CHAPTER 26 SOPHIE I exhaled sharply, a gasp escaping my lips. โWhy are you picking on me?โ I asked, my hands on my cheeks.โWhat?โ She stared coldly at me. โI'm only trying to discipline you for Master. You need to learn manners, and that is my job here.โI raised an eyebrow, still in disbelief while my cheeks burned in pain.But then again, where are you rushing to? Has Master gotten bored of you so quickly that he sent you away?โ They both burst out laughing.I swallowed hard, refusing to fall into their bait. This isn't the fucking time, Sophie, I reminded myself. Making a scene with these crazy psychos will only alert Vincenzo that I was leaving his estate without telling him.I ignored her and tried to walk out again, but the other woman rushed to the front, blocking my way.โAnd where do you think you're going, huh?โ she snarled. โDidn't she tell you that you can't walk away from her?โI scoffed, looking away, my fists clenched at my sides as I tried to control my emotions.Th
CHAPTER 27.SOPHIE โJenny!โ My eyes went wide with disbelief. I tucked my wet hair behind my back. โWhat happened?โโGet the fuck out of my house, you ingrate!โ she accused, her voice laced with rage. โI don't ever want to see you near my home. If I see you near my house, I will call the police!โMy jaw almost dropped to the floor at her choice of words and sudden change of character. I stood there, a wave of shock washing over me as I watched my friend of two decades hurl insults at me.I stood frozen in front of the door, her words cutting deep into my heart.I couldn't quite wrap my head around what must have triggered such an outburst from her. I couldn't believe what I was hearingโmy confidante and best friend, the keeper of my deepest secrets, was now standing in front of me, her eyes blazing with anger and hatred."You're an ungrateful, selfish, and manipulative bitch!" Jenny spat, her voice venomous. "You think you're so perfect, don't you? You think you're so much better tha
CHAPTER 26 VINCENZOI jolted awake when I heard the ringing tone of my phone, a sound that was only associated with my family. It could only be my mother, father, or sisters, or perhaps the janitors who worked with us. I quickly stood up and reached for the phone, answering the call. I yawned, trying to wipe the sleep from my eyes. Since the heavy downpour started, I had been asleep; the shoot had been quite stressful.โHow could you?โ My sister's cold voice vibrated through the speakers of the phone.Her tone was icy, and I could feel her rage from a mile away. I froze, a chill running down my spine.Knowing Rosa, I could easily tell from the way she spoke that things were really bad. She is the second youngest sister; Iโm quite a bit older than she is, and she usually respects me, regardless of our family ties. I wondered what was wrong. Was she speaking to someone else in the background, or was it really me she was upset with?I shook my head inwardly. Perhaps she wanted to call
CHAPTER 29.SOPHIE.My heart raced uncontrollably, and my hands trembled as he turned his face toward me.It was Leo! My heart skipped a beat when our eyes met, and I gulped, unable to speak. Tension coursed through my body, and I shivered involuntarily, my feet now planted on the car seat as I hugged myself, trying to shield away from the monster.โHey, sweetheart,โ Leo said with a smile. I shook my head in disbelief. No, this must be a dream. It can't be real. I am not his sweetheart.I couldn't process how he had found me or how he knew I was staying at Jenny's place. This couldn't be a coincidence; it felt like a deliberate act. A chill ran down my spine as I sat there, watching him smile at me with a sinister expression.โAdele misses you so much,โ he began, and a lump formed in my throat. โWhat kind of mother leaves her daughter for so long without any promise of coming back, huh?โMy body froze, panic racing through my mind. How did he...? Why was he...?I tried to speak, but m
CHAPTER 31VINCENZO I can't quite figure out if I'm more angry that she betrayed me or that I stupidly trusted her so easily.She promised to keep it to herself and not say anything during the interview, only for her to sell out the information.โVin, do you have anyone in mind?โ Niko asked, concerned.I just sighed. I know who it is. Itโs Sophie who betrayed my trust. The only ones who knew about my family were Niko, Scott, and Mrs. Hills. I know they would never talk about my family to the media. They have been working for over two decades and would never do anything like that.So all fingers point to my little kitten Iโm beginning to get used to.โNo,โ I said, turning away from him. โI don't know who did this. I need you to take down the news immediately and shut down whatever news station birthed the rumors.โNiko gave a shaky nod and left. Right now, I need to be alone and think thoroughly about what to do next.It might look like a minor case right here, but it's a major one. N
CHAPTER 33 SOPHIE."Vin, Vin, Vinciโฆ please, you need toโ" My voice trailed off as he abruptly cut the call. A deep wave of defensiveness washed over me.I nervously glanced at Leo, my eyes darting around as my whole body tensed up.He laughed, "You really think he was going to come save you? Listen up, Sophie: right now, Vincenzo only wants to kill you, and Iโm sure his family feels the same way. You should be thankful I'm here to save you.""Call me 'savior,' bitch!" he shouted, releasing his feet from the brakes. He increased the speed, swerving the car from side to side, making me jump in my seat.My hands trembled as I replayed Vincenzo's words in my mind. Was I really revealing important information about his family? I shook my head. No, I couldn't have done that. I would never betray him, especially since I didn't even know his family well enough to share anything vital. This had to be a misunderstanding.The realization hit me: Vincenzo couldn't save me. I was alone now, left
