Revenge is Best Served After Reborn (James)

Angelo's arrival had thrown her for a loop.

"I'll take that as a compliment, Ms. Sophie."

Kiran, with his hand casually resting on the table, gave the wine glass a gentle nudge and said, "I've got a proposition for the two of you."

"Oh? What kind of proposition?"

Kiran put down his glass of red wine, leaning in a bit, "Hand over Odie."

The smile on Sophie's face faded at those words.

"I heard Odie gave you a tough time back in Summerfield. By all accounts, there should be nothing but bad blood between you two. Handing over Odie shouldn't be that hard for you, right?"

"That must've been ages ago, right?" Sophie stretched out the word 'ages' with a knowing smile, "If I remember right, back in Devonport, we were all strategizing against Joseph. Mr. Angelo, that quirky pajama of yours is still in a room at the Aldridge Estate... I wonder if Mr. Angelo remembers that?"

Kiran's smile vanished, and his eyes turned icy, sharp enough to cut. In that moment, it seemed like he could end Sophie with just a look.

The wound on her shoulder still throbbed, but Sophie had to keep her cool in front of Kiran.

She couldn't figure out what Kiran was up to.

But Gordon used to say, this is how it goes when the strong clash.

It's all about keeping your composure.

If one side falters first, they're pretty much done for.

Sophie couldn't let Kiran see her fear. She held her ground and said, "Seems like you remember, Mr. Angelo. And since you do, you should know I, Sophie, don't betray my own." "Then there's no other option."

As Kiran finished speaking, suddenly, a dozen people rushed out, surrounding Sophie and Colby.

Sophie shouted, "Kiran! You can't just break your word like that!"

"I never claimed to be trustworthy."

Kiran smirked, "Your crew's surrounded by my guys now. They're stuck, just like you are."

"Is that so?" Colby said coolly, "Kiran, don't get too full of yourself."

Nearby, the sound of a scuffle erupted, but it only lasted a heartbeat.

Three seconds later, Kiran could hear the rumbling of reinforcements heading their way.

Colby took Sophie's hand, signaling her to sit down.

Sophie settled back into her seat as Colby said calmly, "I showed up out of respect. But if you're going to play dirty to the

don't expect me to sto play

rules of fair play."

Colby's crew was already backing Sophie, both teams locked

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in a faltandoff, neither backing

down.

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Sophie chimed in, "Can we all just chill out and talk this over now?"

"Alright, Kiran

Said, "I want the gemstone

Odie's got. Hand it over, and we'll call it quits."

Bsts both take a step back,"

"Call it quits?"

Colby chuckled like he'd just heard a good joke, pulling out his handgun, and in a flash, it was ready to go.