With a slight nod, she signaled him over. He met her gaze, stood up, and followed her out of the dining area.After the initial shock, Emily was the first to react. “Then check your phone. Maybe your husband is here to pick you up.”
“Yeah, right. My husband is here,” she said, checking her phone and reading the text message out loud. “You've …had enough…No more drinking.”“Okay, no more drinking… This is the last one. Cheers!" she said, toasting in a certain direction and emptying the wine once more.Everyone at her table was confused. Who was she talking to and how did the person know she had drunk too much?They all turned in her direction and saw the people at the table. The chairman, CEO, and other executives.Before they could catch on, Sophia was already fumbling to tuck her phone into her purse.Alexander's lips curled involuntarily. He had seen everything, but before he could react, her colleagues turned toward him.Jay led Sophia to the hallway and checked around the area. Once he was sure no one was watching, he uncapped the bottle of water and, with trembling hands, poured the powder inside. He held it out to her. “Here, Miss Blackwell, drink this. It’ll help clear your head.” Sophia blinked, looking around. She immediately realized they were heading upstairs and her instincts kicked in. “Wait... is this the way to the parking lot?” she asked, trying to steady herself. Although drunk, she hadn't lost all her sanity. She could still steady herself by holding onto nearby objects. She looked at the water bottle in Jay's hand vigilantly. “I don't…need it. You… you …don't need to help…me.” She tried to push him away, but he was too strong, and in her drunken state, there was little she could do. Jay leaned closer and pressed the bottle into her hand. “Just drink it and I'll lead you to the parking lot.” He persuaded her. “No… no… leave me alone.” She tried to distance herself and fumbled
Nina was too thrilled by the thought of Sophia’s downfall to notice Jay’s nervousness. She took the bottle from him and downed it in two gulps.Watching her finish it, he clenched his fists, pushing down the guilt gnawing at him. He had no choice. It was either Nina or his own ruin. By then, most employees had already left. Only a few remained inside, and no one paid any attention to Nina. A few minutes later, her body went limp, and she collapsed. Jay caught her quickly before she hit the floor. His heart pounded fast and his mind raced with the weight of what he was about to do. He helped her outside pretending to help the drunk Nina just as he did to Sophia. When out of sight, he carried her up to the seventh floor, searching for the room. After finding it, he hesitated for a moment, avoiding Nina’s face, afraid his feelings might weaken his resolve. “I'm sorry Nina. I don't have a choice.” He muttered walking toward the door. He opened it and pushed her inside with one s
Jay stammered, “Nina ... Please calm down! I had no choice. My hands were tied!”Nina’s grip on the phone tightened. “What do you mean your hands were tied? Don’t tell me you’re in love with that bi*ch Sophia too!”"No, of course not! I... I ran into the chairman. He caught me trying to drug her,” Jay defended himself nervously.“What? Did you just say the chairman rescued her?” She asked in a whisperer, her mind racing.“Yes, the chairman Nina. I really didn't have a choice.” Jay confirmed, hoping she would understand him.Nina froze, and her anger turned into fear.“Did he come purposely for her?” She asked, trying to calm down.“I don’t think so,” Jay replied. “It was just a coincidence, but he was furious. He made me confess everything and forced me to …” he couldn't dare to finish.Nina almost dropped her phone, her body going weak.“Why does Sophia always get this lucky? And to be saved by the chairman himself?She refused to believe it.She shouted into the phone, “No one shou
On the other side of the city, Jessica was watching a TV show leisurely in her private villa, checking on her phone regularly.Her assistant delivered a glass of juice with fruits.“Have this, Miss Jason. It'll help you calm down,” she said carefully.“What’s taking Mason so long? Why the hell did I even hire someone so incompetent?" Jessica complained impatiently.“Wait a little longer, Miss Jason; it hasn't been even an hour since you gave the order,” the assistant tried to calm her.“How dare you…” Before Jessica could scold her, her phone rang from the table.She grabbed it, answering immediately, “What took you so long to get back to me?”“I'm sorry, ma'am…”“Did you get the videos or not?”“Yes, ma'am. I have the copies with me.” Mason reported cautiously.“Good. Bring them right away.” Jessica commanded, calming down.She smirked, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.She was always careful, after all. Since Larry had proposed to use Nina in targeting Sophia, she couldn't approa
While walking with Emily, Sophia's phone rang from her bag. She took it out to see Alexander's name on the screen.Did I keep him waiting for long? She thought before picking it up.“Hubby, I'm almost there,” she said, glancing at the car nearby.Alexander spoke, and Sophia glanced at Emily, who was eyeing her curiously from the side.She is very eager to meet my husband, how can I dampen her mood?An idea quickly popped into her head, and a mysterious smile appeared on her face.Her eyes gleamed mischievously as she turned to Emily. “Let's go.”Watching her, Emily had a bad premonition.“What's with that look, Soph? Why do I feel like you're scheming against me?” She asked, looking at her vigilantly.Sophia couldn't control her laugh. This girl is clever after all. But still, she pretended as if she wasn't planning anything.“What can I do to you? Don't you trust me?” She questioned, feigning
