Chapter 23
Sofia Andrew
What should I do with Angel? I need to know why he's asking about Kevin.
"Ah, there's my little genius."
I stood up in surprise when my dad came into my office and greeted him with a kiss.
"I came to see you because I think you have no plans to visit me," he said in a teasing manner.
"You know, I got busy."
"Of course, you were so busy that you ended up in the hospital, and I'm the last one to know." He reprimanded me and gave my forehead a gentle pat.
I scratched my forehead with a smile. "It's nothing, Dad; I just forgot to take my medicine and, well, drank some wine."
"Sofia, you know you can't..."
"I know, Dad. I promise it won't happen again."
"You said that the last time it happened." He scolded me, and I smiled.
"I've been eating fine, and I'm taking new medications. In case your informant missed that,"
"My daughter's health is not something to overlook," he said, taking a deep breath and looking around my office. "What happened here? Your office changed."
I frowned and looked around as well, not noticing anything different. "What? It was the same the last time you were here."
"I think it became more feminine."
"Everything is fine here, Dad. If you want, you can take a look at the records and files of the company."
My dad cut me off. "Sofia, there is no need for that. If you say that everything's fine, then that's it. There's a reason you are the president."
I beamed at that. "Thanks for trusting me, dad."
"It's what you've prepared for, so I know I don't need to worry."
"Maybe because I always thought that you wanted a man to be the leader, and I didn't want to disappoint you."
"You can never disappoint me. I heard you are creating a new design, and Diether is now the main engineer of the company."
"That's right. We have three new designs, and you'll love them, but you won't be able to see them until the presentation," I told him with a sly grin.
"Did Angel participate?" He asked with narrowed eyes.
"Well, yes, he designed one of them, but I was the one who finished it. He won't be able to see them as well, and in fact, I forbade him from seeing our designs."
"That's good. The fact that he owns a direct competitor doesn't sit well with me."
"Dad, I understand, so I replaced him with Diether so Angel won't be able to see our designs, but he's still a co-owner of the company, and he told me he won't do anything to ruin us."
"He hates us, doesn't he? For whatever reason that only he knows, how could I believe him?"
"He'll suffer a great loss as well, Dad."
"But he will as well. Remember that he owns a fast-rising car company, Sofia."
"I know, but we can't just judge him based on that."
He took a deep breath. "That's fine, just for you."
"Let's see, Dad, are you really here just to check on me?"
"Uhm, no, your aunt organized an event, and I'm here to personally invite you and, of course, to check up on you," he cheekily replied.
"And you can't just call me and tell me?"
"And miss the chance of seeing my beautiful daughter?"
I rolled my eyes but smiled. "When is the event?"
"At the end of the week at the clubhouse, everyone will surely attend, so you have to be the fairest of them all."
"As always, Dad, but what do you mean by everyone?"
"Whoever your aunt invited. Why is your face like that? Ah, let me guess, a certain Leffman."
"Should I go with him?" I asked in hesitation, and he was quick to reply.
""No. You are divorced."
"Not officially. Most people don't know about it, and we have yet to sign the revised version."
"Do you want to go with him? Do you want to invite him?"
Yes. I answered in my mind.
"No, people will just be curious, and I'm not ready to face the press of gossip. I am already busy with work for that."
"They are used to not seeing you two together at events, so it wouldn't be a surprise if you arrive alone.
"Because he was not in the country, but now he's here, and I need to face their questions, and that is uncomfortable."
"You are an Andrew, so you can do it and more. Well, that's it, and let's have dinner."
"Are you inviting me for dinner, or do you just want to monitor what I eat?" I asked in suspicion.
He grinned at me. "Both."
I just shook my head and finished some documents, and we left for the clubhouse. From our table, we saw the Leffman couple with their friends, but we didn't pay them any mind. We decided to have dinner in peace and talked about everything a little. About projects, about my fashion dreams, which I didn't know existed,
"You should start your own company, Sofia."
Oh, if you only knew, Dad.
"Not now, dad. I have too much in my hands already, and I want to dedicate my time to it."
"If you still have that skill from when you were little, won't be long for you to be recognized," he stated, and I looked at him. Oh, dad. "Look at that new company called 'Lee Andrew's'. Whoever the owner is was able to create great designs that are known worldwide." If only you knew that I'm the owner, Dad.
"I know them, and I like their designs as well."
"I like them because they make everything, even for men, and I know you know them because you use their brand. Aren't you curious why their name is Lee Andrew's?
"Why? Because it's different?"
"I don't know; I just think it's amusing for them to be called Andrew's. Some may think it's associated with us."
