Beneath the mask

Sebastian sat in his office, staring at the skyline as the morning sun filtered through the glass walls. Sleep had evaded him all night. He escorted Sophia out of the Knight’s mansion last night and Sophia’s words played on repeat in his mind.

“We’re not the same people we were. There’s too much at stake.”

He ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. She was right, of course. Their worlds were tangled in a web of business, betrayal, and ambition. But his feelings for her hadn’t changed. If anything, seeing her stronger, fiercer, and more untouchable than ever had only deepened them.

A knock on the door broke his thoughts.

“Come in,” he called, turning to see Macro step inside.

“You look like hell, boss,” Macro said bluntly, setting down a cup of coffee on the desk.

“Thanks for the reminder,” Sebastian muttered, taking the coffee.

Macro leaned against the desk, crossing his arms. “So, how’d it go with Sophia last night?”