Chapter 40: Sleep With Me
"W-who?" Sophia stammered, pretending not to recognize the name.
Elias groaned in frustration. "Just because I don’t say anything doesn’t mean I’m blind like Dad."
Sophia’s heart raced wildly. His glare was so intense she almost decided to confess everything. He might hate her, but she knew he would eventually become a part of their plan—everything she was doing was for him.
"So you really went to meet him," Elias concluded, noting the panic on Sophia’s face.
"I-I, it’s not what you think, Eli..." Sophia murmured, unsure how to begin. How could she explain befriending Gracia Wright, Evelyn’s mother, or why she married William after Gracia’s death?
"From the way you sneak out and have secret calls with him, I’m sure it’s more than just friendship, Mom." Elias pressed, causing Sophia to frown. Did he think Maverick was her lover?
"Did you do a background check on him? What if he’s using you?" Elias asked, worried about the repercussions. "And do you think Dad would be happy to hear about this from someone else?"
Sophia sighed, pulling a sad expression. Tears formed at the corners of her eyes. "It’s getting too much for me, Eli. I-I just needed support, and he provided it."
Elias’s frustration melted at his mother’s tears. He knew things had become unbearable for her, especially with his father always lost in memories of his dead wife. If he hadn’t been born, he doubted his father would have married his mom, and part of him wished that had been the case—for Evelyn’s sake too.
"He’s very genuine and kind. I couldn’t help but befriend him, Eli." Sophia continued, her performance rivaling that of a seasoned actress.
"It’s better for everyone if you stop seeing him, Mom. Our family and business can’t handle another scandal." Elias said, moving forward and pulling his mother into a hug.