Shadows In Durango

Chapter 137

*****Vincent's POV*****

The silence that followed my father's twisted smile was heavy and suffocating...

His sudden approval - if you could call it that made my stomach churn, but I kept my expression neutral.

Sofia sat beside me, tense and coated with fear, and I couldn't help but admire her courage for holding herself together thus far...

I knew she hated this just as much as I did, but she wasn't backing down.

My father leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "So, you expect me to orchestrate this little theater production for you? Make it convincing enough for Frazier to buy that you're exactly the kind of monster he'd want her to be with?" He repeats the proposal in his own words as I sigh.

"Exactly," I replied without hesitation, locking eyes with him. "You've done worse things for lesser stakes, so don't act like this is beneath you - I think you owe me after all of the shit I've done for you." I state firmly in retaliation. A smirk tugged at his lips. "Fair point, son. But let me be clear: this won't work if either of you hesitates when the time comes. You'll need to sell this entirely, even if it means crossing some lines. Can you both handle that?" I glanced at Sofia. Her hands were clenched tightly in her lap, but she gave a small, determined nod.

"She's tougher than you think," I said, my voice firm. "And I'm more than capable of doing what needs to be done."

My father studied me for a moment, his sharp gaze piercing. "We'll see about that. For now, I need to speak with you alone, Vincent. Sofia, would you mind waiting outside - feel free to go grab a coffee from the kitchen." Sofia stiffened up a little beside me, her eyes flicking to mine. I gave her a small nod, "It's fine. Just give us a minute, nobody else is here today." I reassure, sensing her unease about leaving my side.

She hesitated at first, but then eventually, she slowly stood and walked out of the room without another word. The click of the door closing behind her seemed louder than it should have...

My father wasted no time after that...

"This plan of yours is risky. If it backfires, Frazier won't just walk away from this. He'll retaliate, and he'll use Sofia to do it." He warns, as I can't help but scoff.

table!" I said sharply. "But the alternative is worse. She's not marrying me only

to showcase something real... the man isn't entirely stupid. If you want Frazier to believe that you're the cruel, controlling bastard he wants her to be stuck with, then you're going to have to prove it.

has a point... I can't let Sofia of all people be

tightened. "I know..." I accept his words, as

asking me to play along, but that means you have to lead. If Frazier gets even a hint that this is all an act, he'll destroy the both of you. So

a second, but it was enough for him

stomach for it, but your heart is too soft. That's why you're going to

care enough to keep her alive," I shot back. "And I'll do whatever

to humiliate her. Make her feel small, insignificant, like she's nothing more than an object to you. If they join in on the torment, then you have to stand back and accept it. It's not just about convincing Frazier - it's about convincing everyone, even Sofia, that you

I didn't let it show. "Yeah, ok, I get it," I said through

to play the role perfectly. Treat her like she's beneath you. Interrupt her, talk down to her, maybe even throw in a few veiled threats, shove her around a little... Nothing too over-the-top, but enough to make them uncomfortable. I'll back you up, of course,

though the thought of treating her that way made me feel sick,

about bruises? Is there a way to put some on her subtly? Without me actually having to hurt

all sounded

his suit jacket and dusting himself down, before proceeding towards

guy, I'll call him to come over tonight to see what he can do for her appearance..." he suggests, thumbing through his address book to

which might win us some points with Frazier... what do you think?" He hums out loud,

I stiffly agree. "Yeah, ok." I

ever met Frazier in person, and therefore I could act like an entirely different person

This has to work!

I suddenly state,

so fast." My father's tone turned cold, the smirk dropping from his face. "There's one more thing you need to think about before we go any further. If Sofia breaks under the pressure - if she decides she can't do this half way through- then you'll have to be prepared to do something drastic to save the situation. Something that will convince Frazier beyond a