Chapter 19

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Sophia sat anxiously on her couch, her phone clutched tightly in her hand. She had sent Alexander the picture of the package as proof, but hours had passed, and still, there was no response. Doubt gnawed at her. Did he still not believe her despite the evidence?

She tried to distract herself, but her thoughts kept circling back to the events of the past few days. Emma had been a great support, but it was Jake who had provided the context that made Alexander’s reaction more comprehensible.

Jake, Emma’s boyfriend, had come over the previous night after hearing the full story. He was the Editor-in-chief of Elite Chronicles, one of the most reputable magazine companies in the city. When he arrived, his face had a look of concern mixed with curiosity.

“Sophia, I think I can shed some light on why Alexander reacted the way he did,” Jake had said, settling into an armchair across from her.

Sophia had looked at him, hopeful and desperate for any explanation that could make s