Chapitre 13: Chapter 13- The cold war

Sophia's hands had wrinkled the bedclothes; she knew from her studies in nutrition that she shouldn't eat too much after being excessively hungry, but a bowl of thin porridge didn't fill her up at all, and hearing him say that only made her feel more frustrated.

Throughout the night, she tossed and turned, but she didn't dream again.

In the morning, Sophia woke up very early. She wasn't sure if she needed to go to work to get something to eat. Guessing that no one else was up yet, she thought about sneaking out to bake some simple cakes or cookies.

But as soon as she opened the door and stepped outside, she saw a shadow sitting by the dining table, a cigarette flickering in his fingers, as if waiting for her, the trapped little rabbit.

Sophia wanted to retreat back to her room but was called, "Come here!"

She walked over and saw the man get up to fetch two bowls of hot porridge from the kitchen, placing one in front of her and the other in front of himself, eating slowly.

Seeing that Sophia wasn't moving, he didn't encourage her but went back to the kitchen to bring out two plates of steamed snacks: various small buns, steamed corn, and delicate purple sweet potatoes.

He tore open a custard bun and ate it with relish, deliberately asking with feigned kindness, "Do you want some?"

Sophia turned her gaze away in frustration and started drinking the porridge. The plain porridge had no flavor, just a bit thicker than yesterday's. The door to Diana's room was closed, so she probably wasn't up yet. Who made this early Italian pasta?

Could it be this mafia?

He can cook? Don't joke around!

"You can eat more today. Everything on this table is for you!" he announced generously, but Sophia couldn't feel any happiness.

"If you still don't plan to give me pasta in the future, then don't give me any now. Just shoot me and be done with it, really!"

Her rare serious expression made him stare at her for a few seconds before he lowered his gaze and said softly, "It won't be like this in the future!"

He couldn't argue with the girl and didn't want to watch her die in front of him.

"What?" Sophia didn't hear what he said clearly.

"Don't you want to escape? How can you escape if you're not full?" Capone said with a cold, stern expression.

Sophia continued to avoid his touch, which made him uncomfortable, reminding him of her disgust and murmurs in her sleep. He felt powerless but unwilling to explain further.

The cold war between the two began like this. Capone no longer demanded that Sophia work in exchange for food, but even when they ate at the same table, they ignored each other and never sat together.

Sophia kept busy during the day, still helping Lucy and Diana with tasks. The nights were tough for her; she feared that Capone would pull her into bed to torment her again. She stayed in Diana's room until very late, but fortunately, he no longer demanded she wait for him in his room. She lived in constant anxiety, managing to get through several days like this.

However, Sophia noticed that Capone seemed busier than before. He was often away during the day and would hold meetings with Mandy and others at night.

Recalling the news she had heard that day, she realized that his current situation was far from optimistic. She was also worried that he might use her as leverage to force the Diaz family into making a deal, potentially causing the Diaz family to suffer losses or become controlled by him.

Escaping remained her most urgent desire, but right now she felt like a pet he kept under his control, enjoying watching her struggle or beg, confident that she couldn't escape his grasp.

Sophia had considered asking Diana for help, but Diana could only smile helplessly and say, "I'm sorry, Sophia. I know it's wrong that Capone brought you here, but I really can't help you! When my father died, I swore that I would not participate in any of the Franklin family's business or activities, but I also absolutely cannot sabotage them. Besides, helping you escape might not necessarily be a good thing… Can't you possibly be with him?"

Sophia didn't understand why Diana said that letting her go home might not be a good thing and could only reject it based on her own sense of right and wrong, "I can't spend my life with a man who assaults me! Moreover, good and evil cannot coexist; we are from two different worlds!"

"The Franklin family's business is now cleaned up, especially since Capone took over from his father. They have cut ties with some of their former business partners and offended many of the elders! Entertainment venues and clubs, which require special backgrounds, are just playing on the edges, using old connections and prestige to protect their own interests."

"But the guns? I clearly saw them using guns. The barrel was pressed against my waist, and if the trigger was pulled, I would be dead! Is killing someone as easy for them as killing a rat?"

