Chapter 4: First Steps

James listened intently as Sophia laid out her suspicions about Marcus Blackwood's financial irregularities. His expression grew more serious with each detail she shared.

"This is explosive stuff, Sophia," he said finally. "But it's all circumstantial. We'd need hard evidence to run with something like this."

Sophia nodded, her determination unwavering. "I know. That's why I'm here. I want to investigate this properly, James. I want to write this story."

James leaned back in his chair, studying her. "You've been out of the game for a while, Sophia. Are you sure you're ready for this? Blackwood isn't just any target – he's got friends in high places."

"I'm sure," Sophia said firmly. "I need to do this, James. Not just for the story, but for myself."

After a moment, James nodded. "Alright. I can't put you on staff, not with the conflict of interest. But I can offer you a freelance contract. We'll provide resources and backup, but you'll need to do the heavy lifting."

Sophia felt a weight lift off her shoulders. "Thank you, James. I won't let you down."

The next few weeks were a whirlwind of activity. Sophia set up a small office in Zoe's spare room, covering the walls with notes and timelines. She reached out to old contacts, chased leads, and spent long nights poring over financial reports.

Her dinner with Marcus loomed on the horizon, a mix of dread and anticipation churning in her stomach. She knew she had to play it cool, to not give away her true intentions.

The night of the dinner arrived. Sophia chose a simple black dress – elegant but understated. As she applied her makeup, she rehearsed her game plan. Listen more than you speak. Pay attention to what he doesn't say. And above all, don't let him see how much he hurt you.

Marcus had chosen an exclusive restaurant, one they'd frequented during their relationship. As Sophia approached their table, she saw him stand, that familiar charming smile on his face.

"Sophia," he said, leaning in to kiss her cheek. "You look lovely as always."

She allowed the kiss but didn't return his smile. "Hello, Marcus."

As they sat, Marcus launched into small talk, asking about her plans, offering connections to help her "get back on her feet." Sophia played along, all the while observing him closely.

"I hope you know," Marcus said, reaching for her hand across the table, "that I only want what's best for you. This transition doesn't have to be unpleasant."

Sophia gently withdrew her hand. "And what about what I want, Marcus? Did that ever factor into your decisions?"

A flicker of annoyance crossed his face. "Now, Sophia, let's not turn this into something unpleasant. We had a good run, didn't we? But it's time to move forward."

As the evening progressed, Sophia carefully steered the conversation towards business, watching for any reaction when she mentioned the rumors of financial troubles at Blackwood Enterprises.

Marcus waved them off with a laugh. "You know how this town loves gossip, darling. It's all nonsense, I assure you."

But Sophia didn't miss the tightening around his eyes, the way his hand clenched slightly around his wine glass. There was something there, she was sure of it.

As they parted ways outside the restaurant, Marcus caught her arm. "Sophia," he said, his voice low. "I hope you know that discretion is important. For both of us. There's no need to air our private matters in public, is there?"

Sophia met his gaze steadily. "Of course not, Marcus. You know me better than that."

As she watched his car pull away, Sophia felt a mix of emotions – disgust at his thinly veiled threat, anger at his presumption, but most of all, a fierce determination. She pulled out her phone and dialed James.

"James? It's Sophia. I think I've got something. Can we meet tomorrow?"

The next morning, Sophia laid out her observations to James in his office. "He's nervous about something," she concluded. "The financial rumors got to him, even though he tried to play it cool."

James nodded thoughtfully. "It's a start. But we need more. Have you made any progress tracking those monthly transfers Emily mentioned?"

Sophia sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Not yet. I've hit a wall with the public records. We need someone on the inside, James. Someone with access to Blackwood's private accounts."

"That's not going to be easy," James warned. "Blackwood keeps his inner circle tight."

Sophia stood, pacing the office. "What about a whistleblower? There must be someone in his company who's uncomfortable with what's going on."

James raised an eyebrow. "That's risky, Sophia. For them and for us. But..." he paused, considering. "I might know someone who can help. Let me make a few calls."

As Sophia left the Sentinel offices, she felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. She was making progress, but she was also stepping into dangerous territory. Marcus's veiled threat at dinner echoed in her mind.

But as she walked through the bustling city streets, Sophia realized something. For the first time in years, she felt truly alive. The challenge, the risk, the potential for real change – this was what she had been missing.

"Bring it on, Marcus," she muttered under her breath. "I'm just getting started."