Marcus froze, the words catching in his throat. His fists clenched at his sides as jealousy flared in his eyes.
“Who the hell do you think you are?” Marcus finally managed to spit out, though his voice lacked its usual confidence.Alexander took another step forward, his gaze cold and unyielding. “I think I made myself clear.”Marcus wanted to say something but no word could come out of his mouth. One look from Alexander rendered him speechless and he took a step back.Sophia couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips as she watched Marcus falter under Alexander’s intense gaze. She had never seen him so afraid and powerless, and it was strangely satisfying. Her heart swelled with quiet pride as she thought, Wow, my husband is so impressive. Just one look and Marcus is already backing down. For the first time, she felt genuinely protected, like Alexander’s presence alone could shield her from the chaos Marcus brought into her life.Sophia strolled along the lake's edge, where the crowd was moderate but lively. She found a picturesque spot and immersed herself in the view. Taking out her phone, she joined others in capturing selfies. In one of her shots, she noticed Marcus and Lila approaching. Her heart skipped a beat, but she quickly resumed her activity, pretending not to see them. "Damn it, they're coming my way," she muttered under her breath. Marcus spoke first, his voice tinged with jealousy. "Sophia, where's your little toy? Has he already grown tired of you?" He seemed relieved to find her alone. Sophia remained silent, focusing on the scenery. Lila, eager to learn about Alexander's whereabouts, was displeased by Sophia's indifference. She stepped closer and asked, "Sophia, why are you ignoring us? Are you still angry?" Sophia's gaze turned icy. "Neither of you is worthy of my anger." Marcus was taken aback; he'd never seen her so cold. Regaining his composure, he offered, "Sophia, my offer still st
Lila and Marcus panicked. Her confidence wavered, and she thought Sophia was getting more and more bold. What is she up to? Marcus, on the other hand, couldn’t help but notice the aura of the woman before him. This wasn’t the timid ex-wife he once knew. There was a new fire in her eyes that made her even more stunning. For a brief moment, he wondered if he had truly lost her forever. Lila, desperate not to lose face, turned to Humphrey with pleading eyes, silently begging him to step in. Humphrey, who had enjoyed Lila’s company the night before, understood her message and shifted his attention back to Sophia. His tone was cold as he said, “And who gave you the right to air out personal matters in such a setting?” Sophia retorted, her voice unwavering, “Shouldn’t you be asking them? It’s their personal matters, not mine.” Humphrey was momentarily stunned by her sharp response, but he quickly composed himself. Switching tactics, he asked, “I doubt my family sent you an invitation.
Mark, standing tall and composed, bowed slightly. "Of course, Mrs. Evans. Your wish is my command."He turned to Humphrey, who looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him whole and said coldly. "You heard her."Humphrey nodded frantically and barked orders to the security guards. "You two, escort them out. Now!"The guards wasted no time. They grabbed Marcus and Lila, ignoring their protests and pleas."Wait! Mr. Gregg, you can't do this!" Marcus shouted, struggling against the guards. "You don’t understand, she's nothing without me!""Yes!" Lila screeched. "She’s just a fraud! You’ll regret this, Mr. Gregg!"But their words fell on deaf ears as the guards dragged them out of the venue, their desperate cries fading into the distance.Sophia stood motionless, her face unreadable, while she watched the entire scene unfold with cold detachment, her lips curling into a faint smile as the two were thrown out.She remembered Alexander's words from a few months ago: 'You might let them g
Sophia followed the waiter through a winding path lined with lush greenery, the sound of birds chirping softly in the background. The sun was warm but not scorching, and the air carried a faint scent of blooming flowers. They finally stopped at a beautiful wooden building, tucked neatly beside the natural hot springs. Steam rose gently from the springs, curling like soft whispers into the afternoon air.“This is the place, Mrs. Evans,” the waiter said with a polite smile. “Please take your time and enjoy.”Sophia thanked her and stepped inside. The interior was calm and soothing. The soft murmur of running water echoed through the space, and everything smelled of lavender and eucalyptus. A kind-faced attendant greeted her warmly.“Welcome. You’ll begin with a soak in our hot springs,” the attendant explained as she guided Sophia toward the changing area. “They’re known to work wonders for the body and mind.”Sophia wasn’t sure what to expect, but when she slipped into the steaming wat
But still, the thought of Alexander searching for another woman, someone who meant something to him made Sophia’s stomach twist painfully. Does he love her? she thought. Her fingers subconsciously tightened around her fork.After what felt like an eternity, Alexander returned. His movements were calm, his expression carefully composed, as though the tense conversation had never happened. He sat back in his seat and picked up his utensils, continuing his meal like nothing was wrong.Sophia watched him quietly, her appetite completely gone. She wanted to ask him. She wanted to demand who Karen was and why he was so desperate to find her. But the words caught in her throat, and instead, she swallowed them down like a bitter pill. It’s none of your business, she reminded herself.The rest of the meal passed in silence. Alexander didn’t say much, and Sophia didn’t push. After they finished, Alexander placed his napkin on the table and stood up.“Goodni
