Sophia nodded once more, thoughts churning wildly. 

Trust him? 

Was that even possible anymore?

 Did she have any real alternative?

 Before she could find words, the sound of footsteps descending the staircase sent her pulse spiking. Richard Cole reappeared in the kitchen doorway, brow creased in mild confusion.

“I forgot my phone,” he said with an easy chuckle, apparently unaware of the electric charge still crackling between them as he retrieved the device from the counter.

Sophia managed a tight smile, though a heavy disquiet lodged itself firmly in her chest.

Julian rose smoothly, offering Richard Cole a quick, casual handshake as though the room held no secrets. But as...