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Turning my attention back to the event, I found Sophia standing by the table, a non-alcoholic wine glass in her hand.
The soft glow of the lights danced in her eyes, but a hint of lingering unease didn't escape my notice. With each step closer, my concern deepened.
"Everything alright?" I asked, my tone gentle and filled with genuine concern.
I wanted to reassure her to dispel any discomfort that might have taken root in her.
She gave me a reassuring smile, but I could see the shadow behind it. "Yes, I'm fine. Just caught off guard by unexpected guests."
I nodded, understanding the sentiment all too well. "Events like these can bring surprises."
Sophia's laughter was soft, a fleeting melody that matched the ambiance of the evening. "Tell me about it. Sometimes, you never know who you'll run into."
As we exchanged words, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more beneath the surface, hidden behind the small talk.
The unspoken tension between us seemed to ebb and flow like an undercurrent, and I wanted to bridge the gap, to bring our connection back into focus.
But the event wasn't the place for heavy discussions, and I was acutely aware of the prying eyes surrounding us.
So, I settled for a small smile, hoping to convey a sense of comfort. "Well, if you need an escape from the chaos, feel free to find me."
Sophia's eyes met mine as if the world around us faded momentarily. The unspoken words hung in the air, a promise of understanding and support.
She hesitated briefly before speaking, her voice soft but curious. "You seem to know that man from earlier."
I met her gaze directly; my expression was guarded yet sincere. "We're not on good terms, and I advise you to steer clear of him."
Sophia's lips curved into a wry smile. "Noted. Thanks for the warning."
As the night continued, I couldn't help but appreciate the small moments of normalcy amidst the chaos.
Sophia's presence was a welcomed distraction from the chaos that my uncle's appearance had caused.
Even though I was still trying to piece together his motives, I knew I wouldn't let anyone jeopardize the company or the tentative bond between Sophia and me.
At the same time, I supposed I had him to thank for closing the distance between us.
Chapter 19
Sophia
EversincethedayI had extracted the data from Matteo's laptop, a new layer had been added to the enigma that was Matteo De Luca.
As I delved into the files, I uncovered an unexpected and somewhat baffling side of him.
The large sums of money he had been donating to orphanages, charities, and NGOs starkly contrasted with the image I had formed of him.
The data revealed his consistent and substantial contributions to various causes, reflecting compassion and generosity that seemed incongruent with his reputation as a dangerous man.
The orphanages he supported, the scholarships he funded, and the medical centers he aided painted a picture of a man actively working to positively impact the world, starkly contrasting his more questionable dealings.
The shift in my perception of Matteo was a whirlwind of emotions that left me grappling with many conflicting feelings.
How could a man who donated so much to charity and was seemingly kind-hearted also be entrenched in a world of shadows and secrecy?
The duality of his character both intrigued and bewildered me, casting a new light on the enigma he presented.
My changed opinion of him stirred turmoil within me, one that manifested in the way I struggled to interact with him.
