Chapter 148
+25 BONUS
Sophia’s heart nearly stopped when she realized no one knew that the woman they were all so eager to banish was actually Jasmine Kingston.
If her hotheaded mother and brother made a scene, the entire deal would be done for.
The Lancaster family had clawed its way back from near–ruin once before–another disaster now might just seal their fate.
But before she could make a move, Marco gently caught her by the wrist.
“Sophia, there you are. I’ve got someone I want you to meet,”
“This really isn’t the time, Marco,” she shot back, voice tight with nerves.
He didn’t budge. “Wait. Tell me what’s going on.”
She exhaled sharply, words tumbling out in a rush.
“My mother wants to toss Alex out of here–and she has no clue that Jasmine Kingston is involved. She’s basically ordering him and Jasmine to leave, and if that foolhardy plan actually goes through, the partnership with the Kingstons might go up in smoke.”
Marco shrugged like it was no big deal. “Sophia, that might actually be for the best.”
She blinked. “What are you talking about?”
He offered a sly grin. “I wanted to introduce you to Charles Kingston. He said if you won’t continue with Jasmine, you can partner up with him instead. He’ll throw in twice the investment Jasmine promised.”
Sophia’s jaw went slack. “Double what Jasmine’s offering?”
“Exactly. And I’m sure you’ve heard Charles and Jasmine are butting heads.”
She nodded slowly, trying to hide her skepticism. “I’ve picked up rumors, but I didn’t think they were serious.”
Marco’s tone darkened slightly.
“Oh, it’s deadly serious. Lines are being drawn. People are picking sides–some are with Charles, others stand with Jasmine. Listen, if you side with Charles, he’ll protect you. In fact, your mother and brother might be doing you a favor by scaring Jasmine off. Less competition, more profit.”
Sophia’s pulse hammered in her ears. The math made perfect sense–a safer deal, more money.
Still, her gut churned with unease, warning her this was all too convenient.
Meanwhile, across the hall, Florence barreled straight toward Alex and Jasmine with an air of self–appointed royalty.
Her lips twisted in open disdain.
“Alex, who gave you permission to set foot in the Lancaster building?”
Alex stiffened, trying to keep his temper in check. “Must you always be this difficult?”
Florence let out a short, bitter laugh. “Difficult? This place belongs to Lancaster, and you think you can waltz in without so much as an invitation?”
Jasmine raised a hand, hoping to clarify. “Excuse me, ma’am, but”
Florence snapped around, shutting Jasmine down with a glare cold enough to freeze the air.
“And you, young lady, you might be a decent sort, but that man you’re clinging to is a no–good show–off. My daughter tossed him aside already because he’s all bark and no bite.”
1/3
Chapter 148
+25 BONUS
She let out a shrill, mocking chuckle and beckoned Jack to step forward. “Why don’t I introduce you to my son instead?”
Jastaine found herself speechless, eyes flicking to Jack, who swaggered over with a smug grin.
He flexed his biceps as though he were auditioning for a cheap fitness commercial.
“Check out these guns!” he declared, oblivious to how ridiculous he lookedk
Florence nodded with sickening pride. “That’s my boy, Jack–yourg, strong, handsome. And now that his sister is about to partner with the Kingstons, he’s practically a VIP. Perfect for you, Miss…?”
Jasmine’s eyes bulged.
Alex could only glance away, wondering how on earth Florence’s all could stretch so far.
She let out a delicate sigh, then looped her arm through Alex’s. “Thank you for the offer, but I’ve made my choice.”
Florence’s face curdled like sour milk.
“You’re turning down my son for this broke loser? Do you even understand the insult? I’m being gracious enough to present Jack, yet you’re too blind or too stupid to appreciate it. Fine–get out of my sight.”
Jasmine’s mouth fell open. “But-”
Florence jabbed a finger toward the door. “Tell me, do either of you have an invitation card?”
Jasmine hesitated. “No.”
“Then get lost,” Florence snapped. “The pair of you parading in here without an invite is downright pathetic. I’d be well within my rights to have security haul you out by the collar. If you’ve got any shred of dignity, you’ll leave right now.”
Jasmine’s expression twisted between fury and disbelief–no one had ever shown her the door before, let alone in such a humiliating fashion.
“But I was supposed to sign something here…”
Florence barked a dry, humorless laugh. “Sign what? Forget it. Run along, little girl.”
Jack, brimming with arrogance, added, “Wow, your nerve is impressive. Already kicked out, yet you’re still yapping about business?”
Alex let out a resigned sigh, placing a hand on Jasmine’s back. “Let’s just go.”
Jack shrugged, lips curling into a sneer. “Should’ve done that an hour ago.”
They were barely out the main doors when Sophia rushed over with Marco in tow.
“Mother, where are they?” she asked, panic flickering behind her eyes.
Florence crossed her arms and gave a disdainful sniff. “Who do you think? That useless Alex and the woman latched onto him. I threw them out.”
Sophia pressed a hand to her forehead, exasperation dripping from every syllable.
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