“How is it a police matter yet these men aren't arrested already?” One reporter asked sharply. Roman and his people panicked as cameras turned to them. He knew things had escalated, and the police wouldn't protect them. He took a few steps, intending to slip away during the chaos. But the lead police officer, who was already cornered by the journalist, barked. “What are you waiting for? Arrest them.” He gestured to his companion. Right after his orders, Roman and his gang were all handcuffed and shoved into the police cars. The firearms and the drugs were confiscated and loaded into police vehicles to be taken into custody. “Officer, what are you going to do with this?” Another reporter asked, pointing at the confiscated items. “This matter is now in police hands. We will provide updates later. Please disperse." The police officer said, dismissing the journalist. "Can you tell us who's behind this illegal business, officer?" A reporter stepped forward, extending a mic
“What is it?” Gerald snapped coldly.“Boss, we can't help you this time. You need to get a scapegoat or this will be traced back to you.” The person said, choosing his words carefully.Do you think I don't know that already? Are you teaching me how to do my job now?” Gerald roared into the phone."No, no! I'm sorry, boss. Forget I said anything." the other person apologized quickly.Gerald hung up and hurled the phone on the ground.The phone shattered on the floor, a perfect reflection of his fury.Viktor watched without a word as the phone shattered into mere pieces. But Gerald wasn't done yet, he grabbed his phone and furiously dialed Larry’s number.When Larry answered, Gerald's voice immediately erupted like a volcano.“You bastard!” he roared into the phone, his voice shaking with rage.“You're as incompetent and useless as your mother was, you hear me? You’re nothing but a screw-up!”Larry remained silent on the other end, accustomed to Gerald’s insults.But the latter was un
“I don't care! I just want to teach him a lesson. And if it can quicken my plans the better.” Gerald roared viciously.Viktor nodded, knowing too well his boss wouldn't reason right now.“What about the mole? How did Alexander know so much about our operation?” Gerald asked again, calming down slightly.“We’re still investigating. We haven’t identified the leak so far." Answered Viktor.“Find the person as soon as possible, Viktor. We can't give Alexander an upper hand again.” He said, leaning back on his chair.“Yes, boss,” Viktor replied with a nod, backing out of the room.If only Larry was as talented as Alexander. I wouldn't be here right now.Gerald thought, looking in the distance.***The next morning, Sophia woke early, as usual, ready to head to work.She glanced at the place beside her, but it was empty.She could feel some warmth meaning Alexander didn't wake up a long time ago.She headed to the bathroom to get ready. She had a full day ahead of her and was eager to tack
Rachel fumbled with the keys, her hands shaking. The moment she pushed the door open, she froze. “Oh my God!” Her voice was barely audible.The room was scattered, with glasses on the floor and furniture overturned, and in the middle of it all, Jessica sat with her back against her bed, her expression blank.Rachel’s stomach dropped. “Jessica!” She rushed in, nearly slipping on the scattered glasses. “What happened?”“My dear, what have you done?” She cried, as her heart broke, seeing her daughter sitting in the middle of the mess.“Meccy, get someone to clean up quickly,” she ordered the assistant and helped Jessica up.“Honey, what do you think you're doing? You need to listen to dad and grandpa. They mean well. Just go abroad for a few months. Okay?” She persuaded her.“Mom, I don't want to. What's so special about that woman? Alexander is even willing to go against our family just for her. Now she wants me away completely?” Jessica complained. If it wasn't for Sophia, Alexande
Alexander kept quiet, unsure of where to start or, rather, how to start.But Sophia wasn't in a hurry; she just stood there, watching him.“Can we talk somewhere else?” he asked cautiously, glancing at Amelia.“I'll be inside. Call me if you need anything.” Catching on his hesitation, Amelia interjected, tapping Sophia on her shoulder.Sophia nodded appreciatively.As soon as Amelia went inside, the air between them felt heavier. Alexander stepped closer, his shoes barely making a sound.He wanted to reach out and hold her in his arms, to make sure she was still his, but he stopped himself. Instead, he shoved his hands into his pockets, trying to ignore the pull in his chest.“I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gone to meet Jessica,” he admitted.“Was it the reason you were unreachable when Mr Egerton needed your signature?” Sophia asked, staring daggers at him.Alexander was shocked! Oh no, what a terrible coincidence.“What do you mean, sweetheart? I had a meeting at Evans Towers at that
Finally, Alexander decided to get some rest and wait for tomorrow to go find Sophia. But his mind wandered to his friend Michael Jordan. The Jordan family was the pioneer in cutting-edge technologies, investing in almost everything from advanced robotics to aerospace engineering. They had built a tech empire under the leadership of old master Jordan and were well respected for their strategic ventures that pushed the boundaries of invention. But for Michael, that wasn’t enough. Born into a family that thrived on technological progress, his ambition still outpaced even their expectations. From a young age, he wanted to create his own projects and not just within the confines of the family business. His projects were always bold and demanding, requiring massive capital for developments. The good thing was that he had a keen eye for projects with the potential to reshape current and future technology.He had developed cutting-edge AI systems, quantum computing, and next-gen encryp
