“More than the company,” she murmured. She didn’t have to say it; we both wanted out of this place, but I had one last stop to make while we were here…
That’s when I saw them—my parents. My spine stiffened, my hand tightening imperceptibly around my glass. They floated from person to person, their eyes hawklike and missing nothing as they surveyed the room, never once lingering on the woman at my side. Clearly, they had no idea who she was.
Perfect.
“Shit,” I muttered under my breath, feeling the weight of the evening shift. I braced for the storm that was to come. Sophie noticed the change, her body instinctively leaning into mine. She took in my reaction and steeled her spine, plastering a fake smile on her face as the two impeccably dressed predators closed in.
“Your parents?” she asked.
“Yep.” I ground my teeth, preparing for the onslaught, the accusations, the cold dismissal they’d mastered. “They don’t know about us yet. Still think you’re the enemy.”
“Let them come,” she said smoothly, strength lacing her words as she took a defiant swig from her glass, her other hand finding my lower back—a gesture of our unity as a team. “I’m not scared of them, but they’re scared of me. Let’s use that.”
Understanding passed between us. This wasn’t just a game anymore—it was war, and Sophie wasn’t one to back down. Neither was I. Not anymore. My father would no longer use me as a pawn in his sick games.
“Mother. Father,” I said, inclining my head toward them as they approached. My voice was steady, but inside, the familiar coil of agitation and hatred tightened. Sophie’s fingers brushed against mine. My silent strength and support.
“Margaret. Rick,” Sophie greeted with deceptive warmth, steady and unflinching. She knew their names, disarming them since they had yet to figure out who she was.
“Maverick,” my mother cooed with a cold smile that didn’t reach her eyes, identical to mine. “Who’s your date?”
Sophie squeezed my hand, and I found solace in her touch. “I’d like you to formally meet Sophie Reyes.”
Both of my parents froze.
“What the fuck are you thinking bringing her here?” Dad hissed, his face turning a ripe shade of red that brought me way too much pleasure.
I gave him a smug smirk over my glass before I took a sip. “Haven’t you heard? We’re together.”
Mom scoffed, a snarl peeling her lips back. “Don’t be ludicrous, Maverick.”
My brows rose, but Sophie spoke before I could respond. “I’m sure this comes as a shock to you both, but Maverick and I have been involved for months now.”
“Months,” Dad echoed, a look of betrayal in his eyes. I wondered if that betrayal was what Eddie felt in his final moments. “Months?"
Mom stepped closer and jabbed a finger in Sophie’s face. Sophie didn’t flinch, but turned her chin up so she was looking down at my mother, even though my mother was taller. “Are youhere to dismantle our empire piece by piece, or have you found a new hobby?”
“Actually,” Sophie drawled, pushing Mom’s hand out of her face and clutching mine tighter. “We’re getting married.”
The silence that followed was deafening. My father’s eyes narrowed into slits, his disdain for me, an ever-present shadow, seemed to deepen at the news. I fought to keep my expression neutral, to mask the rush of triumph at her announcement. Just yesterday, when I’d broached the topic, she’d seemed so resistant that I’d almost doubted my next move. But here she was, claiming her place beside me, and I knew the ring from Vegas burning a metaphoric hole in my pocket would soon grace her finger.
“Married?” Dad snorted after his initial shock wore off. “As if we would ever let—”
“Your son has made his choice,” Sophie cut him off, releasing my hand to wrap her arm around my waist. I returned the touch to pull her into my side, my hand resting on her hip. My parents’ eyes tracked the movement. “And I’m standing by it. Isn’t that what partners do?”
“Partners,” my mother hissed. “You know nothing of the concept. Do you even love my son?”
Sophie laughed darkly. “Doyoueven love your son?” I sucked in a breath at her harsh tone. I held her tighter, afraid to hear the answer. I’d known my whole life my mom didn’t love me, but it wouldn’t hurt any less to hear. Still, Sophie held onto me when I needed her the most.
Mom glowered, but didn’t answer the question.
“Don’t worry, Mother,” I said, refusing to let her see any pain her silence caused. “I know pretending to love me was too hard for you. I’m not holding that against you.”
Her cold eyes slid to mine. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
Her disapproval was palpable, but I refused to back down. “It means I’m not going to play your little game anymore. I have a life outside of our family’s empire, and it includes Sophie.”
Sophie squeezed my waist softly. She was a rock in the storm, and I knew I could face anything as long as she was by my side.
