CHAPTER 133: CHAPTER 133: NOT IN THE MOOD TO SEE ANYONE

"I heard Professor Fumble is here. Do you think I might have the honor of meeting her?"

Zane Sterling came rushing over half an hour ago as soon as he saw Beau Morgan’s message.

He was speaking to Hugh Irving, but his eyes were fixed on the woman hiding behind the stone pillar in the backyard.

After teaming up with Professor Fumble last year, Spectra’s online and offline sales have been skyrocketing this year—proof enough of how popular this woman’s designs are.

He’d wanted to meet her for a while now, feeling an inexplicable sense of familiarity.

"Sorry, Mr. Sterling. Professor Fumble isn’t in a good mood today, she doesn’t want to see anyone," Hugh said, pursing his lips and looking apologetically at him.

Zane Sterling frowned. Not in a good mood so she doesn’t want to see people?

"So what would make her happy?" he asked.

"Her husband bought things for another woman, but not for her. That’s why she’s avoiding everyone today." Hugh threw up his hands helplessly.

Beau Morgan, standing nearby, felt something about this didn’t add up.

Zane looked at the vanishing shoes, his deep eyes growing darker.

This seemed like a problem he couldn’t solve.

Sophia Lowell stood behind the pillar, brow furrowed.

No way could she step out now. She needed Beau Morgan to hype up Professor Fumble before making her entrance, otherwise it’d be a wasted effort.

She didn’t hear what they said next; she turned and slipped out the back door.

She waited by the curb with two elegant handbags, until a Tesla pulled up in front of her. She got in right away.

"You’re right on time," Annie said from the backseat, shuffling to the side.

Sophia slid in carefully, her gaze drifting to Annie’s belly. "How are you feeling?"

"All good, just worried that man will barge in again," Annie said, a little anxious.

Warren Jennings had been looking for her for a full month—his beard had grown a couple inches, but Annie hadn’t shown him even a hint of kindness.

Showing up late with all that affection is really lower than a dog.

When he had her, he didn’t cherish her at all. Only after losing her did he realize what he’d lost.

Annie had taken over the family’s wine business, and business was booming—something Warren had no clue about.

All this time, the Jennings Family thought Annie was someone who just went along with anything. Never imagined that even staying home, her business dealings just kept growing.

Tonight, Annie was one of the key players at the fashion event. After connecting with Sophia on WhatsApp last month, she’d commissioned a custom gown, just waiting for tonight’s new collection launch.

And this time, Sophia was taking orders under the professor’s name—Professor Fumble.

It was also Professor Fumble’s first official showcase in the country, making this day important for both women.

The car stopped in front of a traditional courtyard; the event was set up in the main house.

After getting out of the car, the two headed for a side room to change outfits.

Annie’s belly didn’t show yet, so the gown did nothing to hide her slim figure.

She wore a high-collared qipao made from pale green Floating Light Brocade, with butterfly knot buttons and silver flats.

Sophia swept Annie’s hair up into an elegant bun, instantly making her look sophisticated and graceful.

Sophia herself wore a black sleeveless, mid-neck modified qipao with gold buttons, the slit reaching up to her thigh, teasing just enough to stir the imagination. Paired with black pearl stilettos, the two together could stop the show before it even started.

"You’d better keep an eye out for me tonight—if anyone from the Jennings Family shows up, tell me right away!" Annie said nervously.

Sophia picked up a hairpin, fastening up her golden locks, letting one deliberate strand fall along her cheek to her shoulder—a perfectly lazy look.

"Don’t worry. There’s a sign on the door: Warren Jennings and dogs not allowed." Sophia grinned.

"I’m heading in first. Go grab a bite, don’t hold back. I’ll send your work badge number on WhatsApp."

"Alright, I got it. Just take care of yourself. If anything comes up, have your assistant call me."

Annie left the side room, and Sophia sat down, pulling out her phone.

On her way out, she’d messaged Zane Sterling: not coming home for dinner. He replied he had a business dinner too.

Perfect—out of sight, out of mind.

