Chapter 4

Benjamin's gaze remained fixed on the photography studio.

It was that car. He couldn't possibly be mistaken.

During the five years, He often woke in the dead of night, startled by Sophie's face in his dreams—sometimes looking at him with love, sometimes her resolute silhouette against flames.

But most frequently, he saw her lying in a pool of blood, reaching out to him before her hand fell lifelessly.

That hollowness in his chest, that excruciating pain—it suffocated him every time.

He had thought it was grief-induced delusion, his mind playing cruel tricks.

But now, logic told him otherwise. This was no illusion.

Sophie... she wasn't dead?

The realization struck like lightning, shattering his thoughts.

What followed wasn't the wild joy of finding someone believed lost, but a towering rage at being deceived.

Sophie wasn't dead? Then who was the woman who died in prison five years ago?

Where had she been all this time?

Why had she faked her death? Was it to escape him completely?

Each question pierced Benjamin's heart like a thorn, completely unraveling his already troubled mind.

"Mr. Brown, should we...?" The driver glanced nervously at Benjamin's darkening expression.

"Investigate," Benjamin's voice was glacial. "Get me everything on that studio next door, and that vehicle. I want to know who owns it. Now, immediately!"

"Yes, Mr. Brown." His assistant didn't dare delay, immediately pulling out his phone to assign the task.

'Good. Very good. Sophie Scott, you'd better hope I don't catch you. If you're truly alive, then what was all the pain and torment I've endured these five years for your sake?' Benjamin fumed inwardly.

Meanwhile, inside the studio, the atmosphere was warm and cheerful.

"Wow! Mommy, this place is beautiful!" Thomas ran around the spacious, sunlit interior.

Timothy quietly followed Sophie, his large eyes curiously examining his surroundings.

"Do you like it here?" Sophie crouched down, ruffling both boys' hair.

"I love it!" Thomas nodded enthusiastically. "Now we can wait for you here after you finish work!"

Sophie smiled, her heart melting with tenderness.

These five years had been incredibly difficult, but seeing her healthy, vibrant children made everything worthwhile.

She stood up, about to show the boys her private office when her phone rang.

It was her agent, Laura Wilson.

"Sophie! Where are you? Back in Luminous City without telling me?" Laura's energetic voice came through the line.

"Just landed. I'm showing the kids the new studio," Sophie replied with a smile. "I wanted to surprise you."

"Surprise? More like shock!" Laura snorted, but her tone quickly turned excited. "But your timing is perfect! I just got an assignment—the client specifically requested you!"

Sophie was surprised. "Requested me? I shouldn't have much reputation here."

For years, she'd worked overseas under the pseudonym "Stella," and while she'd gained international recognition, few in Luminous City knew her work.

Laura's voice swelled with pride. "That's where you're wrong! This client is Luminous City elite—they have connections everywhere!"

"They need promotional photos for their newly appointed CEO. Their standards are incredibly high—they've rejected several photographers already."

"Then somehow they saw your signature piece and were absolutely blown away. They asked for you by name!"

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

"Land this job, and you'll make a spectacular entrance into the market here!"

Sophie felt excitement building.

Her return had two purposes: uncovering the truth about the past and avenging her family, but also establishing a stable environment for her children by shifting her career focus back home.

This opportunity couldn't have come at a better time.

"Alright, Laura. Send me the time and location, and I'll head over."

"Great! They're eager to meet—the appointment is this afternoon at Cornerstone Café." Laura paused, then asked, "Will the kids be okay? I could come watch them if you need."

"It's fine. I'll bring them along, and you can help keep an eye on them when we get there," Sophie didn't want to leave the boys alone.

"Even better! I haven't seen the two little treasures in ages!"

When Sophie arrived, Laura was already waiting outside.

"My two little darlings! Come here!" Laura beamed, opening her arms wide as she spotted the twins.

"Laura!" Thomas enthusiastically ran to her.

Timothy politely greeted her, "Hello, Laura."

"Such good boys." Laura embraced them both, clearly delighted. "Sophie, go ahead inside. I'll entertain them out here—we won't cause any trouble."

"Thank you so much, Laura." Sophie smiled gratefully before entering the café.

She sat at the designated table, patiently waiting.

Meanwhile, a flashy red Ferrari pulled up outside the café.

The door opened, and a stylishly dressed, handsome man stepped out.

It was Nathan Reynolds, Benjamin's closest friend.

Nathan was in high spirits today. His father had finally relented, allowing him to handle the family conglomerate's new business promotions.

His first thought was to hire the mysterious photographer "Stella" who had taken the photography world by storm.

Humming to himself, he was about to enter when his gaze casually swept the area and froze.

At a nearby outdoor table, a woman who looked like an agent was playing with two young boys.

Those two boys...

Nathan's feet seemed rooted to the spot.

He blinked hard, wondering if his eyes were deceiving him.

The children—one energetic and outgoing, the other quiet and thoughtful—despite their different temperaments, their faces...

They were perfect miniature versions of Benjamin!

The eyebrows, nose, and mouth—every feature was identical!

When did Benjamin secretly father two children this age? How could he, Benjamin's best friend, know nothing about this?

Nathan's mind reeled with shock. His instinct was to rush over and demand answers.

Just then, one of the boys apparently grew tired and called toward the café, "Mommy, I'm thirsty!"

Following that call, a figure emerged from the café.

As Sophie turned, fully revealing her exquisite face in the sunlight, Nathan felt as if he'd been struck by lightning, his mind going blank.

Hadn't she died in prison five years ago? Her body had even been cremated!

Benjamin had been devastated for months afterward.

Who was this woman standing before him, alive and breathing? A ghost?

Nathan's knees nearly buckled.

'My God! She's back from the dead!' Nathan thought.

All thoughts of business forgotten, he frantically pulled out his phone.

The call connected.

"What is it?" Benjamin's cold voice came through.

"Benjamin!" Nathan's voice trembled, his words tumoring out incoherently. "I-I-I... I saw a ghost! No! Not a ghost! She's real! You need to come to Cornerstone Café right now! Hurry!"

Benjamin's brows furrowed. "Nathan, have you lost your mind?"

"I haven't lost anything!" Nathan was nearly jumping with agitation. "It's Sophie! I saw her! She's not dead! And she has two children with her! They look exactly like you!"

On the other end, there was a deathly silence.

Seconds later, Benjamin's voice returned, sounding as if it emerged from the depths of hell, carrying apocalyptic fury and coldness.

"Address."

After Nathan provided the location, the call abruptly ended.

Less than ten minutes later, the screech of brakes shattered the café's tranquility.

A black Rolls-Royce Phantom stopped aggressively at the entrance, and the door was forcefully pushed open.

Benjamin stepped out, radiating terrifying hostility, his handsome face frighteningly dark.

His gaze, like an arrow, instantly locked onto the woman laughing with her children nearby.

A tidal wave of rage engulfed him instantly.