Chapter 171

**Sophie's POV**

"Anna, you don't need to pretend like I'm being unreasonable," I said, my voice sharper than intended. "She can have whatever beef she wants with Summer, but dragging us into her sick little games? That's where I draw the line."

"I understand, Sophie," Anna nodded. "I'm not blaming you. I was furious with Victoria too after Manhattan Club. I couldn't understand why she just stood there while they dragged me away." She touched her scars self-consciously. "But I've moved past it now. All I care about is getting my face fixed."

I looked up. "You're really going abroad for the surgery?"

"Yeah," she confirmed. "The visa's being processed now. I should leave in a few days."

"I'll come see you off," I offered, suddenly afraid of losing my only ally.

"I'd like that." Anna smiled, then noticed my worried expression. "Don't stress about staying at Joe's place. He's barely ever here anyway, and he's not the type to kick someone when they're down."

I met her gaze, a silent understanding passing between us. We'd both paid the price for Victoria's schemes.

A week later, Anna's visa came through. I lingered in the doorway of her bedroom,watching her pack methodically.

"Are you sure you don't want your mom to go with you?" I asked,noticing Mrs. Watson hovering anxiously behind me.

Anna shook her head firmly. "I need to do this on my own. It's not just about fixing my face-it's about proving I can handle this." She lowered her voice. "Besides, they're all tiptoeing around me like I might break.I can't stand it anymore."

"They're just worried," I said, though I understood her frustration all too well.

"I know." Anna zipped her suitcase closed with finality. "But this is something I need to face alone."

Mrs. Watson appeared beside me, eyes red-rimmed but determined. "Anna,sweetheart, are you absolutely sure you don't want us to drop you at the airport?"

"Mom, we've been over this," Anna replied gently but firmly. "I'll take a car service. It's fine."

I caught sight of Joe watching from across the ha11. his expression unreadable. When he noticed me looking, he gave a slight nod.

The morning of Anna's departure, I'd dressed carefully-baggy clothes under a bulky coat, a scarf around my neck, and a wide-brimmed hat pulled low over sunglasses. The disguise was stifling but necessary.

To my surprise, Victoria was already waiting at the terminal, similarly disguised though more stylishly. Her Chanel sunglasses and silk scarf couldn't quite hide her identity from someone who knew her as well as I did.

Anna looked startled to see us both. "I thought I told everyone not to come."

"Like we'd let you leave without saying goodbye," Victoria replied with her trademark smile.

I stepped forward first, pulling Anna into a tight hug. "I'll be here when you get back," I whispered.

She squeezed me tighter. "Sophie, about everything that's happened...sometimes it's better to let things go. But if you can't..." She pulled back slightly,voice dropping, "I won't stop you."

After Anna disappeared through security, Victoria immediately turned to me. "Sophie," she said, removing her sunglasses. "Can we talk? Please?"

I kept my face neutral. "Not here. Somewhere quiet."

"Of course," she agreed quickly. "There's a place not far from here. Very private."

Victoria led me to a tea room that screamed understated luxury-her style exactly. She'd reserved the most secluded corner, screened from the main room by elegant paper partitions.

"This place is very exclusive," Victoria explained as we settled in. "The paparazzi never come here, It's mostly just society ladies who want to gossip away from prying eyes, so you don't have to worry about... you know."

"Enough," I cut her off. "I don't want to talk about it anymore." I busied myself preparing tea,avoiding her eyes.

"I know what happened was a nightmare," I finally said,keeping my voice

steady. "And maybe it wasn't entirely your fault. But Victoria, I can't just pretend everything's fine."

Victoria leaned forward, eyes bright. "It's all Summer's fault," she hissed."That bitch was supposed to be in that room, not you. If she hadn't disappeared, none of this would have happened."

I kept my head down, jaw clenched. *Always blaming Summer. Never taking responsibility.*

"Sophie," Victoria continued, grasping my hands, "I've done everything to fix this. Alexander and I called in every favor, paid off everyone involved.The videos are gone, and no one will ever know it was you."

I studied her face, noting the perfectly rehearsed concern. Victoria had always been a talented actress.

"Thank you, Victoria," I said softly, forcing myself to grasp her hands in return. "Maybe I was too hard on you. It's just been so difficult..."

Encouraged, she squeezed my hands tighter.

"I've been having nightmares," I continued, allowing my voice to break. "I see their faces every night. Chris, the other son of a bitch... I wake up screaming. I want them to suffer for what they did to me."

I tightened my grip on her hands, my nails dligging into her skin until she flinched.

"Sorry," I mumbled, easing my grip. "I just get so angry. Chris Diaz especially. I want to destroy him. And that Windsor guy? I want him ruined."

"Sophie," Victoria warned,"you can't do anything illegal. It would only

make things worse."

I let out a bitter laugh. "So I'm just supposed to take it? My life is in ruins,and those assholes are just walking around like nothing happened."

Victoria shifted uncomfortably. "What about work? You could come to Fortune Corp,or maybe Capital-"

"No," I interrupted, seeing my opportunity. "Victoria, do you need an assistant? Someone to help with your career? I could work for you."

"For me?" Victoria looked startled. "But you're overqualified-"

"I don't care about qualifications," I insisted. "I just need to be around someone who understands what I've been through. Someone I trust."

Victoria hesitated, vanity battling with suspicion. "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure." I nodded emphatically. "Please, Victoria. I need this."

Finally, she smiled. "Alright then. You can start whenever you feel ready.But Sophie," she grew serious, "no revenge plots, okay? Just focus on healing."

"Of course," I promised, face a perfect mask of gratitude.

Victoria checked her watch. "I should get going. Alexander is expecting me at Fortune Corp."

As soon as her car pulled away, I shed my disguise like a snake shedding its skin. I pulled out my phone, dialing a number I'd memorized but never thought I'd use.

"Mr. Wilson? It's Sophie. Victoria agreed to make me her assistant."

James Wilson's calm voice came through. "Well done, Miss. That was faster than expected."

"When are we going to start?" I demanded eagerly. "Mr. Wilson, when will I get my revenge? Victoria is living her perfect life in the spotlight while I'mhiding in shadows!"

"Patience, Miss," James replied serenely. "These things take time to orchestrate properly."

"You promised me she would pay," I insisted, gripping the phone tighter.

"And she will," James assured me. "I always deliver on my promises. If you've chosen to work with me, then trust that the results will be worth the wait."

I closed my eyes, envisioning Victoria's perfect face twisted in agony. "Fine.I'll wait."

"Good," James said. "And Miss? When the time comes, I promise you won t be disappointed."