Meanwhile, Michael received a busy signal and wondered why Dave hadn’t answered his call.
Deciding to stay out of it, Michael mulled over his thoughts. Bianca wasn’t his concern, so why should he worry about her actions?
Michael pondered whether Dave was simply enjoying Bianca’s company without serious intentions.
‘Surely, he couldn’t genuinely see her as his future wife, could he?’
And even if Dave did have such thoughts, getting approval from his grandpa Lucas seemed improbable. Michael thought it would be best for them to go their separate ways sooner rather than later.
With a contemplative expression, he put away his phone and walked off.
Meanwhile, arm in arm, Sophia and Vincent glided to the center of the dance floor, drawing everyone’s gaze.
“Thank you for joining us at the party tonight. I’m delighted to announce Sophia’s comeback to the entertainment industry!”
The room filled with applause as people congratulated Sophia.
Vincent gestured for everyone to settle down and continued, “Sophia’s comeback hasn’t been easy. She’s faced attempts to sabotage and disgrace her. Thankfully, Bianca identified a crucial flaw in a deceptive photo, effectively countering those with hidden agendas.”
As he talked, Vincent exchanged a warm smile with Bianca, who stood nearby in the crowd.
Bianca acknowledged his gesture with a subtle smile of her own.
Vincent addressed the audience, “I greatly respect Sophia, and I’m happy about her return. Despite stepping away from showbiz for five years, I’m confident she’ll surpass her previous achievements and achieve even greater success soon!”
The room briefly fell silent before erupting into enthusiastic applause. Vincent’s public praise laid a solid foundation for Sophia’s promising future.
As the party ended, many guests toasted Sophia’s success, and several heads of entertainment companies offered lucrative deals to sign her. However, Sophia graciously declined them all.
Her decision was clear-Bianca was the only agent she wanted.
After a few glasses of wine, Sophia began to feel lightheaded. She gently pulled Bianca aside and said, “Bianca, I’m not feeling well. I think it’s time to leave.”
Bianca checked her watch and nodded, “Yes, it’s getting late. I’ll go with you.”
They said their goodbyes to Vincent and his wife. As they prepared to leave, Blake hurried over and blocked their path. “Let me give you a ride home.”
Sophia noticed Blake’s offer and Bianca’s slight hesitation. She smiled and replied, “That would be nice. Thank you, Mr. Lawson.”
“Please, just call me Blake. Wait here for a moment; I’ll bring my car around.”
With that, Blake headed to the parking lot.
Sophia held a positive opinion of Blake, a cheerful and easygoing young man. She especially noted his unabashed affection whenever he looked at Bianca.
Leaning towards Bianca, Sophia whispered, “Blake seems like a great catch. He’s attractive, has a pleasant personality, and as Paige’s godson, he could be a valuable partner for you in the future. Have you thought about giving him a chance?”
Bianca met Sophia’s gaze with her kind, clear eyes and replied, “You’re teasing me, Sophia. Blake is a wonderful man, but I don’t think we’re suited for each other.”
“Who says you’re not suited for him?” Sophia interjected. “You deserve the very best! But if he’s not what you’re looking for, I’ll support you in gently letting him know.”
As soon as Sophia finished speaking, a blue sedan pulled up in front of them. The window rolled down, and Blake greeted them with a bright smile. “Ready to head home, ladies?”
Bianca and Sophia exchanged a glance, then climbed into the car silently.
Accepting Blake’s offer for a ride home didn’t seem like a bad idea at all.
The car stopped at Sophia’s apartment. After saying goodbye to Bianca and Blake, Sophia got out and headed toward her rented place. Suddenly, Suddenly, the effects of the alcohol kicked in, making her lose balance and sway.
But a strong hand quickly grabbed her shoulders, keeping her from falling.
She bumped into a man’s broad chest, feeling the cool fabric of his clothes against her warm skin.
Sophia looked up and met Michael’s intense gaze. His handsome face always stirred her emotions.
Yet, despite his appealing appearance, Michael’s true character showed he was sophisticated but morally questionable.
Sophia chuckled at herself and straightened up, gently pushing Michael away.
“Are you stalking me?” she asked, her eyes showing drunken confusion and a hint of redness.
Michael casually observed Sophia’s delicate frame with his hands in his pockets. “If it weren’t for me, you’d be on the ground with a bloody head. Don’t you think you should show some gratitude?”
“Fine, thank you. Are you happy now?” Sophia replied, grinning as she adjusted her bag and took a step forward.
Michael grabbed Sophia’s wrist, pressing her against an iron fence. His body was close to hers, and his warm breath touched her face.
“Should I show you how to thank a man properly?” Michael asked, leaning in to kiss Sophia’s lips suddenly.
Suddenly, Sophia sobered up, the alcohol’s haze dissipating. Alarm bells rang in her head as she struggled to push Michael away, but he held firm, overpowering her resistance.
His kisses became more forceful, and his familiar, enticing scent again clouded her judgment.
Suddenly, Michael felt a sharp pain in his lip. He let go of Sophia and quickly wiped the blood away with his hand.
Sophia had bitten him hard.
She wrapped her arms around herself and retreated to a corner. Now moist and stained with blood, her lips held a strangely alluring charm.
“I…” Michael started, realizing he had lost control, feeling remorse and wanting to comfort her.
But Sophia, clinging to the iron fence, hoarsely whispered, “Stay away. Please.”
Her messy hair framed her face like a desperate animal cornered by a hunter, emitting a faint plea for safety.
Overwhelmed by stirring emotions, Michael felt a strong desire for more of Sophia.
However, he suppressed his feelings and took two steps back.
“Go before I regret it.”
Seeing his struggle to control himself, Sophia fled in a panic.
Michael took several deep breaths, trying to compose himself. When he looked back, Sophia had disappeared.
Michael retrieved a small folded paper from his pocket and unfolded it. It was a paternity test report identical to the one Bianca had taken earlier.
However, the report concluded that Elaine was not Gabriel’s biological daughter.
Looking in the direction Sophia had fled, Michael silently folded the test report again.
Five years ago at Champs Le Bar, Michael had failed Sophia.
If Gabriel had never been intimate with Sophia, then the child was probably…
Michael’s thoughts were abruptly interrupted by his ringing phone. Retrieving it, he saw it was a call from Dave.