Chapter 86 Showdown at the Alley Entrance

Chapter 86 Showdown at the Alley Entrance

"You from City S? You look like you don't belong here." The man's voice oozed false concern, his tone sticky and invasive. "This place isn't big, but it's crawling with trouble. You better be careful. If you get lost, I'd be heartbroken."

"Move." Sophia's voice turned cold, her fingers tightening around her phone.

"Whoa, feisty little thing, aren't you?" He laughed, flecks of spit catching the dim light. "I like that. Way more interesting than those fake sweethearts inside the bar."

He reached for her hair. Sophia stepped aside, patience running out. She had learned taekwondo as a kid—originally for fitness, but tonight it might actually matter.

"Last warning. Move."

He faltered under her stare, then leaned in again. "What, you gonna glare me to death? You think I won't—"

He never finished. Sophia pivoted, caught his wrist with her left hand, planted her right on his shoulder, and used his forward momentum against him. She twisted sharply, a burst of strength surging from deep within.

A heavy thud echoed through the alley.

He hit the ground hard, the back of his head smacking the step. His groan turned into a howl. "You... you hit me?"

He tried to get up, but her foot pressed lightly yet firmly between his shoulder blades. The pressure wasn't much, but it carried the weight of command.

"Leave."

Her voice was ice. He shuddered, realizing too late he had picked the wrong target. Scrambling to his feet, he stumbled off into the shadows, cursing under his breath.

Sophia stepped back, brushing the dust from her pants—then froze at the sound of quiet laughter.

Henry was leaning against the wall, half in shadow, watching her with a mix of surprise and something else. He stepped forward, eyes flicking to her clenched fist.

"You okay?"

"I'm fine." She straightened, her expression flat, as if she'd just brushed lint off her sleeve. "Black belt in taekwondo. Been at it for years."

Henry's brows lifted, his gaze moving from her slender arms to her calm face. 

He was used to this—realizing he didn't know her as well as he thought. She could hack into the most secure systems, outmaneuver ruthless opponents in business... and now, take down a grown man without breaking stride.

"Where'd you learn?" His voice softened.

"When I was little," she said, nudging a pebble with her shoe. "My dad said a girl should know how to protect herself. After he disappeared, I kept training. Just in case."

Henry didn't push for more. 

Moonlight traced the line of her cheek, her lashes long, her nose straight. A delicate face, but with steel beneath.

He remembered the first time he saw her—standing from an airport chair, her gaze exactly like it had been moments ago. Hard to believe they'd known each other for over a year.

"Don't walk alone again," he said, a note of care slipping into his tone. "City S isn't safe."

Sophia looked up, catching the seriousness in his eyes. Something shifted in her chest, though she didn't name it. 

She looked away, kicking at the wall. "Got it."

From the alley's mouth, Victoria's voice rang out, "Sophia! Mr. Caldwell! Where'd you two disappear to? Get back here and drink, you cowards!"

They exchanged a glance, shared exasperation passing between them. Henry moved first. "Come on."

Back inside, they found Joseph draping his jacket over Celeste's shoulders. She kept her head down, ears flushed red. 

Their plan to give the two some space seemed to be working.

Victoria was deep in conversation with a young man in a tailored suit, her table littered with empty glasses. 

Spotting Sophia, she grinned. "Where'd you two elope to?"

Sophia ignored her, sliding into her seat and taking a sip of ice water. Henry sat beside her, scanning the room. 

Strangely, the crowd that had been eager to toast him earlier now kept their distance.

Joseph checked his watch, then slapped his thigh. "It's late. I'll take Celeste back to the hotel."

Celeste started to rise, but Victoria pulled her back. "I'll take her. Don't think you can use this as an excuse to make a move. Get yourself a cab, and don't drink and drive."

Joseph reluctantly let go, slipping a small box into Celeste's hand. "Picked this up outside the hotel. Candies with a hint of rose. Try them."

When they were gone, Victoria yawned. "Alright, I'm calling it a night." 

She eyed Henry and Sophia with a sly smile. "You two heading the same way?"

Sophia said nothing, which was answer enough.

The night air outside was cool, the jazz from the bar fading as they walked. 

Henry's car was parked at the alley's end. He opened the door for her, one hand braced on the frame so she wouldn't bump her head.

"That guy from earlier," he said as he started the engine, pausing mid-motion. "I'll have someone look into him."

"No need." Sophia kept her eyes on the passing streets. "I already taught him a lesson. Not worth the trouble."

Henry didn't argue, only turned up the heat a notch. The car was quiet except for the hum of the engine.

Her phone lit up. A message from Alex: [Boss, we've traced Rosalia's account to its final destination.]

She was about to reply when his hand rested lightly on her wrist. His fingers were cool, his gaze on her screen. "Check it later. Don't get distracted on the road."

She looked up, meeting his eyes. The distance she'd worn all evening was gone, replaced by something softer. 

Her heartbeat stuttered. She slid the phone back into her pocket.

As they crossed the bridge, the city lights shimmered on the water. She thought of the moment in the alley when he'd asked if she was okay—and something inside her shifted again.

Maybe this mess with the Black Ice Project wasn't entirely trouble.

Henry glanced at her, catching her in that faraway look. The corner of his mouth twitched upward. 

He didn't say a word, just turned the music down, letting the quiet stretch a little longer.