In the Chains of the Alpha

It seemed like Sofia Lopez wasn't just a godsister to Luca Marino. If Luca couldn't give me a good explanation, this engagement was off the table.

I called the number I'd saved but never once dialed. Once the call connected, I went straight to the point. "Your godsister is trying to snatch the engagement ring I chose. What do you have to say about that?"

Silence hung for a moment. Then, a cold, unfamiliar voice came through the line. "Who is this? Whatever is going on between Sofia and me isn't something an outsider gets to question."

Before I could say my name, he had already hung up. I stared at the dark screen for a second and let out an incredulous laugh. Obviously, he hadn't even saved my number.

Sofia's laughter cut through the crowd, sharp with smug delight. "Pathetic! You somehow got Luca's number and actually think that means he knows you? God, you're cracking me up!"

She tilted her chin and twisted a lock of hair around her fingers while looking me over again. "Seriously, look at what you're wearing. Even the nannies in the Marino family dress better than you."

The lackeys around her couldn't hold back and burst into mocking laughter.

I had always believed comfort mattered more than designer labels, but in a hall drowning in diamonds and custom gowns, no one here cared about that belief.

I pressed my lips together, heat rising up my chest. "So, you're still judging people by logos? You're unbelievably shallow. Luca sure had special taste when picking his godsister."

Thanks to her stunt, I wasn't in the mood for the auction anymore. I turned to the auctioneer and pointed straight at the Eternal Star ring in the display case.

"I want to activate the automatic bidding system. Whatever she offers, I'll pay double," I said.

The auctioneer shot Sofia a nervous glance and said carefully, "Miss, our automatic bidding service is reserved for clients with VIP cards."

Sofia gave a sharp little snort. She reached into her clutch, pulled out a gold VIP card, and slapped it onto the podium. "I spend seven figures a year here. And you? How exactly do you compare to me?"

I drew in a slow breath, took out a plain black card with no logo, and placed it beside hers. "Unlimited credit black card. Is that sufficient? Open the VIP account and restart the bid."

A wave of startled whispers rolled through the hall.

Sofia's smile faded, and her tone turned colder. "This is Marino territory. If anyone sides with her, I'll make sure they never work in this city again!"

The auctioneer's face went chalk white. His voice shook as he said, "Miss, I'm just a staff member. I really can't afford to offend the Marino family."

Several guests who'd seen the whole thing started trying to persuade me.

"Just let it go. I've run into Ms. Lopez before. Mr. Marino indulges her in everything."

"Someone crossed her last month, and his entire business was gone the very next day."

"Miss, even if you've got money, don't fight the Marino family. Their reach isn't something people like us can survive. Just apologize and ask Ms. Lopez to forgive you before this gets worse."

Under all those cautious glances and hushed warnings, Sofia only grew more pleased with herself. She crossed her arms and came closer, wearing a smug smile. The amusement in her eyes practically sparkled.

"You heard them. Get on your knees and shout, 'I'm broke, and I know I was wrong.' Do that, and maybe I'll let you walk out of here."