I Ctrl+Alt+Deleted My Ex and Ctrl+C'd His Uncle novel Chapter 40

**Through Silent Meadows We Trace Stories Left Behind Yesterday**
by Asa Rowan Flint

**Chapter 40**

Sophie, her heart racing and her thoughts swirling, chose not to retreat to the safety of her room. Instead, she headed directly to Marcus, her resolve hardening with each step she took.

“I need to talk to you,” she declared, her tone blunt and unwavering.

Marcus, sensing the urgency in her voice, stepped aside and gestured for her to enter. “Go ahead,” he replied, his demeanor calm yet watchful.

“Was it your decision to have Liora compete in the Starlight Cup?” she asked, her voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of anxiety.

Marcus raised an eyebrow, his gaze piercing as it met hers. “Liora’s achievements speak for themselves. Is there an issue with choosing the best designer for the competition?” He leaned back slightly, scrutinizing her. “But you—what’s with the sudden concern for Liora?”

Sophie felt a knot tighten in her stomach. “Have you seen the entry Liora submitted?” she pressed, her voice firm.

“I saw the first draft—it got rejected,” Marcus replied, his tone matter-of-fact. “After that, I was too busy and left it to Liam.” His eyes narrowed, a flicker of suspicion igniting within them. “Is there something wrong with Liora’s work?”

The tension in Sophie’s voice escalated. “Before the competition kicks off, you really should take a closer look at what Liora actually submitted. Only then can you determine if she truly deserves a spot in the Starlight Cup.”

Sophie knew Marcus well; he was inherently skeptical. If she outright claimed to be Liora, he would dismiss her words without a second thought. But if she could lead him to uncover the inconsistencies himself, a man as astute as Marcus would inevitably arrive at the truth.

“Sophie, what kind of riddle are you playing at?” Marcus’s eyes narrowed slightly, suspicion etched across his features.

“You’ll find out if you check it yourself,” she replied, standing firm. She turned to leave, the weight of the conversation hanging heavily in the air. “If that’s all, I’ll—”

“Wait.” His voice dropped to a low, almost menacing tone.

“Besides Liora, is there anything else you want to say?”

“I told you—I don’t care whether this child lives or not,” Marcus stated, his eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. “You can’t use the baby as leverage against me.”

“But you—” she began, her voice faltering under the weight of his gaze. “What about this baby?”

His hand continued to press down, his voice dangerously low, “Have you forgotten the condition I set when I agreed to keep this baby?”

“I told you to stay away from Liam. Did you forget?”

“Sophie, when I lay down a rule, I don’t tolerate it being broken repeatedly,” he said, his tone firm, leaving no room for argument.

They were far too close now. The subtle scent of his cologne enveloped her, intoxicating and disorienting, and her rational thoughts began to slip away like sand through her fingers.

“I didn’t…” Sophie murmured weakly, guilt creeping into her voice as her eyes darted away, unable to withstand the weight of his stare.