House of Alister: The Hidden Heir

Chapter 6

Sophie carefully cut through the silk paper and peeled the layer off carefully.

As soon as the layer was peeled off, the first thing she saw was a white Chanel bag.

She opened her mouth in shock as she looked back at Daniel. The bag screamed luxury, and Sophie couldn't believe her eyes.

"What the fuck!!" Sophie bellowed.

Her gaze moved from Daniel back to the expensive bag that was in her hand. "How did you...?" she asked, but her voice trailed midway.

Daniel smiled and held her hand, knowing exactly what was going through her mind. He knew for certain telling her about his new position at the moment was not the most advisable thing.

"I got a new job and was able to save money to get you these items." His eyes gestured to the bag and the unopened item that was sitting unwrapped on the table.

"You got a new job?" Sophie asked, confused.

She had no idea of this. "How? When? Was...?"

Before she could ask any more questions, Daniel gently gestured toward the remaining gifts on the table.

"Sophie," he said softly, "open the rest first."

His voice held a calm persuasion—one that told her he didn’t want to overwhelm her with explanations just yet.

Sophie swallowed, still stunned. Her fingers trembled slightly as she reached for the next wrapped box.

Meanwhile, the two women who had insulted Daniel earlier were silent and were completely still. They watched in surprise at what Daniel was going to offer next.

Sophie carefully cut the ribbon on the second box, and she raised her eyebrows in shock. Sitting pretty was a red, expensive, stunning dress that screamed luxury. She touched the fabric gently but refused to raise it up as if it might damage the dress’s quality.

Both of the women gasped in shock as they stared at the dress. One of the women, who goes by the name Bonnie, had just finished scrolling on Social media an hour ago to see the dress publicly displayed on Chanel's post as a limited edition.

Bonnie’s jaw dropped. Her eyes darted from the dress to Sophie, then to Daniel… back and forth like her brain couldn’t compute what she was seeing.

“That’s…” Bonnie whispered, her voice cracking. “That’s the limited edition… the one that sold out in less than fifteen minutes…”

Her friend hit her sharply to bring her back to her senses. “Bonnie!” she hissed under her breath, but her own eyes were glued to the dress as if she were witnessing a miracle.

Sophie blinked rapidly, her heart thudding.

The dress was breathtaking... sleek, bold, a masterpiece stitched with quiet power. She traced the fabric again with trembling fingertips, unable to believe her husband was the one who bought it.

“Sophie,” Daniel said softly, reading the disbelief on her face, “try it.”

“I—I can’t…” she whispered. “Daniel, this is too expensive. This is—this is ridiculous. This is Chanel’s limited—Daniel, how did you even...”

“Open the last one,” Daniel cut in gently, his eyes warm, patient. “Then we’ll talk.”

Her throat tightened.

She wasn’t even sure she could handle another surprise, but she slowly reached for the smallest box remaining on the table. The lid lifted easily, and Sophie froze again.

Inside lay a delicate necklace that was shimmering, catching the light like it was made of liquid gold and moonlight. It was incredibly beautiful.

Her breath escaped in a shudder.

“Daniel…” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Behind her, Bonnie covered her mouth with both hands, staring in disbelief. Her friend stood completely stiff, and her face was pale from shock.

This wasn’t just a gift. This was wealth. Real wealth. The kind they had never associated with the likes of Daniel.

Sophie slowly, almost painfully, lifted her gaze to meet Daniel’s. Her eyes filled with confusion and emotion.

“This is too much,” she whispered. “Daniel… no normal job pays for this.”

"Exactly!" Bonnie spat, regaining herself immediately. She looked at Daniel in spite. "You are not only a loser but a thief! Tell me! How would a man like you be able to afford expensive and stunning Chanel items? Even if you work ten years, you cannot afford a bag alone, not to talk of these..." she said, gesturing at the gifts on the table.

The room went dead silent. Even Sophie flinched at Bonnie’s outburst, but Daniel didn’t. He just maintained his ever-perfect composure.

He just stood there calmly… in a way that made the air tighten.

Bonnie stepped closer, fueled by jealousy and insecurity, pointing a trembling, accusing finger at him.

“You’re a thief!” she repeated louder. “There’s no way you can afford Chanel. People like you don’t walk in and buy limited editions! So tell the truth… did you fraud someone? Scam someone? Or steal from Sophie? Because that’s the only logical—"

“Bonnie, stop!” Sophie snapped, slamming her palm on the table.

Both Bonnie and her friend jumped.

Sophie took a few steps closer to Bonnie in anger. She was tired of her husband being talked to like that, despite several pleas. “You don’t get to talk to my husband like that. How many times do I have to warn you?” she barked.

Bonnie scoffed loudly. “Your husband? Sophie, open your eyes! He’s been broke since you married him! Suddenly he brings Chanel? Chanel?! Are you blind? Where did he get the money? Men like him don’t get opportunities..."

"Enough!" Daniel yelled in anger. "I won't take any more of your insults." He said, stepping forward. "Just so you know, Bon, I didn’t steal anything, and I don't owe your bitter ass any explanation."

"Oh please, Dann—"

"Get out!" Daniel interrupted. "I don't want to hear any more words of yours, because if you are not careful, I can have you hate yourself for the rest of your life!!" Daniel said.

The women looked at each other in surprise. What the hell was he talking about?