Chapter 10 - Angelina Romano

In the club after Matthew left -

Sophie finished writing something in her handbook, nodded to herself, and then started walking towards the restricted access door, which opened up to a long hallway. She walked through it to a door and went in without knocking.

Inside, she entered what looked like a personal office. The office was well-lit, a contrast to the dark nightclub. In the fancy office, a young woman sat comfortably in a lush chair.

She had chestnut hair and hazel eyes that were focused on her laptop. Her nose and cheekbones were on point, giving her a mature look. Wearing a snazzy red blouse, she looked really put together and confident. The whole scene was like a snapshot of elegance and sophistication, as if she owned the place. You could practically feel the vibe – she was a boss, no doubt. ( Character Art Uploaded! )

"So, who was he?" She asked Sophie in an interrogating tone.

"Just a customer, an interesting and tricky one at that. He's got this complicated 'task' he wants my 'help' with," Sophie replied casually.

"Sophie, I've been thinking. You really need to be careful with this... 'hobby' of yours. Asking your clients for their life stories can lead to trouble."

"Oh, come on, lighten up! It's all in good fun. People spin the craziest tales. And this guy? He's a tough nut to crack, won't spill a word about himself."

"So what did you do?" she asked Sophie, half-expecting Sophie must have done something stupid again.

"He handed me an IOU and 5000 Alpenas. Can you believe it?"

"5000 Alpenas as the advance?" the other lady was a bit taken aback.

"I know, right? He's not from around here, seemed a bit clueless. Didn't even notice the bouncers. I doubt he's a Viable," Sophie said, brushing it off.

The lady sighed, "Sophie, these people are dangerous. You can't afford to be so nonchalant about it. They might see you as a liability. Curiosity kills the cat you know."

"Come on, Angie, live a little. It's not like anyone's ever been able to trace me. And besides, I've got you to watch my back, don't I? Aren't you like, the strongest Viable in the city? So, if anyone comes after me, you can just punch them into oblivion." *poof* she made a gesture with her hands.

The lady who Sophie called Angie could feel a headache coming. "I've seen enough in this world to know that complacency can be your downfall. You can't rely on luck forever," she reprimanded.

"I don't have to rely on luck; I can just rely on you," Sophie said playfully. "Won't you save your adorable lover," she added, making a teary-eyed puppy face.

'Angie' glared at Sophie, a stern expression on her face. "You are not my lover," she shattered Sophie's hopes in a single sentence.

Sophie faked a devastated look on her face. "You are breaking up with me?" sob sob

"Stop being so dramatic. There was and never will be nothing between us. I have told you a thousand times to find someone else. I am not into girls," 'Angie' had no mercy.

"Oh, c'mon. I have been trying for so many years. And it's not like you are into boys either. When was the last time you had a boyfriend? Oh, let me guess, NEVER!"

"You don't know that, and I guess I am not a relationship person."

"You won't know until you try. I can't believe it. 'The great Angelina Romano never had sex.' If I publish this title on the new social media thingy, it will be so popular."

Angelina now genuinely glared at her. "We are not having this discussion anymore," she shut her up sternly.

Sophie immediately shut up. She knew Angie was angry. So she folded her hands, just glared at her, and pouted hard.

There was silence for a moment as the glared at each other. Angelina leaned back in her chair and pinched the middle of her eyebrows. Then she just lay back, her eyes closed.

"Sophie, I care about you. But that doesn't mean you can't expect me to bail you out every time you get yourself into trouble. Stop being so childish. I can't keep taking care of you like when we were little," she said, her eyes still closed.

Sophie didn't reply, got up from her chair, gathered her things, and turned to Angelina. "I am going to see Lyzzie for some info, you coming?"

"Sure, I need a drink after this. Let me just wrap this up."

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Matthew was about to start walking toward home, but suddenly, he heard a familiar chime in his head.

[ Quest Complete : Tutorial Quest #2 ]

[ Generating Rewards..... ]

[ Status : Unlocked ]

[ Received : 10000 ALP. Check your desk. ]

[ New Quest : Tutorial Quest #3 (Locked) ]

[ New Initiative : Exploration#1 ]

"Hey, Quirk, what's a Initiative?" Matthew asked Quirk as he was walking towards home and going through the notifications.

[ Initiatives are long-term objectives. Unlike quest objectives which give rewards after you complete the quest. Initiatives give bonus rewards called 'caches' when you are working on them and make progress. Initiatives can take from a few days to a few weeks to complete. ]

"Oh, I guess, we will know more when I start working on it. For now lets open 'Status'. I have been waiting for this one the most besides 'Shop'"

Matthew opened the Interface and clicked on status -

╔════════════════════╗

║ - Status - 

╠════════════════════╣

║ Name: Matthew Marshall 

║ Hierarchy Level: N/A 

║ Influence Points: N/A 

║ 

║ EHV: N/A 

║ 

║ [ Mastery ] 

║ [ System Augments (N/A) ] 

║ [ Funds ] 

║ [ Documentation (N/A) ] 

║ [ Territory (N/A) ] 

║ 

║ - Exit - 

╚════════════════════╝

"Whoa! That's more than I expected."

( Author : That's what she said! *ahem* *ahem* )