The evening air in the Marchand mansion was thick with tension, even as the formal dinner continued. Sophie sat quietly at the table, trying her best to play her role, though every glance from Lucien's mother and sister sent a chill down her spine.
Genevieve, Lucien's younger sister, had been unusually quiet during the meal. Her gaze would occasionally drift toward Sophie, her expression unreadable. It wasn't until dessert was served that Genevieve made her move.
"Oh no!" Genevieve exclaimed dramatically, as her glass of red wine tipped over, splashing onto Sophie's dress. The vibrant liquid quickly spread across the fabric, creating a dark stain.
Sophie gasped, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I'm so sorry," Genevieve said sweetly, though there was a flicker of something sinister in her eyes. "Come with me. I'll help you change."
Lucien's gaze hardened as he watched his sister lead Sophie away, but he didn't say a word. He trusted Sophie to handle herself, and he was curious about Genevieve intentions.
---
Genevieve led Sophie up the grand staircase and into her lavish bedroom. The room was a display of wealth and elegance, with gold accents, plush carpets, and a chandelier that sparkled like a constellation.
"I'll find something for you to wear," Genevieve said, disappearing into her walk-in closet. Moments later, she returned with a simple yet elegant dress.
"Here, try this," she said, handing it to Sophie.
As Sophie changed, Genevieve demeanor shifted. Once Sophie was dressed, Juliette stepped closer, her voice dropping to a cold whisper. "You don't belong here. And you don't know what you've gotten yourself into."
Sophie's brows furrowed, but before she could respond, Genevieve pulled an envelope from her pocket and tossed it onto the bed. "Take this," she said, her voice sharp. "It's more money than you've ever seen in your life. Enough to disappear forever. Take it and keep quiet—unless, of course, you want to end up like..."
She trailed off, but Sophie didn't need her to finish the sentence. The implication was clear.
Sophie glanced at the envelope, then back at Genevieve. Slowly, she walked over to the bed, picked up the envelope, and opened it. Her fingers brushed against the thick wad of cash inside, but instead of relief, she felt a surge of anger.
She threw the envelope back onto the bed. "I don't need your money."
Genevieve expression turned icy. "Then what do you want?"
Sophie's voice was steady, her gaze unwavering. "Help me escape from here."
Juliette froze, her perfectly composed mask faltering for a moment. "Escape?" she repeated, her tone incredulous. "You must be insane. Do you know who you're dealing with?"
"I don't care," Sophie shot back. "I just want to leave."
Genevieve lips pressed into a thin line. For a moment, she seemed to consider Sophie's words, but then she shook her head. "You don't understand. There's no escaping Lucien. And if you think I'd help you..." She let out a bitter laugh. "You're dreaming."
Sophie stepped closer, her voice filled with quiet determination. "Then why did you offer me money to keep quiet? You're scared. Of me. Of what I might uncover. That means you're not as in control as you pretend to be."
Genevieve jaw tightened, her eyes narrowing. "Careful," she hissed. "You don't know who you're playing with."
"And neither do you," Sophie replied, her voice steady.
For a long moment, they stared at each other, the tension crackling like a live wire. Finally, Genevieve broke the silence.
"Suit yourself," she said coldly. "But don't think for a second that you'll get out of here alive if you cross us."
She turned and walked out of the room, slamming the door behind her. Sophie stood there, her heart pounding, the envelope of money still lying untouched on the bed.
She had made her choice. And now, she would have to live with the consequences.