Revenge is Best Served After Reborn (James) novel Chapter 1709

The night had settled in, wrapping the world outside in a quiet, intimate darkness. Colby found himself alone in Gordon's study, only to find it empty. He frowned, feeling a twinge of unease. The soft click of the door closing behind him heightened his senses, and he turned swiftly to leave, only to come face-to-face with Sophie standing at the door.

"You?" he asked, his frown deepening. "Step aside."

"My brother asked me to wait for you," Sophie said, her hands tucked playfully behind her back, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. Her smile was a dead giveaway that she was up to no good.

"Get Gordon out here," Colby demanded coldly.

Sophie shook her head with a sly grin. "Nope. My brother said you're my responsibility tonight, and I get to do whatever I want with you."

"I don't hit women. Now move," Colby said, stepping forward.

Sophie stood her ground, unfazed, and pulled out a photograph, waving it in front of Colby's face. "Take a look. I've got copies, and if you walk out, it'll be all over the internet by morning."

The photo showed a young Colby, dressed up like a girl by Mrs. Costello, looking absolutely adorable, like a little doll, with Mrs. Costello proudly flashing a peace sign beside him. Everyone in Newport knew how much Mrs. Costello had longed for a daughter back then, and Alexander had this crazy idea to fulfill her wish, at least for a day.

Colby was sure this photo was locked away in the family safe. Who had taken it out? His face darkened as he quickly pieced together the betrayal. His own mother had taken it out and handed it over to Gordon and Sophie.

"Colby, think it through," Sophie taunted, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "If you leave now, you'll never live it down in Newport."

Colby swallowed his rising frustration and asked, "What do you want?"