#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 did. But more importantly, I believe I have a plan,” Benjamin stated confidently, expertly

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

want

Benjamin spoke earnestly, “Hear me out-I had already planned to diversify the location of my company’s funds. What if

proposition. Benjamin had always been like a little brother to her, and she didn’t want him to make any

face. “Transferring funds back to the US has always been part of my strategy. My company has

bank. Yes, it might be a bit ahead of schedule, but come on, Sophia, it’s you. You know I’ll always do whatever I can to help

*

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

de la Rochette Pinot Noir. With their lunch

Why move the money? And why instruct his entire company to sever all ties?” Benjamin contemplated, swirling his wine thoughtfully. Sophia’s face wrinkled with apprehension. “I’ve been racking my

a reason. There must be some method behind his madness,” Benjamin

Stone doesn’t do anything without purpose. Every move he

it brings harm to others, it’s

only we could uncover where the funds are actually going, we could expose the truth,” Sophia reflected, taking a long sip of her

lips, Benjamin’s gaze shifted toward the entrance.

the restaurant’s doors were none other than Alexander, Emily, and Steven-the very individuals at the center of their

got to be kidding me,” Sophia whispered to Benjamin. “Let’s just avoid eye contact. Maybe

replied, clinking his wine glass against

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