voice dripped with scorn.

Brendan’s blood ran cold at her words. He was stunned, caught off guard.

How could she have known so much? What was her true role in all this? Who exactly was she?

Now, more than ever, Brendan found himself intrigued by Sophia’s hidden identity. He had never expected a woman so captivating, yet so vengeful toward Katelyn.

Brendan’s face remained calm. He took a moment before turning to Sophia and asking, “So, what’s your plan?”

Since she seemed unimpressed with his approach, it was only fair she came up with her own. His intentions were clear—he wanted to gain everything with minimal effort.

Sophia saw right through Brendan. A cold, knowing smirk twisted her lips. If she was involving him in this, there was no way she’d let him coast along without contributing.

With a subtle gesture, Sophia motioned for Brendan to come closer. Brendan hesitated, suspicion flickering in his eyes, but leaned in nonetheless.

In a hushed tone, Sophia whispered something into his ear.

Brendan’s eyes gleamed with sudden clarity, a thrill spreading across his face. He slammed his hand on his leg, exclaiming, “Perfect! Let’s make it happen!”

Sophia reached into her jacket and pulled out an , handing it to Brendan with a stern look. “Keep this. You better not let me down. Otherwise…”

Her voice dropped off as she pressed the dagger lightly against his chest, signaling a clear warning.

Brendan, momentarily stunned, delicately grasped the dagger’s blade, carefully distancing it from his chest. He attempted a smile, though it faltered under the weight of her gaze. “There’s no need for threats, surely, not from someone as enchanting as yourself.”

Stay tuned for more glnoνes.c?m

Inside, Brendan knew not to test her patience further. He knew she would take his life without hesitation if he failed.

Giving him one last icy stare, Sophia stood and walked toward the door.

Brendan, still grappling with the tension, called out, “Wait, what should I call you?”

Sophia stopped abruptly, her expression hardening. She turned sharply, her eyes flashing with anger. “You don’t need to know my name. Forget you ever saw me. If you don’t, you’ll regret it.”

With those words, she turned and walked away, leaving the space in an icy silence.

Brendan’s face clouded over with anger as he watched Sophia depart.

His hand shot out, slamming down on the table with a resonant thud.

“Damn her arrogance,” Brendan seethed, his voice thick with disdain. “Does she think she can intimidate me like this?”

Brendan was determined; once this situation was resolved, he’d make sure Sophia regretted ever treating him with such disdain. No one dared to challenge him like that and got away with it.

But before Brendan could dwell on his rage, something unexpected happened.

A blur of silver shot through the air, and the dagger that had been in Sophia’s hand moments before embedded itself into the crystal chandelier above Brendan’s head.

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