Chapter 31

The aftermath of the charity auction was swift and brutal. What had started as a grand event meant to elevate Sophia's reputation had instead become the catalyst for her downfall. News of the suspicious donation discrepancies spread like wildfire, making headlines in the business world. Social media platforms buzzed with discussions, and even minor tabloids picked up on the whispers of financial misconduct.

Sophia's phone hadn't stopped ringing since that night. Her PR team was scrambling to control the narrative, but the damage was already done. The wealthy donors she had courted so carefully were withdrawing their support, citing concerns over "financial transparency." The media demanded answers, and even those who had once fawned over her were now hesitant to associate with her.

Sophia sat in her luxurious penthouse, gripping her phone so tightly her knuckles turned white. Across from her, Lucas paced restlessly, his jaw tight with frustration.

"This is a disaster," Lucas muttered, running a hand through his hair. "We need to get ahead of this before it gets worse."

Sophia's gaze snapped to him. "I know that, Lucas! But do you think people are listening? They don't care about the truth. They care about the scandal."

Lucas clenched his jaw. "We need to find out who started these rumors." He stopped pacing and turned to face her. "And I have a strong suspicion that Ariana is behind this."

Sophia stiffened at the mention of Ariana's name. The very idea that her perfect cousin could have orchestrated something like this made her blood boil.

"That little—" Sophia cut herself off, taking a deep breath. "Why would she do this?"

Lucas scoffed. "Why do you think? She wants to humiliate you. She wants revenge."

Sophia shook her head. "No. She's not that smart."

Lucas folded his arms. "I wouldn't be so sure. Haven't you noticed how different she's been lately? More confident. More calculating." His voice dropped lower. "She's not the same Ariana we used to push around."

Sophia hated to admit it, but Lucas had a point. The Ariana she had known—the naive, obedient, insignificant girl—was gone. The woman who had walked into that auction had been confident, almost smug. And Sophia had felt the shift in the air that night.

For the first time in years, she was on the defensive.

Lucas's eyes darkened. "I'm going to keep an eye on her."

Sophia smirked, regaining some of her composure. "Then make sure she regrets ever crossing me."

Meanwhile…

Ariana sat in a quiet corner of a cozy café, sipping her tea as she scrolled through the latest headlines on her phone. Everything had gone exactly as she had planned. Sophia's perfect image was now tarnished, and soon, she would lose the respect of everyone she had worked so hard to manipulate.

"You're enjoying yourself, aren't you?"

A deep voice broke her thoughts, making her look up.

Ethan Blackwood stood in front of her, looking effortlessly refined in his tailored black coat. His piercing gray eyes studied her with curiosity, and the faintest hint of amusement played at his lips.

Ariana raised an eyebrow. "Should I not?"

Ethan took the seat across from her, his movements smooth and deliberate. "You're playing a dangerous game, Ariana."

Ariana tilted her head slightly. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Ethan chuckled, the sound low and rich. "You really expect me to believe that? That what happened at the auction was just a coincidence?"

Ariana met his gaze without hesitation. "People will believe what they want to believe."

Ethan leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table. "Including Lucas," he mused.

Ariana's expression remained neutral, but she knew what he was implying. Lucas was already suspicious of her. If he was truly paying attention now, he would start connecting the dots.

Ethan smirked. "He's watching you."

Ariana shrugged, taking another sip of her tea. "Let him."

Ethan's eyes flickered with intrigue. "You're not afraid?"

Ariana placed her cup down, her fingers tapping lightly against the porcelain. "Should I be?"

Ethan's lips curled into a slow, knowing smile. "Most people would be."

Ariana leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "Then it's a good thing I'm not 'most people.'"

Ethan studied her for a moment before chuckling. "No, you're definitely not."

For a brief second, an almost admiring look flashed in his eyes before he masked it with his usual composed demeanor.

Ariana narrowed her eyes. "Why are you here, Ethan?"

Ethan exhaled slowly, his gaze flickering with something unreadable. "Because I want to see how far you're willing to go."

Ariana held his stare. "You'll have to wait and see, then."

Ethan smirked, standing up. "I'll be watching." With that, he turned and walked out, leaving Ariana to her thoughts.

She exhaled slowly, gripping her cup.

Lucas was watching her.

Ethan was watching her.

The game had only just begun.