London was draped in its usual gray haze, the streets humming with life as Maya, Lucas, and Alicia returned from their investigative trip to Scotland. The car ride was tense, silent for stretches, as each of them processed the revelations they had uncovered, the truth about Margaret's hidden twin, the layers of family secrets, and the fragile balance of power in the Thoreau empire.
Sophie, meanwhile, remained completely unaware of their trip's purpose. From her penthouse in central London, she assumed Damein was still following her guidance blindly, completely unaware that Maya and Lucas had taken their own steps in Scotland. The ignorance filled her with confidence; she believed she was still several moves ahead in the game.
Back in the boardroom, Damein prepared for a crucial round of
