Episode 5: A Game of Power

After dinner, Sophia found herself alone with Nathaniel Blackwood in his private study. The air smelled of aged whiskey and expensive leather, the dim lighting casting long shadows across the room.

Sebastian had stepped out to take a business call, leaving her at the mercy of his sharp-eyed grandfather.

Nathaniel leaned back in his chair, his gaze studying her as if she were a chess piece he was deciding how to play. "You’re different from what I expected," he said, swirling his glass.

Sophia met his gaze evenly. "I hope that’s a good thing."

A smirk tugged at his lips. "That depends." He took a slow sip of his whiskey before continuing, "Tell me, Sophia—what do you want from this marriage?"

She hesitated. Should she play the role of the obedient wife? Or should she be honest?

"Freedom," she said finally. "Once the contract ends."

Nathaniel chuckled. "Ah. So you think you’ll walk away untouched?"

Sophia’s stomach clenched at his words.

"You see, my dear," he continued, "people don’t just walk away from the Blackwood family. Once you’re in, you’re in for life."

She gripped the armrest of her chair. "Is that a warning?"

"A fact," Nathaniel replied smoothly. "I’ve seen women come and go in this world. Some are weak, some are clever. The weak ones break. The clever ones… survive."

Sophia lifted her chin. "Then I guess I’ll have to be clever."

Nathaniel’s smirk widened. "Good answer."

At that moment, the door opened, and Sebastian stepped in. His sharp gaze flickered between them. "I assume my grandfather hasn’t scared you off already?"

Sophia smiled sweetly. "Not at all. We were just getting to know each other."

Sebastian arched a brow at Nathaniel. "Behaving yourself?"

Nathaniel chuckled. "She’s a strong one, this wife of yours."

Sebastian’s lips twitched. "I know."

Sophia ignored the warmth in her chest at his words.

Whatever game Nathaniel was playing, she had just been invited in.

And she had no intention of losing.

The Ride Home

The drive back to the penthouse was silent. Sophia stared out the window, the city lights blurring past.

"You handled my grandfather well," Sebastian said, breaking the silence.

She turned to him. "Did you expect me to fail?"

His lips curved slightly. "No. But I expected you to be rattled."

Sophia smirked. "I don’t rattle easily, Mr. Blackwood."

Sebastian’s gaze flickered to her lips for the briefest second before he looked back at the road.

"You’ll need that strength if you want to survive in my world," he murmured.

Sophia studied him. "And what about you, Sebastian? What do you want from this marriage?"

His grip tightened slightly on the steering wheel. "Control."

Sophia swallowed. "Control over what?"

Sebastian’s voice dropped to a near whisper.

"Everything."

Her heart pounded.

This man wasn’t just powerful—he was dangerous.

And she had just willingly walked into his world.

...****************...

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