CHAPTER 62: FUNERAL, EMOTIONS, BUSINESS.

Caleb’s expression hardened into a frown.

He had completely forgotten.

A friend of Julia’s... and a cardholder. Of course it had to be her.

Sophia.

In this life, she was just as vile as he remembered. A manipulator—and worse, a murderer.

’No surprise. Once a snake, always a snake,’ he thought, forcing himself to keep his composure.

He turned briefly to Gideon, who was watching the exchange with a puzzled expression.

"Gideon, can you give us a moment—?"

"No need," Sophia cut in smoothly, her tone casual, almost amused. "I brought a friend along. They can keep each other company."

As if on cue, another woman stepped up beside her.

"May, this is Gideon. Be a dear and keep him entertained for a bit, would you?"

"Sure, that’s nothing," May replied with a bright smile. She turned to Gideon and extended her hand. "Hi, I’m May."

Gideon took her hand, a grin slowly forming as his eyes dropped—just for a second—to the visible cleavage framed beneath her top.

"Gideon," he said with a smooth smile.

May didn’t waste time. As soon as the introductions were made, the two slipped into casual conversation, laughter bubbling between them.

Caleb couldn’t help but shake his head, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

’At the end of the day, he’s still just a simple guy.’

But then his attention returned to Sophia.

’And to think—I was just about to reach out to the person Julia mentioned for my next move... Who would’ve guessed it’d be my ex-girlfriend?’ he thought with a dark, amused grin.

Oddly, the anger from earlier had shifted into something else. A thrill.

He’d spent time wondering how to find the next target in X’s operation.

Now, he didn’t have to.

She had come to them instead.

"I’m guessing they’ve got their hooks in you," Sophia said coolly, stepping closer to Naya.

Naya instinctively took a step back.

Something about Sophia unsettled her.

It was the same sensation she felt around Nathan—like a chill just beneath the skin.

Caleb exhaled quietly.

’If I’m going to deal with this woman again, I need to do it with a clear head this time.’

"Yes," he said, voice steady. "Julia told us about you before she passed. She said you might be able to help. Can you?"

Sophia looked at him with an unreadable smile and placed a finger gently against her lips.

Then, with a playful smirk, she answered, "Of course I can. But not here... This isn’t exactly the place for sensitive conversations. Let’s go somewhere more... private."

"Sure," Caleb said without missing a beat.

Sophia chuckled softly and gestured toward the reception house nearby.

Caleb looked at Naya, and she gave a small nod of approval.

The two followed Sophia in silence.

As they walked, she began to speak.

"Julia was a great friend of mine," she said, her voice lighter, tinged with nostalgia. "We shared so much together. Laughed, traveled, built memories... She was like the sister I never had. Even my real sister adored her."

Caleb studied her face.

The emotions in her eyes seemed raw, sincere.

But he knew better than to trust what eyes revealed. Sophia had taught him that herself.

"There were four of us back then," she continued, her voice growing quieter. "Me, Helene, Julia... and George."

She paused, her eyes drifting to the neat rows of flowers lining the walkway, the bright green grass beneath their feet.

"Until the incident."

Her tone shifted. Just slightly. But it was enough.

The air around them turned heavier, more somber.

Both Caleb and Naya felt the difference.

Naya was the first to break the silence.

"What incident?" she asked gently, her brows furrowed.

It was clear she was the only one willing to speak in that moment.

Caleb simply didn’t care.

"Oh?" Sophia raised her voice slightly, feigning surprise as she turned to Naya. "Julia didn’t tell you why she left me?"

Her tone was casual, but there was a sharpness underneath.

Caleb and Naya exchanged a glance.

They didn’t need to speak. They were both thinking the same thing:

’Are we supposed to tell her Julia called her a killer?’

But even that glance was enough for Sophia to catch on.

She let out a dry chuckle and turned away, continuing to lead the way with her usual confidence.

"Well, I guess she did," she murmured, letting the weight of her words hang in the air.

"She never let me explain that night..." Sophia continued, her voice quieter now. "She walked in at the worst possible moment. Yes, I killed George—but she never gave me the chance to explain."

Her voice cracked.

A single tear slipped from the corner of her eye.

Caleb kept his distance as they approached the front door of the reception house.

"I’m just... pained that she never got to hear the truth before she died," Sophia added, wiping the tear from her cheek. Then, turning to them with a soft, almost disarming smile, she said, "But don’t worry. It has nothing to do with you."

She pulled the door open, and a wave of noise spilled out—voices, laughter, glass clinking, soft music in the background.

Sophia stepped inside first, with Caleb and Naya trailing behind.

