Sofina still felt lightheaded when she stepped out of Marlena's office.

The world looked unreal-like she was walking through someone else's dream. In her hand, she held a check worth one hundred million dollars-the down payment for the Wolfsbane Group's collaboration with the Eden Group.

Her heart raced. She could barely believe it.

As Sofina crossed the Eden building's garden, sunlight danced across the glass walls and the sound of water filled the air.

She spotted Alex by the fountain, sleeves rolled up, focused on his work.

Her heart leapt. She waved both hands, shouting, "Alex! Alex!" Her voice rang out -bright, breathless, full of joy that couldn't be contained.

Alex looked up instantly. The moment he saw her face, he dropped his tools and rushed over. "How did it go?" he asked.

"Alex, I did it! I really did it!" Sofina threw her arms around him, laughing through her breathless excitement.

Alex smiled, though a shadow crossed his eyes. He knew the truth― every happiness is built on some hidden sorrow.

Sofina still carried the sting of Heinrich's cruelty; she could hide it from everyone else, pretend to be strong-even fool herself-but not Alex. He saw right through her.

Still, he played along, voice full of mock surprise. "You pulled it off? That's incredible, Sofina. Nobody closes a deal like that. You're amazing."

She shook her head quickly. "No, it's not me. It's like... they just gave it to me. Like the whole thing was already decided."

Alex frowned. "What makes you say that?"

"I don't know. Just a feeling," she said softly. "Whatever it is... I'm just glad it's done." Her smile returned, warm and relieved. "So-will you come home with me?"

Alex gave a small shrug. "Can't. Not yet. I've still got work to finish. I'm the new guy here—I can't start slacking or they'll toss me out." He grinned faintly. "See you at home later, alright?"

"Alright," Sofina said, matching his grin. "The new house Beatrix gave us, right?" "Exactly," he said.

She laughed, the sound light and real. For the first time in weeks, she felt free. But as she walked toward the exit, her steps slowed.

Heinrich appeared from behind a row of hedges, leaning casually against a marble post as if he'd been waiting all along.

"What do you want, Heinrich?" Sofina asked, instantly wary.

I know you still love me. How about we make this simple? Leave that

and smirked. "You can be my mistress.

smile curling on her lips. "And rule over

"Over everything my

thought your name only commanded waiters-and the fool I used

fading.

"You already did," she said quietly. "That's

have nothing to talk about,"

hurt glistened in her eyes, but she forced it down, refusing to let him see her

dropping to a darker tone. "Don't walk away from me,

"Then let me waste

I know why

half-slave," Heinrich sneered,

closer. "You wanted

make me jealous. Well,

congratulations-you did. I'm

you,

three

Katarina? I heard you're planning

gave a careless

heir

family

Thave no choice

But you-" his lips

a smirk-"you can be my

We're finished!" Sofina shouted,

after

still

that it almost brought her

grip tight and possessive. "Don't get arrogant, Sofina. You

I'm offering it, you dare reject me? Listen to me. Divorce

cried,

trembled in her voice as she twisted against his hold-then her palm lashed out, striking his face with

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