Chapter 71
Chapter 71
Sophia stood at the centre of the banquet hall, her eyes fixed on Alex, who lingered unobtrusively in the corner.
Words caught in her throat as confusion and disbelief swirled within her.
How had Alex managed to make Peter Smith, of all people, tremble with fear?
Even the powerful Lancaster family couldn’t command such a reaction from him.
Watching Peter’s desperate pleas, she was certain Alex must have tricked him somehow–probably with his usual swagger and exaggerated tales.
He was, after all, the king of braggarts.
At least she hadn’t been gullible enough to fall for his antics like poor Peter had.
“Peter, please stand up. People are watching,” Sophia urged softly, a flush of embarrassment creeping up her neck
Peter remained kneeling, his head bowed low.
“Miss Sophia, I beg you–promise me you’ll help secure Mr. Alex’s forgiveness. Only then will I rise.”
“Fine, fine,” she relented, hoping to end the spectacle. “Just get up.”
Nearby, Malvin, Mike, Amelia, and other members of the Lancaster family watched in stunned silence.
Peter, who moments ago had been raging and even struck them, was now meekly beseeching Sophia, as docile as a chastened child.
Mike, still smarting from the earlier confrontation, saw an opportunity to assert himself. He strode up to Peter with a scowl.
“What on earth are you doing, Peter?”
Without warning, Peter swung his hand, delivering a sharp slap to Mike’s face.
“I’m putting you in your place!” he snapped. “Who are you to disrespect Mr. Alex? Stay out of my sight, or you’ll regret it every time we cross paths!”
Mike stumbled back, shock and humiliation evident on his face.
He quickly retreated, not daring to provoke Peter further.
“Mr. Smith, please refrain from striking my family,” Sophia interjected firmly.
Peter immediately lowered his head. “Yes, Miss Sophia. I apologize. It won’t happen again.”
Sophia shook her head, exasperated, and turned toward Alex, who stood watching the scene unfold with an inscrutable expression.
Peter trailed closely behind her, his demeanor a mix of fear and deference.
Grabbing Alex’s arm, she whispered urgently, “Alex, what on earth did you do to him?”
“I didn’t do anything. He approached me, claiming he was engaged to you.”
“That’s not happening!” she snapped, irritation flaring.
“That’s exactly what I told him,” Alex replied evenly.
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She searched his face, skepticism evident. “Then why is he so afraid of you?”
He shrugged lightly. “I have no idea.”
Sophia narrowed her eyes. “You must have tricked him, pretending to be someone important.”
A faint, knowing smile curved his lips. “But I am someone inportant.”
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She rolled her eyes. “You might have fooled him with your tall tales, but you don’t fool me. Whatever you’ve done, just forgive him. He’s already humiliated my entire family.
“Don’t you think they might deserve a bit of humbling?” Alex suggested, a hint of mischief in his tone.
Sophia’s eyes widened, and despite herself, she felt a flicker of satisfaction.
Secretly, she couldn’t deny feeling a bit vindicated seeing Peter hit them, especially after her family had tried forcing an unwanted engagement on her.
But she couldn’t let Alex see that.
“Just admit you’re pleased,” he teased gently.
“Shut up,” she muttered, trying to mask her grin with a stern look. “Just forgive him.”
“Alright,” he conceded, pulling out his phone.
He typed a quick message to Alfred Kingston before glancing back at Peter. “Good performance, I’ve forgiven you.” Peter’s face flooded with relief, as if a tremendous weight had been lifted.
He bowed deeply. “Thank you, Mr. Alex. I will never forget this kindness! If you ever need anything, just call me– I’ll do whatever you need!”
“No need,” Alex replied, waving dismissively. “You and your family are too insignificant for me to bother with.”
Sophia’s eyes widened in disbelief. How could anyone brag so confidently?
Peter’s face flushed as he bowed again. “I’m sorry if our family isn’t worthy in your eyes.”
Even Alfred Kingston had to follow Alex’s command–so who were the Smiths in comparison?
Peter started sweating, feeling lucky just to be granted forgiveness.
He hurriedly excused himself. “I’ll take my leave now, Mr. Alex.”
As Peter departed, Sophia turned to Alex, her eyes searching. “How on earth does he believe all your… b Alex gave a nonchalant shrug. “Who knows?”
ing?”
Meanwhile, determined to salvage the evening, Amelia instructed the Master of Ceremonies to proceed with the banquet.
Guests began to take their seats, the atmosphere shifting as the program resumed.
“Let us welcome the CEO of the Lancaster Group, Mike Lancaster…” the announcer’s voice echoed through the hall.
Alex glanced at Sophia, noticing the shadow that crossed her face.
He softened his tone. “Do you want to go?”
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Chapter 71
She nodded silently.
“Let’s step out, then,” he suggested gently. “There’s a cozy café down the street. Maybe we can grab some coffee and pastries?”
A faint smile touched her lips. “I’d like that.”
Together, they slipped out of the grand hall, leaving behind the glittering chandeliers and murmuring crowd.
Sometimes, the kindest act is simply to walk beside someone in their quiet moments.
Back inside, the Master of Ceremonies continued, “Please welcome Miss Kelly Kingston.”
A poised and striking young woman ascended the stage, taking the microphone with confidence.
“Good evening,” she began. “I apologize on behalf of my cousin, Jasmine Kingston, who couldn’t be here tonight. I’m here to speak on her behalf.”
Polite applause rippled through the audience.
Kelly Kingston was well–known as Jasmine’s representative, often stepping in due to Jasmine’s health issues.
“Jasmine has a message,” Kelly continued, her gaze sharp as it settled on Mike Lancaster.
She wishes to address a matter of importance.”
A hush fell over the room.
“She wants to know: Who is Mike Lancaster?” Kelly’s voice carried a clear challenge.
“To our understanding, the Kingston family agreed to a partnership with the Lancaster Group under the leadership of Miss Sophia Lancaster.”
A murmur spread through the crowd as faces turned toward Amelia and Mike, whose expressions had turned ashen.
Kelly pressed on, her tone unwavering. “If Miss Sophia Lancaster–who has demonstrated remarkable capability and integrity–is not reinstated as the leader of the Lancaster Group, then the partnership is void.”
She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in.
“We are aware that Mike Lancaster’s track record does not compare. Therefore, the Kingston family officially withdraws from this partnership.”
Handing the microphone back to the stunned Master of Ceremonies, Kelly stepped down from the
The atmosphere in the banquet hall shifted dramatically–from celebratory to somber.
Amelia’s eyes rolled back as she swayed on her feet.
Losing Peter’s $50 million was one thing, but losing the partnership with Kingston meant they were headed for bankruptcy!
Malvin rushed to her side just in time to catch her as she fainted.
“Wait! Miss Kelly!” Mike called out desperately, scrambling toward her.
“I can prove myself! Please, give me a chance!”
Kelly glanced over her shoulder, her expression indifferent
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“Prove it, then. But it doesn’t matter to us.”
She turned away, leaving him standing there, helpless.
Amelia, regaining consciousness, clutched at Justin’s arm.
Her voice was strained, barely above a whisper. “Quickly… call Sophia back… before Kelly leaves. Now!”
Panic rippled through the Lancaster family.
The very alliance they had boasted about was slipping through their fingers, all because they had underestimated Sophia.
Or perhaps Alex.