Diana was silent for a moment, then said, "You should have no intentions of harming others, but you must be cautious. Past collaborations and favors can be severed, but hatred and the law of the jungle cannot be cut off. If someone is coming after them with a gun, how can you protect yourself without one?"

Sophia understood Diana's point, but she couldn't overcome her own feelings, and Capone hated and tormented her; they could never be in love

Only those who love each other can stay together for a lifetime, right?

At dinner, Capone glanced at the two girls whispering at the table and said, "The day after tomorrow, I've arranged a dinner party. Diana, you must attend. You're not getting any younger; it's time to find a boyfriend!"

Diana didn't refuse, just lowered her head and said, "Blind dates are fine, but Capone, you don't need to arrange the dinner party. I can go on my own."

"There will be more than one person this time, all distinguished young men. I need to make a good impression. I can't have you dismissing people like you did the last two times!"

"Well then, since I always get nervous and lose my composure alone, let Sophia come with me. She can be your companion. Capone, you used to bring a beauty to dinner parties, didn't you? Instead of inviting those women, it's better to have Sophia come along. She can also keep me company!"

Originally, Capone would have never agreed to Diana's request. Sophia Diaz was a hostage, and the Diaz family was searching high and low for her. Taking her out in public was risky and could potentially leak information, which was unacceptable.

But Diana's last remark changed his mind.

Capone sneered, "Fine, we'll go together. Dress up nicely, don't embarrass me!"

Diana's disdain for his superficial show made him even more determined to include her in it. Besides, he could see she was searching for every possible opportunity to escape. He might as well deliver another blow, making her understand that no matter what, she wouldn't be able to leave unless he agreed.

Sophia was indeed thrilled; she saw this as an opportunity to escape.

She thanked Diana for securing this chance for her. The girl wasn't without principles; she was giving her hope in her own way.

Therefore, Sophia also wanted to repay her in her own way.

Sophia had been raised in luxury and knew how to take care of and dress herself. She could create a delicate and elegant makeup look in just ten minutes. In contrast, Diana never wore makeup and only had the plainest shirts and jeans, many of which didn't suit her at all. Going on a blind date like this was unacceptable.

She needed some clothes and cosmetics, but Diana, who was already reluctant to go on the date and would rather scare off those rich young men without makeup and proper attire, was not going to ask Capone for these things.

Sophia had no choice but to approach Capone herself.

"Buy clothes and cosmetics? Do you plan on going shopping? Absolutely not!"

Sophia was frustrated, "Since you're sending her on a blind date, you should give her a chance to present herself well. And it's you who said you didn't want to be embarrassed. Am I supposed to go out dressed like this?"

She was wearing a pair of loose, casual pants and a wrinkled shirt, with the vest underneath clearly visible through the light.

Capone frowned in displeasure but had Joey make a trip to the port area the next day.

"Did you buy all of these?" Sophia asked, surprised as she received the items—a full set of Chanel cosmetics and several sets of Miu Miu dresses, all of which suited both her and Diana.

"Don't ask!" Joey said indignantly, "Anyway, it was picked out by an expert, so just wear it!"

It was overkill. The boss must have done this on purpose to make him buy these women's things. Was all his exceptional driving skill wasted on this?

"Sophia, can I skip the makeup? I already feel strange dressed like this!"

Seizing the opportunity, Sophia helped Diana into the new dress, removed the glasses from her nose, applied makeup, and used a curling iron to style her hair. Although Diana felt awkward, the result was surprisingly good. The reflection in the mirror showed a sophisticated and fashionable woman, a stark contrast to her usual self.

"I told you, you look beautiful. Look at how defined your features are, and your figure is great!" Sophia felt a small sense of accomplishment.

Diana wasn't used to it, fidgeted with her hair, and insisted that Sophia try on the new clothes so she could see the effect.

Sophia, with her hair in a ponytail and dressed in a new outfit, looked much more spirited. Diana dragged her to show Lucy, figuring Capone and the others should be away at this time.

However, as soon as the two girls stepped out of the room, they ran into Cronus. Seeing the two of them dressed up, he froze on the spot.

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