Sophia turned toward the voice. A tall man with sharp features and a commanding presence stood before her. Gerald Evans. She recognized him from the research she’d done on the gala. Alexander’s uncle was one of the most influential figures in the business world. “Yes,” she replied, steadying her voice. “It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Evans.” Gerald studied her with an intensity that made her skin prickle. “I’ve heard a lot about you. But we’ll talk later. For now, enjoy the evening. You’re representing the family tonight. Come with me; we’ll welcome the guests together.” Sophia followed him, her movements composed despite the knot tightening in her stomach. She greeted guests with practiced grace, names and faces blurring into a glittering sea of wealth and power. Every handshake felt like a test, every smile a thinly veiled challenge. The gala sparkled with golden lights and expensive laughter, but beneath the polish, it f
Elsewhere in the Hawthorne residence, the atmosphere was gloomy. Old Master Raphael Hawthorne and the rest of the family sat in the living room, waiting for Marcus to show up. He had been brought home late last night, drunk and wasted.Raphael turned to his son, Pablo, his stern expression sharp enough to cut glass. “Are you certain he attended the Evans gala as I instructed him?”Pablo nodded, feeling the weight of his father’s displeasure. “Yes, Dad, I’m sure. He attended but left before it ended and went straight to a nearby bar.”Raphael slammed his cane on the table, the sharp sound making everyone tremble. “So incompetent! He can’t even handle a simple task, knowing full well the future of this company rests on his shoulders.”Evelyn, Marcus’s mother, mustered the courage to speak up. “Dad, why don’t we give Marcus a chance to explain himself? Maybe it’s not as bad as it seems.”Raphael turned his cold, piercing glare on her. “If it
"It was Gerald," he said, his voice tight. "She found out about his illegal dealings. She was going to expose him, and he couldn’t let that happen."Sophia stared at him in horror. "Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?""Because I didn’t want you to carry this weight," he said, his voice cracking slightly. "But now, you need to understand the kind of man we’re up against."Sophia reached out, placing her hand over his. "You’ve carried this alone for so long."Alexander looked at her, his walls crumbling a little. "I didn’t have a choice. But now, neither do you."Sophia’s resolve hardened. "Then we’ll fight him together."Alexander’s gaze softened, and for the first time, he allowed himself to believe it. "Yes, Together."“He’s watching our every move, waiting for a chance.” He paused, his gaze locking with hers. “I need you to trust me, Sophia. I’ll protect you from whatever Gerald throws at us.”Sophia searched
The receptionists exchanged confused glances. Yes, they could tell the man before them wasn't an average Joe just from the aura he gave them. But they couldn't go against the company's policy.They were right, not many people knew who Alexander was except a few business associates. He wasn't in the mood to wait so he pulled out his phone and called Michael.“I’m at the reception,” he said, his voice flat when the call was answered.Michael, who was busy with his work, frowned after answering the call. Alexander has never visited his company before. Did something serious come up? Without hesitation, he rushed downstairs.The moment he spotted Alexander, who was waiting at the reception despite his impatient nature, he got furious.“What are you all doing? Don't you know who he is? The next time you make him wait, you can all forget about working here. He berated the receptionists.He then turned to Alexander and gave him a fr
The sight of Larry made Alexander’s blood boil with rage when his mind flashed back to the "woodie guy" he had been investigating. His eyes narrowed as realization struck him. It was him! He was the same person who had visited Gerald in prison, the one who had likely orchestrated his escape. And him approaching Sophia now? This was not a coincidence. He had his team investigate him and nothing crucial came up. He even sent a half-photo of this man to Michael, his trusted friend, to dig up information. And before he got any feedback, here the man was, sitting across from his wife. Alexander wanted nothing but to walk right before the guy and kill him with his bare hands. The aura around him shifted drastically but before many people could notice it, he took a slow breath, pushing down the anger that was about to consume him. By the time he started walking inside, he had already composed himself and with deliberate strides, he approached the
Back in the chairman's office, Drake Egerton leaned back in his chair and said in admiration, “But I must admit, your wife is something else. Totally different from most women out there. Most care about material things and status, but look at her, she doesn't even want people to know she’s connected to you. And worse? She refused the company. Allure Fashion is the top fashion house in the country, yet she couldn't care less.” Alexander nodded a proud smile on his face. He knew exactly the kind of woman Sophia was and that was why he couldn't resist falling in love with her. Drake smirked. “Man, you've got a gem. If I could win her, I swear I’d take her to my grandpa tomorrow and marry her the next day. I would even make her...” He suddenly stopped, sensing the shift in the air. The deadly glare from his friend sent a chill down his spine. If looks could kill, Drake would be dead by now. He shifted uncomfortably in his chai
