"When you're out in the world, all you've got is your word."
Sophia pulled out a sleek black card. "There's two hundred thousand on it. No password."
Leon's expression shifted—conflicted, defensive, a little lost.
"You need the money," she said softly but firmly. "You can keep your pride if you want, but think about your grandmother. Power respects power. Only when you rise high enough do you get to make the rules."
Leon hesitated, then slowly reached out and took the card.
Sophia's lips curved into a faint smile. "Good. I'll be waiting to see how brightly you shine."
She didn't choose the wrong people—never had.
By the time she left the hospital, night had fallen. The city lights shimmered across her windshield as her phone began to buzz.
Lucas.
He never called her first.
"Hello?"
"Where are you? I'll come pick you up."
