The Perfect Excuse

ather had ignited a fire within her, and she was determined to uncover every piece of his sche

and a steaming cup of coffee for Sophia. "Morning," he

ratefully. "More than re

ard had woven. As they worked, Sophia couldn't help but feel a growing sense of camaraderie with

e papers and met her gaze. "Sophia, t

skipped a bea

ere's more to why I took your case. We knew e

sion clouding her features.

ou knew me as Daniel Carter. My family had to change our identities

remember you... you were one of my best f

Sophia. I thought about you often, and when I saw the news abou

she smiled, a genuine warmth lighting up her face. "Daniel...

o see her smile. "But you're still the s

ooking frazzled. "Soph, I found something else. There's a secret meeting tonigh

on hardened. "Whe

"It's at the old family estate.

ook. "We need to be there," David said. "

-

n was now shrouded in darkness and neglect. Sophia felt a pang of no

den. Inside, they could hear voices. Sophia and David found a window that provide

ce Sophia is out of the picture, we'll rebrand and expand. Dan

er. David placed a reassuring hand on her shoulde

rd. As the meeting concluded, Sophia and David made their way ba

as they drove away. "This will expose y

s. "Tomorrow, we'll take this to the authoritie

ed, she stood in her office, looking out at the city once more. David joined her, and she turned to him with a grateful smile."Thank you, David. I couldn't have done this without you."David smiled back, his eyes filled with admiration. "You did most of it yourself, Sophia. I just helped a little."She shook her head. "You did more than that. You believed in me when no one else did. And you reminded me of who I am."Da