Chapter 27

10th floor of Empire Hotel, at the banquet. Lucas had been here since early on, but to avoid James and Sophia catching on, he sat alone quietly in a corner. When did he start being this cautious... like he's hiding in the shadows? But it didn't matter. If it meant seeing Sophia again, he'd walk through fire. Being discreet was the least of his worries. His grip tightened on the wine glass until a fine crack appeared. He was nervous. Big-time. Just before the banquet officially kicked off, James finally showed up—with a date. She was a young woman with almond eyes and a delicate nose. Her features weren't a perfect match for Sophia, but Lucas immediately recognized her silhouette. And those lively, spark-filled eyes? No doubt about it. That was her. Sophia… she was alive. "Sam," Lucas's voice trembled. He called for his assistant, whispered a few quick words, and not long after, Damian took James aside to sign some contract. The moment James walked off, a short stout guy made a beeline