ISLA

"You're going to cut through the plate," Sophia teases, amusement lacing her tone.

I blink, looking down at my plate, only now realizing how tightly I'm gripping the knife. The poor steak is nearly butchered under my aggression. Exhaling, I set my utensils down and take a sip of my white wine, letting the chilled liquid coat my throat. But not even the finest Chardonnay can wash away the irritation simmering inside me.

All thanks to a certain insufferable man.

Sophia eyes me knowingly. "It's better to tell me who's making you plot someone's murder than to let you sit here and stew in your thoughts."

I sigh. She's not wrong. But saying his name out loud will only make it worse.

Sophia had returned from her business trip yesterday, and as always, she's effortlessly stunning—golden brown hair styled to perfection, her sharp brown eyes glinting with mischief. She winks at me, the corner of her red lips lifting in a smirk.