Revenge is Best Served After Reborn (James)

Colby showed up in just thirty minutes flat. Normally, the drive from the airport to Aldridge Estate takes a good forty minutes at least. No doubt, he must've been running red lights, speeding, and pulling off some wild stunts to make it there so quick. The alarms outside the Aldridge Estate were blaring nonstop. Someone was definitely trying to break in. Inside, Odie slipped on his noise-canceling headphones, knowing all too well how Colby operates. If he can't get in the easy way, he doesn't mind going for the hard way. But this time, he was here to see Sophie, so he had to play nice and not upset her. He probably didn't break in, but he definitely set off the alarms.

As expected, the Aldridge family's security team rushed to the front gate. When they saw who it was, they were taken aback. There was Colby, standing solo outside the iron gate with a gun in hand. He must've shot an alarm, setting off every single one in the place. "Colby, what's going on here?" The lead guard stepped up, trying to negotiate. One on the inside, one on the outside, and the tension was thick.

"I'm here for Sophie. Open the gate."

"Colby, it's not up to us. Mr. Aldridge gave strict orders not to open it... unless Ms. Sophie wants to see you herself. Otherwise, we can't risk it."

Harold had left them with clear instructions. When in doubt, use Sophie as the excuse. And sure enough, Colby's stern look softened a bit. "I don't want to cause trouble, but if Sophie won't see me, I'll have to take matters into my own hands."

The lead guard was in a tough spot. It would be different if it were anyone else, but this was Colby. They couldn't really make a move on him, and even if they did, they wouldn't stand a chance.

"Colby, why not try reaching out to Ms. Sophie? If she's willing to see you, then everyone wins..."

Before the guard could finish, Colby suddenly reached through the iron gate. In a flash, he had the security captain, by the collar, holding him tight. "Colby... we can talk this out, but even if you kill me, I can't fet you in without Mr. Aldridge's say so."

The captain was on the verge of tears. They were all rigorously trained by the Aldridge family. No matter the cost, loyalty to the family came first. If Harold said no entry, then no entry it was, even if it meant facing Colby's wrath. "She won't sit by and watch me do this," Colby said calmly. He knew exactly what Sophie hated most, and it was the only way to get her to come out.

And just like that, Sophie appeared,

walking out from the Aldridge

mansion. The crowd parted to make way for her. She approached the iron gate, eye's fixed on the security captain caught in Colby's grip. "Do you really have to push me to come out like this?"

It had been a week since she'd last seen him. Colby looked rough around the edges, like he hadn't slept in days. Dark circles under his eyes, his hair and beard had grown far cry from the neat

out

appearance Sophie used to maintain for him. Now, even his stubble was showing.