The night after the ambush, Sophia couldn't shake the memory of shattered glass and gunfire. Even within the high walls of Adrian's penthouse, she felt exposed, as though eyes were watching her from every shadow.
Adrian, on the other hand, seemed unchanged — still commanding, still coldly efficient. But Sophia saw the subtle shifts: the extra security stationed at the door, the clipped way he spoke to his men, the muscle in his jaw that tightened whenever her gaze lingered too long on him.
He was on edge, even if he would never admit it.
---
The First Glimpse Of Revival
The city's elite gathered two nights later at a charity auction, a glittering event that was equal parts society spectacle and business battlefield. Adrian insisted Sophia come with him, despite her protests.
"You need to be seen by my side," he said, fastening a diamond bracelet around her wrist as if it were armor. "It sends a message."
Sophia wanted to ask what message? — but the intensity in his eyes silenced her.
The auction hall glittered with chandeliers and the hushed murmurs of power. Adrian moved like he owned the room, Sophia at his side, but she felt the weight of every stare.
It wasn't long before she saw him.
Victor Marchetti.
Tall, broad-shouldered, with eyes like cold steel and a smile that never reached them. His tailored suit was immaculate, his presence commanding. Unlike Adrian's quiet, controlled charisma, Victor's aura was aggressive, unapologetically dangerous — a man who enjoyed being feared.
"Stone," Victor greeted smoothly as they crossed paths near the champagne bar. His gaze slid over Sophia with deliberate slowness, making her stomach twist. "And this must be the woman everyone is whispering about."
Adrian's arm tightened protectively around her waist. "Stay away, Victor."
Victor's smile sharpened. "Touchy. I was merely being polite." His eyes flicked to Sophia again, as if to remind them both that politeness wasn't his true language.
---
The Game Of Words
Throughout the night, Victor made his presence known. A comment here, a lingering stare there — each move deliberate, designed to needle Adrian and unsettle Sophia.
During the bidding, Adrian raised his paddle with icy composure, claiming an antique piece that Sophia barely understood the significance of. Moments later, Victor outbid him on a rare painting, smirking in Adrian's direction as though the art was nothing more than a weapon.
It wasn't business. It was war.
Sophia leaned close, whispering, "Why is he doing this?"
Adrian's jaw clenched. "Because he can't touch me directly. So he'll try to get to me another way."
His meaning was clear. Through her.
---
The Direct Threat
Later that evening, when Adrian was pulled aside by one of his men, Sophia found herself momentarily alone in the garden terrace outside the hall. The night air was cool, scented faintly with roses. She was grateful for the quiet — until the sound of footsteps made her stiffen.
Victor emerged from the shadows, hands casually in his pockets.
Sophia froze. "You shouldn't be here."
"Neither should you," he said, his tone almost conversational. "Do you have any idea the kind of fire you're standing next to?"
Her heart thudded. "Adrian can handle himself."
Victor chuckled, low and cruel. "Oh, I'm not worried about Adrian. I'm worried about you. Pretty things like you don't last long in this game. And when he slips—because he will—I'll be there. And you'll wish you had never signed that little contract of his."
Sophia's breath caught. "Is that a threat?"
Victor leaned closer, his words brushing her ear. "It's a promise."
Before she could respond, Adrian's voice cut sharply through the night. "Step away from her."
Victor straightened slowly, smirking as Adrian strode across the terrace, eyes blazing with fury.
"Careful, Stone," Victor murmured as he backed away. "You can't protect her forever."
---
Clifffhanger
Victor disappeared into the crowd, but his words lingered, wrapping around Sophia like chains. For the first time, she realized that Adrian's world wasn't just dangerous because of faceless enemies.
It was dangerous because men like Victor now knew exactly how to break him.
And they would use her to do it.