Sophia held her phone tightly, pacing slowly across her living room as she spoke.
"You can't keep avoiding everyone, Alice," she said, her voice carrying both worry and frustration.
On the other end, Alice's tone was calm but distant—eerily steady. "Now is not yet the time."
Sophia paused mid-step, surprised. It was the first time Alice had spoken without hesitation or emotional conflict. Her voice didn't tremble; it was focused, determined.
"You… sound different," Sophia admitted, her concern deepening. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, sis," Alice replied softly but firmly. "I see the cracks clearly now. Don't worry about me. I'll come back soon… and I won't be coming alone."
The conviction in Alice's words made Sophia stop in her tracks. She knew her sister well enough to understand: once Alice set her mind on something, nothing could change it.
They exchanged quiet farewells before ending the call.
As Sophia lowered her phone, a sudden knock echoed from her front door. Her heart skipped—unexpected visitors were rare. She approached cautiously, unlocked the door, and froze.
"B-Brian…?" she stammered, fumbling over her words. "What are you doing here?"
Brian stood there, unchanged yet matured—handsome in a way that stirred memories she had buried. "Longest time, My dearest Luna," he said with a small smile. "Aren't you going to invite me in?"
Sophia hesitated but quickly composed herself. "Of course," she said, stepping aside.
As Brian entered, the familiar scent of her home enveloped him. His gaze lingered on the surroundings, nostalgia flashing in his eyes. "This place hasn't changed a bit," he remarked casually, his voice smooth.
Sophia felt herself drift into a daze, studying his sharp features, the ease of his movements. She remembered how effortlessly he used to command attention, and for a fleeting moment, she was lost in him—until his voice called her back.
"Sophie," he repeated gently.
She blinked. "Sorry… I was—never mind."
They sat, exchanging small talk before she gathered the courage to ask, "Why are you here? After fifteen years and just one text… you can't expect me to believe you came just to check on me."
Brian's expression faltered—guilt flickering across his face—but he masked it quickly. "You know me too well," he said smoothly. "But what makes you think I'm not here for you?"
Sophia's voice turned hoarse, firm. "If this is about Alice… she's not here, and I won't tell you where she is."
Brian smiled faintly, as if expecting her answer. He stood, his presence towering yet gentle, and walked toward the door. He paused, hand on the knob, and turned slightly.
"Tell her," he said quietly, "we need to talk. But… it's better if you're all kept in the dark. Don't chase the truth, Sophie. And I heard you're trying to bring Jedidiah back… don't cross him again."
His gaze softened for a fleeting moment. "And Sophie—" he hesitated. "I'm sorry. For everything."
Before she could speak, he was gone.
Sophia shut the door slowly, her chest tightening. Tears brimmed in her eyes, threatening to fall. She pressed a hand to her mouth, trembling.
Moments later, her phone rang again. She glanced at the screen—Kennedith.
She debated ignoring it, but eventually answered. "What? I don't know where she is, okay," she snapped impatiently.
"Calm down, Sophie," Kennedith's voice came, unexpectedly calm. "I only called to check on you."
Her anger flared. "Like you checked on my sister all those years? Look, Alice is in turmoil right now. After what happened during Mom's remembrance, I want no part in this. Take care of your wife, and I'll take care of my sister."
There was silence before Kennedith spoke again, steady and sincere. "She's still the mother of my kids, Sophie. I'll care and be involved whether you like it or not. And yes—things will change."
His next words froze her.
"One more thing: we're planning to bring Jedidiah back. I thought you should both know."
Her heart pounded. Without thinking, she blurted, "I know about Operation Bring Jedidiah."
There was a sharp intake of breath on the other end. "How?" Kennedith demanded. "How do you—"
Realizing her mistake, Sophia panicked. "Forget it," she muttered, quickly hanging up. She turned off her phone, tossed it onto her bed, and collapsed beside it, releasing a heavy, shuddering sigh.
Meanwhile…
Alice stared out the window of her secluded apartment, her fingers brushing over the faded envelope in her hand. The letter from Jedidiah—delivered by Aquileia—was old but powerful, its words etched into her soul:
LETTER
My dearest LITTLE DOVE,
If you're reading this, I am already gone. They will say I failed, but that's the story they want you to believe.
The truth? The company you love is built on shadows—and your father knew it. I fought my hardest, but now I've been marked. To cover their tracks, they cut me loose.
Promise me this: DO NOT WORK FOR THEM. NO TITLE, NO POSITION, NO FAVOR IS WORTH WHAT IT WILL COST YOU.
They're hunting me now because I know too much. And I'd rather disappear than let them use me.
If you never see me again, remember me not as the man they destroyed, but as the man who loved you in silence—and would do it all again.
Stay away from the company, Little Dove. Save yourself.
Until my last breath,
Bry.
Alice's grip tightened on the letter. Questions consumed her mind—about her father, the company, and Bry's warning.
Then, as if pulled by instinct, her gaze followed a young woman stepping elegantly out of a sleek car. Without hesitation, Alice left her building and trailed her.
The woman's presence was magnetic—confidence radiated from her as she walked into the company lobby. Employees greeted her with admiration. She returned each greeting gracefully, then moved toward a familiar office.
The woman stepped inside, smiling warmly. "Long time no see, Jedidiah."
From the shadows of the office, Jedidiah stepped forward.