#17 “This is Going to Be A Disaster.”

Sophia’s morning at work flew by, keeping her mind occupied and leaving little time to dwell on her situation with Evelyn. However, as soon as she could break free for lunch, she practically sprinted out of the office doors. Eager to avoid the looming dark clouds in the sky, she felt a surge of gratitude for having asked her personal assistant, Trevor, to bring her car to work that day.

As she walked briskly around the corner, seeking out her parked Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato-a cherished gift from her late grandfather- Sophia’s eyes were drawn to a stunning Cadillac Escalade.

Oddly enough, the Escalade was parked directly behind her car in the nearly empty parking lot. A gentle honk and the roll-down of a window caught her attention.

“Well, if it isn’t the stunning Ms. Sophia Johnson,” Benjamin Thompson’s voice rang out, his head materializing from the Escalade’s window.

Sophia’s face lit up with an uncontrollable smile. Seeing her dear friend from their shared childhood in Europe always brought joy to her day.

Waving her over to his car, Benjamin waited as Sophia gracefully made her way to the passenger seat. “Benjamin,” she greeted him with a quick kiss on both cheeks, “it’s so wonderful to see you again! But what brings you here to the States?”

Navigating the car from the parking lot and into the bustling traffic, Benjamin replied, “The moment we hung up the phone, I booked a flight from Zurich to here.”

“You really didn’t have to go through all that trouble, Benjamin,” Sophia expressed her gratitude.

I believe I have a plan,” Benjamin stated confidently, expertly

continued. “Once you told me about the money transfer from Evelyn’s bank, I knew exactly

“I don’t want to worsen matters for

already planned to diversify the

paused, contemplating the proposition. Benjamin had always been like a little brother to her, and she

a wise financial move? ” she asked. A stubborn look crossed Benjamin’s face. “Transferring funds back to the US has always been part of my strategy. My company has long anticipated expansion into the US, and this opportunity feels like the perfect

Benjamin cut her off gently, “It’s already done. As soon as I landed, I went straight to the bank. Yes, it might be a bit ahead of schedule, but come on,

*

& Silk, the newest and most exclusive restaurant in town, they were led

Domaine de la Rochette Pinot Noir. With their lunch

motives. Why move the money? And why instruct his entire company to sever all ties?” Benjamin contemplated, swirling his wine thoughtfully. Sophia’s face wrinkled

to be a reason. There must be some method

the window as if searching for answers. “Alexander Stone doesn’t do anything without purpose. Every move he makes is calculated to serve himself. He wouldn’t have made such a decision unless it solely benefited

harm to others, it’s just an added bonus,”

If only we could uncover where the funds are actually going, we could

toward the entrance. Curiosity piqued, Sophia turned in her seat, and her

Alexander, Emily, and

Benjamin. “Let’s just avoid eye contact. Maybe they

late,” Benjamin replied, clinking his wine

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