Chapter 383
Sophia instinctively cradled her abdomen as she stepped out of the train station. The protective gesture was unmistakable.
Cold eyes tracked her movements from a distance. A smirk twisted the observer's lips.
Pregnant? That didn't guarantee a living child. Fate would decide.
Her ride arrived promptly. Sophia hurried inside without hesitation.
As the car merged onto the freeway, the driver frowned. "That Audi's been tailing us since the station."
Sophia turned. A black sedan with local plates followed at a steady pace. Ordinary. Unremarkable.
"Are you sure?"
"Took the same on-ramp. Still back there." The driver hesitated. "Want me to take a detour?"
She nodded.
At the next intersection, they swerved left. The Audi vanished from the rearview mirror.
"Maybe I'm paranoid." The driver chuckled nervously. "Too many crime shows lately."
Sophia stayed silent. Her fingers tightened around the seatbelt. That prickling unease lingered—just like when the stranger had asked for directions.
The tension didn't ease until she reached her apartment.
With time before work, Sophia decided to explore the neighborhood. Years away had transformed the city beyond recognition.
An empty fridge demanded groceries. As she reached the gate, drizzle misted the air.
A scream shattered the rain.
Steel flashed.
Sophia twisted aside. The blade grazed her arm. White-hot pain stole her breath.
Blood dripped from her fingertips.
Her attacker—a scarred man in his fifties—snarled with pure hatred. A stranger. Yet his eyes promised murder.
He stumbled when the knife clattered to the pavement. Cursing, he lunged again.
Sophia spun to flee—and collided with a solid chest.
A cry of pain erupted behind her.
Ethan Roscente locked her in a crushing embrace while his kick sent the assailant sprawling.
"It's over, Sophia." His palm smoothed down her trembling back. "I've got you."
The familiar scent of cedar enveloped her. Sophia opened her mouth. No sound emerged.
Fear crystallized in her widened eyes, forming a silent question.