Sophia's face instantly frosted over. "What kind of driving is that?!" she snapped sharply.

"My apologies, Miss Mitchell," the driver hurriedly replied, his voice tense. "The car ahead suddenly cut into our lane. I had no choice but to brake."

"Pay attention to the road," Sophia scowled, her displeasure evident.

Just then, a large, intimidating man dressed entirely in black and wearing dark sunglasses approached their vehicle. He rapped firmly on Sophia's window. Her heart leaped into her throat, her first terrified thought screaming 'kidnapping'.

"Drive! Now!" she shrieked, panic clawing at her.

"But we're blocked in, Miss!" the driver cried out helplessly, gesturing frantically. "They've boxed us in from behind too!"

Sophia was utterly terrified, her mind racing. She fumbled for her phone, intent on calling the police, but it rang before she could dial. In her flustered state, she answered.

"Hello, Miss Mitchell. This is Victoria Stuart," a calm, measured voice stated on the other end.

Sophia froze, momentarily wondering if she was hearing things correctly.

"Please step out of the car. My security will escort you to my tea estate. There's a matter I wish to discuss with you in person," Victoria continued, her tone leaving no room for argument. "You have my word. My family engages in legitimate business. You are in no danger."

Hesitation still gripped Sophia. Sensing this, Victoria added, "I trust someone of your intelligence is familiar with the concept that the enemy of my enemy is my friend?"

With that final pointed remark, Victoria ended the call.

noveldrama

Sophia, a natural schemer, quickly processed the situation. Realization dawned. She promptly opened the car door and followed the man in black into a separate vehicle. They drove to a secluded tea estate on the outskirts of Crestwood.

Upon entering the estate, she felt as if she had been transported to another era. The marble sculptures and intricate decorations were unmistakably antique, possessing an old-world grandeur.

A servant guided her to a serene tea room where Victoria Stuart was leisurely sipping her tea.

"Miss Mitchell," Victoria greeted, offering a cordial, if calculated, smile.

"Miss Stuart," Sophia returned the greeting, her manners impeccably polite despite the circumstances.

"Please, have a seat." Victoria gestured gracefully to the cushion opposite her.

"Thank you."

Victoria waited until a servant had poured tea for Sophia before getting straight to the point. "I'm certain you can surmise why I requested your presence here, Miss Mitchell. I require your assistance in dealing with Elise Scott."

Sophia was taken aback by such directness. They were virtual strangers, meeting for the first time. Did Victoria trust her so implicitly? Wasn't she concerned about a potential betrayal?

"I've done my research on you," Victoria stated coolly, sliding a slim document folder across the low table. "One could say I understand you quite thoroughly now. Consequently, a clever individual like you recognizes what is ultimately in her own best interest. I am entirely convinced that a collaboration between us would be… perfect."

"Why should I help you?" Sophia questioned, playing her part. She couldn't appear too eager, even when facing a potential ally who shared her desire to crush Elise Scott and ensure she never recovered.

Victoria simply took a slow, deliberate sip of her tea, her expression unreadable. "I see no need to elaborate on the resentment you harbor towards Elise Scott and the advantages she possesses. That is irrelevant. What matters is our aligned objective. Assist me, and once Elise is dealt with, I will ensure Scott Enterprise is yours."

Sophia's eyes immediately ignited with a brilliant, avaricious spark.