Chapter 196
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 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 hall, 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.
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Chapter 196
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.”
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