Caleb's expression hardened into a frown.
He had completely forgotten.
A friend of Julia's... and a cardholder. Of course it had to be her.
Sophia.
In this life, she was just as vile as he remembered. A manipulator—and worse, a murderer.
'No surprise. Once a snake, always a snake,' he thought, forcing himself to keep his composure.
He turned briefly to Gideon, who was watching the exchange with a puzzled expression.
"Gideon, can you give us a moment—?"
"No need," Sophia cut in smoothly, her tone casual, almost amused. "I brought a friend along. They can keep each other company."
As if on cue, another woman stepped up beside her.
"May, this is Gideon. Be a dear and keep him entertained for a bit, would you?"
"Sure, that's nothing," May replied with a bright smile. She turned to Gideon and extended her hand. "Hi, I'm May."
Gideon took her hand, a grin slowly forming as his eyes dropped—just for a second—to the visible cleavage framed beneath her top.