CHAPTER 34 VINCENZO About thirty minutes later, I was done smoking and drinking, so I headed to the bathroom for a quick bath before driving over to Naples, where my family was staying. I needed to meet them and explain what really happened. As the water poured over my head, I kept thinking of a good excuse that would be suitable when I got home. I couldn't tell them I confided in a woman. That would not only make me seem weak, but knowing the Bianchi family, they would dig around and find out who gave out the information and who she was.And that is one thing I don't want to do. I really don't want to betray Sophie that way.That bitch is my business to take revenge on, not theirs. As much as she messed up, I still want her alive and breathing so she can live the rest of her life in regret. My family would want her dead, and death is too good for her right now, knowing the irreparable damage she has done to my family name.Minutes later, I stepped out of the bathroom to the rington
CHAPTER 35SOPHIEI wondered if he really meant what he just said about liking my family if I said a word to the cops.But then the incident of cutting my credit cards and stopping my mum's hospital payments when I left flashed back in my head.There is nothing this monster can't do, but I have to take my chances and leave this car.Telling the cops that I was kidnapped will be my only escape route right now.It's now or never. I narrowed my eyes forward and saw a lot of police officers at the front. It looked like some of them were not just searching the cars; they were also searching the surroundings. Something must have happened for them to be all over the place like this.Leo drove slowly as he approached the checkpoint where he would be searched.I felt my heart racing with fear and anticipation. My hands were starting to tremble, and I clenched my fists slowly, trying to calm myself down.Leo didn't notice my pain and fears; his eyes were fixed on the area of police officers in
CHAPTER 83 SOPHIE. My body tensed up, and my muscles turned rigid with fear. When his hands ran around my shoulders again, I shivered. I wondered who the hell he was. He wasn't just a mere Robert. Something wasn't adding up. How did he know Vincenzo so well, or was he just trying to guess, perhaps just a coincidence? โWhat do you think, dear?โ He finally let me go and proceeded to sit back in front of me. I felt a deep wave of relief wash over me. I took the opportunity to drag my seat back and pushed myself forward, forcing my feet to stand even if my legs were now shaky. I felt a chill run down my spine, raising the hairs on the back of my neck. โWith all due respect, sir, like I said earlier, I'm not interested,โ I reminded him. Letting out a sigh, I moved to walk out. โIf you'll excuse me, I would love to leave.โ โNot so quickly, Sophie.โ He jerked up from his chair and quickly made his way to me. โCome on, why are you suddenly acting tough, huh? Vincenzo can hit, and I can't
CHAPTER 82 SOPHIE I still can't believe that Robert tried to come all up on me. For a second, I thought he was a responsible guy with the way he stood up for me against Emma. Asshole! Did he really ask me to come bounce on his dick? Ewww! It was time to go home, and I packed up my things, ready to cruise in my new car. I was no longer staying in the company's lounge; I would be living in a short-let apartment down the street until I was able to scout for a house. Staying in the company lounge had always been a hassle with the crowd of coworkers who had just moved in. I love my space, and staying there only made my space public. Once I was done, I picked up my car keys and made my way to the garage to get my car and drive back home. From afar, I could hear the sound of a car engine. When I looked, it was Robert. He revved his car before driving out of the lane and taking a U-turn to head toward the gate. Unlike every other day when he was done with work, he stopped at my desk to giv
CHAPTER 81 SOPHIE The tension in the room was palpable. I could feel the atmosphere shift from what it was a few minutes ago, and right now I couldn't tell why I didn't feel very comfortable drinking with Robert. Aside from the fact that I knew Emma would go around spreading different stupid rumors, I just felt like Robert wasn't really genuine. I love to come to my job and do what I have to do. Once I'm done, I leave and don't get into a personal relationship with my boss or even my colleagues.I stayed still, sipping my wine silently. The only sound that could be heard was that of the wine pouring down Robertโs throat. He flashed me a smile and dropped his cup on the table. โI didn't know you were going to smash it so easily. How is it with Vincenzo? I have heard a lot of tales about him, and I'm surprised he had such a good sense of humor when you were interviewing him. Is there anything you think I should know?โI raised my brows. โI don't get you, sir?โHe chuckled. โCome on, S
