Sofia's POV:

"We need to increase ammunition imports," I informed, standing at the head of the table, "we are selling guns at a faster rate than ammunition, and that's going to backfire on us soon."

"Ma'am, the US pulled their imports, they aren't giving us anything anymore," Our advisor said, "they are redirecting all their ships to the Oakwood Harbour, under the Japanese jurisdiction."

I ran a hand through my hair, looking at Luka who shook his head, "they are taking our connections."

"Sales have plummeted by 2.3% in the past few days," Our accountant explained.

"What about Russia?" Luka asked.

"Russia still supports us," The advisor answered.

"Can we get more ammunition from them?" Luka further questioned.

"Yes, Sir, but the US doesn't only supply us with ammunition but with weaponry and intoxicants," The advisor replied.

"Aiza, is there anyone who can take the US's place?" I asked, looking at our advisor.

"According to my reports, there is no country that can substitute the US, but I can try to make something work," she replied, "We can consider rebuilding our foundations with France, and they can provide us with ammunition."

"France is the fourth-best ammunition supplier," one of our men announced.

My phone rang. I excused myself, answering the phone.

"Hello?" I said.

"S-Sofia?" A small voice answered.

"Who is this?" I asked.

"A-Aarina."

I mentally groaned, not wanting to deal with her right now, "what?"

She began to cry, "I-I want to help y-you get L-Laura back."

My throat tightened, "what do you mean?"

"I-I just feel so guilty all the time! I-It's eating me up; we need to do something," she sobbed.

I remained silent, nostrils flaring. Why is she suddenly so interested in getting Laura back? I took a deep breath in, "if you want to help, meet me at the entrance of the Manor tomorrow, but don't tell Luka and don't let anyone see you."

I closed my phone, walking back to the meeting room. Luka raised an eyebrow at me. I just smiled at him, turning my attention to the discussion in front of me. I could still feel Luka's gaze on me, but I ignored him, thinking of tomorrow's plan."

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I tip-toed down the stairs, trying not to make too many sounds, incase Luka was up. I pushed the door open, sprinting forwards towards the gates. When I pushed them open, I saw Aarina sitting on the ground. She stood up, rubbing her hands together.

I rolled my eyes, looking across the road where I parked my car, "get in the car."

I slammed the door shut, starting the car, slamming my foot onto the gas. The vehicle lurched forwards, and I began driving towards the Takahashi Manor. I gritted my teeth, trying my best not to snap at Aarina. The road ahead was a long straight one; occasionally, a car would drive past us. In my rearview mirror, I saw bright headlights speeding towards my vehicle. The vehicle shifted lanes and swerved in front of me. To avoid crashing, I slammed my foot onto the break, deploying the airbags. I breathed heavily, swearing loudly. 

I pushed open the door, "hey! What the fuck is your problem?" I yelled.

A silhouette of a man walked towards me. Once my eyes adjusted, I made out the face in front of me.

"Luka?!" I yelled.

"Where do you think you are going?" He yelled back.

"To get Laura, what else?" I retorted.

"Sofia, get this in your head, you can't just walk into the Takahashi Manor," Luka explained, hands forming fists.

"I told you that if you didn't have a plan in two days, I would handle it myself, and by the looks of it, you clearly don't have a plan," I argued.

"Sofia, I-" He trailed off.

"God dammit Luka! Why aren't you doing anything?" I screamed.

"Because I am scared!" Luka shouted, "there I said it; I am terrified."

I took a step back, "what?"

"I am terrified that if we go in now, I will lose someone else. I can't lose anybody else."

"Luka, stop worrying about someone you might lose, rather worry about the person you already lost!" I cried out, "You know what happened to her, yet you are letting it happen all over again. She is in enemy territory, and the reason this all is happening to her is because of us. Not her. Not Aarina. Us. The three of us. Nobody else."

Luka turned his head to the side, adam's apple bobbing up and down, "I don't know what to do, Sof."

"Me too, Luka, but we keep saying that Laura is a strong person when we all know she's terrified. She's always looking over her shoulder. She's never safe. She did so much for us; we owe her everything."

"I know..." Luka sighed, "It's just...what do we do?"

And that's when my phone rang again. I huffed, walking towards the car, pulling out my phone. I looked at the caller ID. I stumbled backwards, nearly falling and dropping my phone. 

"What is it?" Luka called out.

I showed him the phone, caller ID reading: Laura. We exchanged a worried look. I answered the phone, hands shaking as I put the phone on speaker.

"H-hello?" I said.

After a few seconds of silence, I heard her voice. It was soft, "hi."

"L-Laura?" I called, tears welling in my eyes.

"Yeah."