Alexander nodded, stepping closer, trying to sound more sincere, his eyes pleading for her to believe him. “Yes, he knows. Drake isn't just an employee; he's a good friend, and I trust him. Just like Michael and Jake. Besides, we studied abroad together, so we're more like brothers. But I promise, he didn’t know anything about you until after I called him. He couldn’t have interfered with your promotion because he wasn’t involved until I made that call.” Sophia relaxed slightly, knowing they could trust Drake with their secret. Still, that didn't mean she had forgiven him; she was still angry. “You made me look like a fool there. I shared my experiences and struggles at work, and you didn't say a word. How can I trust you?” she asked quietly, still wondering what else he was hiding from her. Alexander’s shoulders slumped. He crossed the room, closing the gap between them. “I know, sweetheart. I should’ve told you sooner. I’m sorry. I will never hide a
Sophia felt her heart beat faster as every head in the meeting room turned to her. Some faces held admiration, others curiosity. Almost all the women in the room gave her an envious look. The men seemed intrigued, their eyes glancing at her with curiosity. What's it about her that had caught the chairman’s attention? And then there was Nina. Her green eyes narrowed slightly and she couldn't conceal her jealousy. She gritted her teeth and clenched her fists under the table. She had worked tirelessly in this company, but no matter how much effort she put in, she couldn't outshine Sophia even though she had joined long before her. And what made it even worse was that Sophia was not only hardworking and talented but also kind. It made it impossible to hate without looking petty. Her friend Emily, on the other hand, beamed with excitement. She nudged her with an elbow, lowering her voice. “Oh my God, Soph! What did you do to catch his at
“Well, what do you expect?” Emily grinned. “A mysterious, wealthy, young, and handsome chairman? Of course, everyone can't wait to see him. But the big question is: Is he single? I know many people are ready to try their luck.” Sophia rolled her eyes but smiled. “You included, right?” Emily waved her hand dismissively. “Please, I’m just here for fun. But who wouldn't like such a charming man?” She added, widening her eyes. “Hey don't tell me you're not interested?” Sophia shrugged her shoulders, disinterested, “No, I'll pass, but all the best. I hope you can impress him.” She was amused by how these women were behaving like school girls mesmerized by a man they hadn't even seen. Emily laughed out loud before lowering her voice, “I think someone needs luck more.” “Who?” She asked surprised. Emily motioned her head and Sophia followed. Sure enough, she saw Nina, who was checking herself out in a mirror, adju
Curious, she made her way to the front of the office, only to spot Larry standing at the reception desk, flashing her that same charming smile. Sophia blinked, surprised to see him. “What? Larry? What are you doing here?” Larry gave her a friendly smile. “I bet you're surprised. I was, too, when I heard you work here.” Sophia just looked at him quizzically as if saying that's not enough explanation. Larry added, “Well I came here to have my suite designed. I heard Allure Fashion is one of the best fashion houses in Eldridge and Kyla. Who knew you were one of their best designers.” Sophia tried to hide her surprise. “Yeah, that’s a coincidence.” Larry shrugged, unfazed. “Since you work here, I was hoping you could help me pick out something for an event I’ve got coming up.” Sophia hesitated for a moment, then nodded. It wasn’t every day a client showed up at her workplace, and besides, he had been kind t
“How long have you been in Eldridge?” Sophia asked, looking at him suspiciously. How come he knows people who are around me? Is it a coincidence? Who else will he mention next?Larry saw her suspicion and guarded expression and realized he had talked too much.He leaned back, giving her a friendly smile, taking a casual sip of his coffee.“Not so long but I have attended several events here. It's not hard to get to know famous people like Jessica Jason who's rumored as the most beautiful woman in Eldridge. Besides, even people outside of Eldridge know her.”She thought about it and figured it was indeed possible for him to know Jessica and Alexander since they were famous people in the business circle.“That makes sense. Well, do you know her personally? I just got to know her recently.”He shrugged his shoulders and said, “Of course not, I just saw her a few times, but just between us,” he said, leaning closer, “she's not as beautifu
Alexander went to his room to get some rest. He freshened up and climbed in his bed but the room and bed were so empty. He had been used to sleeping together with his wife, but now, he felt like an abandoned child, and he cursed Jessica several times. After lying down for a while, he realized he couldn't sleep. He left his room for the balcony, where he smoked several cigarettes and the blowing wind and cold night cooled him. Sophia, too, couldn't sleep; she turned around on the bed several times, but still, her mind was fogged with everything that had happened today. She knew she was at fault too. She shouldn't have overreacted and taken it out all on her husband. She got out of bed and went out of her room, descending the stairs on the way to the kitchen. She went to the fridge and took some milk. She drank slowly on the kitchen counter hoping that it would help her get some sleep. She then left the kitchen