CHAPTER 80SOPHIE Someone like Emma calling me a whore is quite diabolical.I mean, that is her profession. She does that for a living. I see what she wears to get Robertโs attention, just like she was screwing our former boss, and now she stands in front of me accusing me of whoring myself out to get a BMW?Such a clumsy bitch. I just rolled my eyes and chose not to engage with her. I wouldn't give her the satisfaction of seeing me riled up. I'm just a new car owner. I will let broke bitches holler. That is the best they can do. Barking dogs donโt bite.โWhat?โ she scoffed. โYou canโt speak anymore? Cat got your tongue now, huh?โโGo on, bitch! Speak! I see you have no evidence to refute my claims,โ she snarled, and I just rolled my eyes.Soon, the door creaked open, and it was Robert. Every staff member quickly returned to their tasks, scurrying back to their respective seats now that the CEO was here. Emma, on the other hand, forced a smile and leaned in close to my desk like she
CHAPTER 79 SOPHIE โHello, are you missing Sophie?โ One of the airport workers walked up to me and asked as I alighted from the jet.I stopped scrolling through my phone to find an Uber and turned to him. โYes, I'm Sophie. Any problems?โBefore he spoke, I refocused on my phone, searching for the closest Uber from the airport to my workplace. I just knew Emma wouldn't spare me if I dared to show up late today. She hadn't seen me for seven consecutive days, and I'm sure her patience was wearing thin.That clueless bitch!โMa'am, your car is parked that way,โ the young man said, pointing to the garage. My eyes followed his gesture, and I saw a covered car. I gulped before turning back to him.โIโm sorry I could have come out earlier, but I was a little busy and didnโt notice when you dropped off. Mr. Vincenzo said you have the keys; Iโm going to open it up for you now.โFor a moment, it felt like I was in a fairy tale. My face lit up with excitement as I approached the car, and the man
CHAPTER 78VINCENZOI know something is wrong, but she isnโt willing to speak to me about it. After she went upstairs, her attitude and everything changed. When we came into the party, she was very much excited. What changed?I tried to talk to her in the car, but she wasn't even listening. Her mind was elsewhere. It hurt to see my kitten this way. Just when I thought I had gotten her back, now thereโs a last-minute misunderstanding. She keeps saying itโs about work, but I know that it isnโt. Sophie is a resilient woman, and everything that happens at work would never affect her daily life or ruin her mood.It was at the party. I'm sure of it. Iโm a hundred percent certain that something went down at the party, and I can't wait to call my mother and ask her if she knows any of the people who met Sophie and what they said to her that made her feel this way. But for now, I wanted to make sure I gave her the new car keys. After our misunder
CHAPTER 77SOPHIE I walked out with my heart pounding in my chest. I took the stairs, walking very fast as if scared she might be trailing me. I barely even knew her or her name to explain what she had just told me. For now, I couldn't stop to think about what she said. All I could think of was getting the hell out of this party. I didn't feel like staying anymore; I just wanted to leave. It seemed like the majority of the guests were psychos. I took the hallway leading to the elevator, and after a few minutes, it beeped. I pressed the button, waiting patiently for it to slide open. Once it did, I made my way out. On reaching downstairs, where the main party was happening, I met Vincenzo. He quickly approached me with a concerned look. โWhat happened, Sophie? Iโve been looking for you all over the place. Did you get lost coming down here?โI shook my head and forced a smile. โNo, I didnโt. I just stopped to use the restroom; that was all that to
CHAPTER 76SOPHIE I forced a smile, turning to Vincenzo, and he nodded, giving me the go-ahead to follow his mother. My heart skipped a beat as I followed her. She held tightly to my hand as she navigated through the crowd of guests, and finally, we were in the hallway. She let me go and heaved a deep sigh of relief."Have you met Foxy?" she asked, and I nodded."Yes, ma'am. I met her a few minutes ago, and we exchanged pleasantries."She nodded and flashed me a smile before we continued. I couldn't really tell where she was taking me. It felt like I was now part of the family with the way they were welcoming me in. For the next couple of minutes, we walked down a large, straight hallway, and then we finally arrived at the large lounge on the right. Once we got there, she pushed the door open, and a deep wave of nervousness washed over me when I saw the crowd inside.It looked like there was another party happening in there. I couldn't quite figure out what was going on. The next min
CHAPTER 75.SOPHIE The world seemed to pause. The room fell into a heavy silence, broken only by gasps. Vincenzo wasnโt lying; everyone was holding their breath as they stared at me. I froze for a moment, his eyes piercing into mineโboth shocked and amused.โOh my goodness!โ The MCโs voice snapped everyone back to the stage. โThat was spectacular! Is there anyone who can do better than this?โHe looked around before continuing, โOkay then, itโs sold to the damsel sitting over there.โThe room erupted into applause, and I felt a thrilling twist of excitement in my stomach. It felt exhilarating to have so many eyes on me, and bargaining at the auction was thrilling.But Vincenzo's face twisted into a frown as he leaned closer. โYouโre making a lot of people aware of who you are. Right now, I feel like punishing you!โI smiled and rolled my eyes. โGo ahead and do it. I want to be punished for acting like a child.โHe scoffed and looked away for a moment before grabbing my arm. โLetโs go