The humiliation

Victor Harrison sat alone in his private study, the heavy oak desk illuminated by a single lamp. The city lights outside the window did little to ease the irritation building inside him. He had spent the evening reviewing reports, and every line reminded him of the humiliating loss to Silverline. He picked up his phone and dialed Sophia’s number she answered on the second ring.

“Victor,” she said, her voice smooth and composed. “I was expecting your call

Victor didn’t bother with pleasantries. His disappointment was clear in his tone. “I thought you said you were going to handle her. So what happened? How was she able to win?

There was a brief pause on Sophia’s end. When she spoke, her voice was careful, almost apologetic. “She’s really a tough one, Victor. I did everything. I called investors, spread the right rumors, applied pressure where it counted. I thought we had it locked down. But she was a step ahead of us. Silverline’s proposal was sharper than we anticipated. Evelyn… She knows how we operate. She used that against us.

Victor let out a low, frustrated breath. “This is unacceptable. Harrison Group does not lose to a small startup run by my former daughter-in-law. You assured me you could contain this. And now you thought you had it locked. Now look where we are. The board is already whispering. My son is distracted. And now we’re losing major contracts to nobodies.”

Sophia’s tone remained steady, but there was a hint of defensiveness. “I know. I underestimated her determination. She’s changed since she left. She’s not the quiet, self-sacrificing wife anymore. She’s fighting back, and she’s smart about it. But this is just one contract. We can still turn this around. I have other ideas. We can make things more difficult for her going forward. Leak more information about their financials, pressure their smaller investors, maybe even plant doubts about their long-term stability.”

Victor was quiet for a moment, the disappointment heavy in his voice. “I expected better from you, Sophia. You were supposed to be the one who could handle this quietly. Instead, Evelyn is gaining ground. Adrian is distracted. The board is starting to question things. This cannot continue. I won’t let our family name be dragged down by her little revenge project or whatever she trying to prove 

“I understand,” Sophia replied. “I won’t let it happen again. I’ll make sure Silverline feels the pressure. Evelyn thinks she can build something separate from us, but she’s wrong. I’ll remind her where she belongs. Give me a little more time. I’ll handle it personally.”

Victor sighed, rubbing his temple. “See what you do. The Harrison name cannot be embarrassed by her little success. Keep me updated on every step. And Sophia… do not disappoint me again. I’ve invested a lot in you. Don't make me regret it.

“I won’t,” she said firmly. “You have my word. I’ll take care of this. Evelyn won’t know what hit her I promise you I will do my best 

The call ended. Victor set the phone down and stared at the dark city outside. Evelyn’s rise was becoming a real problem. He had hoped Sophia could contain it. Now he wondered if he needed to take a more direct approach himself. The thought of his former daughter-in-law outmaneuvering them was infuriating. He had never liked her much, but he had tolerated her for the sake of the contract. Now she was a threat.

He poured himself another drink and sat back, mind racing with possibilities. The company came first. Always. And if Sophia couldn’t deliver, he would find someone who could.Immediately Margaret step in, victor who were you talking to on the phone and what's this silverline thing and who didn't handle what well she asked.mother is really nothing,you don't have to worry about it is just work discussion he replies.it doesn't seem that way to me and whatever is it you're planning do not hurt my grandson I don't know where this pressure is coming from but I'm sure your father didn't pressure you like this you are doing to your son.but mother how could you possibly think I would hurt my son he replied.then she looked at him and says you are a lot victor as she stepped out walking towards Adrian's room with a cup of tea 

Meanwhile, Sophia sat in her own luxurious apartment, staring at her phone after the call. Victor’s disappointment stung, but it also fueled her. Evelyn had won this round, but the game was far from over. She would make sure the next one went differently.

She poured herself a glass of wine and smiled faintly. Evelyn might be smart, but Sophia was relentless. She had spent years positioning herself in Adrian’s life, waiting for the right moment. She wasn’t about to let Evelyn ruin that now.

She took a sip, savoring the taste, and began thinking of her next move. More calls. More pressure. Maybe even a few well-placed leaks to the media perfectly since she has made herself a media figure. I will humiliate her with the media Evelyn thought she could escape and build something new. How naïve. Sophia would remind her that leaving the Harrison world had consequences.

The battle for control was only beginning and Sophia had no intention of losing she's going to fight with everything in her 

She finished her wine and set the glass down, her mind already turning to the next steps. Evelyn might have surprised her once. It wouldn’t happen again let her celebrate now because what's coming for her is bigger than her and whole silverline technologie thing