Chapter 17


    #17 “This is Going to Be A Disaster.”


    Sophia’s morning at work flew by, keeping her mind upied 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 herte grandfather- Sophia’s eyes were drawn to a stunning Cadic Escde.


    Oddly enough, the Escde 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 Escde’s window.


    Sophia’s face lit up with an uncontroble 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.


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    “Of course I did. But more importantly, I believe I have a n,” 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 eyshes, Benjamin spoke


    earnestly, “Hear me out-I had already nned to diversify the location of mypany’s funds. What if I


    simply invest that money into Evelyn’s father’s bank?”


    Sophia paused, contemting 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. Mypany 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 Inded, I went straight to the bank. Yes, it might be a bit ahead of schedule, bute 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,plemented by a bottle of the


    exquisite Domaine de Rochette Pinot Noir. With their lunch served and sses 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 contemted, 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 calcted 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.”


    “Toote,” Benjamin replied, clinking his wine ss 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 eximed, 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, nting a quick kiss on her


    cheek. Caught off guard, Sophia was momentarily speechless but quickly regained herposure.


    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 arger table.”


    “Arger 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 ma?tre d’; I’m sure they’ll amodate


    us,” Emily dered, 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 tter 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.”