Chapter 8: The Assassin’s Bullet
1160 Words
Rex casually scrolled through his phone, occasionally glancing toward the living room where Sophia sat. Their eyes met briefly before she quickly averted her gaze, pretending to focus on something else. A small smirk played on Rex’s lips as he turned his attention back to his phone.
Before he could say anything, Olivia sent him another message:
“Sir, I understand that you’re new to Washington, D.C., and might not be familiar with the local dynamics. If you were to pursue your New District project independently, I imagine you’d face significant challenges. However, there’s a family here, the Bennetts, whose expertise aligns perfectly with your project. If you collaborate with them, it will undoubtedly be smooth sailing.”
The message caught Rex off guard, though he remained composed. Another notification appeared almost instantly:
“Sir, I swear on everything I hold dear that entrusting this project to the Bennetts will only benefit you.”
Rex’s brow raised in mild amusement. Before he could respond, Olivia followed up with a desperate plea:
“If you agree to this partnership, I’ll do anything you ask.”
A mischievous grin crept across Rex’s face. He typed back,
“Anything?”
After a moment of hesitation, Olivia’s response appeared:
“Anything!”
“Even your body and soul?”
Rex added with a playful touch of vengeance.
A minute passed before Olivia replied, her resolve solidifying with every passing second: “Yes, even that. But I have a condition.”
“Let’s hear it.”
“You must let Sophia Bennett take charge of this project. As long as you agree, I’ll fulfill any request you have—even if it costs me everything.”
Rex was genuinely surprised. He hadn’t expected this level of loyalty between Olivia and Sophia.
“I’ll think about it,” he replied, pocketing his phone and stepping onto the balcony.
Sophia had already retreated to her bedroom, exhaustion finally taking its toll. Just as Rex settled into a chair, his phone buzzed with another call. It was Leonard Harper.
“Sir, I owe you an apology. My granddaughter used my phone to reach out to you without my knowledge. It was improper.”
Rex lit a cigarette and exhaled leisurely.
“No harm done. I needed to speak with you anyway. I want a sniper rifle—two bullets, silenced. Have it placed in the villa in District A of Dragon’s Bay. I’ll collect it tomorrow.”
“Yes, sir.”
“One more thing,” Rex added, his tone firm. The New District project is to be entrusted entirely to Sophia Bennett. No one else from her family is to interfere.”
“I’ll ensure it’s handled first thing tomorrow.”
The call ended, leaving Rex to recline on the sofa, cigarette in hand.
In the bedroom, Sophia’s thoughts raced as she lay on the bed, strategizing her next move. The sudden vibration of her phone startled her. It was Olivia.
“Sophia! I just spoke with the big boss. He agreed to collaborate with your family on the project and said you’ll be in charge!”
Sophia bolted upright. “Are you serious?”
“Completely! My grandfather confirmed it himself!” Olivia’s excitement was palpable. “You won’t have to marry that pig Ethan Hansen or that cab driver anymore!”
Sophia exhaled deeply, relief washing over her. “When can I meet him? I need to thank him personally.”
“I don’t know. I’ve never met him myself. Grandfather confiscated my phone, but I’ll try to find out for you. Honestly, this man is like your guardian angel, appearing just when you need him most.”
Sophia nodded earnestly. “I know.”
“By the way,” Olivia continued, “why don’t you stay with me tonight?”
Sophia shook her head. “I’m too tired.”
“Are you seriously staying in the same place as that cab driver? Alone? Just the two of you…?”
Olivia’s words hung in the air, her meaning crystal clear. Sophia chuckled lightly. “It’s fine." I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Morning sunlight streamed through the window as Sophia woke. She instinctively checked her clothes—they were perfectly intact.
Stepping out of her room, she noticed another door slightly ajar. Peeking in, she saw Rex balanced on two fingers atop a brick, performing push-ups with remarkable ease.
Her eyes widened in disbelief.
She had wealthy friends who frequented gyms, but none could match this display of physical prowess. Once again, Rex shattered her assumptions.
“You’re up?” he said, flipping to his feet with effortless grace.
“What exactly are you doing?” Sophia asked, curiosity evident.
“Dragon’s Grip,” he replied nonchalantly.
“Did you just make that up?” she challenged.
Rex, applying a special ointment to his hands, chose not to elaborate. Even if he explained, she wouldn’t believe him.
This wasn’t just any martial art—it was traditional Chinese martial arts, honed for lethal precision. Unlike the flashy moves often dismissed as impractical, this was the real deal, designed for survival and protection.
“Breakfast is ready. " Wash up and eat,”
Rex said, flexing his recovering fingers.
Sophia glanced toward the kitchen, where steam still rose from freshly prepared dishes.
Rex pointed toward the bathroom.
“I bought you some toiletries. Splurged on a bottle of DaBao SOD Milk.”
Sophia chuckled softly, appreciating the humor.
Rex’s phone buzzed with a message from Leonard Harper:
“The sniper rifle is in the Dragon’s Bay villa, as requested.”
As they ate breakfast, Sophia broke the silence. “I need you to come with me to my family’s house later.”
“
What for?”
“To get the household registry. How else can we get a marriage license?”
Rex froze mid-bite. “Are you sure about this? You really want to marry me?”
“Do I have a choice?” Sophia retorted.
“If you’re not scared, why would I be?”
Rex shot back, finishing his egg in one bite.
“When should I meet your parents?” Sophia asked.
Rex sipped his porridge thoughtfully. “After the baby’s born.”
Sophia’s brows knit together. “Why?”
“My family’s traditional,” Rex admitted with a sheepish grin. “They might not approve of you at first, but once there’s a baby, they won’t have a choice.”
The atmosphere grew tense.
Sophia slammed her bowl onto the table. From childhood, she had been adored and admired. Yet here was this cab driver, insinuating that his family might reject her.
“So, what you’re saying is…I’m not good enough for you?”
Rex gave her an awkward smile. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’ve got the looks, the figure, and the charm—just not the background.”
“Excuse me?”
The tension in the room was palpable.
- Writer
