Chapter 154
Blake
The jet began its descent into New York, and I stared out the window at the familiar Manhattan skyline emerging through scattered clouds. My thoughts, however, remained firmly in Boston with Sophia.
I couldn't stop replaying our goodbye at the hotel—her brave face as she promised to handle her family situation, the slight tremble in her voice betraying her uncertainty.
Fuck, I hate leaving her there.
I pulled out my phone and scrolled back to Amanda's text messages, my jaw clenching so hard it actually hurt as I read them again.
Blake, we need to talk. It's important.
My stomach twisted into a goddamn knot. It felt like a calculated move—another manipulation designed to drag me back into her web. But something about it made my skin crawl with suspicion.
"Sir, we're preparing for landing. Please fasten your seatbelt."
I nodded at the flight attendant and closed my eyes, my head pounding with thoughts I couldn't organize. If—and that was a massive fucking if—I agreed to see Amanda, Sophia would have to be with me. No way in hell was I walking into that potential trap alone. Not after everything we'd been through.
The wheels touched down with a jolt that matched the churning uneasiness in my gut. Within thirty minutes, I was in the back of my town car heading toward Sterling Tower, Manhattan's traffic as congested as the mess in my head.
"Welcome back, Mr. Sterling," my driver said, catching my eye in the rearview mirror.
"Thanks, James. Let's head straight to the office."
I felt on edge in a way I couldn't remember experiencing before—not during billion-dollar negotiations or market crashes. My fingers tapped restlessly against my tablet where I'd listed my priorities:
1. Get answers (Atticus)
2. Hot shower
3. Food
The car pulled up to the gleaming hundred-story building that housed Sterling Financial Tech Group. As I stepped into the private elevator, I couldn't help but feel that something fundamental had shifted inside me. Before Boston, I'd been singularly focused on business, on the empire I'd built. Now, all I could think about was protecting what mattered most—Sophia and Lily.
Goddamn it, Amanda. Why now? Why fucking now when things are finally working?
My office was exactly as I'd left it—immaculate and imposing, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city. I tossed my jacket over the leather couch and immediately called Atticus, my heart hammering with impatience.
When his face appeared on the screen, my lawyer looked as polished as ever, though the raised eyebrow suggested surprise at my call.
"Blake. Didn't expect to hear from you today. How was Boston?"
"Complicated as hell," I said, not wanting to get into the details. "I need your legal opinion on something. Can Sophia and I both go see Amanda? Is there anything legally preventing that?"
Atticus frowned, reaching for what I assumed was a file off-screen. "The temporary restraining order has been dissolved, so technically there's no legal barrier. But I'd need to review the terms of her psychiatric facility commitment to confirm whether joint visits violate any agreement."
I nodded, a muscle in my jaw twitching. "Look into it. I want to know if we're clear."
Atticus studied me for a moment, his expression shifting from professional to concerned. "Is this something you really want to do, Blake? Given everything that's happened?"
The question hung in the air like a bad smell. Did I want to do this? Hell no. But I needed answers.
"I haven't told Sophia about Amanda's messages yet," I admitted, guilt slicing through me. "I wanted to understand our options first."
"Understandable," Atticus said carefully. "But remember that whatever decision you make affects both of you now. The emotional impact of seeing Amanda could be significant for Sophia."
"I know." I ran a hand through my hair, frustration building in my chest. "That's why I want her with me if I go. I don't trust Amanda as far as I could throw her, and I don't want secrets between Sophia and me anymore."
He nodded. "I'll have an answer for you by tomorrow morning. And Blake... proceed with caution. Amanda may be institutionalized, but that doesn't mean she's not dangerous."
After ending the call, I sank into my chair, the leather yielding beneath me as I leaned back and closed my eyes. The silence of the office felt oppressive, almost suffocating.
And if Amanda was lying? Then this was just another game, another manipulation, and I'd have to resist the urge to tell her exactly where she could shove her lies.
My vibrating phone interrupted my thoughts. The screen displayed "Mom," and my jaw immediately tightened. Three days. I'd been avoiding her calls for three fucking days, and part of me wanted to continue that streak indefinitely.
But ignoring her might only make her more determined. More likely to show up unannounced. And God knows we didn't need that right now.
With reluctance that felt like lead in my stomach, I accepted the call. "Mother."
"Blake, darling." Her voice carried that familiar mixture of concern and control that had shaped my childhood. "I've been trying to reach you."
"I've been busy." I kept my tone neutral, gripping the phone so tight my knuckles turned white.
"In Boston, I hear. With that girl and her... interesting family situation."
Of course she knew. Juliana made it her business to know everything. "Her name is Sophia, Mother. And yes, we were helping her sister and mother."
"How charitable of you." The slight pause told me she was choosing her next words carefully. "I was hoping we could have dinner this week. There are some board matters we should discuss."
"I'll check my schedule." I had no intention of having dinner with her. Not until I sorted out this Amanda situation. Not until I could trust myself not to explode at her.
"Blake," she said, her voice softening in that calculated way she had perfected, "I'm worried about you. You haven't been yourself lately."
Because I'm finally becoming myself , I thought, rage simmering beneath my skin. Without your manipulation. Without your fucking control.
"I'm fine, Mother. Just busy."
"Of course you are, darling. Just don't forget your responsibilities to the company. "
"I haven't forgotten." My tone was sharper than intended, edged with the anger I was barely containing.
Another pause. "Well, do call me when you've had a chance to... settle in. I miss you, Blake."
I ended the call without promising anything, my heart racing with a familiar mixture of guilt and anger. Even from a distance, she could get under my skin like no one else. Make me question myself. Make me feel like that powerless child again.
Fuck that. Not anymore.
I stood and walked to the window, looking out at the city below. Somewhere out there, Amanda was weaving new webs of deception. And my mother was plotting her next move, thinking ten steps ahead like she always did.
But for the first time, I felt like I could see the board clearly. Could anticipate their games. Could protect what was mine.