Chapter 86
The next morning, Sophia informed Alex that she needed to meet with her family to address the escalating crisis facing the Lancaster Group.
“Will you come with me?” she asked.
“Sure,” Alex replied.
They arrived at the Lancaster Mansion, where the entire extended family had gathered.
Her grandmother, Amelia, fixed her with a stern gaze.
“Sophia, as the CEO of Lancaster Group, you’re our only hope. The company is teetering on the brink–we won’t be able to pay our employees in a few days. And Charles Cole is threatening to seize our assets over the loans Chris took out in our company.” 1
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the room.
Sophia took a deep breath. “Grandmother, I plan to meet with Mr. Cole today to renegotiate the loans. Additionally, we’ve secured a partnership with Kingston Corporation. I’m hopeful he might extend us further credit.”
Her grandmother’s expression softened slightly.
She stepped forward and placed a frail hand on Sophia’s shoulder. “I knew I could count on you. You’ve grown into a capable leader. We’re entrusting this to you.”
Alex watched from the sidelines.
It infuriated him to see the family heap all their burdens onto Sophia, expecting her to save them while they offered nothing but pressure.
As they left the mansion, Sophia’s shoulders sagged under the weight of responsibility.
“I’ll drive you to meet Charles,” Alex offered gently.
“Thank you,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
They settled into the car, and as Alex started the engine, he glanced over at her. “Have you thought about asking Kingston for an advance on the partnership?”
She shook her head. “I can’t risk it. They’re a crucial partner, and we’ve already stretched their goodwill. Asking for more could jeopardize everything.”
He wanted to tell her that she could ask for anything–that he had the means to help–but he held back, unsure if she’d believe him.
“Alright,” he said quietly. “Just know I’m here for you.”
Sophia’s phone buzzed.
“Charles is available to meet now,” she said, reading the message. She gave Alex the address of Cole Financing.
“Let me come with you,” Alex suggested.
She turned to him, her eyes earnest. “Alex, this is a Lancaster matter. I don’t want to drag, ou into our family’s problems.”
He met her gaze. “I’m your husband.”
Chapter 86
+25 BONUS
A faint smile touched her lips. “People might find it odd for a husband to accompany his wife to a business meeting.”
He chuckled softly and stop the car as they arrived. “Perhaps. But I’m just a call away if you need me.”
“Thank you,” she said before stepping out of the car.
As she walked toward the imposing building of Cole Financing, Alex couldn’t shake a sense of unease,
Inside, a receptionist escorted Sophia to a sleek office at the back.
Charles Cole fose from behind his desk, flashing a practiced smile.
“Ms. Lancaster, welcome,” he said, extending his hand.
“Mr. Cole,” she replied, shaking it firmly.
“Please, call me Charles, it is my pleasure to have one of the top beauties of Vancouver in my office.”
Charles smiles and clutches her hand tightly, refusing to let go. His face turns lustful.
Sophia has to use a lot of strength to struggle free from his grip. She glares at him angrily. “Mr. Cole, I hope you…”
Charles interrupts, his voice dripping with condescension. Relax, Sophia. I’m just being friendly.”
Sophia takes a deep breath, her heart pounding.
“Mr. Cole, I came here to discuss business, not to be subjected to your inappropriate behavior.”
Charles raises his hand and cuts Sophia off. “Please don’t raise your voice here, or I may take the Lancaster company. I’m just mesmerized by your beauty, but that’s all. And yeah, a bit angry because my most significant money has not been paid.”
Sophia feels anger boiling inside but holds it down for her family’s sake.
She hates being in this place. “Let’s talk!”
“Shhh,” Charles puts his finger to his lips.
“Again, don’t raise your voice, don’t be in a hurry. Don’t test my mood, because I’m thinking of forcefully taking back my 100 million dollars that Chris loaned using the company.”
“How about you sit first? We have a light chat, and if we find anything in common, when I can think of you as a friend, I may help you the way you want.”
Charles Cole, the owner of Cole Financing, was once a banker and have relationship with mafia.
Eight years ago, Cathy Black fell in love with him. They married, with Cathy supporting him in opening a financing company for his work.
Slowly, he gained success in financing, all because of his wife’s money.
Cathy was an unattractive and very overweight woman. Anyone could see that Charles was only after her money, but she wasn’t stupid.
She put surveillance on Charles to stop him from having an affair.
They even made a contract that if Charles ever cheated on her, they would go to hell together.
Sophia forcefully manages a timid smile and follows Charles to the table, sitting on the couch.
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Chapter 80
+25 BONUS
She’s learned how to negotiate with cultured people, but dealing with someone with an underground background makes her uncomfortable.
They use violence as part of negotiation.
Charles shows her his mini bar. “Wine? Alcohol? Or just mineral water?”
“Mineral water,” Sophia says.
Charles takes a new bottle from a pack and pours it into a glass for her. 2
He takes another mineral water bottle, pours it into his glass, and drinks, all the while staring at Sophia.
“Drink a bit, wet your lips and throat, and we can start to talk.”
Sophia takes the glass and drinks, while a flash of lustful desire appears in Charles’s eyes. He had put a drug to make Sophia sleep. 16
Author’s Notes
Author’s Note
Dear Readers,
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