9. Beauty and Bargains

"Elijah, I have great news!"

Sophia’s voice was bright with excitement over the phone.

Elijah smirked, leaning back in his chair at Arthur Palace.

"What is it, Sophia?" he asked.

"My high school reunion worked out! Linda helped me secure a potential partnership with the Yale Group!" Sophia exclaimed.

"We just need to finalize it in person."

Elijah chuckled softly.

"Good job. I knew you could do it," he said.

"I’ll come to pick you up. Be ready in ten minutes."

Sophia giggled.

"I’ll be waiting!"

Elijah hung up the phone and called out, "Doug, get the car. We’re picking up Sophia."

Doug grinned, already grabbing the keys.

"On it, Marshal," he replied.

...

As they drove through the busy streets, Sophia chatted away in the backseat, her excitement bubbling over.

"It’s been so long since I’ve seen Linda. I was worried she wouldn’t even remember me," she said.

Elijah, sitting beside her, glanced over.

"And how did it go?" he asked.

Sophia smiled.

"Better than I expected. She was really helpf