Chapter 79: plan coming together
The building smelled of mildew and dust, its walls lined with cracked paint. Dim overhead lights flickered, giving the space an eerie, half-abandoned feel. It was the kind of place that one could step in and never return—or make deals they never wanted traced.
Sophia stood by the floor to ceiling curtained window, her face hidden beneath a silk scarf and sunglasses, like a statue with a glass cup in hand, she waited in silence.
The door creaked open behind her, letting in two men in black suits and a man who looked like he had peed his pants between them.
"We have him," one of her men said from the hallway.
A smile crept up Sophia's face. "Look who we have here," she said softly, turning to face the men who walked closer.
Luther's eyes darted around the room, sweat on his brow. He nervously clutched the folder in his hands.
You can leave us," Sophia said.
Her men left without question, shutting the door behind them.
Luther stood stiffly, trying to make sense of the woman before him. But her face was fully covered leaving him no room for that. "I was told to bring this," he said, raising the file slightly.
"Took you long enough." Sophia's voice came in displeased.
Luther stepped closer to the desk in front of Sophia "I got everything you asked for. Records, payments, cover-ups… Victoria's entire scheme," he said dropping the folder on the desk. "If this goes public, her reputation's done fo—"
"Did I ask for your input," Sophia cut him off shooting him a glare.
Luther flinched retreating a step back.
Sophia walked forward, heels clicking against the floor, and took the file from the table. She flipped through the pages carefully, satisfaction relaxing her features.
"This is exactly what I needed," she said at last.
"Damien would be a fool not to acknowledge me after this gift," she muttered to herself, then looked up.
"Mr Luther…" she dragged his name causing the sweat on his face to increase. "I'm happy with what you've brought," she added stepping closer to him.
"Since you've done your part… I'll keep to my word," she said tapping the folder on his shoulder.
She took a step further now backing Luther she spoke. "There's a car waiting downstairs. Private flight. Your new name, ID, and a fresh start—all arranged. You'll be safe from Victoria. She'll never trace you."
Luther's breathing evened out. "Thank you, thank you so much."
Without delay Sophia moved to a hidden door at the back of the room, descending a narrow staircase that led her to the underground garage. Minutes later, her car pulled into the private drive of her penthouse.
Home.
She discarded the scarf and glasses once inside, revealing flawless makeup.
Her personal doctor was already there, seated patiently on the couch. "You kept me waiting," his expression showed annoyance.
"Sorry doctor, I had business," Sophia responded, unbuttoning her coat. "Did you get it?"
"I told you to stop calling me just Doctor, I have a name you know."
"Yes, yes yes, I know. So do you have it?" Sophia looked hopeful.
Sighing, he opened his medical case and handed her a small box containing the medication.
"Ahh Doctor." Her smile widened.
"You're hopeless," he sighed pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Thank you. You do not know how much this would be of help to me." Sophia added, her eyes drinking in the package.
"It will continue to simulate the early signs…these aren't standard supplements. They'll hold up the illusion, but long-term—"
"I won't need long-term," she interrupted, waving off his concern.
The doctor's eyes narrowed looking at Sophia. "You might not like what I have to say but despite the fact that you pay me for my services, I am still your personal doctor—and that package would bring more harm than good to you," he said hoping Sophia would think twice about her decision.
His words brought a frown to Sophia's face. "I appreciate your concern but that's left for me to worry about," she responded sternly.
"Please see yourself out," she added not bothering to give the doctor a glance as he found his way out.
The doctor didn't press further. With a final glance, he left the apartment.
Sophia sat down, running her fingers over the smooth surface of the bottle. Her lips still curved in a frown as she recalled her previous plans that failed.
The memory of her last attempt to get rid of Elena—The plan to kidnap her had failed miserably. Leaving a mess for Sophia to clean up.
"This will work," she whispered. "This time—it has to."