Since Monica had made the first move, Sophia realized that the younger woman had probably planned everything out. She knew that she had to be careful when dealing with the other woman. After some thought, she had Blake arrange for several strong bodyguards to come with her as she hurried to the café.
When she entered the café, Monica was already waiting for her in a private room.
Monica’s eyes flashed when she noticed the four bodyguards following Sophia. Looks like she’s already on her guard. I need to be cautious when I carry out my plan later.
“Monica, where are Nina and Maya?”
“Patience. Have a seat before we talk.”
Sophia struggled to tamp down her anxiety and fury as she sat down primly.
Monica gave Sophia’s bodyguards a pointed look. “Mrs. Seet, I wish to talk to you about certain events that happened in the past. Don’t you think it necessary for them to leave before we do?”
In truth, Sophia did not want anybody else to know about what happened back then. After all, Jonathan and the Seet family’s reputations were at stake. She glanced back at her bodyguards and ordered, “Wait for me outside.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
The four bodyguards filed out of the room.
Now that it was only the two women, Sophia focused her attention on Monica. Her tone was even as she spoke up, “Go on then. Tell me what you want in return for freeing Maya and Nina.”
“I have two conditions.”
“What are they?”
“I want Seet Group to file for bankruptcy and Jonathan Seet to pay with his life!”
Sophia grimaced at the terms. Recalling what had happened all those years ago, she did her best to remain calm. “I admit that what happened to your father and Marston Group was because of Jonathan. We’re willing to pay for what we did. However, could you set some other conditions? Seet Group has more than tens of thousands of employees depending on it for a living. If the company goes bankrupt, they’ll all lose their jobs. Please, just think of it as doing a good deed and change your terms. As for my husband, could you not demand his life? Both of us are willing to atone for his sins. We’ll do whatever you want of us.”
“Whatever I want? Really?”
“Yes. As long as you let him live, we’ll make amends some other way!”
Monica scrutinized the older woman intently. A few beats later, she stated, “You want me to let him live? Sure, then you can take his place! How about it? Your life for my father’s life!”
She wants my life? So either way, she wants the Seet family to lose a life for our sins.
Sophia was well aware that what happened back then had to be resolved one way or the other. If it would stop anyone else from being involved in this and let the Seet family live peacefully, she would happily give up her life.
“Monica, all this ends with my death, alright?”
“Hah, as if! You’re only dying on behalf of Jonathan for my father’s death! Only Seet Group going bankrupt will even things out for what happened to Marston Group!”
Sophia fell silent for several long moments. Then, she stared Monica straight in the eye. “Monica, must you really drive the Seet family into a corner?”
“Yes! The more you Seets suffer, the better! Only seeing all of you in desperation can soothe the hatred in my heart! In fact, I hope your family is utterly destroyed! Then, and only then, can my father rest in peace! I’m sure he’ll be pleased to see that I’ve avenged him.”
Taking in the crazed look on Monica’s face, Sophia understood that the former had been completely blinded by her hatred and thirst for vengeance. At this point, all the other woman could think about was how to make the Seet family pay. Nothing Sophia said would get through to her. Thus, there was no point in discussing this further.
“Monica, don’t even think about leaving without letting Nina and Maya go! I’ve already given instructions to my bodyguards earlier. I’m certain they’ve already gotten rid of your two bodyguards by now. The only way you’re walking out this door is if you tell me where my granddaughters are!”
Monica had not expected Sophia to do something like that. Despite that, there was not the slightest hint of fear on her face as she gazed at the older woman. Abruptly, she scoffed. “I had heard about how you were a woman who shouldn’t be underestimated. Yet, I honestly had not thought you would have the guts to come up with a plan to deal with me even as we’re negotiating!”
“I’m doing this for my granddaughters! Monica, just tell me where they are. I’ll send some men over to pick them up and bring them home. Once I’m assured that they’re safe and sound, I won’t pursue this matter further!”
After all, what happened to the Marston family truly was the Seet family’s fault.
