Three

THREE HOURS EARLIER 

[Sophie’s POV]

Paaa!

The sting of my mother’s slap sent my head snapping to the side. The sound echoed in the expansive living room, drawing sharp gasps from my grandparents, cousin, and Aunt Wally.

I pressed my trembling fingers to my burning cheek, my eyes stinging with unshed tears. I looked up to meet my mother’s furious gaze, her eyes brimming with pain and disappointment. Once, those eyes were filled with pride and affection. Now, they were sharp daggers aimed at my heart.

“How dare you show up here after sidelining us for five years?” she spat, her voice trembling with emotion.

“I…” My voice cracked, and I swallowed hard. I knew she’d be angry, but I hadn’t anticipated the depth of her wrath. Yet, I couldn’t blame her. I deserved this. After all, I had walked away from them when they needed me most.

“Why have you come back now? Why?” she demanded, her voice rising as she took a step closer.

I grasped her hands tightly, even as she tried to pull away. “I’m sorry, Mother. I didn’t mean to stay away for so long. I was a fool, blinded by my own mistakes. Please… please forgive me.”

She flinched as though my touch burned her and turned her face away.

“Come on, Karina,” my grandmother interjected gently, her frail voice filled with concern. “Don’t be this way. She’s your daughter.”

“No, Mother,” my mother snapped, her tone laced with bitterness. “She crossed every line when she constantly abandoned us. My husband’s health worsened because of her selfishness. She has no right to return now, as if nothing happened.”

Her words cut me deeper than any slap. “I know I hurt you, I hurt everyone,” I said, my voice trembling. “I can’t undo the damage I caused, but I swear I’ll make things right. I won’t be foolish anymore. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Her cold laugh pierced the air. “Make things right? How? By fixing the relationships you shattered? Or by proving you’re not the irresponsible child you’ve always been?”

“I won’t shadow my duties anymore, Mother. I’ll take my place as the heiress of Algernon Empire and fulfill every responsibility entrusted to me,” I declared, my voice steadier now.

Mocking laughter escaped her lips. “You? The heiress? You’ve been nothing but a disappointment. I expect nothing from you, Sophie. Nothing.”

“She’s been running parts of the business for months,” my grandmother interjected.

“Secretly, no less,” my mother retorted, her tone dripping with disdain. “And only the heavens know why.”

I squared my shoulders, summoning every ounce of courage I had. “I’ve made mistakes, Mother, but I’m ready to prove myself. I’ll be the best version of me—not for you, but for the future of our empire.”

Her sharp gaze pinned me. “How can I trust you?”

“Because I will prove myself,” I said firmly. “Trust me.”

Her lips thinned. “Fine. Start with this. Secure a deal with our rival, Apex Holdings. Show me you have what it takes.”

Gasps filled the room. “Karina, that’s too much,” Aunt Wally protested.

“I’ll do it,” I cut in, my voice unwavering. “I’ll prove myself to you and to everyone.”

My mother eyed and stomped away. Aunt Wally’s hand rested gently on my shoulder, her warmth a stark contrast to the chill in my mother’s words earlier. 

“Sophie,” she murmured, her voice soft yet firm, “don’t take your mother’s harshness to heart. She wants you to succeed, even if she won’t admit it. But securing a deal with Apex Holdings?” She shook her head with a sigh. “That’s impossible. We’ve been rivals for over a decade. Forget it, dear.”

I straightened, meeting her gaze with quiet determination. “No, Aunt Wally. I’ll do it. I’ll pass this test.”

“You’re so stubborn,” she sighed, exasperated but affectionate. “Just like your father.”

“No,” I corrected gently, “I’m going to prove that I’m capable. I’ll live up to their expectations.”

Later, in the solitude of my room, everything seemed frozen in time, untouched yet unfamiliar. I wanted to see my father, but my mother had forbidden it. Her words cut deeper than any slap. But this wasn’t the time to sulk or mourn my mistakes. It was time to act.

Grabbing my phone, I scrolled through the endless headlines. Sterling Dynamics was everywhere. My lips curled into a small, bitter smile. Good. Let’s see how Jeana plans to clean up Aaron’s mess now. For years, I had secretly boosted their company’s portfolio, securing deals to polish Aaron’s reputation. And this is how he repaid me?

The phone buzzed in my hand. It was Manager Leo. “I’ve done what you asked, my lady,” he reported.

“Good. Now, I need to secure a deal with Apex Holdings,” I instructed, my tone resolute.

He hesitated. “That’s… impossible.”

“I know,” I said, cutting him off. “I’ll make it possible.”

Leo exhaled sharply. “Also, Sterling Dynamics’ CEO called. He wants to meet you.”

“Damien Cavernaugh?” The name sent a ripple of curiosity through me.

“Yes. He’s been persistent, but I didn’t confirm anything yet.”

“Schedule it. Where?”

“The Black Cliff Hotel, if that’s acceptable to you.”

“Time?”

“Six o’clock,” he replied.

“Good. And Leo? No one must know about this.”

“Yes, my lady.”

I spent the next few hours preparing, my mind racing with plans and contingencies. By 5:45 PM, I arrived at the Black Cliff Hotel. The concierge led me to the presidential suite. The grandeur of the hallway did little to calm the storm in my chest. I knocked once. Silence. Impatiently, I pushed the door open.

“Hello?” My voice echoed softly. No response. Venturing further, I stopped at the sight of an open door. A dressing room, its mirror reflecting a figure buttoning his shirt. My breath hitched. Damien Cavernaugh.

He looked up, our eyes locking through the glass. My initial shock faded as I composed myself. He seemed younger than Aaron, almost too perfect. His sharp features and confident demeanor unsettled me. He turned, finishing with his cuffs, and walked toward me.

“You must be Sophie Algernon,” he said, his voice smooth but unreadable.

“Yes,” I replied curtly. “Apologies for walking in unannounced.”

He gestured toward the couch. “Please, sit.”

I took a seat across from him, watching as he settled into the opposite chair with an air of calm authority.

“Thank you for coming on such short notice,” he began. “It’s an honor.”

I bit back a scoff. An honor? Really? “Let’s get to the point,” I said, my tone clipped.

He nodded, cutting straight to business. “Aurion Corp’s sudden termination of our deal has destabilized Sterling Dynamics.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” I replied with mock sympathy.

His lips twitched in a knowing smile. “I believe you might have had a hand in that.”

I leaned back, feigning innocence. “Why would you think that?”

“I don’t know,” he admitted, “but if you can help me regain their trust, I’ll owe you one.”

“And what’s the catch for me?” I asked, tilting my head.

He leaned forward, his voice lowering. “I have information on Apex Holdings’ chairman. Use it however you like. I know they're Algernon Empire rival.”

My heart raced. This could be my chance. If I had leverage against Apex Holdings, I could secure a deal for Algernon Empire and fulfill my mission.

He studied me carefully. “Do we have an agreement?”

I hesitated before saying, “I’ll help stabilize Sterling Dynamics, but on one condition.”

“Which is?”

“A marriage,” I said, my voice steady.

His eyes narrowed. “What?”

“A contract marriage,” I emphasized.

He looked stunned, though it was hard to tell if it was disbelief or intrigue.

“I must say, you’re bold,” he finally said.

I tilted my head, smirking. “So? Do you agree? It’s only for a year.”

After a moment, he nodded. “Yes.”

I blinked, surprised at his quick decision. Rising from his seat, he extended his hand. “Deal?”

I stood, matching his intensity as I took out the contract paper I already made. “Not yet. There are three more conditions.”

His brow arched. “Oh? And what are those?”