Chapter 18: Dangerous Alliances
672 Words
Victor didn’t waste time. He needed Sophia.
The moment he returned to the estate, still reeking of gunpowder and blood, he sent for her.
Sophia arrived minutes later, dressed in a fitted black suit, her eyes sharp with curiosity. She knew better than to ask questions upfront. Instead, she studied him, her gaze flickering to the blood spatter on his sleeve.
"You look like hell," she noted, stepping inside his office.
Victor ignored the comment, pouring himself a drink before leaning against his desk. He watched her for a moment, gauging her reaction, deciding just how much to reveal.
"I need you," he said simply.
Sophia arched a brow, crossing her arms. "For what exactly?"
Victor exhaled, the weight of his decision pressing down on him.
"Don Rican."
That name alone made the room feel colder.
Sophia’s eyes flickered with interest, but she schooled her expression quickly. "Go on."
Victor took a slow sip of whiskey before setting the glass down. "Rican’s been pulling the strings for years, and tonight, I confirmed what I always suspected."
Sophia tilted her head. "Which is?"
Victor met her gaze. "He was behind my father’s death."
A silence settled between them, thick with unspoken words.
Sophia finally sighed, stepping closer. "And what do you expect me to do about it? Rican is powerful—more than you or I can handle alone. If you're planning to make a move, it has to be strategic."
Victor smirked. "That’s why I came to you."
Sophia studied him for a long moment before walking toward the bar cart and pouring herself a drink. She swirled the liquid before taking a sip, her mind clearly working through the possibilities.
"You want my help taking down the most feared Don alive?" she mused. "What’s in it for me?"
Victor chuckled darkly. "The satisfaction of helping me put a bullet in the man who thinks he can control us all?"
Sophia smirked. "Tempting. But I’ll need more than just satisfaction."
Victor expected that.
"I’ll give you full access to my network," he said, stepping closer. "You’ve always wanted to expand your reach. Work with me on this, and I'll make sure you have every connection you need—under my protection."
Sophia tapped a manicured nail against her glass, considering. "And what happens if we fail?"
Victor’s jaw tightened. "We don’t."
Another beat of silence.
Then—Sophia set down her drink and extended her hand.
"You've got yourself a deal, Moretti."
Victor shook her hand, sealing a dangerous partnership.
Because now?
Now, the real game began.
.....................
Victor sat alone in his office, the dim glow of his whiskey glass reflecting in his sharp gaze. His fingers drummed against the armrest of his chair, thoughts racing.
Why was his father killed?
The question had plagued him for months, but now, after the meeting with Don Rican, it felt heavier—like the answer was just out of reach.
And then, Alana came to mind.
She had been playing games, slithering between alliances, and yet, she had backed out of the marriage contract without hesitation. That wasn’t the move of someone desperate for power—it was the move of someone with an agenda.
Victor tossed back his drink and rose to his feet. He needed answers. Now.
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The Other Side of the City
Sophia slipped into the sleek black car waiting for her in the alleyway. The driver, a man in a dark cap, didn’t say a word as he pulled into traffic, weaving through the city until they reached a secluded warehouse on the outskirts.
Inside, the air smelled of cigarette smoke and secrecy.
A lone figure stood near a crate, their silhouette sharp against the low lighting.
"You came," the figure said, voice smooth but dangerous.
Sophia stepped forward, her heels clicking against the concrete. "I didn’t have much of a choice, did I?"
The mystery figure turned slightly, allowing the dim light to catch their face—a familiar but unexpected presence.
"Let's talk about Victor Moretti."
- Writer
