Chapter 17 - The Queen's Court
Inside the ballroom, the elite of New York parted like the Red Sea as Julian and Sophia walked through.
A few older mob bosses and snobby socialites whispered behind their champagne flutes, remembering the scandal of Victoria Sterling and the rumors of the maid who took her place. But no one dared speak loud enough for Julian to hear.
A wealthy shipping magnate named Carmichael approached them, forcing a polite smile. "Julian. And... Miss Sophia. A pleasure. I heard about the brilliant restructuring of your offshore accounts. A genius move."
"My fiancé’s doing," Julian said smoothly, kissing the side of Sophia’s head. "She handles the numbers. I handle the consequences."
Carmichael paled slightly and nodded respectfully. "Brilliant. Truly."
Sophia excused herself to get a drink. As she stood by the bar, a woman in a red dress approached her. It was Victoria’s cousin, Eleanor.
"You think you've won," Eleanor hissed quietly so the guards wouldn't hear. "But you're just a phase. Men like him get bored."
Sophia turned slowly, taking her champagne glass from the bartender. She didn't flinch. She looked Eleanor dead in the eye, her expression as cold and lethal as Julian’s.
May you like
"Eleanor," Sophia said softly. "The last Sterling who spoke to me that way got her jaw wired shut and her father sent to federal prison. I suggest you enjoy your champagne and walk away."
Eleanor stared at her, terrified, and quickly disappeared into the crowd.
