Supreme Authority

Chapter 9

Sophia seized the bank card in one swift move and shoved it across the table toward Alex.

“There’s one million dollars tucked in there, enough to keep you satisfied for a lifetime.”

“Treat it like the repayment for every favor you’ve ever done for me.”

Alex stared at Sophia in silence for a moment before murmuring.

“I don’t want your money.”

“Just take it, and waste it on any woman who will have you. I’d hate to see you stoop so low that you become a rapist.”

Alex stepped forward, brushing past Sophia.

“Sophia, I’ve never needed money, and I’m telling you again—I never tried to rape Olivia. She’s lying.”

He turned on his heel and stalked out the door.

Outside, Cara leaned against the wall, arms folded, waiting with a scornful smirk.

“Congratulations on cashing in a million dollars by ditching your wealthy wife,” she sneered.

“Make good use of that pile of cash, but the second it’s gone, don’t you dare come crawling back to Sophia. I’m warning you—walk away and stay away.”

Alex shot her a cold glare. “That’s none of your damn business.”

“Oh, you’re dead wrong—it’s exactly my business. Miss Fairchild is about to marry London’s most handsome, rich, young CEO. So keep your filthy hands off her.”

“If you screw this up, our company tanks—and there goes my chance at a raise. So yeah, it’s personal.”

Alex’s gaze darkened. “I’ve never heard a whisper about this.”

“Ethan Kane of Kane Technologies, that’s who. He’s had his eye on Sophia for a good while now. If you dare sniff around her again, he’ll turn you into his pet’s chew toy.”

Cara’s eyes burned with contempt. “Get out of here—and don’t ever show your pathetic face again. You’re a disgusting, revolting rapist. And God, you’re disgusting.”

She yanked the conference room door open and swept inside, leaving Alex in her wake.

Once inside, Cara glanced at Sophia.

“Congratulations, Miss Sophia. You’ve finally shaken off that parasite for good.”

Sophia’s shoulders slumped as she met Cara’s gaze, and she exhaled a tired sigh.

“Did I make the right decision, Cara? Shouldn’t I, as his wife, have put faith in him, stood by him?”

Though she was the one who pushed for the divorce, there was no relief when the settlement was finalized.

Her heart ached with regret—screaming for what they’d lost.

But her mind kept shouting back,

He’s a damn rapist.

How could he even think of trying to rape Olivia—the sweet, pure girl who wouldn’t hurt a fly? Where the hell was his brain?!

“Absolutely. You’re doing great,” Cara said with a firm nod. “You deserve a real shot at happiness.”

“I am not sure.”

“Come on, Miss Sophia?” Cara’s lips curled in disgust.

“That man is worthless, broke, and barely above dirt. He’s never been on your level. He’d only drag you into his misery. You have a line of suitors a hundred times better than him.”

“Cara, Alex can be gentle… Maybe he’s telling the truth about Olivia’s accusations,” Sophia said, her voice unsure. 

“Oh, please. There are oceans of men kinder than Alex,” Cara scoffed.

“You shut your heart to the world for years, clinging to him—but now you’re finally free. It’s time to see the bigger fish in the sea.” 

“Mark my words, divorcing that useless man was the smartest move you’ve ever made. You’re on track to become Londan’s most formidable woman.” 

“But—” 

“No buts,” Cara cut in sharply.

“You did what had to be done. If you hadn’t divorced him, his dirty name would’ve dragged your name through the mud and ruined everything you’ve built.”

“You’re right.” Sophia sighed, yet she felt like she’d let something precious slip through her fingers.

“Now then, let’s focus on tonight’s auction. We both know the Everlasting Dreamrose is going up for sale. We’ve been waiting for this chance for years.”

The mention of that coveted flower made Sophia’s gloom lift.

“Yes, let’s do that.”

The Everlasting Dreamrose was said to possess miraculous powers—restoring health, enhancing beauty, even returning a woman of a hundred to the bloom of her twenties.

Naturally, everyone coveted it.

And once the bidding began, the price could easily soar past two hundred million.

“That treasure has always been out of reach, but maybe we can scrape together enough resources. With a little luck, we just might snag it,” Sophia mused.

If they managed to secure it, they could forge a groundbreaking anti-aging product, potentially doubling or tripling the company’s market worth.

“Miss Sophia,” Cara called with a shrewd smile.

“I hear Ethan Kane will be there as well. Perhaps tonight you’ll finally allow him to court you. Heir to the Kane family—and your mother’s favorite pick, too.”

“Why not give him a fair shot now that you’re officially single? He’d surely bankroll you if it meant getting that flower. After all, it’s exactly what you and this company need.”

Sophia kept her thoughts guarded, offering no reply.

Cara’s lips curled upward in satisfaction—at least Sophia wasn’t outright refusing the idea like before.

Beyond those walls, Alex rode a taxi to the rehabilitation center, a place he often visited to see Old Douglas, Sophia’s grandfather.

He was the man who had given his blessing for Sophia to marry Alex.

Alex stared out the window, heart heavy.

He knew the divorce was coming—but he never thought it would hurt like this. 

He had once pictured a life with Sophia—laughter in the halls, growing old hand in hand, kissing her goodnight until their final breath. 

Now, all of it was gone. Just a broken dream fading in silence. 

Men make plans, but fate doesn't care. 

His phone rang, snapping him back to the cold present.

He picked it up and recognized the voice immediately.

“Your Excellency, allow me to introduce myself—Renault Dupont, representing Dupont Group. I recently learned of your interest in acquiring an Everlasting Dreamrose, a rare and exquisite gift for your esteemed spouse.”

“By remarkable fortune, I happen to have one in my possession. There’s no charge—consider it a gesture of respect and goodwill. Kindly advise where you would like it delivered.”