Chapter 26
I let out a slow breath, ending the call with a tap of my finger.
A faint smile touched my lips as I returned the voice modulator to its velvet-lined case.
Rachel should understand the warning now. She’ll back off if she values her safety.
A sudden pounding at the door made me jump.
“Sophia, open up!” Alexander’s voice was harsh, urgent.
My pulse quickened. I shoved the device into a drawer and smoothed my dress.
I unlocked the door just as he pushed inside. His face was tense, eyes burning with rage.
“Why was this locked?” he demanded.
I forced a light laugh, tucking my hair behind my ear. “I was changing, Alexander. You know how Liam walks in without warning. I wanted privacy.”
His eyes narrowed. “You’re lying.”
I held my expression steady. “What’s going on? Why are you so angry?”
He didn’t answer. Instead, he snatched the remote and turned on the TV.
The screen lit up with breaking news.
My throat tightened.
BREAKING: STERLING ENTERPRISES IMPLICATED IN MURDER OF SEBASTIAN CRAWFORD’S MOTHER.
My stomach dropped as documents and financial records flashed across the screen. Old footage from three years ago played alongside the report.
The anchor’s voice was grave, detailing how the killer had received funds from Sterling Enterprises before the crime.
I turned to Alexander, chilled. “What is this?”
He gave a bitter laugh. “What does it look like? Sebastian and Rachel did this. It’s their move.”
He ran a hand through his hair, pacing. “First, he takes my company. Now he’s destroying our name. He won’t stop until we’re ruined.”
I swallowed. “Alexander, calm down. Maybe it wasn’t him.”
His head snapped up, fury in his gaze. “Who else, Sophia? You think this just leaked on its own? He’s behind it. I know it.”
I reached for his hands. “We’ll fix this. We always do.”
He pulled away. “How? My family is drowning. If this becomes a criminal case, we’re finished.”
I bit my lip, thinking. “Let’s wait. It might blow over.”
He laughed coldly. “You really believe that? This is Sebastian Crawford. He doesn’t let things go.”
I had no answer.
He sighed, rubbing his temples. “I need to rest.”
I watched him collapse onto the bed, exhaustion taking over.
Once I was sure he was asleep, I slipped out.
I needed to find Eleanor.
Her room was dim when I arrived, but voices echoed from within. It wasn’t just Eleanor.
William was there.
They were arguing.
I paused outside, listening.
“You expect me to believe you knew nothing?” William’s voice was low but sharp.
Eleanor scoffed. “I wasn’t handling accounts then, William. You know that.”
His voice grew edged. “How convenient that the CFO from three years ago died days after the accident.”
Her tone turned icy. “What are you implying?”
“It’s suspicious,” he shot back. “We’re accused of funding a murderer, and the only person who could explain is dead. That’s no coincidence, Eleanor.”
I pushed the door open. “Enough. Both of you.”
Eleanor turned, her expression dark. William brushed past me without a word.
“Fighting won’t help,” I said calmly. “We need a plan now that this is public.”
Eleanor exhaled sharply, moving to her bed. “For now, we do nothing.”
I frowned. “Nothing?”
Her eyes met mine. “Sebastian and Rachel think they’ve found something big, but they’ve only scratched the surface. Let them have this round. We can’t attract more attention.”
I hesitated. “What if they dig deeper?”
Her expression hardened. “Then we stop them.”
I crossed my arms. “You mean we keep lying.”
Her jaw tightened. “We protect this family.”
I swallowed. “What about Alexander? He’s furious. He won’t stay quiet.”
She sighed. “That’s your job, Sophia. Control him.”
I stiffened. “He’s not a child.”
“No,” she agreed. “But he’s emotional. We can’t afford mistakes now.”
I nodded slowly, understanding.
Her lips pressed into a thin line. “No one can know the real truth, Sophia. Not Sebastian. Not Rachel. Not even William.”
I swallowed hard. “What do we do now?”
Her gaze sharpened. “Suspend your plans. No more games with Rachel. No distractions. We wait.”
I clenched my fists. “Eleanor—”
“No arguments,” she cut me off. “If you want to remain in this family, you’ll obey.”
I took a deep breath, nodding. “Fine. I’ll wait.”