Con
Con 109

CHAPTER 109

Sophia’s POV

Julia’s gaze lingered on my exposed shoulder, where a small red mole marked my skin. I shifted uncomfortably under her scrutiny.

“Julia? Is everything okay?” I asked, trying to sound casual, though her intense stare was unnerving.

Julia stepped closer, her expression shifting from curiosity to something more severe. “Sophia,” she said slowly, “how long have you had that mole?”

I blinked, taken aback by the question. “I don’t know. Forever, I guess? Why?”

Instead of answering, Julia leaned in closer, examining the mole with a strange intensity. Her face transformed from shock to horror, and I instinctively took a step back and grabbed a cardigan to drape over my shoulders.

Julia seemed to snap out of her trance. “I need to… I need to shower,” she muttered, her voice shaky. Without another word, she turned and hurried toward the bathroom.

Just then, I noticed a delicate bracelet on the bedside table. I picked it up, turning it over in my hands. It had an intricate design, and I knew that it was the one that helped Elijah identify Julia as Sabrina. He’d mentioned it in passing before.

The realization hit me hard. I thought the bracelet looked familiar, but I wasn’t in the habit of wearing jewelry. Yet, something about it tugged at a memory I couldn’t quite place.

“I’m sure I’ve never seen this bracelet before,” I whispered to myself, yet doubt gnawed at me.

My phone buzzed, pulling me from my thoughts. I reached for it and saw Elijah’s name, making my heart jump.

This was his message: I want to take Reese to see my family when I get back from this business trip. Can we talk about this?

I frowned, the words blurring as memories of Morgana’s aggressive demeanor flashed in my mind. Reese adored Elijah, but I wasn’t sure how I felt about her being around his family, especially Morgana. She never missed an opportunity to remind me of my past mistakes, even those that were non–existent.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my thoughts when my phone buzzed again. This time it was a message from Adrian:

Hey, Kayla told me you’re in New York. Can we meet for dinner tomorrow?

My mind raced. Despite what Elijah had told me about Adrian, I could sense that he was someone I could trust. Besides, he might have helpful information about that day someone hit my head on the beach.

Without analyzing more, I typed a response to Adrian Sure, dinner sounds good. See you soon.

The following evening after the second day of the design conference, I went to the local pizza place

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where I was supposed to meet Adrian. I spotted him at a corner table, surrounded by a group of excited fans, all vying for his attention. He flashed his signature smile as he signed autographs, making each person feel special.

“Wow, look at you, Mr. Popular,” I called out as I approached, grinning.

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Adrian looked up, his eyes lighting up when he saw me. “Sophia! There you are!” He finished signing the last autograph and waved the fans off with a charming goodbye.

He stood up to give me a hug, and I couldn’t help but notice how effortlessly he drew people to him.” Here,” he said, handing me a CD. “My new album, hot off the press.”

“Wow! Thanks, Adrian. Can’t wait to listen to it,” I said, tucking it into my bag. We sat down, and a server came by to take our orders.

Once we were alone, I leaned in slightly. “Hey, Adrian, do you remember when you found me on the beach? Did you see anyone suspicious around?”

Adrian’s expression turned serious as he thought back. “It was dark, Sophia. I couldn’t see much, but honestly I don’t recall anyone suspicious. Why?”

I hesitated, choosing my words carefully. “The person who masterminded everything wasn’t the one who attacked me.”

Adrian’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really? Then who was it?”

I studied his face, looking for any sign of deceit. “I haven’t found the culprit yet,” I admitted. “I’m trying to piece everything together.”

Adrian looked genuinely puzzled and concerned. He probably noticed that I was giving him a

suspicious look, because his next words were, “Sophia, I swear I haven’t done anything to you. I only wanted to help.”

“Okay, I believe you…” I said, though my voice sounded uncertain. We finished our food and talked more before I told him that I wanted to go back to the hotel already.

As we were making our way to the exit, someone called my name. I turned to see Elijah and Julia sitting at one of the tables. Elijah’s brows were furrowed, his glare directed at Adrian.

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