Chapter 207

#207 “That Doesn’t Mean I Have to Like It.”

In the archives, Sophia and Alexander were immersed in a sea of papers, their brows furrowed in concentration as they sifted through document after document. Sophia meticulously combed through bank accounts, her frustration mounting with each unremarkable find.

“It’s not going to happen this way,” she growled, her voice tinged with irritation as she tossed another set of papers aside. “There’s absolutely nothing here that can mitigate the situation. Maybe my grandfather was just a criminal, and there’s nothing good about that.”

“Easy, love,” Alexander intervened gently, approaching her with concern etched on his features. “You’re tired. You don’t really think so.”

Sophia sighed, her shoulders sagging with exhaustion. She could feel the weight of the situation bearing down on her, the pressure to find a solution overwhelming.

“How about I go get us some food and coffee?” Alexander suggested, his voice soft and reassuring.

“You can rest for a bit.”

“Do you really think there’s a chance for us to get out of this situation?” Sophia asked, her gaze still fixed on the scattered documents littering the floor.

“I believe your grandfather isn’t a monster,” Alexander replied, his tone gentle yet resolute. “He did what he had to do to protect his family.”

Sophia nodded, though the doubt still lingered in her mind. “It’s just… infuriating,” she confessed, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “To constantly feel like the world is working against us. I’ve worked hard, I’ve tried to do what’s right, and yet we always seem to end up embroiled in some terrible scandal for no reason. And you, too.”

“When you work in our fields, it’s an inevitable part of the job,” Alexander acknowledged, his voice filled with understanding. “But, Sophia, don’t you dare give up now.”

“I’m not giving up,” Sophia declared, her resolve firm. “I’m just… angry. And maybe a little hungry.”

Alexander chuckled, the sound a welcome relief amidst the tension. “I’ll go get some food,” he offered, squeezing her hand gently before making his way towards the door.

Although Alexander told her to rest, Sophia couldn’t stop right now. Sophia’s fingers sifted through the documents, her movements methodical yet urgent. Each transaction bore the name of the National Bank of England, a connection that hinted at a deeper truth waiting to be uncovered.

Sophia sighed, feeling a sense of frustration creeping in. Despite her efforts, she couldn’t shake the feeling that her search here was reaching a dead end. With a heavy heart, she realized that it might be time to return to London, where her grandfather’s tangled past awaited her.

Just then, Alexander returned, a concerned furrow marring his brow as he took in the scene before him.

“What are you doing? I told you to rest, “he chided her lightly, though his eyes betrayed his worry.

“You say it as if you don’t know me,” Sophia teased, offering him a playful smile.

“Any progress?” Alexander inquired as he set down the food he had brought.

“Yes and no,” Sophia replied, her tone tinged with uncertainty. “I’m leaving.”

“What?” Alexander’s brows knit together in confusion.

“I’m going to London. I think most of the answers are there.”

Sophia gestured towards the documents spread out before her, pointing out the recurring mention of her grandfather’s home in London as a pivotal link in the puzzle.

“After the last time, I don’t know if I want you to go alone.”

“Alex, you know you can’t go with me. If your father acts and you’re not here to protect the company, he will succeed. I have to go.”

“We can send someone…”

“No, I knew my grandfather, I’m sure if he hid something, only I can find it.”

Their conversation hung in the air, the weight of Sophia’s decision palpable in the room. Despite his reluctance, Alexander knew he had to respect her resolve. With a silent nod, he accepted her decision, knowing that her determination was as unwavering as his own.

“I understand,” he said, his voice filled with quiet determination. “But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

Sophia reached out, gently cupping his cheek in her hand. “I know,” she murmured, her thumb brushing against his skin in a soothing gesture. But this is something I have to do.”

Alexander nodded, reluctantly accepting her decision. “Just promise me you’ll be careful,” he pleaded, his tone tinged with worry.

“I promise,” Sophia replied, her voice steady and resolute. “I won’t take any unnecessary risks.”

With a heavy sigh, Alexander leaned in to press a kiss against her forehead. “I trust you,” he whispered, his lips lingering against her skin for a moment longer before pulling away.

Sophia gathered up the documents and began to pack them into her bag, her mind already racing with plans for her trip to London. As she worked, Alexander watched her silently, his heart heavy with the knowledge that he wouldn’t be able to accompany her on this journey.

“But you will take my private jet,” he said finally, breaking the silence. “And I’ll make sure you have everything you need for the trip.”