Anna stormed into Adrian Reginald's penthouse, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floor as she made her way to the living room where Sophia Carlson sat, sipping tea like she owned the place. Her sharp gaze flicked to Anna, her lips curling into a mocking smile.
"What brings you here, Anna?" Sophia drawled, setting her cup down with deliberate calm.
"What are you playing at, Sophia?" Anna's voice was low but filled with venom. "Announcing a wedding that Adrian didn't even agree to? Do you think you can just manipulate your way into his life?"
Sophia arched an eyebrow, her calm demeanor barely shifting. "I don't see how that's any of your concern. Unless, of course, you're upset that I've outplayed you."
Joi, who had been heading out to shop for new sets of Lingeries paused when she heard the voices. Quietly, she stepped into the hallway, her curiosity piqued. She leaned against the wall, just out of sight, and listened.
"Don't act so smug," Anna hissed, stepping closer. "We both know Isabella isn't Adrian's daughter. Or have you forgotten how that child even came to be?"
Sophia's calm façade finally cracked, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "Careful, Anna. You're treading on thin ice."
"Oh, don't give me that," Anna sneered. "I set you up, remember? I drugged you, handed you to that man, and made sure you carried that pregnancy to term. You didn't even have the option to abort, thanks to me."
Joi's breath caught in her throat. Isabella isn't Adrian's daughter? The revelation sent a shockwave through her, and she pressed herself tighter against the wall, her heart pounding.
Sophia's expression darkened as she stood, her voice low and icy. "And yet, you never thought I'd find out about Catherine's accident, did you?"
Anna froze, her confidence visibly shaken. "What… What are you talking about?"
Sophia smirked, a dangerous glint in her eyes. "Oh, I heard everything. The day I came to your father's mansion unannounced, I overheard Mr. and Mrs. Smith discussing it. How they orchestrated the accident and used it to control Mr. Reginald. You really thought I wouldn't put the pieces together?"
Anna's face paled, her lips parting in shock. "How… how did you—"
"I was going to confront you then," Sophia interrupted coldly, "but I knew better than to risk my life by challenging you and your parents. I went away instead, biding my time. But don't think I've forgotten, Anna."
Anna clenched her fists, her voice shaking with suppressed rage. "If you dare expose me, I'll make sure everyone knows Isabella isn't Adrian's child."
Sophia laughed bitterly. "Go ahead. But if you think your little secret about Catherine will stay hidden, you're delusional. Once that truth comes out, your family will fall harder than I ever will."
The tension between the two women was electric, their voices rising as their argument escalated.
From her hiding spot, Joi felt her stomach churn. She had heard more than enough and quietly slipped away, her mind racing with the weight of everything she'd just learned. She decided to distract herself with something mundane—shopping.
Joi knocked on the door of Adrian's study and, without waiting for a response, pushed it open. The cool, quiet atmosphere of the room was broken by her presence. Adrian looked up from his desk, his icy expression softening imperceptibly as his eyes landed on her.
"I need your help," she said casually, leaning against the doorframe with an air of nonchalance.
Adrian raised a brow, his tone neutral. "With what?"
Her lips curved into a playful smile, and she adjusted the hem of her sleek, fitted dress. The way she stood—the slight arch in her back, the tilt of her head—was effortlessly alluring.
"Shopping," she said, her tone light, but the teasing glint in her eyes betrayed her intention.
Adrian's gaze flickered, his cold exterior faltering as something darker and more possessive stirred beneath. "Shopping," he repeated slowly, as though testing the word. "Fine."
He stood without hesitation, buttoning his suit jacket with deliberate movements. Without another word, he walked around the desk and gestured for her to follow.
As they moved through the hallway toward the living room, Joi let her hand brush briefly against his arm, the gesture light but enough to pull his attention. Just as they reached the doorway, Adrian caught her wrist, halting her steps.
She turned, startled but intrigued, as he pulled her close, his piercing gaze locking with hers. In one fluid motion, he pressed her against the wall, his hands bracketing her on either side. His lips crashed against hers in a kiss that was as sudden as it was consuming.
Joi gasped softly against his mouth before laughing, the sound low and sultry as she broke the kiss. "Stop teasing me," she murmured, her voice rich with mock exasperation. Her fingers traced a slow, deliberate path down the lapel of his jacket.
Adrian smirked, his voice a low murmur as he leaned closer. "Who's teasing?"
The sound of footsteps made them pause, and they both turned to see Sophia and Anna standing a few feet away, their faces a mixture of shock and fury.
Sophia's voice trembled with anger. "What the hell is going on here?"
Adrian didn't even glance in her direction. He tightened his grip on Joi and walked toward the door, his demeanor icy. "Keep your voices down. You're both irritating."
Anna took a step forward, but Adrian's sharp, cold gaze froze her in place. Joi, meanwhile, couldn't hide the smirk tugging at her lips. She glanced back at the two women, her mocking laugh echoing as Adrian led her out the door. Adrian felt proud as he noticed Joi used him to make them jealous.
---
At the mall, Adrian's mood seemed lighter than usual. He indulged Joi's every whim, purchasing not just lingerie but an array of luxurious dresses, jewelry, bags, and shoes. By the time they were done, Joi was practically glowing, her arms laden with bags that screamed wealth and status.
As they walked through the mall, a paparazzo snapped a series of photos, capturing the tender way Adrian held Joi's hand and the soft smiles they exchanged. Onlookers murmured in admiration, some even commenting that they looked like the perfect couple.
Adrian, noticing the attention, pulled Joi closer. "Let's get something to eat," he said, his tone unusually warm.
---
Back at the penthouse, Anna paced furiously, her anger bubbling over as the paparazzi photos and headlines flooded social media. Adrian Reginald spotted with his mysterious lover! Are wedding bells ringing?
Sophia, equally enraged, smashed a vase against the floor, her composure unraveling as she watched Adrian spoil Joi with the life she believed should have been hers.
Mrs. Catlin sighed as she began cleaning up the mess, silently wondering how long the chaos in this house would last.