Sophia couldn't breathe.
Elijah's arm was around her shoulders. His words still echoed in the room.
“The man in that hotel hallway was me."
Marry her.
Our child.
Sophia's mouth opened, but nothing came out.
Johnson wiped blood from his lip. “You're lying," he said, voice hoarse.
Elijah's gaze stayed calm. “I'm not."
Lily's face twisted with rage and panic. “He's rich. He can say anything! Sophia is—"
Elijah cut in, cold. “You will not speak about her like that again."
Lily's throat bobbed. She looked around for support.
Alice gave a small, shaky laugh, like she was trying to convince herself this was a joke. “No," she whispered. “No, that's impossible."
Sophia finally found her voice. “Alice…"
Alice jerked her head up, eyes wide. “It can't be him," Alice insisted, louder now.
