Chapter 1: A Birthday Forgotten Sophia POV

"Sophia! Coffee! Right now!" The low buzz of conversation and the steady pounding of keyboards were cut like a whip by Vanessa's high-pitched voice. My fingers were frozen over the pile of reports I had been organizing when I jolted upright from my desk. There was a certain edge to Vanessa's voice, one that told me not to waste any more time.

"Yes, Vanessa," I answered hastily as I got to my feet and ironed out the wrinkles in my skirt. Even though I already knew what she usually ordered—a triple-shot almond milk latte with an additional pump of caramel—I reached for my notepad out of habit. She should never drink anything even slightly simple.

She yelled, "Don't linger," without even looking up from her phone. As she relaxed in her luxurious leather chair with her legs crossed gracefully, her immaculately manicured nails clattered against the screen. In sharp contrast to my own modest blouse and skirt, which I had meticulously repaired twice to maintain their presentability, her designer ensemble exuded wealth, power, and privilege.

It was my birthday today. I mean, my twenty-fifth. Nobody gave a damn. Not Vanessa, who had hardly spoken to me except to give me commands all morning. And most definitely not my uncle Victor, who had taken me in when my parents passed away and was the CEO of Sinclair Global.

I wasn't family to them. I was the help.

I quickly left Vanessa's office, lowering my head as I went by coworkers who hardly gave me a sidelong glance. As Vanessa's secretary for two years, I had put up with her haughtiness and unreasonable expectations. Even though every day felt like a marathon, I was still here. Apparently a masochist for pain.

I couldn't help but look at my reflection in the mirrored walls as soon as I entered the elevator. I wore minimal makeup that was applied carefully to conceal the dark circles under my eyes, and my brown hair was pulled back perfectly. I appeared worn out. Older than twenty-five years old. The emptiness in my own eyes, however, was what disturbed me the most. The spark had vanished.

I headed to the foyer as soon as the elevator doors opened. I treasured the brief stroll across the street to the café, which was my only respite during the day. As I stepped outside, the refreshing fall wind welcomed me, providing a little respite from the stuffy office atmosphere.

I had an odd feeling while I was walking—the faint pull of someone passing by. I held my bag closer out of habit, my heart skipping a beat. A man had gone past, his movements methodical but relaxed, wearing pants and a dark hoodie. He vanished into the crowd before I could make any sense of it.

I scowled as I opened my bag to see what was missing. I discovered something I hadn't placed there instead: a simple white envelope with my name written in tasteful handwriting.

"What the heck?" I murmured as I looked around. Nobody seemed to be listening to me. As I took the letter out and tucked it into my coat pocket, my fingers shook a little. I was afraid to open it in the middle of the street. I had a strong gut feeling that this was not normal.

The remainder of the stroll to the café was nearly instinctive. I scarcely noticed the barista's cheerful conversation as I placed Vanessa's order. The envelope that was burning a hole in my pocket was all I could think about. It had been slipped into my bag by whom? And why?

When I returned to the office, Vanessa greeted me with her typical contempt. She took the coffee from me and remarked, "At last." She wrinkled her nose and took a drink. "Too sweet. Did you forget to tell them only one pump of caramel?”

"I apologize," I blurted out. "I'll take care of it immediately."

She yelled, "Forget it," and waved me away like a bothersome fly. "Just return to your work."

With my heart racing, I went back to my desk and carefully took the envelope out of my pocket. I opened it gently, keeping it out of sight. A single sheet of paper with the following text printed in bold letters was inside:

"Sophia, the truth about your parents lies in the shadows of Sinclair Global. Trust no one. Watch your back.”

My throat tightened with each breath. As I reread the words, my mind racing, my hands clenched around the paper. Who had sent this? What did "the shadows of Sinclair Global" mean? Why on my birthday?

Just as I was processing the note, Vanessa's voice returned. "Sophia! Please deliver me the Devereaux file and stop daydreaming. Right now!"

I forced myself to concentrate as I stuffed the letter back into my bag. However, I couldn't get the words out of my head; they were like a constant itch. My parents had died in a car accident when I was eight years old. That was what I had been told anyway. Did the story have more to it?

Vanessa's demands became increasingly absurd as the day went on, and by the time five o'clock arrived, I was utterly exhausted. But the letter and the unknown person who had sent it continued to occupy my mind.

Victor was standing by the elevator, having a lengthy chat with a man I didn't recognize, as I was packing to leave. Their faces were solemn, their tones hushed. I paused, worried about the situation because of the letter I had just received.

With his typical expression of icy indifference, Victor's eyes darted toward me.

"Sophia," he said in a bland voice. "Are you still here?"

I forced a smile and added, "I was just leaving sir, good night."

He turned back to his companion after giving a quick nod. I couldn't shake the feeling that he was watching me as I entered the elevator.

I finally arrived at my tiny, disorganized apartment, locked the door, and flopped down on the couch. Sitting on the coffee table, the envelope served as a silent reminder of the questions I was unable to answer.

The letter was sent by whom? What did they know about my parents? But above all, could I trust them?

I unfolded the paper once more and used my fingertips to trace the words. Every possibility that swirled through my mind was more unnerving than the last. What exactly did the truth about my parents mean?

I jumped when I heard a knock on the door. Every nerve was tense as I walked closer, my heart racing. I could only see shadows when I looked through the peephole.

"Hello?" With a trembling voice, I called out.

No answer.

Another knock came, louder this time. Fear twisted in my gut, and I gripped the doorknob tighter.

"Who's there?"

Silence.

Steeling myself, I inhaled deeply before carefully unlocking the door and yanking it open.

There was nobody in the hallway. But another envelope lay on the floor, identical to the first one.

This time, it was marked "Urgent."

And it looked lengthy.