“It’s wonderful that you’ve come home, Sophia—and your birthday’s just around the corner. We’re planning a gala for you. How does that sound?”
Mr. Reed had waited years for this moment. From the day Sophia married Alexander Kane, he’d known it was a mistake. Now that she’d finally returned, how could he not celebrate?
Sophia’s smile dimmed.
Ethan immediately knelt beside her, saying softly, “Don’t worry. We’ve got nothing to do with him anymore. The gala won’t include him. Just let us spoil you this time.”
Holding her brother’s hand, Sophia felt a warmth she hadn’t known for years. She nodded.
Half a month later, Vanessa Cole had recovered from her injury—but there was still no news of Sophia.
One afternoon, Alexander sat in his office, staring blankly into space when his assistant approached.
“Sir, the Reed family is hosting a gala—but they didn’t send us an invitation.”
The Kanes and Reeds had business ties; not being invited was a direct slap in the face.
But looking at Alexander’s haggard expression, the assistant sighed quietly. “I’ll leave you to rest, sir.”
Alexander turned his gaze toward the city skyline. It had been more than a month since the day Sophia handed him the divorce papers and walked away.
During that same time, Sophia had been surrounded by her family’s affection.
When the night of the gala arrived, she looked ethereal—like a goddess descended from the stars. Her gown shimmered with diamonds, and around her neck gleamed a sapphire necklace said to have cost Ethan two hundred million dollars at auction.
Watching his sister, Ethan’s chest filled with pride.
“You look incredible,” he said warmly. “You stayed with Alexander all those years, and that idiot still chased after some cheap thrill. At least now you’ve kicked him out of your life.”
Their sibling bond was the envy of everyone in the room.
Just as they raised their glasses, Mr. Reed’s voice echoed from the stage.
“Thank you all for coming to my daughter’s birthday gala. Tonight, I have something special to announce. I’m transferring sixty percent of our family company’s shares to my daughter as her birthday gift.”
The ballroom erupted in astonishment. But Mr. Reed wasn’t done.
“And one more thing—our company has invested twenty million in Nathan Torres’s new development project. My daughter will be co-managing it with him.”
Applause thundered through the hall. Mr. Reed smiled, satisfied.
“Dad, I just came home, and you’re giving me so much? Aren’t you worried my brothers will think you’re playing favorites? And why am I joining that project at all?”
Sophia had never seen herself as a businesswoman, and her father’s sudden announcement felt rash.
Ethan ruffled her hair affectionately. “We’d give you everything if we could. None of us would ever be jealous.”
Seeing his children so close warmed Mr. Reed’s heart. He was about to explain the project when Nathan arrived.
Sophia hurried over to pull him in, completely unaware that their hands brushing together had turned her father’s ears red—something he noticed immediately.
“Nathan, tell my dad the truth. I’m hopeless at this kind of work. If I get involved, I’ll only drag you down.”
Nathan’s heart thudded in his chest, but he kept his tone cool. “If Mr. Reed has made the decision, then even if you slow me down, I’ll accept it.”
Sophia nearly groaned in frustration, but Mr. Reed clapped his hands with a laugh.
“See? He doesn’t mind. Work closely with him and learn what you can. I’ve entrusted you with important shares, and you’ll take on more responsibilities soon.”
Just a few words—and Sophia’s eyes welled with tears. She had hoped to live quietly, but her father was pushing her into the business world.
While she was still reeling, Mr. Reed shot Nathan a meaningful look. Whether his daughter’s future would belong to him—or to Alexander—was now up to the younger man.
Then Mr. Reed said, “There are still guests outside. You two should go greet them with your brother.”
Out in the ballroom, Sophia sighed, swirling the wine in her glass. “Maybe Dad thinks I’ve been too lazy lately, so he’s burying me in work.”
Ethan burst out laughing. “Ha! Maybe so. But if Dad’s letting you handle this project, there’s a reason. Don’t stress too much—you’ll do fine.”
