Chapter 17

#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.

“Of course I did. But more importantly, I believe I have a plan,” Benjamin stated confidently, expertly maneuvering through the traffic flow.

Sophia looked at him curiously as he continued. “Once you told me about the money transfer from Evelyn’s bank, I knew exactly what I had to do.”

Sophia interjected, concerned, “I don’t want to worsen matters for anyone.”

Turning to face Sophia, his brown eyes shaded by his long, boyish eyelashes, Benjamin spoke earnestly, “Hear me out-I had already planned to diversify the location of my company’s funds. What if I simply invest that money into Evelyn’s father’s bank?”

Sophia paused, contemplating the proposition. Benjamin had always been like a little brother to her, and she didn’t want him to make any decisions that might harm his business.

“Are you sure it’s 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 fit.” business Sophia opened her mouth to speak again, but 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, Sophia, it’s you. You know I’ll always do whatever I can to help you.”

*

As Sophia and Benjamin stepped into Saffron & Silk, the newest and most exclusive restaurant in town, they were led to a table by a grand bay window that offered a breathtaking view of the serene water beyond.

They both decided to indulge in the renowned Wagyu burgers, complemented by a bottle of the exquisite Domaine de la Rochette Pinot Noir. With their lunch served and glasses filled, they delved into the pressing matter at hand.

“I can’t wrap my head around Alexander’s 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 with apprehension. “I’ve been racking my brain over that for days.”

“Alexander is a brilliant businessman. There has to be a reason. There must be some method behind his madness,” Benjamin mused.

“That’s precisely it, Ben,” Sophia replied, gazing out 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 him.”

“And if it brings harm to others, it’s just an added bonus,” Benjamin added.

“There must be someone else who’s benefiting from this maneuver. If only we could uncover where the funds are actually going, we could expose the truth,” Sophia reflected, taking a long sip of her wine.

Just as the words left Sophia’s lips, Benjamin’s gaze shifted toward the entrance. Curiosity piqued, Sophia turned in her seat, and her heart sank.

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

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Sophia whispered to Benjamin. “Let’s just avoid eye contact. Maybe they won’t even notice us.”

“Too late,” Benjamin replied, clinking his wine glass against Sophia’s.

Alexander, Emily, and Steven maneuvered through the bustling restaurant, making their way toward Sophia’s table. With an air of false enthusiasm, Emily led the way while the two men trailed hesitantly behind.

Emily’s voice rose higher than necessary as they approached, attracting unwanted attention. “Sophia Johnson, it feels like I see you everywhere,” Emily exclaimed, her voice echoing across the room.

Feeling the social pressure to stand and greet them, Sophia rose to her feet. She extended a hand to Emily for a polite handshake, but Emily pulled her into an unexpected hug, planting a quick kiss on her cheek. Caught off guard, Sophia was momentarily speechless but quickly regained her composure.

Peading with her eyes for help from Benjamin, she states, “This is Benjamin Thompson. We grew up together in Europe,” Sophia introduced, gesturing to Benjamin.

Benjamin rose gracefully, shaking everyone’s hands as Sophia continued with the introductions. The five of them stood awkwardly for a moment, unsure of the next move. Breaking the silence, Emily suggested, “Well, I suppose we need a larger table.”

“A larger table? What?” Sophia’s voice trembled with panic as she and Benjamin sat back down in their seats.

“It’s silly for us to sit separately, don’t you think? I’ll go find the maître d’; I’m sure they’ll accommodate us,” Emily declared, quickly scurrying off towards the bar.

Sophia exchanged a panicked look with Benjamin, but he wore a mischievous smile. Steven and Alexander remained silent, their gazes fixed on the unfolding scene.

Amidst the clatter of the crowded restaurant, Emily’s voice rose above the din, “Alex, he’s going to find us a table.”

Whispering anxiously to Benjamin, Sophia asked, “What are you smiling at? This is going to be a disaster.”