Chapter 121

#121 “But I Think I was Handling it Pretty Well.”

The moment Sophia and Evelyn hit Las Vegas, it was like stepping into a whole new world. Even before they reached the hotel, they had decided that today would be a day of fun. Tomorrow they would embark on the maddening task of tracking down Kyle’s cousin.

They checked into this swanky hotel that was practically a slice of luxury heaven. Plush beds, panoramic views, and amenities made you question if you were still on Earth or had accidentally entered the lap of opulence. Sophia couldn’t resist doing a little happy dance as she entered the room.

Sophia, with a huge grin, pointed at the king-sized bed. “Evelyn, look at this! We’re practically swimming in comfort. This trip was a great idea.”

Evelyn, equally thrilled, plopped down on the bed, bouncing a bit. “Right? I could get used to this.”

The hotel had a beautiful view, too the whole city sprawled out below them like a sparkling carpet. They spent a good chunk of time just chilling on the balcony, soaking in the sights, and maybe even plotting a little mischief for later.

“How about the casino?” Evelyn asks.

“I’ll say yes,” smiles Sophia. “I’m glad we finally have some free time to spend together.”

“Me too. Men may make us angry, but now if it weren’t for them we wouldn’t be in Vegas on vacation.”

Sophia laughs and shakes her head.

“For the men,” she announces, clinking her champagne glass against Evelyn’s.

As the sun dipped low and the neon lights of Vegas started to wake up, the dynamic duo decided it was time to add a little glam to the evening. Sophia and Evelyn dazzled in their elegant evening dresses.

Sophia, with her hair meticulously styled, had transformed into a vision of sophistication. She chose a dress that accentuated her graceful silhouette, and her curls cascaded down like a waterfall, adding a touch of timeless allure to her look.

Sophia, twirling in front of the mirror, flashed a grin at Evelyn. “Ready to turn some heads?”

Evelyn, finishing up her own makeup, smirked. “Oh, absolutely. Let’s show Vegas what real trouble looks like.”

They strutted out of the hotel like they owned the place, which, for the night, they kind of did. The casino was calling their names, and they answered without hesitation.

The casino floor was a carnival of lights and sounds, slot machines chiming, people cheering, and the general buzz of excitement. Sophia and Evelyn strolled through it all, taking in the chaos like they were born for this.

Sophia nudged Evelyn, eyeing the slot machines. “Feeling lucky?”

Evelyn grinned, mischief twinkling in her eyes. “Always.”

They take their places in front of the slot machines, lured by the symphony of jingles and flashing lights.

Sophia picked a machine that seemed to call out to her. She pulled the lever, and the reels danced in anticipation.

Evelyn leaned over, watching the spinning symbols. “Beginner’s luck, or are you secretly a slot machine whisperer?”

Sophia grinned, hitting the jackpot on her first try. “Luck? Nah, it’s all about reading the vibes of these machines. They have a language, and I’m fluent.”

“You always amaze me,” Evelyn says with a laugh. “I didn’t know you had such talent.”

“You ain’t seen nothing yet.”

Flushed with victory, they cashed in their winnings and decided it was time to up the ante. Sophia, ever the thrill- seeker, suggested they try their luck at roulette. The wheel, the ball, the bets – it was like a dance of chance, and Sophia was ready to take the lead.

They found an open table, and Sophia confidently placed her bets, explaining the strategy to a curious Evelyn. As the wheel spun and the ball bounced, Sophia’s predictions seemed almost psychic. Round after round, she cleaned up, turning heads and leaving onlookers in awe.

Evelyn, amazed by Sophia’s gambling prowess, couldn’t help but tease, “Are you sure you’re not hiding a crystal ball somewhere? Because this is getting ridiculous.”

Sophia laughed, collecting her winnings. “Just a keen sense of probability, my dear. Now, poker anyone?”

They moved on to the poker tables, where Sophia’s poker face was as impenetrable as ever. Bluffing, reading opponents, and mastering the art of the game – Sophia was in her element. Soon, chips piled up on her side of the table, and a small crowd gathered to witness the master at work.

Evelyn, nudging Sophia, whispered, ” You’re turning into the queen of this casino. Might as well ask for a crown.”

