Sophia's heart jumped at Elijah's words.
“This is not the same version I remember."
She swallowed. “It's not."
Elijah kept reading, calm and quiet.
Sophia sat stiffly, hands folded in her lap, trying not to shake. The room felt too silent. Every page turn sounded loud.
Finally Elijah set the papers down and looked at her. “Explain."
Sophia's voice was careful. “You asked me to reconstruct a plan I wrote years ago."
Elijah's gaze stayed steady. “And you brought me a different one."
“I brought you a better one," Sophia said before she could stop herself.
Elijah's brows lifted slightly. “Bold."
Sophia swallowed. “Honest."
Sophia took a slow breath. “The original plan was mine," she said carefully. “Years ago. At Wright Enterprises."
Elijah's eyes didn't move. “I know."
Sophia bli