"But people know that we are a car company, not fashion."
"That's true. Anyway, I'm glad we're eating together, princess."
"Me too, Dad. We should do this often."
"As many times as you want." Dad agreed, and we smiled at each other.
My eyes found Angel's parents again, and I remembered what Dad said that it was Mr. Leffman's idea for us to get married-but Angel told me that it was my dad who pressured him.
"Hey, Dad, about my wedding with Angel, you told me that it was his dad who wanted us to get married, right? Is that true? Did he tell you why? I mean, I know the benefits they'll get, but they must have another reason."
"That is true, and I won't lie to you about that. According to him, Angel was in love with you, but he couldn't approach you because of our differences in status. If you two get married, his status will change."
"That doesn't make any sense, "I said in confusion.
"I know I shouldn't have accepted the deal, but like what I told you, I had Angel investigate, and I saw great potential in him, and I thought he loves you like you love him." Does Angel love me? That is nothing but a dream. "I'm sorry, princess."
"Don't worry, Dad, I just saw his parents and I suddenly got angry. They have been using Angel to get what they want. They pressure and manipulate him, so it upsets me. I don't know why he doesn't realize it."
"A man like him isn't stupid, Sofia. Of course, he realizes it, but that is his family, and we cannot change our family."
"But Angel should limit them."
"Maybe he will do that one day if he wants. Now, stop worrying about them."
"Dad, why is someone asking about the past even though it doesn't make any sense?" I asked in wonder with Angel's questions in mind.
"What do you mean, daughter?"
"Angel has been asking me stupid questions since we were in college, and he never did that before."
"Maybe it doesn't matter to you, but it does to him. If someone asks, it's because they want to know the answer."
"But his questions don't make any sense or connect at all."
"Only he knows the answer to that, dear."
After our dinner, he took me to my apartment, and I wished him a safe trip back home. I looked at my phone, and I sighed when I saw no calls or messages from Angel, who said we'd talk.
The next morning, I woke up earlier than usual and left for Let-Tech, where Isaac was waiting for me with a cup of coffee and bread for breakfast.
"For the most beautiful boss," he said and bowed a little.
"Always charismatic and gentlemanly."
"In life, there should just be happiness. Anyway, have you thought about what I told you?"
"Uhm, no, because I haven't seen it. I'll let you know what I think once I see it, but my answer will probably remain the same."
"But, why..."
"Isaac, never mind that. How's the system and platform game?"
Isaac sighed but didn't press it. "They are finished, and both are just waiting for your approval."
"Perfect. Send it to me so I can review them, and... how's the problem with Alexis?"
"He hides his tracks well, but you know me; I will find his darkest secrets soon enough.*
"I have no doubt that you can. I'm just really busy these days, but if not, I will do it myself. I want to ruin that pervert and leave him with nothing."
"We'll do that, Sofia. You'll see that when we're done with him, he won't even mention your name."
"He will regret even thinking of blackmailing me and trying to molest me."
Isaac froze, and his eyes hardened. "Wait! What do you mean by that? I thought he was just blackmailing you! That motherfucker, I will crash him with my hands." ""Angel already did that, and he almost killed him."
"As he should, because the a*****e deserves that. How did he know? Did you tell him?"
"Not exactly. He was there when it happened. He put something in my drink, and my condition decided it was a good time to act up. It's a good thing that Angel was there or something worse happened."
"That bastard. I will find his dirtiest secret, you'll see." He spat and left my office with anger written all over his face.
I made some international calls to interested clients regarding our security system and communication platform. After that, I had some meetings with the other clients, and when everything was settled, I finally sat down and reviewed Angel's proposal. This is a bad idea. He wants to use our systems in his cars, just like Isaac mentioned. Being associated with Angel will only bring me trouble.
"Sofia, you won't believe..."
"What is it, Isaac? It better be important."
"See for yourself."
He showed me a video of Alexis harassing his secretary. "Please tell me he didn't do more than this," I said with my stomach turning and my blood boiling.
"I'd lie if I said yes because I have no idea, but I will find answers. I just thought you wanted to know about this."
"I do. How did you get it? Why am I even asking when I know how you did it?" I blabbed and shook my head.
The door opened, and I saw the last person I wanted to see, and my soul left me.
"Sofia?"
Despite my shock, I quickly composed myself, even though it felt like a bucket of ice fell on me. "What are you doing here, Angel?"
"I apologize, ma'am; I don't know how he got here." Sandra apologized behind him.
"What are you doing here, Sofia?" An equally shocked Angel asked me.
Earth, swallow me now so I can escape this awkward situation!Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.