Chapter 41

My entire body ached, screaming for a hot bath and the sweet oblivion of sleep.

We'd spent weeks preparing for this gala. Originally, I wasn’t even supposed to attend—Elizabeth had always been my public face. But after my emotional breakdown in the kitchen that day, I decided it was time to stop hiding.

When I told Elizabeth I’d be attending, her face lit up like fireworks. For five years, my identity had been a closely guarded secret. Not out of fear, but because I craved simplicity. I didn’t want the spotlight. I didn’t want sycophants suddenly fawning over me just because they’d discovered my wealth.

Now? I was ready. I knew who was genuine and who wasn’t.

Hell, tonight alone, I’d already caught people who’d once sneered at me—men and women who’d treated me like dirt because I didn’t have a high-paying job, because they assumed I was broke—suddenly tripping over themselves to kiss my ass.

It was infuriating. I just wanted to escape them all.

"I still can’t believe you’re the founder of Hope Foundation," Amelia breathed, her voice thick with awe. "Why didn’t you tell me?"

Hours had passed since my confrontation with Ethan. Standing beside him, laying out exactly how things would be from now on, I felt… nothing.

There was something liberating about letting go of the past. I wasn’t fully healed, but the constant ache in my chest had dulled. No anger. No bitterness. No hatred. Just numbness—and I loved it. I could finally breathe without feeling like I was drowning.

"Sophia?"

I turned to Amelia. "Yes?"

"You didn’t answer my question," she pouted.

"I kept it quiet because only Hope Foundation staff, the kids, and Liam knew," I admitted. "I asked them to keep it secret until I was ready."

She nodded, understanding flashing in her eyes. Then she fell silent, her gaze drifting toward Ethan’s table—lingering on Nathan before she forced herself to look away.

Since Ethan was our biggest donor, our tables were close. I’d heard everything—Isabella and Olivia mocking me, Amelia defending me, calling out their petty behavior. When Nathan told her to leave, I couldn’t let that happen. I’d asked Elizabeth to have security bring her to our table instead.

As for Olivia? Well, watching her slink away in humiliation was just a small taste of payback for all the cruelty she’d dished out.

"You can go to him, Amelia. It’s okay," I said, nodding toward Nathan.

He’d been stealing glances at her all night. She hadn’t noticed, but I had.

"I can’t. Not after what he did. He claims he wants your forgiveness, yet he lets Isabella and Olivia trash-talk you?" Her anger simmered just beneath the surface.

"I appreciate you standing up for me, but I don’t need anyone fighting my battles," I said softly. "You love Nathan. I see that. You’re my best friend, Amelia. That means I want you happy. If he makes you happy, I can accept that."

She stared at me, then her eyes widened. "Something’s changed."

"What do you mean?" I fought a smile.

"You’re different. What happened?"

I shrugged. "Maybe I’m just done living in bitterness. Or maybe…" I smirked. "It’s definitely the sex."

"What?" Her jaw dropped comically.

I laughed at her expression.

"You had sex with Daniel?" she repeated, as if her brain couldn’t process it.

"Yes," I purred, remembering. "Multiple times, actually."

"Define 'multiple.' One night? Or…?"

A slow grin spread across my face. "Multiple times a night. For several days."

Her mouth fell open before she grinned like an idiot. "Damn, girl! If that’s what’s putting that smile on your face, keep at it. You deserve mind-blowing sex and happiness."

This was why I loved Amelia. No judgment. Just unwavering support.

I pulled her into a tight hug. "Thank you. For being you."

She stiffened in surprise before hugging me back.

"Now go talk to Nathan," I urged.

This time, she didn’t hesitate. She excused herself just as Daniel returned, sliding into his seat before capturing my lips in a searing kiss.

"You’re addictive," he murmured against my ear.

His warm breath sent a shiver down my spine.

"Daniel…" My voice came out breathless.

"This dress is torture," he growled. "All I can think about is those legs wrapped around me while I bury myself so deep inside you, you’ll feel me for days."

My thighs clenched at the imagery.

I was utterly ruined when it came to Daniel. He’d awakened parts of me I didn’t know existed—my desires, my confidence. With him, I wasn’t afraid to ask for what I wanted.

With Ethan, I’d suppressed my needs, terrified of rejection. But Daniel? He taught me to embrace my hunger.

I was about to ask if we could slip away when my phone rang.

Victoria’s name flashed on the screen, killing the mood instantly.

"I need to take this," I told Daniel.

Recognizing Liam’s calls, he nodded with a smile.

Stepping into the garden, I answered.

"Hey, Mommy!" Liam’s sweet voice melted my heart.

"Hi, baby. How are you?"

"Bored," he grumbled. "How’s the party? I wish I could’ve come."

I’d wanted him there, but after the attack, I couldn’t risk it. The chief had called earlier—the man who’d assaulted me was dead. But that didn’t mean the danger was over.

"It’s amazing. I’ll send pictures," I promised. "Jacob and the others said hi."

Liam adored the kids at Hope House. They’d become like siblings.

"Is Jacob there?" he asked excitedly.

"Yes. I gave him Grandma’s number. He’ll call you soon."

Jacob and Liam had an unbreakable bond, despite the age gap.

"Yes!" he cheered. "I’ve missed him so much!"

"He’s missed you too," I said, smiling.

"Okay, Mommy. Bedtime. Just wanted to hear your voice."

My heart swelled. It was late—Hope House had a strict curfew.

"Goodnight, sweetheart. I love you."

"Love you too!"

The call ended, leaving me blinking back tears. God, I missed him.

Then I felt it—eyes on me.

I turned, but the garden was empty. I’d wandered too far from the hall, into the shadows where no one else lingered.

I quickened my pace.

The sensation of being watched intensified. Then—footsteps. Heavy. Deliberate.

My pulse skyrocketed. I broke into a run. Stupid. So stupid. The chief had warned me.

The footsteps matched my speed. I didn’t dare look back—not in these heels.

Panic clawed at my throat as the presence closed in. The air turned thick with menace.

I pushed harder, bursting into the hall’s golden light.

The suffocating pressure vanished. Gasping, I scanned the area—no one.

Then I collided with someone.

"Sorry," I muttered, steadying myself.

I looked up.

My blood turned to ice.

Isabella.

And the look in her eyes promised violence.