Chapter 456
Sofina still felt lightheaded when she stepped out of Marlena’s office.
The world looked unreal-like she was walking through someone else’s dream. In her hand, she held a check worth one hundred million dollars-the down payment for the Wolfsbane Group’s collaboration with the Eden Group.
Her heart raced. She could barely believe it.
As Sofina crossed the Eden building’s garden, sunlight danced across the glass walls and the sound of water filled the air.
She spotted Alex by the fountain, sleeves rolled up, focused on his work.
Her heart leapt. She waved both hands, shouting, “Alex! Alex!” Her voice rang out -bright, breathless, full of joy that couldn’t be contained.
Alex looked up instantly. The moment he saw her face, he dropped his tools and rushed over. “How did it go?” he asked.
“Alex, I did it! I really did it!” Sofina threw her arms around him, laughing through her breathless excitement.
Alex smiled, though a shadow crossed his eyes. He knew the truth― every happiness is built on some hidden sorrow.
Sofina still carried the sting of Heinrich’s cruelty; she could hide it from everyone else, pretend to be strong-even fool herself-but not Alex. He saw right through her.
Still, he played along, voice full of mock surprise. “You pulled it off? That’s incredible, Sofina. Nobody closes a deal like that. You’re amazing p>
She shook her head quickly. “No, it’s not me. It’s like… they just gave it to me. Like the whole thing was already decided p>
Alex frowned. “What makes you say that p>
“I don’t know. Just a feeling,” she said softly. “Whatever it is… I’m just glad it’s done.” Her smile returned, warm and relieved. “So-will you come home with me p>
Alex gave a small shrug. “Can’t. Not yet. I’ve still got work to finish. I’m the new guy here—I can’t start slacking or they’ll toss me out.” He grinned faintly. “See you at home later, alright p>
“Alright,” Sofina said, matching his grin. “The new house Beatrix gave us, right?” “Exactly,” he said.
She laughed, the sound light and real. For the first time in weeks, she felt free. But as she walked toward the exit, her steps slowed.
Heinrich appeared from behind a row of hedges, leaning casually against a marble post as if he’d been waiting all along.
“What do you want, Heinrich?” Sofina asked, instantly wary.
He took a slow step forward. “Sofina… I know you still love me. How about we make this simple? Leave that pauper you married. Be with me instead p>
He adjusted his cufflinks and smirked. “You can be my mistress. I’m at the top of Winchester now-you’d live like a queen p>
Sofina’s eyes narrowed, a cold smile curling on her lips. “And rule over what, Heinrich? Your ego p>
He smirked. “Over everything my name commands p>
She gave a short, bitter laugh. “Funny. I always thought your name only commanded waiters-and the fool I used to be p>
Heinrich’s tone hardened, his smile fading. “Careful, Sofina. I could ruin you p>
She met his gaze without flinching. “You already did,” she said quietly. “That’s why
I left. We have nothing to talk about,” Sofina said flatly, brushing past him.
A faint shimmer of hurt glistened in her eyes, but she forced it down, refusing to let him see her break.
But Heinrich followed, voice dropping to a darker tone. “Don’t walk away from me, Sofina. You’re wasting yourself on a man who has nothing p>
She didn’t look back. “Then let me waste myself in peace p>
“Sofina, I know why you married that
half-slave,” Heinrich sneered,
stepping closer. “You wanted to
make me jealous. Well,
congratulations-you did. I’m
jealous. “I want you, back. “We were
married for three years, remember p>
Sofina’s eyes hardened. “And what about Katarina? I heard you’re planning to marry her p>
Heinrich gave a careless shrug.
“Katarina’s the heir of Baron
Rosenheim. Her family promised me
money. Thave no choice but to
marry her. But you-” his lips curled
into a smirk-“you can be my mistress p>
“The hell with you, Heinrich. We’re finished!” Sofina shouted, her voice shaking with rage. She couldn’t
believe that after all this time,
mart could still wound hermet
deeply so much that it almost brought her to tears.
As she turned to leave, Heinrich grabbed her wrist, his grip tight and possessive. “Don’t get arrogant, Sofina. You were the one begging for my attention before p>
“And now that I’m offering it, you dare reject me? Listen to me. Divorce that useless man, and I’ll take you back p>
“Let me go!” Sofina cried, struggling to pull free.
Fury trembled in her voice as she twisted against his hold-then her palm lashed out, striking his face with a sharp, echoing slap.
Heinrich froze, his expression twisting with rage. “You hit me again? How dare you-” He lifted his hand to strike her.
But before he could move, a sharp electric snap filled the air.
Heinrich’s body jolted violently as the Eden security android stepped in from behind, taser prongs sparking blue.
“I’m sorry, Miss Sofina,” the robot said in its even, metallic tone. “From this moment on, I will ensure he never comes near you again p>
The machine gripped Heinrich by the collar and dragged him backward as his protests dissolved into weak sputters.
Sofina turned away, clutching her trembling hands. She needed to tell the Wolfsbane family what had happened.
Thirty minutes later, she arrived at the Wolfsbane mansion.
The grand hall was crowded-family members seated around the long table, waiting. Their expressions were expectant, mocking.
Everyone knew Sofina had gone to meet the Eden Group that morning, but none
of them believed she could actually succeed. They were here to laugh at her
failure.
When she stepped through the doors, the room went quiet for half a heartbeat— then filled with snickers.
Beatrix leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. “Well, look who’s back early,” she said, her voice dripping sarcasm.
“What happened, Sofina? Couldn’t even get past their front gate? That must be some kind of record, huh?” She laughed loudly, joined by a few others. Annabella chimed in, grinning wickedly. “Less than an hour and already failed. Amazing! You should be in the Guinness Book of Records.” She lifted her bracelet and activated a holographic display.
A three-dimensional projection flickered to life in the air. The footage showed Heinrich roughly dragging Sofina out of the Eden Group’s building and shoving her toward the front entrance
Gasps and muffled laughter rippled through the hall.
“I bet Sofina couldn’t even step inside,” Annabella laughed, tossing her hair back.
Her own scandal of being kicked out with Nikolaus had already spread across the city-adding Sofina’s name to the gossip made her feel less pathetic. Baroness Wolfsbane’s expression darkened. A storm brewed behind her sharp eyes.
She knew the Eden Group was notoriously difficult to approach, but Sofina should’ve at least tried with dignity. Instead, rumors said she’d been thrown out before she could even speak.
The Baroness slammed her hand against the table. “Sofina, you’ve humiliated this family. You’ve disappointed me beyond words. Get out—I don’t want to see you right now p>
The room filled with mocking laughter. Sofina’s earlier joy curdled into fire.