Chapter 43

Saturday morning dawned bright and clear, the aftermath of last night's successful dinner party still lingering in my mind. Despite the chaos, everything had gone perfectly.

I slipped out of bed and headed to the bathroom, running through my morning routine. Daniel had come home with me, but he hadn’t stayed the night—he had an early shift and didn’t want to wake me when he left.

As I brushed my teeth, my thoughts drifted back to yesterday.

When Isabella had cornered me, I’d been ready for a fight. I knew the exact moment Ethan stepped outside and found us in a heated standoff.

It was strange how I could sense his presence when she couldn’t. I’d wanted to expose her lies, to make Ethan see the kind of woman he’d been so blindly devoted to.

Every word I’d said to her had been deliberate. It was time for him to wake up.

Everyone saw Isabella as perfect—incapable of wrongdoing. Maybe that had been true once, but not anymore.

Losing Ethan years ago might have changed her. Or maybe her career as a lawyer had hardened her. Whatever the reason, she wasn’t the same person.

After my shower, I dressed in my usual jeans, t-shirt, and flats before heading downstairs to make breakfast. I had a meeting with Elizabeth at Hope House at nine—standard procedure after an event.

My phone buzzed mid-bite, pulling me from my thoughts.

Morning, gorgeous.

A smile tugged at my lips. Daniel had a way of making me feel wanted—something Ethan had never managed.

Morning, I replied, adding a heart emoji.

What’s your day looking like?

Just stopping by Hope House, then meeting Amelia later.

Sounds good. Miss you already.

I smirked, typing back. Really? Miss me, or miss something else?

The boldness sent a thrill through me. I’d never been this forward before.

Both. Fuck, just thinking about you has me hard.

Is that so?

I loved knowing I had that effect on him. With Ethan, I’d always wondered if he was imagining Isabella instead.

YES. And it’s embarrassing because I’m in a squad car. Pretty sure my partner noticed.

I laughed, warmth spreading through me. Daniel made me feel cherished—unlike Ethan, who’d made me feel like an afterthought.

Poor baby. Maybe I can help later.

You sure? I wasn’t exactly gentle last night.

I sent a wink emoji. I’ll survive.

His reply came minutes later. Guess I’ll have to try harder. Next time, you’ll feel every thrust for days.

Finishing breakfast, I left the dishes in the sink, promising myself I’d wash them later.

You’d better.

When he didn’t respond, I grabbed my keys and headed out, giddiness bubbling in my chest. For the first time in forever, life felt right.

Hope House was a masterpiece—sleek, modern, and designed to feel like home. The sprawling estate boasted floor-to-ceiling windows, lush gardens, and every amenity imaginable.

Inside, the kids greeted me with hugs.

"Sophia!" they chorused.

I smiled. "Anyone seen Elizabeth?"

Hannah, a seventeen-year-old who’d been with us since her pregnancy at fifteen, pointed toward the office. "She’s in there."

I thanked her and headed in, finding Elizabeth flipping through a magazine.

She grinned. "You’re everywhere."

The cover featured me at last night’s gala, the headline blaring: Sophia Sterling Revealed as Founder of Hope Foundation—The Nation’s Leading Children’s Charity.

I rolled my eyes. "Don’t care. Let’s focus on work."

She handed me the reports. "Donations doubled overnight."

My breath caught at one line. "Ethan donated ten million?"

She nodded. "His biggest single donation yet."

Before I could process that, my phone buzzed—Daniel apologizing for the delay.

Then Elizabeth gasped, her face paling.

"What’s wrong?" I demanded.

She swallowed hard. "Your house—it’s been set on fire."