Chapter 131

#131 “Don’t Mistake This for Trust.”

Alexander’s nerves were on the edge the entire flight. The plane seemed to crawl through the air, and every passing minute only amplified his anxiety. He was heading to Vegas. Sophia was in trouble, and that gnawed at him with every passing mile.

The moment the wheels hit the runway, Alexander practically bolted out of the plane. He had to get to Vegas, had to make sure Sophia was okay. The airport hustle and bustle faded into a blur as he raced to meet Evelyn at the hotel.

When he arrived, Evelyn was there, wearing a mix of worry and relief on her face. Next to her stood a guy with an easy confidence, the kind that usually comes from being close to someone important.

Sandro, introduced him, Kyle’s cousin, the one who’d been hanging around with Sophia lately.

Alexander’s jaw clenched at the mention of Kyle’s cousin. Jealousy, sharp and unexpected, twisted in his gut. He tried to push it down and focus on the situation at hand, but it lingered like an unwelcome guest.

“Alexander, meet Sandro. He’s been looking out for Sophia,” Evelyn said, a hint of gratitude in her eyes.

Sandro extended a hand, a polite smile on his face. “Nice to meet you. Wish it was under better circumstances.”

Alexander shook his hand, forcing a nod. “Yeah, me too.”

The three of them huddled in the hotel room, maps and hastily scrawled notes spread across the table.

Evelyn briefed Alexander on what she knew, her concern evident in the furrow of her brow.

“Sophia’s smart, Alexander. I am sure she is handling the situation while we are searching for her,”

Evelyn reassured him.

“I know, I just… Did the kidnappers try to contact someone?” he muttered, frustration etching lines on his face.

“Yes, they contacted me. They want 5 million dollars in return,” said Sandro.

“And you didn’t tell me that from the beginning? I’ll pay the damn money. I can’t believe you didn’t catch on with this information.” Alexander hit the table.

“Alexander, calm down, we’re all worried,” said Evelyn in an attempt to defuse the situation.

“We should call the police. We can’t risk Sophia’s life, what if we give them the money and they don’t return her?” continued Alexander. The tension in the hotel room was thick enough to cut with a knife.

“That’s not a good idea. We won’t involve the police,” Sandro retorted firmly.

“Why the hell not?” Alexander demanded, his frustration bubbling over. Sandro’s eyes, steely and unyielding, met Alexander’s. “We can’t. There’s history here, a messy one.”

“What the hell could be more important than Sophia’s life?” Alexander shouted.

“They’re a mafia, and you won’t get her back, not if you involve the police, Alexander. It’s one of their conditions, “Sandro countered, his tone heavy with the weight of harsh realities.

Alexander, frustration bubbling beneath the surface, crossed his arms to contain the building tension.

The situation was unraveling, and he felt like a ticking time bomb.

“There’s something you’re not telling me, isn’t there?” Alexander’s eyes bore into Sandro, a cold intensity in his gaze. “Why did they snatch her out of nowhere? And why the hell did they call you?

What’s your connection in all this? 11 Sandro hesitated, his eyes flickering for a moment before he sighed, recognizing that withholding information wasn’t an option.

“Long story. The bottom line is getting Sophia out unharmed,” Sandro replied cryptically.

Alexander’s patience wore thin. ”

Answer the damn question. I want to help her, but I need the whole picture.

Now’s not the time to keep quiet about what’s messed up here.”

Sandro sighed again, a reluctant nod following. “We had a run-in with a thug named Daniel a few days back. He’s probably tied to this gang – the same gang that’s got Sophia. We’ve got some beef with them, business feuds, you know? Daniel saw Sophia with me and thought he could squeeze some cash out of me by grabbing her. Bringing in the cops will just stir the pot even more.”

The truth hung in the air, heavy and loaded. Alexander absorbed the information, his jaw clenching with anger.

Understanding dawned on Alexander’s face, but it brought no comfort. Sophia was kidnapped because of Sandro’s mess. Frustration boiled inside Alexander, and he unleashed it on Sandro.

“This is your fault, damn it! Sophia’s paying for your mistakes,” he accused, his voice laced with resentment.

Sandro’s eyes met Alexander’s accusing gaze, and for a moment, the room seemed to tighten. The air crackled as Alexander, fueled by frustration and concern for Sophia, continued to unleash his pent-up emotions.

“You should have dealt with your problems in a way that didn’t put her in danger,” Alexander spat out, his anger unrestrained. “What kind of mess did you get her into? If anything bad happened to her I swear to God, I will…”

“Enough, Alexander.” Evelyn intervened. “This is not helping. Please calm down, I know you are scared for her as we all are, but Sophia needs us to be united, not divided so we can save her.”

Alexander shot Evelyn a look. He was seeing, but he knew she was right.

“I’m really sorry, Alexander. I will do whatever is needed to save Sophia.” Sandro said.

Alexander, although still angry, realized the delicate web of connections that surrounded them. The cousin relationship between Sandro and Kyle added an intricate layer to the already complex situation.

Despite the seething frustration, Alexander made a begrudging concession.

“I won’t call the cops for now,” Alexander grumbled, a reluctant agreement in his tone. “But if anything goes south, I won’t hesitate.”

With the plan set, Alexander decided to play the ransom game. “I’ll deliver the cash to their stupid spot.

But one wrong move, and you have to dial 911.”

Sandro nodded, acknowledging the precariousness of their situation.

“We’re in this together, whether we like it or not,” Sandro muttered, a hint of reluctant camaraderie breaking through the strained atmosphere.

Alexander shot him a steely look. ” Don’t mistake this for trust. We’re just on the same sinking ship for now. Tell me when and where to deliver the money?”