#49 “Don’t You Dare Try to Shift the Blame onto Me.”
As Sophia and Evelyn entered the police station, they were focused on the necessary procedures to ensure Evelyn’s safety and well-being. It was a tense atmosphere, and both of them were preoccupied with the task at hand.
As they talked to the police officers, Sophia spotted Alexander exiting the building, and her heart sank. She had hoped to avoid any encounter with him, but fate seemed to have other plans.
Alexander, too, saw Sophia and a wave of emotions washed over him. He had been hoping to catch a glimpse of her, but now that it had happened, he wasn’t sure how to react.
They passed each other like strangers in the hallway, their eyes briefly meeting before they both looked away, as if trying to erase the past and the emotions that still lingered.
Sophia, ever the pragmatist, accepted their estranged state with a heavy heart. She had moved on with her life and had no intention of revisiting the pain Alexander had caused her.
But for Alexander, seeing Sophia again was a painful reminder of what he had lost. He couldn’t help but feel deeply hurt by her indifference. As he walked away with Emily, he couldn’t shake the feeling that their chance encounter had only widened the chasm that separated them.
As Alexander walked away with Emily, he couldn’t help but notice the way Sophia’s eyes were fixed on Emily.
As Sophia watched Alexander’s unwavering support for Emily, her resolve grew stronger. She couldn’t fathom how he could stand by someone who had caused so much pain and turmoil in their lives. To her, it was a matter of principle and justice.
The fact that Alexander seemed willing to let Emily escape prison didn’t sit right with Sophia. She believed that justice should be served, regardless of personal history or connections.
This growing divide between their values and priorities only deepened her sense of disappointment and frustration with Alexander.
When they were alone outside Alexander gestured towards the car with a stern expression, his voice commanding. “Emily, get in the car.”
She complied but seemed surprised when Alexander didn’t get in the car with her. Emily rolled down the window, she expected some form of sympathy or comfort from Alexander. However, his words were anything but warm. He leaned in closer to emphasize his point.
“Emily, you need to leave the city. Go far away and never appear in front of Sophia or me again. It’s the only way to avoid the trouble that’s coming your way.”
Emily looked reluctant, her eyes filled with uncertainty. “But what about us, Alexander? What about our history?”
Alexander’s gaze remained icy, and he replied with a tone devoid of emotion, There is no us. And your fantasy about it doesn’t change the fact that you’ve done some terrible things, Emily. I can protect you, but I can’t help you escape Sophia’s wrath if you are still here.”
After a moment of hesitation, Emily finally nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. “Fine, I’ll go. But remember, Alexander, you’re the reason I did all of this in the first place.”
Alexander’s patience was wearing thin. “Don’t you dare try to shift the blame onto me.”
Tears streamed down her face as she confessed, “I know I’ve messed up everything, but I need you to know that… I love you, Alexander. I always have, even when I did those terrible things. I thought I could make you notice me, but I see now that I was wrong. I’m so sorry for everything.”
“It doesn’t change anything. Goodbye Emily.” Emily realized that Alexander would not forgive her. She raised her window and signaled the driver to go.
Alexander’s expression remained cold and unforgiving as he stepped back from the car, watching Emily disappear into the distance. He had no sympathy left for her, knowing that her actions had caused so much trouble.
As Evelyn sat inside the police station, providing her testimony to the officers, Sophia stepped aside, her mind racing with thoughts of how to deal with Emily’s family. She had an idea. Sophia dialed Benjamin’s number, her fingers tapping quickly on her phone.
“Hello, Sophie,” Benjamin greeted her warmly.
“Hello, I’m looking for you on a work matter.”
“Sure, I’m listening.”
“Benjamin, we need to discuss Emily’s family assets,” Sophia said, her voice low but determined.
Benjamin’s tone shifted to a more serious and businesslike demeanor. ” I’ve been thinking about that too, Sophie. The recent developments with Emily’s family have opened up some opportunities, but also challenges. We’re not the only ones interested.”
Sophia’s brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”
Benjamin continued, “The troubles at Williams Bank have put them on shaky ground. There’s talk of bankruptcy, and if that happens, their assets could be up for liquidation and auction.”
Sophia understood the implications immediately. “So, there’s competition for these assets?”
“Exactly. My company is already working on a plan to acquire a portion of those assets. But there are many others eyeing the same opportunity. It’s going to be a fierce competition.”
Sophia nodded, even though Benjamin couldn’t see her. “I appreciate your honesty, Benjamin. Let’s coordinate our efforts. I’ll do everything I can to help you secure those assets.”
Benjamin’s voice held a hint of gratitude. “Thank you, Sophia. I wanted to ask you how she is?”
“Better, now she’s testifying,” Sophia replied.
“I understand your desire for revenge and justice, but I want to remind you that Evelyn has been through something terrible and needs a friend, not just a lawyer.”
“You’re right,” Sophia admitted. “I’ll be there for her, but in the meantime, we’ll work together to pursue justice and protect our interests.”
“I appreciate it. Take care of yourself.”
“You too.”
With that, Sophia hung up the phone, her grip on the device tightening as a fierce determination settled over her. Her eyes burned with a relentless fire, and her heart raced with unwavering resolve.
Sophia wasn’t going to stop until she saw Emily’s family get what they deserved. She would bring hell to earth if she had to.
