Sophia stood up slowly, her height matching Claire’s, her posture straight and unyielding. The softness in her eyes was still there, but beneath it lay the steel that had built an empire from nothing. She walked toward her friend, stopping only inches away, her gaze locking onto Claire’s with absolute authority.
"I understand the risks, Claire. I understand exactly what we stand to lose. But I also understand that our enemies are not just Adrian’s enemies anymore. They are mine too. The Silver Vipers didn't just attack him. They tried to kill me. They erased my past. They stole years of my life. And now, they are hunting me again. They will never stop, Claire. Not as long as I’m alive, and not as long as I’m connected to him."
She placed a hand firmly on Claire’s shoulder, her grip stron
