I Ctrl+Alt+Deleted My Ex and Ctrl+C'd His Uncle novel Chapter 3

**Chapter 3**

As the clock ticked past midnight, Sophie found herself ensnared in a restless battle with her thoughts. Alone in her dimly lit room, the shadows danced ominously on the walls, but it was the vision of that elusive figure that haunted her the most. No matter how hard she tried to shut her eyes, the image of the man lingered, a specter of uncertainty that refused to be exorcised from her mind.

The baby wasn’t Liam’s. That truth echoed in her mind like a haunting melody, relentless and unforgiving.

But then, who was that man from that fateful night? The question gnawed at her insides, an insatiable curiosity that demanded answers.

Determined to uncover the truth, she resolved to visit the hotel first thing in the morning.

As the sun rose, casting a pale light through her window, Sophie felt a surge of urgency. She dressed quickly, her heart racing with each step toward the hotel.

Upon arrival, she confronted the hotel manager, who appeared flustered and anxious. “I’m so sorry, Ms. Chandler,” he said, his voice thick with regret. “There was a system failure that day. All the surveillance footage was lost.”

Sophie’s heart sank at his words, disbelief washing over her. “Really? Of all days, it had to be that one?” The irony felt like a cruel joke.

The manager’s gaze fell to the floor, his confidence evaporating. “It was truly an accident. We’re deeply sorry…”

A cold laugh escaped Sophie’s lips, bitter and sharp. She turned on her heel, the weight of her frustration palpable in the air.

The hotel, owned by the Morgans, was a fortress of secrets. If Liam desired something to vanish, all it took was a mere flick of his wrist.

But no matter the obstacles, she was resolute. She would uncover the identity of the baby’s father, no matter the cost.

The true patriarch of the Morgan family, wielding influence that could shape the very fabric of Riverland’s economy.

Sophie had heard the whispers—rumors of Marcus’s ruthlessness, his unyielding decisiveness. Whenever Liam caught wind of his uncle’s presence, he would instinctively grasp her hand, leading her away from the spotlight, as if to shield her from the man’s formidable gaze.

“If we can strike a deal with the Morgans,” her father murmured, his eyes gleaming with ambition, “our family will be untouchable in Riverland.”

Sophie nodded absently, her thoughts still tangled in the web of her own concerns. She looked away, her mind drifting back to the mystery that consumed her.

“Next up, bidding begins for the prime land in West River! Starting price: Two hundred million!” the auctioneer announced, his voice booming through the room, but all Sophie could think about was the truth that remained just out of reach.