Chapter 17: Sweet Retaliation

"What guy, Marcus?" Lauren asked, raising an eyebrow.

Marcus's face twisted with frustration. "I don't know. I've been trying to force Sophia back on my terms, but somehow, someone keeps getting in my way."

Evelyn's gaze softened slightly with pity. "Marcus, you were her husband. Although I don't know why Dad insists you get her back, it shouldn't be that hard for you. But whoever is helping her must have significant influence if they can act so quickly. And that is if it's the same person"

Lauren rolled her eyes, her tone mocking. "Please. Vision Care is one of the most reputable hospitals in the country. They wouldn't let anyone ruin their reputation. We were just unlucky, that's all."

Marcus's shoulders relaxed, but there was a flicker of something unsettling in his gaze. "But why is Sophia always this lucky?" He shook his head, deep in thought. This was my opportunity to force her back and she just got lucky?

Evelyn interrupted his thoughts with a wry smile and her tone dripped with sarcasm. "Son, shouldn't you be busy with women outside? Don't tell me you've changed after Sophia left."

Marcus ignored her, looking at both women. "Grandpa called me here. Do you know why?"

Lauren's face went pale. "Grandpa? Do you think it's about that bitch Sophia?"

Before Marcus could respond, a door slammed. Raphael, the family patriarch, stormed into the room, his cane tapping against the marble floors in rhythm with his fury. He glared at each of them, his eyes blazing.

"Do any of you understand the mess you've caused this family?" he barked, his voice booming through the mansion.

Marcus swallowed hard, forcing himself to stand his ground. "Grandpa, what's this about?"

Raphael's face twisted in anger, his finger trembling as he pointed at them. "Do you have any idea what you've done by the scandal at the hospital?"

Evelyn and Lauren exchanged glances, fear creeping into their eyes. They looked down, too intimidated to speak.

"Every member of this family has been blacklisted from Vision Care Hospitals. Do you know what that means?" Raphael's words hung heavily in the air, and the shock on their faces was almost tangible.

"What?" Lauren gasped, clutching her chest. "They blacklisted us? But… why?"

Raphael's voice dropped to a deadly calm. "Because of Alexander Evans. He's the major shareholder in Vision Care, and thanks to your foolish actions, we're on his blacklist."

"What? Alexander Evans? We're doomed." Lauren almost cried out. Who doesn't know that Man? Crossing him means a dead wish.

Raphael turned his glare toward Evelyn and Lauren. "Your credit cards are frozen. You will stay home and reflect. And if I hear that either of you goes after Sophia again…" He didn't finish his sentence, but the threat was evidence

Evelyn opened her mouth to protest but closed it, her face pale as the reality sank in. Lauren's usual arrogance vanished, replaced by a nervous energy as she stared at her grandfather in shock.

Raphael turned to Marcus, his voice sharp. "And you. You can't handle a weak woman? I want you to bring her back. Do whatever it takes, but get Sophia under control. Is that understood?"

Marcus nodded, his jaw clenched. "I understand, Grandpa. I'll bring her back." But there was a flicker of doubt in his eyes as he watched Raphael storm out of the room. For all his anger and schemes, there was a part of him that couldn't shake the feeling that Sophia had changed. That maybe, just maybe, she wasn't as weak as he thought. The thought unsettled him, but he pushed it down, convincing himself that he could still control her.

***

Back at Valmere, Sophia sank into the soft sofa with a sigh, feeling a hint of relief after finally sending off her job applications. She stretched her legs out, allowing herself a moment of calm in the quiet apartment. After a while, though, a gentle rumble of hunger nudged her up. She made her way to the kitchen, intending to check if she had everything for dinner.

When she opened the fridge, she stopped, surprised. The shelves were full of fresh vegetables neatly arranged, meat stocked, and even the little extras she liked tucked into the side compartments. Alexander had kept it replenished, almost daily, ever since she'd started cooking for him. She reached out and picked up a ripe tomato, a soft smile creeping onto her face as she closed the fridge door. It was such a thoughtful gesture, yet so unlike the Alexander she knew. The man who barely spoke more than necessary, who always carried that air of icy composure.

"Who knew Mr. Cold could be so... considerate?" she murmured to herself, unable to hide the faint amusement in her voice. She lingered there for a moment, her hand resting on the fridge handle, reflecting on the contrast. For all his reserved nature, Alexander's quiet attentiveness was something she hadn't expected. It was such a simple act, yet it spoke volumes.

The thought warmed her a little, and she shook her head, almost laughing at herself for feeling touched by it. She knew better than to read too much into these things.

"What did you call me?"

Sophia gasped, nearly stumbling back as the tomato she'd been holding slipped from her hand. She caught her balance, cheeks flushed as she cursed inwardly. Why did he have to come back so early? She glanced up, meeting Alexander's gaze. His face was as unreadable as ever, but there was a glint of amusement in his eyes.

"Oh, you're back early," she stammered, scrambling for something to say. "I'll, uh, get started on dinner right away."

Alexander gave her an almost imperceptible nod, watching as she clumsily started gathering ingredients. After a moment, he raised his hand. "There's no need. I'll be heading out to meet a client. I'll eat out."

Sophia froze and her heart sank at his words, though she quickly masked her disappointment. "Oh… okay, be careful" she replied softly, trying to keep her tone neutral. But Alexander didn't miss the flicker of disappointment in her eyes, even if he tried to ignore the faint pang of pity it stirred in him. For a brief moment, he found himself softening.

He glanced away, as though forcing himself to stay indifferent. "But you can join me," he added after a pause. "You don't have to prepare dinner for one."

Sophia's eyes widened with surprise. "What?"

"We leave in 20 minutes," he said, already heading upstairs before she could gather herself to respond.

Sophia stood there, her heart racing. Go out with him? She had barely been able to look him in the eye earlier, and now he was inviting her along? She hurried to her room, still trying to process it all as she rifled through her wardrobe, finally settling on a nice dress. Twenty minutes later, she waited anxiously as Alexander came down, every bit as composed and cool as ever, his presence filling the room.

As they got into his sleek black car, she fumbled with her purse to tuck her phone away when it buzzed suddenly. She glanced at the screen: Marcus. Her heart dropped.

She stole a glance at Alexander to see if he'd noticed, but he seemed perfectly relaxed as if he hadn't seen a thing. Still, his sharp eyes missed nothing, and she was certain he had caught a glimpse of the name. Hastily, she hit 'Reject' on the call, not wanting him to get the wrong idea.

But then, Marcus called again. She panicked, her finger hovering over the screen to reject again when Alexander's cold voice cut through the silence.

"Why don't you answer it?" His voice was cold, almost daring.

"It's… it's not important," Sophia stammered, but the look in his eyes made her feel she had no choice. She hesitated before answering and placing the call on speaker.