Chapter 10 Echoes of Rivalry
Behind the Billionaire's mask!
Chapter 10
Sophie's POV
"Victoria!"
Evelyn's eyes narrowed beside me.
Victoria's gaze swept over me, her expression a mix of shock and disdain.
"Well, well, well. Look at you," Victoria sneered, eyeing my new hairstyle.
"Quite the transformation. Julian's wife is looking more like a doll."
Evelyn stepped forward, her voice firm.
"Victoria, back off."
Victoria smirked.
"What do you want, Victoria?" I asked, my voice steady.
Victoria's smile twisted into a menacing grin. "We need to talk." She said, beckoning me with a curled finger.
"What do you want to talk to her about?" Evelyn asked. "Wait...were you stalking us? How do you know we were here?"
"Do you think I have the time to be stalking you?" Victoria spat. "I'm a busy woman."
Evelyn looked at her in disgust.
"What did you want to talk about?" I asked.
"Let's go to the cafe over there," Victoria said, nodding toward the cosy coffee shop across the street. "Evelyn, you can wait for us in the car."
Evelyn opened her mouth to protest, but I intervened, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, Evy. We'll be right back."
Evelyn's gaze lingered on mine, her eyes flashing with discontent, but she reluctantly nodded and whispered to me. "Sophie, be careful. She's plotting something."
I nodded and followed Victoria to the cafe, the bell above the door jingling as we stepped inside. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped us, and Victoria chose a quiet table by the window.
As we sat down, Victoria's expression turned serious. "I hate clichés like this, but I guess I can't help it. Anyway, thanks for coming with me."
I nodded, sensing a trap. "I thought it was only right to talk to you, so I followed you."
"I'm glad you did," Victoria said, her eyes narrowing. "It bothers me that you're with Julian."
My gut twisted. Where was this going? "I'm sorry," I said, trying to sound empathetic.
"You didn't know he almost got engaged, did you?" Victoria asked, her tone dripping with accusation.
I shook my head, feeling a pang of guilt. "No, I didn't."
Victoria nodded as if she understood, but her expression remained cold. "There are times you accidentally stab someone...but saying you didn't know and will never do it again doesn't cut it."
My mind raced. What was she insinuating? That I had intentionally hurt her?
"I don't understand what you're getting at," I said, trying to sound calm.
Victoria's smile was laced with venom. "What do you want me to do?" I asked, my patience wearing thin. "I'm married to him already,"
Victoria laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "Don't you have a boyfriend of three years? Weren't you practically married to him? Didn't you just break up? So why did you suddenly move on quickly?"
My face flushed with annoyance. How did she know all this? She probably did a background check on me.
"I didn't expect this," I muttered, my thoughts racing.
"Is it because he's the sole heir to the Blackwood empire?" Victoria asked, her eyes glinting with malice.
My anger spiked. "It's not like that," I snapped.
Victoria raised an eyebrow. "Then you didn't know he's the heir? That's impossible."
I stood up, my patience exhausted. "I think we are done."
Victoria's voice stopped me. "I'm not done talking. I will just go straight to the point. Leave Julian for me. He's mine."
My disgust overflowed. "You can have him," I said, turning to leave.
As I walked out of the cafe, I felt a mix of relief and anger.
Evelyn looked up from her phone as I got into the car. "What did she say?"
I shook my head, still reeling. "Just that she wants Julian back. Nothing more."
Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "That's it?"
I nodded, unwilling to relive the uncomfortable conversation.
"That witch... Are you okay?" Evelyn asked, concern etched on her face.
I forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine."
But I wasn't fine. Victoria's words still stung.
I miss my mom!
I wanted to tell Evelyn to take me to her, but I don't want her to know about my mom's illness, at least, not now.
We headed straight to the mansion.
As we arrived, Jenkins greeted us at the door. "Welcome back, ma'am. Mr. Julian has gone to his office."
"Thank you, Jenkins," I said, forcing a smile. "I'll go to my room."
Evelyn followed me upstairs. "You okay?" she asked, concern etched on her face. "Did she threatened you?"
I said, trying to reassure her. "No, Just need some time alone."
Evelyn hugged me. "I'm here for you."
As she left, I collapsed onto my bed, feeling lost and uncertain.
Thoughts swirled in my mind:
Victoria's venomous words.
My mom's fragile health.
I buried my face in the pillow, letting tears flow.
"Let's get you ready," Evelyn said, entering my room with a warm smile. "The press conference is at 11 am."
I nodded, still feeling a bit apprehensive.
Evelyn walked to the closet and pulled out one of the dresses we had bought yesterday. "This one will stun," she said, holding up a breathtaking, long white gown.
The dress was a masterpiece. Made of silky, ivory fabric, it hugged my figure perfectly, accentuating every curve. The fitted bodice featured delicate, beaded lace that shimmered in the light, drawing attention to my shoulders and neckline.
The real showstopper was the dramatic slit, which began mid-thigh and swept down to my ankle, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of leg. The slit was strategically placed, adding a touch of sophistication and allure.
Delicate straps rested on my shoulders, supporting the gown's daring neckline. The back was equally stunning, with a subtle V-shape that framed my upper back.
As Evelyn helped me into the dress, I felt transformed. The gown was both elegant and provocative, perfect for making a statement.
Evelyn styled my hair in loose waves and she proceeded to do my makeup.
"Ta-da." She said, and lead me to the mirror. A gasp escaped my lips as I stared at my image in the mirror, barely recognizing the confident, poised woman staring back.
"Wow, I look amazing." I managed to say.
Evelyn beamed. "Told you! I can work amazing. But let's be real, you are a natural beauty, but now people won't be able to keep their eyes off you, not even my brother."
"Thank you." I said, hugging her.
"My pleasure." She said, hugging me back. "Let's go downstairs."
As i descended the stairs, my heels clicking on the marble floor. Julian sat on the cushion, looking dashing in his tailored suit. As I approached, his eyes lifted, and for a fleeting moment, I saw surprise and admiration flash across his face.
But it vanished quickly, replaced by his usual stoic expression. "Let's go," he said curtly, standing up without waiting for me.
I wasn't surprised. I knew he didn't like me, and I don't either.
Evelyn, however, looked disappointed. "You're not even going to compliment her?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Julian's gaze flicked to me, then back to Evelyn. "No need. We're running late."
Evelyn rolled her eyes. "I'll stay here and watch you on TV. You two have fun."
I nodded, trying to appear unaffected by Julian's indifference. "See you later, Evy."
As we walked out of the mansion, Julian's silence was palpable. I didn't bother trying to make small talk, lost in my own thoughts.
We settled into the backseat of the luxurious car, the driver shutting the door behind us.
Two vehicles of bodyguard followed us slowly.
Julian broke the silence as the car glided through the gates. "Remember, don't answer any questions except those directed to you. And if you're unsure, just keep quiet."
I nodded and turned away, watching the cityscape unfold outside my window.
Julian's gaze remained fixed on the window, his profile stern.
The tension between us was undeniable.
The press conference loomed ahead, and I steeled myself for the scrutiny. But with this stunning dress and Evelyn's expert styling, I felt a surge of confidence.
I would face whatever came next with poise and determination.