Sofia's lips parted, her voice a ragged whisper as recognition hit her like a blade.
"John... Natalia."
Her knees nearly buckled.
Beatrice jerked violently against her ropes, muffled screams tearing through the gag, her eyes wild and frantic. She wasn't just afraid—she was furious, her gaze burning like fire toward the third figure in the shadows. The old man.
Natalia's laugh rang through the warehouse, sharp and cruel, echoing off the rusted beams. She stepped fully into the light, her beauty made chilling by the venom twisting her smile.
"Well, well. You do remember me." Natalia's voice dripped with mockery as she tilted her head, studying Sofia like a cat toying with a trapped bird. "Tell me, Sofia... do you feel betrayed? Humiliated? You should. Because you trusted Adam to keep you safe. And look at you now."
