The small cafeteria was quiet, tucked between two narrow streets, its warm yellow lights spilling softly onto the sidewalk. Sophia paused just outside the glass door, adjusting her coat and cap, her heart beating faster than she expected.
When she stepped inside, Brian was already there.
He lifted his gaze—and smiled.
Not the confident, calculating smile people usually wore around him, but something calmer. Softer. Almost… familiar.
Sophia's breath hitched.
Brian was stunned by the sight of her. The way she had come—careful, discreet, almost nostalgic—stirred something he hadn't expected. For a brief moment, he was pulled back in time.
Back then, she used to sneak out like this too. They would walk the streets together late at night, talking about nothing and everything, keeping each other company until reality called them back home. No plans. No masks. Just presence.
Sophia sat opposite him, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The simple gesture made her look unexpectedly vulnerable.
Brian found himself staring.
"Hey," Sophia said softly, breaking his thoughts. "Everything good?"
She glanced down at herself, checking her clothes instinctively. Brian chuckled quietly, shaking his head.
"You look beautiful," he said without thinking.
Sophia froze for half a second—then her cheeks warmed. "You always say things like that," she murmured, embarrassed.
They ordered and ate in relative silence, the clinking of cutlery filling the gaps. Sophia, however, wasn't fooled by the setting. She didn't lean into the comfort. She didn't smile too much.
When she finally spoke again, her tone sharpened.
"Why did you call me here?" she asked directly. "I refuse to be a pawn in your games, Brian."
Brian had just lifted his fork. He stopped mid-motion.
Slowly, deliberately, he placed both the fork and spoon back on the plate. He adjusted his jacket, straightened in his seat, and lifted his gaze to meet hers fully.
Sophia felt it instantly—the shift.
She unconsciously sat up straighter, her instincts screaming that something serious was coming.
Brian spoke calmly. Carefully.
"Jedidiah's return was planned," he said. "Orchestrated."
Sophia blinked. "Planned… by who?"
"Not your father," Brian replied. "He's not the target."
Her brows furrowed. "Then who is?" she asked quietly.
Brian didn't hesitate.
"Jedidiah."
The words settled heavily between them.
"And the ironic part," Brian continued, his voice steady, "is that he knows. That's why he's different this time. That's why he's gathering people. He's always been mistaken for being weak because of his silence—but that calmness?" Brian leaned forward slightly. "That's his greatest strength."
Sophia swallowed.
"You have no idea who Jedidiah has become," Brian added. "Don't underestimate him. And don't involve yourself in anything concerning the company—neither you nor your sister."
Sophia's confusion deepened. Her voice lowered. "How do you know all this?"
Brian's expression hardened just a little. "It's better you remain in the dark," he replied. "This isn't advice, Sophia. It's a warning."
His phone vibrated.
He glanced at the screen once, then stood up abruptly.
"Wait," Sophia said, standing as well. "You can't just say all this and leave."
Brian was already turning away, lifting the phone to his ear as he walked. "Stay safe," he said over his shoulder—then he was gone.
Sophia sank back into her seat, heart racing, thoughts tangled. Nothing made sense anymore.
A few minutes later, her phone rang.
Alice.
"Sophia," her sister's voice came through gently. "I'll be home soon."
Sophia exhaled slowly. "Okay," she replied. "I'll be here."
Meanwhile, Dr. Raymond sat alone in his private office at the residence, the city lights visible through the wide glass window. Papers lay scattered across his desk, untouched.
His phone buzzed.
An unknown number.
He read the message once.
Then again.
His expression changed.
Without a word, he stood up, grabbed his phone, and dialed immediately.
"Melissa," he said the moment the line connected. "Call everyone."
There was a pause. "Tonight," he added firmly. "We meet tonight."
The call ended.
Dr. Raymond stared out the window, his jaw clenched.
The game had begun.