[BONUS Chapter for reaching 800 PS! Thank you all!🤍 ]
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All eyes turned to the newcomer—Eve Rosette.
She stepped onto the deck with poise, her elegance and the quiet aura around drew attention. In a simple yet striking gown, she looked every inch a woman who had nothing to prove.
Gasps rippled through the crowd as whispers erupted. Eve's presence was unexpected, given the recent scandal that had tarnished her name. Yet here she was, standing tall and unbothered, a stark contrast to Sophie's earlier desperation.
"If you'll excuse me, I'll go and escort my bride-to-be," Cole said coolly, leaving Sophie and Sophia frozen in place.
The mother-daughter duo could do nothing but stare after him, their expressions a mixture of shock and disbelief.
Sophie's mind reeled. Bride-to-be? When had that happened? Wasn't Cole supposed to despise Eve? Hadn't he rejected her countless times in the past? This made no sense.
Unbridled jealousy surged through Sophie like a tidal wave, threatening to drown her composure. Her hands clenched into fists as she turned to her mother, her voice low and desperate.
"Mother! Do something!" she hissed, her words tinged with panic, desperation, jealousy, hatred and all other negative emotions that came surging at once.
Sophia, however, was uncharacteristically silent. For once, the ever-calculating matriarch seemed at a loss for words. Her carefully constructed plans for the evening now lay in shambles. Her sharp mind scrambled to make sense of what had just transpired, but no explanation came.
Not far away, Sullivan Rosette, Sophie's father, stood in stunned silence. The man who prided himself on always being one step ahead had been utterly blindsided.
When the reality finally sank in, his face darkened, and his shoulders slumped under the weight of the realization:
Everything was finished.
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Cole Fay had been their only ticket—their golden key to solidify the Rosette family's standing. Sullivan had pinned his hopes on aligning their family with the Fays, dreaming of the influence and prestige that would come with it. And now, in an instant, that dream had slipped through his fingers like sand.
Meanwhile, Sophie's mind raced with bitter questions. How could this happen? How had Eve managed to snatch him away?
Her envy burned brighter with each passing moment, fueling a storm of indignation. Eve was nothing compared to her! She wasn't as elegant, wasn't as charming—at least, that's what Sophie believed.
And yet, here Cole was, choosing Eve over her.
Sophia finally recovered enough to murmur, "This isn't over yet. We still have a chance."
"Mother," Sophie whispered urgently, "do you have any idea what to do?"
Sophia hesitated for only a fraction of a second before straightening her spine. A glint of determination hardened her eyes as she reached into her ornate clutch. With a deliberate motion, she withdrew a small vial, its contents shimmering faintly under the soft light.
"Luckily, I came prepared," Sophia said, her voice low but steady. "Just in case."
Sophie leaned closer, her heart pounding. "What is it?"
"A potent aphrodisiac," Sophia explained, her tone sharp and devoid of hesitation. "Extreme and risky, yes, but we have no other choice. If we play our cards right, we still have a chance."
Sullivan, who had been pacing furiously nearby, stopped in his tracks. His face was dark with anger, and his voice cut through the tense air like a blade. "Whatever you're planning, do it now. We cannot afford to lose Cole Fay."
Sophia's lips thinned as she nodded. The plan, hastily forming in her mind, was ruthless but effective. If they could get Cole to drink the vial and isolate him with Sophie, it would be enough. The aphrodisiac wouldn't need to lead to anything—it just had to create the perfect illusion.
Once the media caught wind of the situation, they could spin it: Cole Fay, caught in a compromising position, almost violating their daughter. He would have no choice but to take responsibility. Marrying Sophie would be the only way to salvage his reputation.
It was a gamble—a dangerous one. Sophia knew the risks, but desperation left no room for caution. The only problem was logistics. How could they bypass security? How could they ensure Cole was left alone with Sophie long enough for their plan to succeed?
Sophia's sharp mind raced through possibilities. Cole was too perceptive and guarded to fall for a simple trap. For the plan to work, every detail had to be flawless.
As the Rosettes exchanged uneasy glances, their perfectly crafted masks of confidence began to crack, revealing the desperation beneath.
And in the midst of their spiraling chaos, Cole Fay moved towards Eve. The crowd parted for him as he approached Eve, who stood at the edge of the deck, her poise unshaken.
The Rosettes could only watch, powerless, as Cole extended his hand toward Eve—a gesture that spoke louder than any words could.
Their plans, their ambitions, their schemes—it had all come undone. And now, they were left to pick up the shattered pieces of their carefully woven dreams, while Cole and Eve basked in a victory they never saw coming.
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[EVE]
I didn't want to attend Cole's birthday party. God knew I didn't. But Lina's letter changed my mind.
It contained only simple words, yet they carried a weight I couldn't ignore.
'I know you're hesitant to come, and I don't blame you. But Cole deserves at least one day where he is happy. It's his birthday, and despite everything, I know he would want you there.
Sometimes, the smallest gestures mean the most. Your presence could be that gesture for him.
Please consider it.
— Lina'
and right now, I had already regretted steeping tinot this yacht as my eyes lcoked onto Cole.
Cole moved toward me, his expression softening in a way that sent another wave of murmurs through the onlookers. He extended his hand, his voice warm and steady. "You came."
The happiness in his voice and the sparkle in his eyes took my breath away. It was overwhelming, so much so that I had to look away, pretending to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear as I reached for his hand.
"Ah, well . . . I didn't have anything better to do," I mumbled, trying to sound nonchalant, "and, you know, coming here to make connections."
Cole chuckled softly, the sound warm and rich, making my cheeks flush even deeper.
I could feel every gaze on us, the silent curiosity and judgment of the crowd. There was no doubt in my mind—I'd be in tomorrow's headlines again.