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.

is worse. She's not marrying me only to please him, that loops us right back to the whole reason she ran away in the first place - he wants to take her freedom and I won't allow it!

make it convincing? Im not talking about fake little marks, you'll need 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,

can't let Sofia of all people be the one to break me

his words, as

her to the edge Vincent. You're 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

only a second, but it was enough for him to notice. His smile widened, cruel

is too soft. That's why you're going to screw this

back. "And I'll do whatever it takes to make sure she

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 have a nasty side. They need to believe that she's trapped here with us, that leaving with them would be a mercy to her." His words are direct, cutting me deep as my mind began

but I didn't let it show. "Yeah, ok, I get it," I said through gritted teeth. "Just tell me

meeting. When they come here, you'll need 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

I said confidently, though the thought of treating her that way made me feel sick, especially

to hurt her

sounded ridiculous

suddenly, adjusting his suit jacket and dusting himself down, before

tonight to see what he can do for

thing? I can act on that too which might win us some points with Frazier... what do you

nauseous at the mere thought of it, I stiffly agree. "Yeah, ok." I shrug, biting back

and therefore I could act like an entirely different person to

This has to work!

make some calls and invite them here tomorrow." I suddenly state, standing abruptly and wanting to talk things

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