Chapter 48:Forced Submission

(Scarlett's POV) I had just sent off the last of the medical supply shipments when my phone buzzed on the counter. The screen lit up with a name I hadn’t been expecting—Nathan Black. I rolled my eyes, letting it ring twice before finally answering. "Nathan," I said, my tone flat. "This better be important. I'm busy and not in the mood for pack games." A low growl hummed on the other end. "It is important," he snapped. His voice was sharp, edged with frustration. "I’ve got Sophie here, and she’s going to apologize for her behavior at the council meeting." I blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Sophie? Apologize?" I couldn’t help the smirk that tugged at my lips. "I’ll believe it when I hear it." Nathan exhaled hard, his irritation clear. "Be ready," he barked before the muffled sounds of movement came through the line. There was the faint sound of scuffling, and then Sophie’s voice crackled through. "I apologize," she said stiffly, the words forced and empty. I leaned against