Chapter 187
SOPHIA’S POV
The silence that followed Ken’s words felt heavy, like the entire room had suddenly forgotten how to breathe.
I stood there, feeling shocked. I was nervous. I didn’t know what to say.
I was aware of every pair of eyes that had shifted toward me. I could hear my own heartbeat in my ears and I wondered if everyone else could hear it.
Simon was the first to react. He let out a short, mocking laugh.
“That’s quite bold of you,” he said. His eyes moved from Ken to me and then to Damien “Since when did this become your concern p>
Ken didn’t back down. He stood straight.
“Since I saw something that wasn’t right,” he replied “Or do you think it’s acceptable to ignore basic respect just because it’s inconvenient p>
Murmurs spread through the crowd again, and I felt the atmosphere shift even more. People were no longer simply watching; they were waiting. They were waiting to see how far this would go.
I felt grateful to Ken for standing up for me. And I also felt uncomfortable. I hadn’t asked for this, but at the same time, part of me was relieved that someone had spoken up.
Simon’s smile faded slightly. “Careful. You might be stepping into something that doesn’t concern you p>
“And you might be crossing a line you shouldn’t,” Ken shot back without hesitation. His calm demeanor didn’t change, but there was a clear challenge in his words now. “Just because no one has said anything before doesn’t mean it’s right p>
The tension snapped tighter. I took a small step back.
This wasn’t just a simple argument anymore. It felt like something bigger was about to happen, something I didn’t want to be at the center of.
Before things could escalate further, I felt a presence beside me. Zade moved closer. His hand lightly rested at my back.
“Stay here,” he murmured quietly. His voice was low enough that only I could hear.
I didn’t argue. Instead, I let myself lean slightly toward him.
Simon laughed again “This is getting interesting. Seems like everyone suddenly has something to say tonight p>
Before Ken could respond again, a voice cut in from the side.
“Excuse me,” the man said politely.
All eyes turned toward him as he stepped forward. He was holding a neatly wrapped box.
“I was asked to deliver this,” he continued, looking directly at Tiffany. “From Mr. George p>
The mention of George immediately shifted the mood. Tiffany’s eyes widened in surprise.
“For me?” she asked in disbelief p>
The man nodded and handed her the box. “He specifically asked that it be given to you tonight p>
Tiffany accepted it with a huge smile. The room watched in silence as she slowly unwrapped the gift. I could see the excitement in her expression.
When she finally opened it, she gasped. Inside was a beautiful piece of jewelry. It looked expensive.
The room filled with soft murmurs again.
“This… this is from Grandpa George?” Tiffany asked again.
The man nodded once “Yes p>
Her face brightened instantly.
“I… I didn’t expect this,” she said, though her smile said otherwise.
Standing there, I felt something twist inside my chest. I knew George well enough to understand that his actions often carried deeper intentions. But I didn’t understand why he was giving her a gift.
The earlier tension faded a bit as people started to congratulate her. Their voices filled with admiration again. The focus had shifted, and just like that, the argument between Ken and Simon was forgotten.
I let out a quiet breath. Zade’s hand was still at my back and I didn’t move away.
The night continued, and soon, the atmosphere began to change again. The formal banquet slowly transitioned into something else.
The tables were cleared. The lights dimmed a bit and soft music began to fill the room.
It had turned into a ball.
Couples began to move toward the center of the hall to dance.
I stayed where I was, watching from the side. My mind was still tangled with everything that had happened, and I wasn’t sure how to sort through it all.
A whole lot had happened tonight.
Then, suddenly, the music shifted.
A soft piano melody began to play. The sound drew everyone’s attention. I turned toward the source and saw Tiffany seated at the grand piano. She was playing.
She looked calm and confident, completely in control.
The room went quiet as people began to listen. She had fully captured their attention.
The melody was beautiful, emotional, the kind that pulled at your heart But as I watched her, I noticed the way her eyes occasionally lifted from the keys, scanning the room.
It seemed like she was searching for someone. It couldn’t be Damien. Damien was near her.
And then I understood.
She wasn’t just playing for the sake of music. She was performing. She was drawing attention, making sure everyone was watching her, including Zade.
I felt a strange tension in my chest, but I didn’t let it show.
I felt someone approach.
“Sophia p>
The voice was familiar, and it made my body go stif before I even turned around. Damien stood in front of me.
For a moment, neither of us spoke.
“Dance with me,” he said.
I blinked. I was surprised by the request. My heart reacted before my mind did. My heart started beating fast.
For a brief second, I saw something in his eyes, something I hadn’t seen in a long time. But it wasn’t enough.
Around us, people had started to notice. People stopped talking, movements slowed down. People were looking at us.
They were waiting, waiting to see what I would do.
Damien extended his hand toward me. His movement was confident, as if he believed I would take it, as if nothing had changed.
I looked at his hand, then at his face. So many memories flashed through my mind in that moment, moments I had once held onto so tightly. But now, they felt distant.
“I I started, but the words caught in my throat.
My eyes shifted slightly, almost without thinking.
Zade was standing not far away, looking at me.
And something inside me made a choice.
I turned back to Damien. Then, slowly, I shook my head.
“No,” I said softly.
Damien’s eyes went wide with shock. Before I could second-guess myself, I took a step back from him.
I walked straight toward Zade. When I got to him, I reached out and took his arm.
His body froze like he didn’t expect this.
“Dance with me,” I said quietly.
For the first time since I had known him, Zade looked genuinely surprised.
He didn’t hesitate. His hand moved to mine and he pulled me gently toward the center of the room.
Behind me, I could feel Damien looking at me.
But I didn’t look back.
And this time, I didn’t regret it.