WifeThey left madam Delacroix in silence. Sophia’s hand stayed firmly in Adrian’s as they walked out. The staff remained on their knees, heads bowed, Madame Delacroix personally apologizing at the door. Adrian didn’t spare them another glance. He simply guided Sophia into the waiting car, his touch protective and steady.Once inside the luxurious backseat, Sophia turned to watch him settle beside her. The moment the door closed and the car pulled away smoothly, she couldn’t hold it in anymore.“Adrian,” she said softly.“Hmm?” He turned to her, eyes warm and attentive.She played with the strap of her purse, cheeks already turning pink. “Uhm… I’m sorry but earlier in the shop… you called me your wife.” Her voice dropped to a shy whisper. “So what… I don’t want to assume or pressure you before…”Before she could finish, Adrian leaned across the seat, one large hand gently cupping the back of her neck. He pulled her into a deep, lingering kiss.Sophia’s breath hitched. His lips were w

The three visitors stepped inside the suite, still looking slightly dazed. Adrian closed the door behind them with a calm click, then turned to the two princes.“Alexander, Lucien … there are spare shirts and aprons in the guest closet. Change into something comfortable quickly and come join me in the kitchen.”The princes blinked but didn’t argue. They disappeared down the hallway to change. Adrian glanced at Sophia and Lady Isolde.“You two can talk for a bit,” he said gently, brushing a hand over Sophia’s shoulder before heading to the kitchen.Sophia offered Lady Isolde a warm smile and gestured toward the living area. “Please, make yourself comfortable. Would you like something to drink? Tea? Water?”Lady Isolde sat gracefully on the sofa, crossing her long legs. Her posture was perfect, her expression cool and distant. “No, thank you.”Sophia tried again, keeping her voice friendly. “Adrian mentioned you’re his old friends. That’s nice. How long have you all known each other?”I

Victoria stepped out of the taxi on shaky legs, the taste of Mr. Ridley still lingering on her lips like poison. The ride home had been silent, the driver occasionally glancing at her in the rearview mirror, but she had kept her face turned to the window, staring at nothing. Her body felt dirty. Used. Every step toward the front door of the house felt heavier than the last.The moment she pushed the door open, Mrs. Stone was on her like a vulture.“Where have you been?” her mother demanded, voice shrill and desperate. “Did you get any money? We’re about to be evicted, Victoria! The bank called again today. We can’t be homeless. I won’t live like some beggar on the street because of your stupidity!”Victoria stood in the doorway, staring at her mother’s frantic, angry face. The humiliation from the hotel room, the way Mr. Ridley had pawed at her, the way he had kissed her like she was something cheap … it all boiled over.Without a word, she reached into her bag and pulled out the thic

Sophia walked into the elegant hall as her name was announced clearly over the soft music.“Miss Sophia Laurent.”Heads turned. Conversations paused. She kept her chin high and her back straight, even though her heart was pounding desperately. She missed Adrian’s steady presence beside her. Without him, every step felt exposed, every gaze heavier. But she refused to let it show. She had survived bankruptcy, betrayal, and gunshots. She could handle this.The venue was intimate … a private banquet for a carefully selected group of influential people. Crystal chandeliers cast warm light over beautifully set tables. Soft classical music played in the background.Before she could feel too lost, Madame Élise Duchamp herself glided toward her with open arms. The legendary woman’s face lit up with genuine warmth.“Sophia, my dear!” Madame Duchamp exclaimed, leaning in to peck both of Sophia’s cheeks in the traditional European greeting. “You look absolutely lovely tonight.”A ripple of shock

Sophia walked away from the corridor with her head held high, even as her cheek still burned from Victoria’s slap. Her heart was racing, but she refused to let the encounter ruin the evening. She had stood up for herself. For the first time in a long while, she had defended what was hers … and it felt powerful.Before she could rejoin the main hall, Madame Duchamp appeared at her side, linking arms with her gently.“My dear, are you alright?” the older woman asked, concern clear in her eyes. “Dod something happen in there, do you need me to do anything?”“I’m fine,” Sophia replied with a small smile. “Thank you for standing up for me earlier.”Madame Duchamp patted her hand. “Come with me. There’s someone I’d like you to meet. She’s been asking about you all evening.”She led Sophia through the elegant crowd to a quieter corner where a young woman in a elegant navy dress stood waiting. The girl had soft features, warm brown eyes, and a gentle smile that felt strangely comforting.“Sop