Sophia winked, enjoying the attention. “Maybe I’ll add it to my list of demands when we leave.”

The casino buzzed with excitement as Sophia and Evelyn weaved through the sea of slot machines and gaming tables. The air was thick with the scent of anticipation and the distant jingles of winning slot machines. Sophia, still riding the high from her successful gambling spree, exuded an air of confidence that turned heads as they navigated the vibrant casino floor.

As they approached the bar, Sophia felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to find a guy with a grin that screamed trouble. He leered, “Hey there, gorgeous. You are pretty lucky tonight. Shall I get you something?”

Sophia replied coldly, “There’s no need.

“Come on, honey, you look like you haven’t been touched by a real man in a long time,” he said, laughing drunkenly.

He tried to grab Sophia by the waist, but she pulled away. However, he did not give up and persistently tried to pull her toward him. Sophia fed up with the situation, raised her hand in front of him in warning.

Sophia’s voice turned sharp, “I’ve had enough of your nonsense. Back off!”

The harasser’s grin widened, seemingly enjoying the confrontation. ” Feisty, huh? I like that.”

Evelyn interjected, “Why don’t you just leave us alone?”

“I just want to have a good time. You are two beautiful girls. Let me buy you a drink,” the man insisted.

“We are not interested. Leave us alone, “Sophia firmly stated. Undeterred, the man grabbed Sophia’s hand roughly and attempted to pull her closer.

“Don’t run from me,” he said with a chuckle.

Sophia, resolute, pushed him in the chest to free herself. Just as the situation escalated, a tall, dark-

haired man stepped between them, commanding attention. He yanked Sophia’s arm away from the intruder and shot a stern look at the unwelcome man, effectively halting his advances.

“Back off, mate. She’s not interested,” the mysterious stranger warned, his voice carrying an air of authority.

The harasser, undeterred, persisted with a cocky grin. “Come on, man. We can share they are two.”

Sophia’s patience wore thin as she shot back, “I said no. Get lost.”

“I suggest you listen to the lady and walk away,” the stranger advised, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

The harasser now seriously looked at the new man and his eyes widened as he recognized him. He instantly without protest slunk away, disappearing into the lively crowd. Sophia raised an eyebrow.

“Thanks,” she said to the man. “But I think I was handling it pretty well.”

The mysterious stranger gave Sophia a nod, acknowledging her ability, but a subtle smirk played on his lips. ”

Handling it well indeed, but no harm in having a backup, right?”

Sophia couldn’t help but crack a small smile at the stranger’s comment. ”

Well, thanks for stepping in, backup or not.”

He extended his hand, introducing himself, “I’m Alessandro Vitali, but you can call me Sandro.”

Sophia hesitated for a moment before shaking his hand. “Sophia. And this is my friend, Evelyn.”

Evelyn offered a friendly wave, “Hey there.”

Sandro’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Well, Sophia and Evelyn, how about I buy you a drink? To celebrate your victorious handling of that unwanted admirer.”

Sophia arched an eyebrow, sizing up Sandro. “And why would you want to do that?”

Sandro leaned in a conspiratorial tone in his voice. “Let’s just say I’m a fan of strong, independent women. Plus, I own this place. Consider it a gesture of hospitality from the casino.”

Sophia, seeking a carefree night with her friend, gracefully declined. “I appreciate the offer, but we don’t want to cause any trouble. We can handle ourselves just fine.”

Sandro flashed a charming grin, “I’m sure you can. But how about we turn a potential disturbance into a pleasant evening? I promise it’ll be worth your while.”

Sophia was on the verge of another refusal when Evelyn interjected, her curiosity piqued. “So you’re saying this is your casino?”

Sandro chuckled a hint of pride in his voice. “Guilty as charged. I’ll treat you both to a drink at the VIP lounge. What do you say?”

Sophia exchanged a glance with Evelyn, assessing the offer. Evelyn’s intent gaze hinted at her that Evelyn was ready to start searching for Kyle’s cousin.

Sophia hoped they weren’t on a mission tonight, but Evelyn’s puppy dog eyes were hard to resist. And what better opportunity than a casino owner who might know Kyle’s cousin? Sophia nodded in approval.

“Lead the way, Sandro,” Sophia said, gesturing for him to take the lead.