"Mr. Sterling," Sophia said seriously, fixing her gaze on him. You're the kind of man who's out of everyone's league-born with privilege, shielded and adored by all those who know you."
What she really meant was that someone like her could never fit into his world
Richard caught her drift, letting out a cold chuckle as he sank back into his chair.
"If you don't want to be with me, just say so. You don't have to make me sound so untouchable," he replied
He didn't bother to keep his voice down, and Harley, who was driving up front, was so startled he nearly slammed on the brakes.
"Oh man, did 1 really just hear that?' Harley thought, his mind in a frenzy.
"Did Ms. Evans just turn down Mr. Sterling?' He couldn't wrap his head around it.
"I've just overheard the juiciest secret ever... Am I going to get silenced for this?' Harley fretted anxiously.
Sophia hadn't expected him to be so blunt, and for a moment, she was at a loss for words.
She pressed her lips together, turning her head to watch the city lights blur past the window, until the scenery outside started to look familiar.
'Wait, is this..?' Sophia thought, her heart skipping a beat.
The black Bentley pulled into the hotel and stopped right in front of the revolving doors. When Sophia saw the familiar lobby, she couldn't believe her eyes.
She'd thought Richard would take her back to his hotel, but instead, he'd brought her right back here.
'So that's how he showed up at the club at just the right time-he knew exactly where I'd be, Sophia realized
Richard pushed open the car door and swung his long legs out, getting out in one smooth move.
Sophia balled her fist, took a breath, and got out of the car after him.
Harley knew when to make himself scarce-he took off right away, not about to hang around as the third wheel.
Richard gave Sophia a sidelong glance, then strode into the hotel and checked in at the front desk
He'd actually headed straight for the club as soon as he got off the plane.
He did have legitimate business to deal with there, but after wrapping things up, his plan was to hang around
the hotel and wait for Sophia to show up.
As he was passing by one of the private suites, he happened to catch a glimpse through the glass — Sophia was cozied up with two guys, looking like she was having a blast and totally forgetting about everything else.
Sophia stood nearby, waiting for him.
Richard finished checking in, came over with the key card, and said, "It's getting late. I'll walk you to your room."
Sophia quietly walked by his side as they headed for the elevator.
Richard actually walked her right up to her room, waited until she went inside, then turned and left.
Inside, Sophia slumped down against the door, her back pressed firmly to it as she slid to the floor.
"What am I even supposed to do now?' she thought, feeling completely helpless.
If she'd known things would spiral into such a mess, she would never have let her guard down and brought him that glass of water that night.
Half an hour later, Annabelle was dropped off by Erica's people.
She swiped her card and walked in—only to jump out
of her skin when Sophia suddenly appeared from the bathroom. She was so startled, it felt like the booze evaporated right out of her system.
"Jesus, you scared me!" Annabelle blurted out.
Sophia was bent over, busy toweling her hair and hiding her face, so Annabelle honestly thought she'd bumped into something spooky.
Hearing Annabelle's scream, Sophia quickly parted her hair so her face was visible.
"It's me, relax," she said
Annabelle gaped at Sophia, and when she realized it really was her best friend, she could finally breathe again.
"You nearly gave me a heart attack! How did you get back? Did Uncle Richard actually let you out?" Annabelle exclaimed
Sophia thought back to their conversation in the car, then mumbled awkwardly, barely meeting Annabelle's eyes.
"I misunderstood," she said softly.
Annabelle grinned, leaned in with a mischievous look
"So, you two haven't seen each other in days—any sparks flying, or did you end up setting the room on fire?"
Sophia's face went bright red. "Annabelle, quit it!
Nothing happened that night was just a total accident!"
Annabelle smirked, "An accident, huh? Well, from the way Uncle Richard was acting, it sure doesn't look like he's letting you go anytime soon."
Sophia stared at Annabelle, suddenly remembering that Richard was staying in this very hotel-and his room was right next to theirs.
The stress was absolutely suffocating
"Annabelle, let's bail." Sophia blurted out.
She just couldn't bring herself to face Richard at all - that was the decision she'd made while she was in the shower.


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