Chapter Thirty-Four: A Test Of Loyalty

Sophia had been waiting for this meeting.

She sat in the VIP lounge of one of Matilda’s clubs, a drink in her hand, legs crossed. When Matilda entered, she barely looked up.

"So, I take it this isn’t a social visit," Sophia said.

Matilda sat across from her, studying the woman’s carefully neutral expression. "You’ve been busy."

Sophia shrugged. "You know how it is. Business doesn’t stop."

"Business doesn’t. But my people don’t make deals behind my back."

Sophia finally looked at her, a slow smirk playing on her lips. "And what exactly are you accusing me of, Matilda?"

Matilda leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. "I don’t make accusations, Sophia. I make decisions."

Silence.

For the first time, Sophia’s smirk faltered.

"You think I betrayed you," Sophia said, voice carefully measured.

"I t……