[BONUS Chapter for reaching 200PS! Thank you all!🤍 ]

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[EVE]

Cole was dangerous like this.

For the first time, I saw not the cold and calculating businessman Cole was known to be, but someone capable of unleashing something far darker.

Just when I thought he might snap, he exhaled slowly, his shoulders relaxing by a fraction. When he turned to face me again, his expression was composed, but his eyes still burned with a restrained intensity.

"I’ll contact the best lawyer in the world to represent you," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I blinked, startled by his seriousness. "I . . ." I hesitated, wanting to protest. Sinclair already had excellent lawyers—some of the best money could buy. But before I could explain, the unrelenting determination in Cole’s gaze silenced me.

"I’m not negotiating on this, Eve," he said. "They dared to lay a hand on you. That won’t go unanswered. Not by me." Stay connected via novelbuddy.com

Something about the quiet finality in his words made my breath catch. His protective anger was overwhelming, and while a part of me felt deeply touched, another part of me feared what he might do if this continued.

"Cole," I said softly, trying to reach the rational side of him. "I appreciate it, really. But you don’t have to—"

"I do," he interrupted, his tone softer now but just as resolute. "I won’t let them get away with this. Not while I can do something about it."

I looked into his eyes, and for a moment, I saw the frustration, the guilt, the fury that someone would hurt me under his watch. There was no stopping him now, no use trying to dissuade him.

I sighed, giving in. "Alright," I murmured. "Thank you."

He nodded, his expression easing ever so slightly, but the fire in his eyes never truly left.

Cole Fay wasn’t the type to forgive easily, and I knew that somewhere, deep down, Sophia and her family had just signed themselves up for something worse.

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Sophia and Sophie were practically glowing with triumph as they sat around the lavish dining table, a fine spread of food untouched as they reveled in their victory.

The faint clink of silverware against porcelain filled the air, but it was Sophie’s laughter that truly cut through the silence.

"You should have seen her face, Dad," Sophie said, a wicked grin stretching across her face. "That bitch was about to cry."

"Language, my dear," Sullivan Rosette corrected her, though his tone lacked any real reprimand. He was too pleased to care. "Still, you shouldn’t let her bother you. I told you both, there’s no need to stress over Eve. Let me handle her. She’s insignificant."

"It’s fine, dear," Sophia chimed in smoothly, reaching for Sullivan’s hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. "I know you’re busy with the business. Let us handle that girl. She can’t do anything to us—even with Grandfather’s backing."

At the mention of the old patriarch, Sullivan’s expression darkened, his jaw clenching. A dangerous gleam flickered in his eyes. "Soon, my company will surpass Father’s. His empire—and every investor tied to him—will fall under my control. By then, he and that Victor will be nothing more than relics of the past. I’ll be the true head of the Rosette family soon."

Sophia and Sophie exchanged satisfied smiles, their ambitions aligning seamlessly with Sullivan’s plans.

"That’s why, Sophie," Sullivan continued, turning his sharp gaze to his daughter. "You must do your best to marry into the Fay family. Cole Fay is the key."

Sophie’s cheeks flushed, and her smile turned demure—though the spark of ambition in her eyes couldn’t be hidden. "Don’t worry, Father. Cole and Lina’s birthday party is coming up. If we can secure an invitation, I’ll make sure I catch Cole’s attention. He won’t be able to resist my beauty by then."

Sophia sighed, resting her chin on her hand. "I heard the invitations are entirely exclusive this year. Even the wealthiest families are struggling to get in."

Sullivan scoffed, his confidence unshakable. "Father already receive his, which means we all have access. There’s nothing to worry about."

The atmosphere shifted instantly. Both women sat up straighter, their smiles growing brighter at the news.

"That’s wonderful!" Sophie exclaimed, her mind already spinning with plans.

"This is perfect," Sophia added, barely containing her excitement. "We’ll order the best gown, the finest jewelry, and hire the top glam team in the city. I’ll make sure Cole notices you, my dear."

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Just as the family basked in their shared victory, a sudden commotion came from the hallway. A butler hurried into the dining room, clutching a black envelope bearing an elegant gold seal.

"What is it now?" Sullivan frowned, though curiosity tinged his voice.

The butler bowed respectfully. "This was delivered by hand just moments ago, sir. It is addressed to Miss Sophie."

Sophia and Sophie’s eyes widened in surprise as the butler carefully handed over the envelope. Sophie’s heart raced as she took it, her fingers trembling slightly as she broke the pristine seal.

"What is this?" Sophia asked, leaning in.

Sophie pulled out a thick invitation card, her breath hitching when she saw the embossed gold letters.

"This . . ." she stammered, her voice trembling with disbelief. "This is from Cole Fay himself! The invitation is addressed to me!"

"What?" Sophia snatched the card from her daughter’s hands, her eyes narrowing to inspect it. There it was—Sophie’s name, engraved in an elegant script. It was a personal invitation from Cole Fay, delivered straight to their doorstep.

"Oh my God!" Sophie exclaimed, clutching her hands to her chest as her face flushed with pure delight. "Mother! Father! Cole has officially invited me to his birthday party! Personally!"

Sullivan’s expression finally cracked into a proud smile. "Good work, Sophie. This is exactly the opportunity we’ve been waiting for."

Sophia practically beamed. "This changes everything. We’ll make sure you’re the center of attention that night. The best gown, the best accessories—no expense will be spared. You have to take this chance to make Cole finally yours Sophie."