Sophia had just settled into her hotel room in London after her flight. Throughout the journey, she meticulously kept notes of all potential locations where clues about her grandfather's secrets might be hidden, alongside a well-prepared to-do list for her investigation. After placing her suitcase aside, Sophia decided to take a shower, hoping to refresh herself before starting her exploration around the city. She turned on the TV, intending to play some music in the background. The noise, she thought, would help drown out the whirlwind of thoughts racing through her mind and give her a momentary escape from the relentless tension. However, the moment she switched on the TV, her eyes landed on a news broadcast. Intending to flip the channel to find some music, Sophia paused abruptly when she recognized a familiar face on the screen. It was Alexander, looking unexpectedly taken aback by the sudden onslaught of reporters around him. Next to him stood an older man, whose features wer
After the report, Sophia forced herself to remain calm. She knew she had to act fast after Nelson Stone's trap had been snapped. Sophia texted Alexander to call her as soon as he could. She realized that he was now busy managing the situation, and she couldn't afford to burden him with her own worries just yet.Sophia began rummaging through her luggage and pulled out the letter she had found in Maestro Paus' private office. The letter contained a whole bunch of names and a note from her grandfather that if she ever needed help, she should look for these people. It was a cryptic message but now seemed like the perfect time to heed her grandfather's advice.She decided that now was the time to take action. She pulled out the sheet of names and looked at the first one listed, Jeremy Gostler. Sophia quickly checked the search engine and found that he was a well-respected businessman who dealt with paintings. After a little more investigation, she discovered that he lived in London.Sophi
Moments later, Jeremy returned with a tray bearing a steaming pot of tea and delicate porcelain cups. He poured them each a cup, and they settled into a comfortable silence as they sipped their drinks. "So, Miss Johnson, what can I do for you?" Jeremy finally spoke, breaking the silence. Sophia took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead. "I came to you because of this," she said, pulling out the letter she had found in Maestro Paus' private office. "It's from my grandfather, Christopher Johnson. He mentioned your name and said that if I ever needed help, I should look for you." Jeremy's eyebrows rose in surprise as he accepted the letter, his expression thoughtful as he read its contents. "I see," he murmured, his gaze flicking up to meet Sophia's. "And how can I assist you, Miss Johnson?" "I'm hoping you can help me unravel some of the mysteries surrounding my grandfather," Sophia explained earnestly. "I've been digging into his past, trying to understand the
"This is Mr. Stone’s divorce agreement, Mrs. Stone," Alexander Stone’s butler, Charles said as he handed a large manila envelope to Sophia. "Mrs. Stone, you have a three-day window to sign the agreement and vacate the premises." Charles watched Sophia with indifference, his demeanor calm as he spoke. Although Sophia had been anticipating this moment, her heart sank upon the mention of the divorce agreement. She glanced at Charles, accepted the envelope, and extracted the divorce agreement from within. "Ten million dollars of alimony as long as he never lays eyes on me again?" she scoffed, looking straight at Charles, whose expression remained inscrutable. "How can he possibly believe he can get away with such an absurd demand?" She continued reading, "In accordance with the terms of the divorce agreement, it is acknowledged that Sophia Stone has failed to fulfill her marital obligations for a period of three years. As a result, Alexander Stone reserves the right to initiate divo
Three days had elapsed since Alexander Stone had dispatched Charles to deliver the divorce papers. He paced back and forth within the confines of his opulent corner office, boasting a panoramic view of the city skyline. He was waiting for a consequence. And he was not surprised to get the result he expected. He knew that his soon-to-be ex-wife would sign the papers. He offered a very generous price for this transaction, far higher than what she has paid in this marriage, but of course, she is taking the full three days to finish this sham of a marriage. A soft knock at the door preceded Laura's entrance. Laura, a trusted employee who had taken on the role of Alexander's secretary, held an envelope containing the divorce decree, laying it delicately on the polished surface of his desk. "She signed and has moved out," Laura announced simply, her tone carrying an air of finality. “Of course. She should be.” Alexander replied. "It's about damn time," Emily Williams, a Branch Manager
"Mr. Stone, what can you tell us about your current situation with the Senator's daughter?" A reporter yelled at Alex the moment he stepped out of the courthouse; the blinding sunlight assaulted his dark green eyes. The scene before him was chaotic, with reporters swarming like a hive of bees. Flashing cameras momentarily blinded him, and microphones were thrust into his face, each reporter vying for his attention. Amidst the frenzy, their questions bombarded him like a relentless onslaught. "Is there any truth to you marrying the daughter of a Senator?" one reporter demanded. Another chimed in, "Can you finally reveal the name of your ex-wife?" The questions grew more personal and invasive. "How long have you been having an affair?" and "What can you tell us about the divorce agreement?" echoed through the air. Alexander's patience began to wear thin as he pushed his way through the crowd. He remained silent as he was in no mood to answer any reporter's questions, especially ones
"I am telling you she is coming in today," a man in a black striped suit whispers urgently as he briskly passes the reception desk at Johnson and Associates Law Firm."There is no way. She hasn't been in for over three years. Why today?" the woman seated at the reception desk whispers.Another woman, with an air of curiosity, approaches the desk and leans in, her voice hushed. "I heard she had a major something happen, which is why she is returning.""Well, I heard that major something is that she lost a lot of money in some sort of deal," the man murmurs back, sharing the gossip.At that precise moment, the sleek chrome doors of the elevator swish open, revealing Sophia Johnson stepping out with an air of confidence. Her face remains impassive and composed as she looks discerning at the employees gathered around the reception desk."Yes, I'm back," she remarks, her words seeping with authority. The employees quickly disperse, sensing the power that emanates from her presence. Sophia
The banquet hall exudes an enchanting aura, adorned with vibrant emerald greens and pristine whites, the traditional colors for a momentous twentieth anniversary celebration. Despite Sophia's initial rejection of Alexander's invitation in her office, she acknowledges the significance of his company for her future endeavors and decides to attend.Even though three years have passed since Sophia last donned formal attire, she remains well-versed in the art of making a grand entrance. Her figure-hugging Alexander McQueen black dress accentuates every curve flawlessly, while the embellished bustier emits a subtle radiance, captivating the attention of onlookers. As she strides into the resplendent banquet hall, Sophia's gaze scans the room, eventually resting upon Alexander, who stands near one of the bars, observing her intently.Sophia offers a mere nod in Alexander's direction before purposefully steering herself in the opposite direction, determined to forge her own path.Making her