Suddenly, a group of men in black suits emerged from the shadows, their movements swift and deliberate.Their presence was subtle yet commanding, like a storm brewing in the distance.Before Marcus or his bodyguards could react, swift and precise strikes took them down.The air shifted, and in an instant, Marcus’s moment to shine was completely overturned.Groaning in pain, he barely had time to process what had just happened.One of the men turned to Amelia and gave a respectful nod. "Get Madam out of here."Amelia didn’t have time to register what had just happened. She simply nodded and led Sophia to the car.As she sped away, she stole one last glance in the rearview mirror. The mighty Marcus Hawthorne was brought to his knees. About time! She smiled, wishing Sophia was sober to witness the scene. If they weren't in a hurry, she would have stopped to take a picture.By the time Marcus regained his senses, Amelia’s car was long gone.He got up with the help of his bodyguards, who
The woman looked at Sophia, unable to hide the shock in her eyes.Just as she was about to respond, a speeding car screeched next to them.“Be careful,” she warned before vanishing into the darkness.The front door of the car opened and a burly man stepped out, opening the back door.Amelia, who was about to lead Sophia to her car, paused to look at the newcomer.“Could it be your husband?” she asked Sophia who was leaning on her shoulders.“Let's go. I don't wan’ to… see him.” Sophia said, urging Amelia to lead her to the car.Amelia nodded, agreeing with Sophia. Why did it take him so long to show up?Amelia was more disappointed with Alexander and she turned around without sparing the car another glance.But when they took two steps, a voice came from behind startling both women.“Sophia, sorry I'm late. I came as soon as I heard you were in danger.”Sophia froze as her mind cleared slightly, recognizing the voice.“Marcus?” she asked, turning around to confirm.Sure enough, Marcus
Back at The Last Stop Bar, Sophia was still drinking, her eyes glassy and her words slightly slurred. Amelia, sitting beside her, had been trying to coax her into leaving for the past hour. “Bestie, you’ve had enough. We should leave,” she said, gently placing a hand on Sophia’s arm. Sophia blinked lazily, pushing the glass away from her lips. “No... I can take a… few more drinks… Amelia.” Amelia stared in disbelief. Sophia was already slurring, yet she wanted more. With a sigh, she reached for the glass and pushed it further out of her reach. “Come on, let’s go,” she said, her voice firmer this time. Reluctantly, Sophia nodded. “Fine, but I don’t want to see him.” Amelia bit her lip, glancing around the bar. She knew who she was referring to but where else should she drop her?
Meanwhile, in Jessica's private villa, she sat smugly, her manicured fingers resting against her cheeks as she savored the chaos she had caused.Two servants were giving her a massage and she closed her eyes to relish the moment.Her assistant had been pacing outside, waiting for permission to enter.Jessica had specifically given the order that no one should disturb her.Two hours later, she signaled for her assistant to get in.The assistant hurried in nervously.“What's it? Didn't I say I don't need you around until tomorrow?” Jessica snapped.She wanted a peaceful evening, yet this girl had been standing there for hoursIf I weren’t in such a good mood, I’d have her punished for standing outside that long.“Miss Jason, the news was pulled down.” the assistant reported cautiously.“What?” Jessica snapped, sitting up straight, her eyes turning cold.“Didn’t I tell you to use however much money you needed to make it trend until tomorrow?” She asked angrily.“We tried, Miss Jason. But
Amelia reached across the table and held her hand. There was nothing more to say.The alcohol might dull the pain for a while, but it could never truly heal her heart.She knew this had to be a misunderstanding, but where was Alexander? As Sophia's husband, shouldn't he be here to clear things up?***Back at the other end of the city, the man in question was rushing frantically through the city.After failing to locate Sophia at the office, he had driven like a madman to Sophia’s old apartment.Nothing.His chest felt like it was being crushed with every second she remained missing. He could feel the world slipping from beneath his feet.Worse still was the fact that Gerald was in the shadows and Larry might take action if he gets a perfect opportunity.In desperation, he rushed to the villa where Catherine and Ethan lived. He knocked urgently, barely containing his panic.Catherine opened the door, her face lighting up when she saw him."Alex! Come in! How are you?" she greeted war
Meanwhile, in Alexander’s Office… He had returned in a rush, still angry with Jessica.He hadn’t even spent three minutes in the hotel room. The moment he saw Jessica waiting for him, he knew something was off.She had danced around the topic of Gerald, offering no substantial information. It had been a waste of time, and he’d left almost immediately.Now, standing in his office, his assistant, Mark, rushed in, holding a tablet.“Boss, you need to see this,” Mark said, handing it over.Alexander stared at the screen, his heart dropping into his stomach.The headlines were everywhere. Photos of him and Jessica entering the hotel room together were plastered across every major news outlet.The captions were even worse, speculating about their relationship and hinting at an affair.Alexander’s grip tightened on the tablet. His jaw clenched. "Damn it!" he muttered, his pulse racing.He hadn’t done anything wrong, but the media had already made their own narrative.And now, the entire wor