The room buzzed with whispers as Sophia glided through the crowd, her presence commanding attention. Men scrambled to introduce themselves, while women stared, some in envy, others in curiosity. She exchanged polite smiles and empty pleasantries, her sharp eyes scanning for her target.
Adrian stood near the bar, his knuckles white as he gripped his glass. His usual air of control was gone, replaced by something foreign—shock. Sophia relished the sight, but she wasn't here to play games with him. Not yet.
"Miss Lane," a deep, smooth voice interrupted her thoughts. She turned to find a tall man with piercing blue eyes and a devilish smirk standing before her.
"Mr. Sterling," she replied, her tone measured but warm. Ethan Sterling, the CEO of her rival company, had been instrumental in helping her rise to her current position. Their alliance was mutually beneficial, but tonight, he had agreed to play a different role.
"You look stunning," Ethan said, his gaze lingering on her. "I can see why Adrian can't take his eyes off you."
Sophia let out a soft laugh, taking his arm. "Let him look. He should know what he lost."
As they moved toward the center of the ballroom, the murmurs grew louder. Sophia and Ethan, two titans of industry, together—it was a sight no one had expected.
Adrian couldn't take it anymore. He stormed toward them, his jaw clenched. "Sophia," he said, his voice tight, "a word. In private."
Sophia raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a smirk. "Why, Adrian? Is something wrong?"
His eyes flickered to Ethan, then back to her. "Now," he growled.
Sophia sighed dramatically and patted Ethan's arm. "Excuse me, Mr. Sterling. It seems my ex-husband has something urgent to say."
The emphasis on "ex-husband" drew a ripple of laughter from those nearby. Adrian's face darkened, but he said nothing, leading her to a quiet corner of the room.
---
"What are you doing here?" he demanded, his voice low but furious.
Sophia tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Am I not allowed to attend a charity gala? Last I checked, you didn't own this event."
"You know that's not what I mean," Adrian snapped. "Why are you with him?"
"Ethan?" Sophia asked, her tone light. "Oh, we're partners now. Didn't you hear? He's investing in my company."
Adrian's fists clenched. "Your company? Since when do you—"
"Since I stopped wasting my time being your shadow," she cut in, her voice sharp. "Two years ago, you made it very clear where I stood in your life. Now, I'm standing somewhere else—at the top."
Adrian stepped closer, his anger barely contained. "This isn't over, Sophia."
She smiled coldly. "Oh, Adrian. For you, it is."
As Sophia turned to walk away, the crowd parted, revealing an older man entering the room. His presence was commanding, his silver hair gleaming under the chandelier's light.
Her breath caught. She hadn't expected him to come tonight.
"Father?"
The word slipped out before she could stop it.
The crowd gasped.
Adrian froze, his eyes widening in shock. "Father?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.
The man's gaze locked on Sophia, a slow, dangerous smile spreading across his face.
"Hello, Sophia," he said, his tone chillingly familiar. "It's been a long time… my daughter."
Adrian stared at them, realization dawning like a thunderclap.