Twenty grand per custom outfit for the employees, but his own wife still hasn’t gotten that perk.

Sophia pouted, her stomach rumbling, so she left the side room and headed for the main hall—just in time to spot Ethan Sinclair, Zane Sterling, and Beau Morgan.

She narrowed her eyes. Why did they have to pop up everywhere?

Inside the venue, Sophia kept her distance from them, standing at the edge quietly nibbling on pastries while watching those three network.

Ethan drank, then passed the cup to Beau Morgan after, while Zane Sterling barely touched his glass.

Beau had thought Zane might help him deflect the drinking, but Zane was acting like he didn’t see a thing.

And ever since Zane shut down all of Zane Logan’s projects, Beau Morgan had been walking on eggshells at work—extra careful every day.

Zane Sterling had given her time off, but she refused to take it. Insisted on coming to work.

She knew full well—when Zane said "time off," it wasn’t just about rest.

Sophia watched them from afar: what a grind. If you don’t have the guts, landing a good project is out of the question. She herself wouldn’t be able to handle it.

She was afraid her business would drown in all that drinking.

She chuckled to herself.

Ping—

Sophia’s wine glass was bumped, sending a clear, lingering ring through the air.

She slowly looked up—it was Aurora Rhodes.

"Girl, why aren’t you with your husband? If you join the team, our project numbers would go up by twenty percent. Way more than that two-faced woman brings." Aurora clicked her tongue, glancing at Beau Morgan.

"Are you kidding? The moment I show up, the projects will follow anyway. No need for me to even lift a finger." Sophia curled her lips.

"Seriously, how long are you planning to keep this marriage under wraps? Everyone thinks that Morgan woman is his new flame. Aren’t you worried she’ll climb her way up?"

All three of them had been attending every kind of event all month, and Zane Sterling’s identity had been dug up—being the richest man in town wasn’t a secret anymore.

Now, more and more people were coming to build connections. If she went over there, who knows what rumors would start flying.

The whole Mrs. Sterling identity: when nobody knew he was loaded, she didn’t claim it; now that he’s a billionaire, she’s even less likely to show up recklessly.

"Let it be." she said.

After chatting for quite a while, Sophia handed over this year’s studio advertising to Aurora Rhodes, who could hardly contain her excitement.

Annie had invited a bunch of industry-leading entrepreneurs, so the place was full of top-tier guests tonight.

A lot of socialites noticed Annie’s dress, and soon Sophia was surrounded by a circle of women.

Including Tim Sawyer, whom she hadn’t seen in ages.

Tim watched Sophia’s effortless but outstanding style, unable to help stealing a few more glances.

"That’s from the same designer as Annie’s, right? Such exquisite taste!" One lady sized up Sophia carefully.

"This designer is already top-ranked abroad—you basically have to pay a fortune just to try getting a piece."

Sophia smiled. "Yes, tonight’s show is also for promotion. We’re about to launch domestically; the studio opens the day after tomorrow. Normally we only take orders from our own close friends, but Annie said everyone here today is personally connected, so we’re hoping to meet a few kindred spirits."

Everyone murmured among themselves.

"Sorry to ask, but is Professor Fumble here today?" Tim Sawyer lowered his tone; she knew when to bend or stand tall as needed.

Sophia didn’t let old tensions stop her from answering.

"She’s here—everyone knows her," she replied with a smile. "Professor Fumble is at the event, but if you want to get in touch, better talk to Annie first. They’re close friends; with Annie’s introduction, you’ll have better luck. Professor Fumble doesn’t click with just anyone."

Aurora gave Sophia a long, appraising look.

Nice move!

She was channeling all demand through Annie. If you want Professor Fumble’s designs, you’d have to stay tight with Annie—and that meant plenty of drinks would flow tonight, no doubt about it.

Now that’s some deep-bond, bottomless drinking.

Aurora looked over toward Zane Sterling.

No wonder Zane’s got his eye on this woman—the charm she’s showing here is barely a shimmer of what’s underneath.

Zane Sterling really has good taste!