The interior was just as crowded as the outside.

The perks of being popular.

People had come from everywhere. Some who knew Julia deeply, some who had probably only exchanged a smile with her once. And others... others just showed up.

Because Julia Monrrow was known.

She had the kind of fame that reached into every circle—fashion, business, politics. So yes, people came. But not all of them were mourning.

Some came looking for business opportunities, hoping to catch Jin Monrrow himself.

Unfortunately for them, the man had already left.

Others belonged to that quiet, reclusive class of the ultra-wealthy. The kind who binge-read novels, watched obscure anime, and rarely left their penthouses. So no—they wouldn’t be here.

And then there were those who believed funeral food tasted better than homemade. Yes, even they had shown up—here for the entertainment, not the emotions.

So the house was packed.

People drinking, comforting, and gossiping about Julia’s death. Her photo was framed on the wall in the grand sitting room—a blown-up portrait of her smiling, elegant, untouchable.

Voices buzzed from every corner. Glasses clinked. Soft sobs mixed with casual chatter.

"We should head upstairs. It’s too loud down here," Sophia said, already making her way toward the elevator.

Technically, only family members were allowed beyond the first floor. But with Nate behind her, Sophia had access to every inch of the house.

She moved through the crowd like she owned the place, and Caleb followed.

But just as they neared the elevator—

"Caleb!"

A voice called out from the side, clear and familiar.

Caleb paused, turning toward the sound just as the figure reached him.

The man slowed to a stop, catching his breath, then ran a hand through his blond hair, straightening it with practiced charm. A composed smile spread across his face.

"Martin! What a pleasant surprise," Caleb said, genuine surprise in his voice.

"Yeah... I’m really, really sorry for your loss," Martin replied, his expression turning solemn. "I felt awful when I heard the news."

He gave a respectful nod, then turned to Naya and Sophia.

"Good day, Miss Naya. And you as well," he added, greeting them both casually before returning his attention to Caleb.

"Sorry to interrupt—it looks like you were heading somewhere," Martin said, noticing the open elevator doors. "But I thought I should tell you something. It’s about the Hall."

He adjusted his brown leather blazer, smoothing it down as he spoke.

Caleb already had a good idea what this was about. There wasn’t any other reason for Martin to approach him here, especially at a funeral.

’He must’ve been trying to reach me for days now,’ Caleb thought. He hadn’t had his phone on him for a while, so communication had been out of the question. Using the funeral as an excuse to get to him wasn’t unexpected.

He turned to Naya and Sophia.

"You two go on ahead. I’ll catch up."

"Alright then," Sophia replied, tossing a glance his way with a knowing smile. "Come on, beautiful," she added, linking her arm with Naya’s as they stepped into the elevator together.

Once they were gone, Caleb turned fully to Martin.

"So, what’s the news?"

"Sir Eldora contacted me," Martin said, his excitement barely contained. "He’s confirmed what the Hall will be used for."

He paused, clearly trying to keep a respectful tone for the occasion, but failing to fully mask his enthusiasm. If Caleb hadn’t already made peace with the loss, he might’ve found it irritating.

But he understood—it was business. And a part of him felt that familiar thrill rise again.

’Looks like I’ll be wrapping up the system mission sooner than expected.’

"What’s it being used for?" Caleb asked.

Martin straightened, eyes bright. "The official launch of the Audi Q5 and the 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé."

Caleb’s brows lifted slightly in surprise.

Now that was big. A launch like that would draw enormous attention. And it showed just how far Eldora had already progressed with his plans.

"Sir Eldora also asked you to set a date—whenever you’re available," Martin continued. "Since you’re the one he contacted directly, I figured I should let you know. The Hall’s been empty for a while. No one’s booked it."

Caleb couldn’t help but smirk inwardly.

Of course Eldora had reached out to him. And when he couldn’t get through, he must’ve sent Martin in his place.

’I see now. Eldora’s just waiting on my go-ahead,’ Caleb thought.

He could understand Martin’s eagerness. This was a major opportunity—and Martin would likely earn a sizable commission from it.

Hosting such an event was guaranteed to make headlines, and Eldora had surely set aside a serious budget to pull it off.

"Very well," Caleb said, nodding. "I’ll get back to Eldora with a confirmation."

"Perfect. I’ll be looking forward to the good news," Martin replied with his signature business smile before disappearing back into the crowd.

Caleb turned just in time to see the elevator doors beginning to close.

He dashed forward and tapped the button.

The doors slid open again, and he stepped inside.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," he said, catching his breath. "Didn’t want to waste any more time—got people expecting me."

But just as he turned to face the person beside him—

{Ding!}