Chapter: 69: Beneath The Surface
Flashback
(Few weeks ago)
The office was silent when Sophia walked in, her heels the only sound to be heard as she walked in briskly. Her eyes held a dark expression and the sight of the man seated in her office chair made her freeze on the spot.
"You're late," the man's tone was cool, businesslike and he fiddled with a pen in his hands. He was a tall elegant man with bright blonde hair, and his eyes were like sharp sabers that threatened to cut through Sophia as he glanced over her.
"I'm sorry," Sophia breathed out slowly, gingerly taking a seat by the side. "I wasn't expecting you so—"
"Soon?" The man interrupted, a small smile playing on his lips. "I have to call ahead now?"
"No, no, I didn't mean that," Sophia shook her head, but she didn't dare meet his gaze.
"That's good then," the man produced a thick cigar that he lit before blowing a thick puff into the air. "Now let's talk about the job, I want a progress report."
Sophia nodded, quickly standing up to pull out some files from her drawer.
"We've made some progress Mr. Darren," she handed over a file while explaining. "Damien won't suspect a thing, I expect to get feedback within the week."
"Hmmm," Darren snorted as he puffed on his cigar. "Your cousin isn't one to be patient, I hope you know that, right?"
"Yes," Sophia's heart skipped a beat yet she kept her composure. "I'll keep you updated about everything."
"Have you begun working on him?" Darren ignored her words, and he stared her over, his eyes glancing over her.
Sophia felt her breathing hasten and she flushed, "I haven't," she shook her head. Damien wasn't an easy man to approach, not especially after their first encounter.
Sophia's cheeks reddened even more as she recalled her last encounter with Damien, she'd kissed him right in his office.
"I'll handle it," she added when she noticed Darren had fallen silent.
"Oh really," Darren sneered and he produced a photo. "Know her?"
"I do," Sophia nodded her head after taking a look at the photo, at the same time she wondered what it was all about.— why was Elena being brought up?
"Elena Kingston," Darren introduced, tucking the photo back in his jacket. "She's his secretary, unclear relationship, too close for comfort. Handle it."
"But I was told no other parties would be involved." Sophia tried to object. But the stare she got back from Darren halted her in her tracks.
"Yes, of course." Sophia nodded, accepting the task. She'd been approached by someone fronting for her cousin, all she had to do was front for their company and find out information on Lucas who is Damien.
Sophia had initially wanted to refuse but she couldn't, not when they'd made her an offer she couldn't refuse. Sophia had been kicked out of the family and this was her only way to get recognized again.
Elena Kingston? She had to be dealt with prudently, her cousin wasn't an easy man. She didn't want any problems for herself.
She just hoped she wouldn't pose too much trouble.
**End of Flashback**
(Present Day)
The ball was lively and people were moving into the hall in pairs of twos and threes by the time Sophia and Damien arrived.
Clara had fallen sick and couldn't come, a small trick of Sophia.
Sophia was dressed in a black midnight gown adorned with sparkling gems that caught the light. Damien looked suave and handsome in his black suit and tie and they both looked like the perfect power couple, drawing stares as they walked in.
"You're awfully quiet today," Sophia muttered, walking beside Damien towards the bar. He'd been silent and broody all through the drive.
"Maybe I'm not a fan of nightlife," Damien didn't glance her way and his face lit up with a practiced ease as he exchanged pleasantries with a passing couple.
"I hardly noticed," Sophia said drily but she was quick to see Damien's emotions changing right back.
"Indeed," Damien nodded, sipping from his glass and remaining silent. His attitude made Sophia secretly angry as she knew the reason behind his sour mood.
He'd been like that since he heard Elena had left office.
Earlier today he had called Sophia to tell her he would be announcing that Elena would be going to the ball with him, but things didn't go the way he wanted because Elena left before the meeting, and not long after Ethan went after her.
Why did he even care about her? Sophia grumbled secretly, and her eyes flashed with a cold light.
"I'm sorry about what happened earlier," Sophia said suddenly, catching his attention.
"For what?" Damien finally asked after a brief pause.
"Elena put you in a tough spot and I'm sorry," Sophia held Damien's gaze for a few seconds. "I'm sure she had her reasons why she wasn't going to be around for the briefing, perhaps—"
"I won't discuss this," Damien cut in coldly, his tone final. He walked away, leaving Sophia shaking with barely restrained anger.
"Hmph!" Sophia snorted coldly, her eyes burning with cold fury. She hadn't expected this. This was supposed to be different, she'd made so much effort to be here with Damien, and all he could think about was that… Sophia couldn't help but smile in fury.
But she soon calmed down and her expression became serene, it was never going to be easy getting close to Damien she thought, her eyes following him across the room.
A change of plans perhaps? Thoughts raced through her mind and she walked towards Damien again. The rest of the ball was spent striking up conversations and securing deals and allies, all of which she handled with a seasoned flair.
As for Damien, a small smile flitted past her face. He was on his eighth glass of wine already and she could already see the beady look in his eyes. He was drunk.
Thankfully the ball was already over and the guests had all gone or were leaving.
"She…damn her, what did she think she was doing?" Damien hissed under his breath, his voice was low but Sophia heard him.
She didn't say anything, but she had an ugly expression on her face as she helped Damien out of the hall.
"Is Mr. Damien okay?" One of the security men outside questioned.
"Yes, he's fine," Sophia nodded. "I'll get him to a hotel nearby, he's in no state to drive home tonight." Her eyes gleamed and her lips curled up slightly as she drove out of the ball's premises.
Next stop. A hotel room.