The sound of the gunshot still rang in Sofia's ears as chaos erupted around them. Charles grip on her went stronger, protecting her from any potential danger. Security rushed through the panicked crowd, shouting orders and giving commands, while Hannah and Nathan helped pull Sofia and Charles to safety.
"Get them out of here! Now!" Nathan barked, his usually composed demeanor was now replaced with urgency.
Charles remained calm, his fingers brushing over Sofia's cheek. "Are you hurt?"
She shook her head, still trying to process what had happened. "No. But you" "I'm fine," he assured her. "We need to leave."
Nathan's car was waiting outside the venue, and within minutes, they sped away from the scene. Sofia kept glancing back, her pulse got racing profusely. Someone had tried to kill Charles. This was no longer just a corporate sabotage, this was personal.
As they pulled up to Charles estate, the atmosphere was filled with tension. Security personnel were already stationed around the perimeter, their presence doubling in the wake of the attack. Charles, being a composed C.E.O,
straightened his suit and turned to Nathan. "Find out who did this. No stone unturned."
Nathan nodded. "Already on it Sir."
Hannah, still visibly shaken and scared, pulled Sofia into a warm hug. "I knew Pamela was dangerous, but this..."
Sofia felt really timid. "This was not just Pamela playing games. She might be behind the leaks, but the attempt on Charles life? That feels like someone else."
Charles took a deep breath. "Which means we're fighting a war on two fronts."
That evening, Sofia sat in Charles study, a cup of untouched arab tea in her hands. She watched as he stood near the window, the city lights illuminating it's sharp features. Even in the midst of danger, he remained unshaken.
"You're too calm," she said softly.
He turned slightly, a small smirk on his lips. "You're too worried."
"How can I not be?" she placed the cup down and walked towards him. "Someone tried to kill you today, my love. You could've" Her voice cracked, emotions overwhelming her.
He reached out, his fingers feeling her arm before pulling her close. "But I didn't. And I won't let them win."
She sighed, resting her head against his chest. His heartbeat was steady, grounding her. "I can't lose you my angel, you are my eye sight."
Charles tilted her chin up, his touch feather light. "You won't."
The moment hung between them, warm with love and unspoken emotions. Then, slowly, he leaned in, giving his angel a rough kiss on her lips that spoke volumes. It was tender yet possessive, a silent moment of bonding, he did promise that he wasn't going anywhere. Sofia melted into him, allowing herself to get lost in the sensation of his warmth, his strong love for the janitor.
When they pulled apart, she whispered,
"Promise me you'll be careful."
His thumb traced her jawline. "As long as you promise to stay by my side."
She nodded.
"Always."
The next morning, Nathan stormed into the estate, his face grim. "We found something."
Charles, Sofia, and Hannah gathered in the study as Nathan placed a laptop on the desk. He played a short video, the security footage from the venue.
The shooter was masked, but just before the shot was fired, another figure appeared in the frame, Wilson.
Sofia's stomach dropped. "Wilson? He was there?"
Nathan nodded. "And he wasn't alone. Someone else was directing him. Look."
He zoomed in on the corner of the screen. Pamela.
Sofia clenched her fists. "I knew she was behind this, but to go this far?"
Charles expression went on sad mode. "She's getting desperate."
Nathan crossed his arms. "We can hand this over to the authorities, but something tells me Pamela won't go down quietly, due to her fame and influence."
Charles smirked. "She wants a war? Then we'll give her one."
Hannah cleared her throat. "Uh, hate to be the voice of reason, but she did just try to kill you. Maybe we should rethink the whole 'direct confrontation' thing."
Sofia glanced at Charles. "She's right. We need a plan."
Charles nodded. "And I have one."
Later that night, Charles received an encrypted message on his phone. The words got him really amazed.
You survived this time, but I won't miss again. Call off your engagement, or next time, I'll aim for her, his assistant read out for him.
Sofia noticed his tense posture from a distance. "She ran towards him" "Charles? What is it?"
His assistant hesitated before handing her the phone. As she read the message, her hands trembled. "They're threatening me now?"
Charles pulled her into his arms. "They won't touch you. I won't let them."
"But what if"
He silenced her with a kiss, deep and consuming. When he pulled
back, his voice was like steel. "I love you, Sofia. And I'm not going to let anyone take you away from me."
Tears welled in her eyes, but she nodded. "Then let's end this."
Charles grip on her tightened. "Together."
The following morning, Sofia sat in Charles office as he prepared for a press conference. The world was waiting for his response to the scandal, but now, the stakes were even higher.
Nathan entered the room, his intention was not revealed on his face . "Pamela is holding her own press conference in an hour. She's going to frame you as the mastermind behind the corruption."
Charles smirked. "Let her try."
Sofia reached for his hand. "You're sure about this?"
He squeezed her fingers. "I am."
They arrived at the press conference venue, where journalists were already gathered. The cameras flashed as Charles took the podium, Sofia standing beside him.
Charles spoke with calm authority. "There have been accusations made against me, my company, and my personal life. Let me be clear, I have never engaged in fraudulent activity. However, there are those who would do anything to see me fall."
The reporters buzzed, questions flying. One journalist shouted, "Do you have proof of your innocence?"
Nathan stepped forward, handing Charles a file. "Yes. And I'll be sharing it now."
He revealed the footage of Wilson and Pamela at the
attempted assassination, the room went falling into stunned silence.
Surprise and shock filled the atmosphere as journalists scrambled to report the new twist. Pamela's entire plan and game was unraveling in real time.
Suddenly, a commotion broke out in the back of the room. Security guards rushed toward a figure trying to flee.
Wilson.
Sofia's breath caught. "They got him."
Charles turned to her. "It's over."
Or so they thought.
Just as Wilson was being taken away, he locked eyes with Sofia
and smirked. "You think this ends with me?"
Sofia Scott trembled. Something about his tone...
Then, as if on cue, Charles phone buzzed with another message.
You may have won this round, but the game is far from over.
Sofia's heart pounded in fear. The war wasn't over. And the real mastermind? They were still out there.
To be continued...