Chapter 7 - Sophia Remembered A Different Voice
Sophia regained consciousness gradually.
Her memory came in fragments.
Kitchen light.
A knock.
Victor’s voice.
A crash.
Someone grabbing her wrist.
Then darkness.
Ethan sat beside her without pushing.
When she was strong enough, Detective Bennett conducted a formal
interview.
Sophia confirmed Victor had visited that night.
He said Harbor Shield’s board wanted to resolve her concerns quietly.
She refused to give him the files.
They argued.
Victor left.
Or Sophia thought he did.
Ten minutes later, someone entered through the back door.
She could not see the face.
The attacker wore gloves.
Dark clothing.
No obvious insignia.
The person demanded:
“Where’s the copy?”
Sophia ran toward the hallway.
The struggle began.
She remembered being struck.
Falling.
Hearing the attacker say something.
Not a name.
A phrase.
“You should’ve let Victor handle you.”
That changed everything.
Victor might not have been the attacker.
He might have been part of the pressure.
Or the attacker might have used his name deliberately.
Sophia remembered calling Richard.
Then nothing until the hospital.
Ethan told her Noah was alive.
Sophia closed her eyes.
“I know.”
Ethan stared.
“You knew?”
“For two months.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“He asked me not to.”
Ethan stood and walked to the window.
Another secret.
Sophia whispered:
“I’m sorry.”
He turned.
“We are going to have a very long conversation about everyone deciding
what I should know.”
Despite the pain, Sophia almost smiled.
“Fair.”
Then she asked:
“Did you find the card?”
Ethan nodded.
Her eyes filled.
“Then they’re going to come after the ledger next.”
“What ledger?”
May you like
Sophia looked at Richard.
Richard went pale again.
