CHAPTER 123

Sophia’s POV

As I followed Troy down the stark hospital corridor, I felt Elijah’s steady presence beside me. My mind whirled with a thousand thoughts, but the loudest was my concern for Brenda. She had never been the mother I needed, not like my foster father had been before he passed. Now, with Troy’s desperate plea and his claims that Brenda was at death’s door, I felt a gnawing sense of guilt and responsibility.

“Sophia, you have to understand, Brenda’s condition has gotten so much worse,” Troy insisted, his voice tinged with urgency. “We’re buried in debt. The guys I owe money to, they’re the ones who I came with to your office. They’re waiting in the lobby right now. If we don’t pay them, they’ll hurt me and Brenda.”

I stole a glance at Elijah. His jaw was set, eyes dark with concern. He hadn’t said much since we’d arrived, but his hand occasionally brushed mine, offering silent support.

“Troy,” I began, my voice trembling, “this is a lot to take in. Why didn’t you tell me sooner