Chapter 41: Beauty’s Heart

The next morning.

The Drake Mansion, Evan's private study.

Evan slammed his fist on the desk.

"Jonathan!"

He gritted his teeth, his handsome face twisted with murderous intent. "That bastard, how dare he!"

His trusted subordinate stood before him, trembling with his head lowered.

"Mr. Drake, Charles's body was discovered in his villa early this morning."

One subordinate reported in a low voice, "Based on the evidence at the scene, the killer's methods matched those of Jonathan's people exactly..."

"I knew it was him!"

Evan shot up from his seat, his whole body shaking with rage.

"Killing Henry wasn't enough for him, now he's killed Charles too! This is a declaration of war!"

"Mr. Drake, what should we do?" his subordinate asked cautiously.

Evan trembled with fury. "Charles was my man, everyone in New York knows that! Killing Charles is a declaration of war!"

"This idiot thinks killing my people will help him turn things around? Naive!"

"He wants to play rough? Fine! I'll give him what he wants!"

Evan took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.

"Contact the Nightfall organization."

"Mr. Drake, but the Nightfall organization's Killer has already..."

"I don't care!"

Evan cut him off. "Nightfall isn't just one Killer! I'll pay whatever it takes!"

"I want Jonathan dead!"

"Understood, I'll handle it right away!"

The subordinate left to carry out the order.

Evan stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the gloomy sky outside the estate, his eyes full of madness.

"Jonathan... you made the first move... so don't blame me for being ruthless..."

Evening.

The Vanderbilt Mansion, main building dining room.

The huge crystal chandelier cast a soft glow, illuminating the entire dining room.

On the long dining table, candles on silver candlesticks flickered gently, casting dancing shadows.

Only two sets of fine tableware were laid out on the table, with freshly cut steaks on white bone china plates, their aroma filling the air.

Sophia wore a black backless evening gown, sitting elegantly at the head of the table, her long legs crossed, the hem of her dress revealing glimpses of pale skin.

Her slender fingers held the stem of a wine glass, gently swirling the red wine inside, watching the liquid trace beautiful arcs on the glass.

Leo sat across from her in a black three-piece suit, cutting his steak.

Neither spoke, only the soft sound of cutlery against porcelain breaking the silence.

"Leo."

Sophia set down her wine glass, her blue eyes lifting to look at the man across from her, her voice gentle. "The Vanderbilt family lost two more people today."

"I know."

Leo responded flatly, bringing a piece of cut steak to his mouth and chewing slowly.

"Henry and Charles... did you do it?"

Sophia picked up her wine glass again, her red lips parting slightly as she took a small sip.

Leo looked up at her, not answering directly.

"What do you think?"

"I think..."

Sophia stood up, walked around the long table to Leo's side, and placed her hands on both armrests of his chair, her body almost pressed against him.

The neckline of her black dress fell open as she leaned forward, offering a glimpse of her alluring figure.

A faint scent of perfume mixed with the fruity aroma of wine wafted from her, intoxicating.

"I think... you're truly Leo."

Sophia's voice carried a hint of seduction. "Framing others, sowing discord, making Jonathan and Evan kill each other. Such methods... are brilliantly captivating."

"What are you trying to say?"

Leo set down his cutlery and wiped his mouth with a napkin.

"I'm saying..."

Sophia extended her slender finger, gently tracing Leo's cheek. "I've already prepared everything in the economic arena."

"Is that so?" Leo raised an eyebrow.

"Drake Group's stock price has plummeted these past few days, losing tens of billions in market value."

Sophia straightened up and walked back to her seat, sitting down elegantly. "I've secretly acquired fifteen percent of their shares. When the time is right, I can challenge them at the board meeting."

"And..."

She picked up her wine glass, taking a light sip, a satisfied smile playing at her lips.

"On the Rosenberg family's side, Chloe is also cooperating with me. She's using the family's investment bank to cut off Drake Group's financing channels."

"The Drake family now is at the end of its rope."

Leo nodded.

"Good. Keep up the pressure."

He stood up, taking his suit jacket from the back of the chair.

"It's getting late, I should go."

"Wait."

Sophia also stood up, quickly walking to Leo and blocking his path.

"Leo..."

She looked up, her blue eyes gazing directly into Leo's, full of sincerity.

"I like you."

The air instantly froze.

Leo looked at the woman before him, saying nothing.

"I know this is sudden."

Sophia took a deep breath and continued. "But I have to say it. Leo, from the moment you first appeared before me, I felt drawn to you."

"Your strength, your composure, your methods... all of it fascinates me."

"I know Chloe likes you."

Sophia paused. "But I don't mind. I just want to tell you, I'm willing to be your woman."

Leo was silent for a few seconds.

"Sophia..."

"You don't need to answer."

Sophia interrupted him. "I know right now you only want one thing--to bring down the Drake family and avenge Luke."

"I understand you. So I don't need your answer."

"I just want you to know that on this path of revenge, you're not alone."

With that, Sophia stood on her tiptoes, wrapped her arms around Leo's neck, and kissed him.

It was a tender and lingering kiss.

Not aggressive like Ivy's, nor shy and innocent like Chloe's.

But rather the unique gentleness and determination of a mature woman.

After a long moment, they separated.

Sophia released her hold and stepped back, smoothing her slightly disheveled hair.

"Leo, I admire you. Not just because of your strength, but because of your loyalty."

"Avenging a friend, willing to go to war with all of New York. A man like that... is worth my devotion."

Leo looked at her, a flash of complex emotion in his eyes.

After a moment, he reached out and gently caressed her cheek.

"Sophia, when all this is over... I'll give you an answer."

With that, Leo withdrew his hand, turned, and left the dining room.

His footsteps gradually faded down the hallway until they disappeared completely.

Sophia stood in place, watching the direction he'd gone, not moving for a long time.

She slowly raised her hand, her slender fingers gently touching her lips that had just been kissed, as if his warmth still lingered there.

A satisfied smile unconsciously curved her lips.

"Leo... I'll wait for you."