Chapter 8 - The Hidden Flash Drive
As the heavy footsteps of Arthur and his guards faded down the private hallway, the penthouse descended into a tense, suffocating silence.
Alexander slowly lowered the pistol, his hands trembling slightly as he tossed the weapon back into the lockbox and slammed the lid shut.
"Are you alright?" Alexander asked, turning quickly toward Sophie, his dark eyes scanning her face for any sign of injury.
"I'm fine," Sophie breathed, though her legs felt like lead as she sank heavily into one of the leather desk chairs.
"Alexander... he killed her. Your own father murdered Victoria."
"I knew he was ruthless, but I never believed he would cross that line," Alexander muttered, running a hand through his dark hair in sheer frustration as he began pacing the floor.
"For years, I thought he was just a ruthless corporate tyrant. But covering up a murder to protect corporate assets... he's a monster."
"And he thinks I have the digital key," Sophie said, looking up at him with wide, fearful eyes.
"He mentioned a backup key that Victoria hid before she vanished. If your father believes I have it, my life isn't safe anywhere in New York."
Alexander stopped pacing, his expression turning grim as he processed her words.
"Did she ever contact you before tonight, Sophie? Did she ever send you a package, a letter, or a digital file?"
"Never," Sophie insisted, shaking her head.
"I swear to you, Alexander, I had never even heard the name Victoria Vance until you said it across that restaurant table."
"Then she must have hidden it somewhere connected to you without your knowledge," Alexander concluded, walking over to the desk and leaning down.
"Think, Sophie. Is there a place you go? A locker, a safety deposit box, a café?"
Sophie paused, searching her memory desperately.
"I... I have a small storage locker downtown where I keep my mother's old childhood belongings. But I haven't opened it in months."
May you like
Alexander straightened up immediately, grabbing his car keys from the console.
"Get your coat. We're going."
