Chapter 77

• Victoria lounged in her marble tub, candlelight flickering around while Puccini’s “O Mio Babbino Caro” swelled through the lavender filled air. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city skyline twinkled. Her condo’s suite offered a breathtaking view, but she let her eyes close as she let the warm water work its magic.
• Jack’s frantic call earlier, informing her of Sophia’s disappearance, hadn’t disturbed her serenity.The phone lay silent on the counter, its screen still displaying the missed call. Victoria’s expression remained peaceful, unaffected by the news as she sipped her wine, the bubbles in the tub popping softly.
• Just then, the door swung open and Charles entered, his presence a contrast to the serenity of the moment.