Three

Three Hours Earlier

Paaa!

A resounding sound shattered the tense silence in the vast living room of the Algernon Mansion. Sophie’s head snapped to the side from the force of her mother’s slap, a sharp sting blooming across her cheek. Gasps erupted from her grandmother, cousin, and Aunt Wally as the sound echoed through the grand space.

Her fingers trembled as she pressed them against her burning skin. Tears pricked at her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. Slowly, she lifted her gaze to meet her mother’s—eyes once filled with pride and warmth now brimming with pain and disappointment.

“How dare you show up here after sidelining us for five years?” Karina’s voice shook with fury.

Sophie opened her mouth, but only a cracked whisper escaped. “I…”

She had expected anger, but not this depth of raw betrayal. And yet, she had no defense. She had walked away when they needed her most.

“Why have you come back now? Why?” Karina demanded, stepping closer, her presence suffocating.

Sophie reached for her mother’s hands, grasping them tightly even as Karina 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.”

Karina flinched at the touch, yanking her hands free as if burned.

“Come on, Karina,” her grandmother’s frail voice broke through the tension. “Don’t be this way. She’s your daughter.”

“No, Mother.” Karina’s voice was cold, laced with years of bitterness. “She crossed every line when she abandoned us. My husband’s health worsened because of her selfishness. She has no right to return now, as if nothing happened.”

Sophie felt her mother’s words carve through her like a blade. She swallowed hard. “I know I hurt you. I hurt everyone,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “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.”

A bitter laugh escaped Karina’s lips. “Make things right? How? By fixing the relationships you shattered? Or by proving you’re not the irresponsible child you’ve always been?”

Sophie straightened, forcing steel into her spine. “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.”

Mocking laughter greeted her declaration. “You? The heiress?” Karina’s scorn was sharp enough to wound. “You’ve been nothing but a disappointment. I expect nothing from you, Sophie. Nothing.”

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

Karina scoffed. “Secretly, no less. And only the heavens know why.”

Sophie steadied herself, holding her mother’s gaze. “I’ve made mistakes, 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.”

Karina studied her for a long moment before tilting her head slightly. “How can I trust you?”

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

Karina’s lips pressed into a thin line. Then, after a beat, she gave a single nod. “Fine. Start with this—secure a deal with Apex Holdings. Show me you have what it takes.”

Gasps rippled through the room. Aunt Wally stepped forward, her expression filled with concern. “Karina, that’s too much.”

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

Karina gave her one last piercing look before turning on her heels and walking away.

Aunt Wally placed a gentle hand on Sophie’s shoulder, warmth seeping through her touch—a stark contrast to Karina’s coldness. “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 sighed. “That’s impossible. We’ve been rivals for over a decade. Forget it, dear.”

Sophie straightened, determination burning in her gaze. “No, Aunt Wally. I’ll do it. I’ll pass this test.”

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

Sophie’s gaze hardened. “No,” she corrected gently but firmly. “I’m going to prove that I’m capable. I’ll live up to their expectations.”

Later, in the solitude of her room, the walls seemed to close in—familiar, yet foreign. Everything felt untouched, yet everything had changed. She wanted to see her father, but her mother had forbidden it. The weight of that decision sat heavy on her chest, her mother’s words cutting deeper than any slap.

But this wasn’t the time to wallow. It was time to act.

Her fingers tightened around her phone as she scrolled through the endless headlines. Sterling Dynamics dominated the news. 

A bitter smile curled her lips. “Let’s see how Jeana plans to clean up Aaron’s mess now.” For years, she had silently worked behind the scenes, securing deals, polishing Aaron’s reputation, making him into the man the business world respected. And this was how he repaid her?

The phone vibrated in her grasp. Manager Leo.

“I’ve done what you asked, my lady,” he reported, his tone crisp.

“Good,” she said, her voice steady. “Now, I need to secure a deal with Apex Holdings.”

A beat of hesitation. “That’s… impossible.”

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

Leo exhaled sharply, as if bracing himself. “Also, Sterling Dynamics’ CEO, Damien Cavernaugh called. He wants to meet you.”

Sophie stilled. “Damien Cavernaugh?” The name sent a ripple of curiosity through her.

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

She considered for a moment. “Schedule it. Where?”

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

“Time?”

“Six o’clock.”

“Good. And, Leo?” Her voice dropped an octave. “No one must know about this.”

“Yes, my lady.”

As the call ended, Sophie inhaled deeply. The pieces were moving, and she had no intention of losing control of the board.

The next few hours passed in careful preparation. By 5:45 PM, she arrived at the Black Cliff Hotel. The concierge led her through the opulent hallway, the grandeur doing little to calm the storm brewing inside her.

She knocked once. Silence. Impatient, she pushed the door open.

“Hello?” Her voice echoed softly. No response.

Venturing further, her gaze landed on the open door of a dressing room. A mirror reflected a man fastening the last button of his shirt.

Her breath hitched.

Damien Cavernaugh.

Their eyes locked through the glass. Her initial shock faded, and she straightened her shoulders, regaining her composure. He was younger than Aaron, his sharp features exuding confidence that unsettled her. Finishing with his cuffs, he turned to face her fully, his gaze unreadable.

“You must be Sophie Algernon,” he said smoothly.

She nodded curtly. “Apologies for walking in unannounced.”

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

She took the 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.”

Sophie bit back a scoff. An honor? Really?

“Let’s get to the point,” she said, her tone clipped.

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

“I’m sorry to hear that,” she replied, her sympathy as hollow as his pleasantries.

His lips twitched, almost amused. “I believe you might have had a hand in that.”

She 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 in it for me?” she asked, tilting her head.

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

Sophie’s pulse quickened. Leverage. This could be her opening to secure a deal for Algernon Empire and finally fulfill her mission.

Damien studied her reaction. “Do we have an agreement?”

She hesitated for only a moment before speaking. “I’ll help stabilize Sterling Dynamics, but on one condition.”

His brows lifted slightly. “Which is?”

“A marriage,” she said, voice unwavering.

His eyes narrowed, barely concealing his surprise. “What?”

“A contract marriage,” she clarified.

Silence stretched between them.

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

She smirked. “So? Do you agree? It’s only for a year.”

A moment passed before he nodded. “Yes.”

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

She stood as well, reaching into her bag. Pulling out a contract, she laid it on the table. “Not yet. There are three more conditions.”

His brow arched, intrigue flashing in his eyes. “Oh? And what are those?”