Chapter 842 The Traitor Who Got Betrayed [Part 1]
Villain Ch 842. The Traitor Who Got Betrayed [Part 1]
Meanwhile, Sophia sat behind her desk at the modeling agency, her face a mask of frustration and contemplation. In front of her, her laptop was wide open, displaying a drawing application. Normally, she’d be deeply engrossed in creating intricate designs and stunning illustrations. Her pen tablet lay ready for action.
But today, instead of focusing on her work, she found herself absentmindedly doodling and sketching. The lines on the screen began to form a familiar face—Allen.
Leaning back in her chair, she twirled the pen between her fingers, her gaze fixed on the sketch in front of her. It was a rough drawing, yet somehow it captured Allen’s essence perfectly. His sharp features, intense eyes, and that ever-present frown that hinted at his deep thoughts. Her mind was spinning, consumed by thoughts she couldn’t quite organize.
Two things dominated her mind.
First and foremost on Sophia’s mind was Allen’s whereabouts. It was as if he had vanished from the face of the earth. The thought gnawed at her.
Sophia had expected to see him at the agency. But today, his absence was glaring. She had scanned every corner of the office, hoping to catch a glimpse of his familiar figure, but it was as if he had simply evaporated.
The gym, another place where she frequently found him, was her next destination. It wasn’t uncommon for her to see him there, pushing himself through his rigorous routines. That morning, she had made a detour to the gym, hoping to see him pounding the treadmill or lifting weights. But the gym was devoid of his presence. She had asked a few regulars if they had seen him, but no one had any information.
It was as if he had missed his routine without any notice, something completely out of character for him.
Desperation drove her to his apartment. She had been there before. When she inquired about Allen, the receptionist had nothing to offer. He claimed there was no news about Allen and hinted that perhaps Allen had instructed him to keep silent.
Sophia’s mind raced with possibilities, each one more troubling than the last. Had something happened to him? Did he know her plan and decide to avoid her? The uncertainty was unbearable. She replayed their last conversation in her mind, searching for any clues she might have missed. But nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
The second thing consuming Sophia’s thoughts was the Hell’s Gate game and her complicated relationship with her guild. Yesterday’s incident had been a turning point. She felt like she had set fire to the bridge connecting her to Elio.
The fallout was inevitable. They had shared countless adventures in Hell’s Gate, building a guild that was respected and feared. But now, that relationship seemed fractured beyond repair. She was tired of the constant strain.
Elio’s criticism had always been a sore point. She considered him a close friend, someone who should have her back, no matter what. His recent reproaches felt like betrayals. Shouldn’t he support her in everything she did? That’s what friends were supposed to do, especially ones who harbored deeper feelings. It wasn’t a secret to her that Elio had a crush on her.
She had sensed it long ago. Sophia had always been perceptive about such things. Men were often drawn to her, captivated by her charisma and beauty. It was a pattern she had come to expect. Experience exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire
But Elio’s recent changes upset her deeply. Instead of the support she expected, she faced criticism and doubt. It was as if he was no longer the ally she relied on, but a detractor. She couldn’t accept that. It felt like a personal affront.
Sophia leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside her. She remembered the early days of Hell’s Gate when everything was simpler. The thrill of exploration, the satisfaction of building something from scratch, the camaraderie of their small but tight-knit guild.
She had been his right hand, always there with a plan, a strategy, or just a word of encouragement.
A long exhale escaped Sophia’s mouth, her shoulders slumping slightly as she released the tension that had built up within her. Her eyes drifted to the clock on her desk. It was almost five in the afternoon. This was usually the time she logged into Hell’s Gate to grind and quest with her team. The routine had become a comforting ritual.
But today, she found herself still at her desk, surrounded by her tools—design sketches, and a laptop that remained open. She could have done this work at home, but she had chosen to stay in the office, hoping the change of scenery might distract her from the turmoil in her mind.
Sophia had to admit that playing Hell’s Gate had become more than just a game for her. It was an escape. The virtual realm provided her with a sense of control that she often felt lacking in her real life. But after yesterday’s incident, she had decided to take a step back. She needed to lay low, at least for a while. She had to stick to her decision and be patient, even though it was difficult.
Her mental health had to come first. She knew that. The constant pressure, the unspoken expectations, and the recent conflicts had taken a toll on her. The game, which once served as a sanctuary, had started to feel like another source of stress. She needed time to regroup, to find her footing again before diving back into the fray.
Despite the chaos, she took some comfort in knowing she wasn’t completely alone. Liam and Darren were still behind her. Yes, despite those two not being very useful in some aspects and only able to provide her with limited information, Liam and Darren were still valuable pawns, especially in times like this. They were her eyes and ears in Hell’s Gate during her absence.