CHAPTER 138: CHAPTER 138: THICK AS THIEVES

Today, I attended a private cocktail dinner hosted by a business and finance exchange association.

The location was a private villa on the hilltop.

Ethan Sinclair and Shane Graham took another car, driven by Shane’s assistant. They set off first.

Zane Sterling held Sophia Lowell’s hand and walked out of the yard, leaving Eve and Nadia Reid stunned.

The two walked together, a perfect match.

Butler Langley drove a stretch Lincoln today. It was the first time Sophia sat in this car; usually, it just lay in the garage, rarely seen driven.

Sophia got into the car.

The car had a set of leather sofas, and across was a collection of various foreign wines, like a small living room.

"Mr. Sterling sure lives lavishly." Sophia gazed at this exquisite little living room, imagining him discussing business with other CEOs.

"If we have kids in the future, this car won’t be enough." He chuckled, half-reclining on the sofa, intently watching the woman before him.

"Who said anything about having kids with you..." She murmured, though her heart delighted in the thought.

Zane held her hand, his thumb stroking her palm, igniting a scorching warmth.

"If not with me, then who will you have kids with?" He leaned closer to Sophia, placing her hand on his leg, and quietly asked, "Do you want to work a couple more years?"

This man surely had a way with words.

Sophia’s face slowly heated up, and she hurriedly withdrew her hand, but he held on tight.

Zane smiled and lifted her hand, kissing the back of it.

"I don’t know if you want it, but I do. About having kids, it’s up to you; after all, you’re still young, you can have them whenever." He said.

"You’re so unserious all day long."

Sophia smiled, glancing outside as the neon lights flashed by.

Zane looked at her tenderly, the street lights shining through the window danced on her face, and he held her hand tightly, his eyes full of affection.

Sophia noticed his gaze, turning her head to meet his eyes.

"If you weren’t my husband, I could really sue you for being so handsome and causing havoc." She reached out and pinched Zane’s face.

Zane found this intimacy enjoyable, just quietly gazing at her.

"Why aren’t you saying anything? Why do you keep staring at me?" Sophia pinched his face again.

A sudden kiss landed on the corner of her mouth.

Sophia was taken aback, her lips felt like they’d been brushed by a hot coal.

She quickly sat up straight, not teasing him anymore.

"By the way, why isn’t Beau Morgan here this time?"

She noticed Beau wasn’t here, but another man had come instead.

"I haven’t been back at the headquarters much these past two years, Beau has installed a lot of her people in the company, which I only discovered after coming back these two months." Zane said, seriously looking at her as he spoke.

Unexpectedly, Beau’s ambition had grown larger; I thought she was just interested in Zane, but she went after the company too.

During the time Zane wasn’t at the headquarters, she managed everything, everyone assumed she was Sterling Group’s lady. She didn’t deny it, naturally fitting into the role, immediately establishing her position as the group’s lady.

For almost two years while Zane wasn’t at the headquarters, he was occupied with Spectra; he handled headquarters’ matters mostly online, or Ethan assisted him, traveling back on occasion.

Any matters Beau could handle, she did flawlessly, leaving no room for anyone to criticize.

No doubt about it, her capability was evident.

Hence, she became increasingly bold.

Even though she placed many of her people within the company, they were far from useless, in fact, they were rare talents.

This is why, when unable to let her take a break last time, Zane allowed her mandatory leave when she mentioned foot pain this time.

"I just heard you talking about investments; is the sudden change because of Beau?"

"Yes, Beau’s investments aren’t very trustworthy." Zane continued, "Tonight we need to finalize the investment matters, or it’ll be troublesome once Beau returns to work."

"Are you afraid of her?" Sophia asked cautiously.

Zane considered before answering, "She’s an old employee; she’s been involved in most projects, and her skills are quite good. We need to find a better investment than what she proposed to replace the original plan, cut her ties to this project, so I have a chance to dismiss her."

"You want to dismiss her?" Sophia was surprised.

"My wife doesn’t like her, so she’s got to go."

"..."

"Earning money isn’t the priority; making my wife happy is. Of course, earning money while making my wife happy is ideal."

Sophia threw a remark at him, "Smooth talker."

"You know if I’m smooth or not." He curled his lips into a smile.

Sophia didn’t bother to speak further with him.

He seemed to be getting slicker by the day.

The car stopped in front of the villa.

Zane stepped out first, then extended his hand into the car, where Sophia placed her hand into his, slowly being led down.

At that moment, Sophia felt Zane exuded an extraordinary aura.

His demeanor, as described, was polished and refined, always staying humble, fitting the image of this man before her.

After they got out, her eyes remained fixed on him, as if trying to see through him. Her damn possessiveness sprang forth.

Her gaze clung to him, unable to move away.

He seemed to have cast a spell on her, making him her only choice.

As they got out, they ran into familiar faces.

Faye Ellison and Professor Carter.

Faye’s eyes lingered on Sophia for two seconds before shifting to Zane.

Zane maintained a neutral expression, and they merely nodded in greeting.

"Professor Carter." Zane spoke.

"Professor." Sophia greeted.

"Hmm." Professor Carter smiled.

Faye smiled at her.

Sophia nodded and smiled as well.

Zane held onto her hand before she could turn away.

Sophia looked up at him. His face revealed no emotion, making it difficult to discern his mood.

Then, Faye and Professor Carter entered the venue first.

They didn’t delay either, presenting their invitation, signing the register board, and then walked inside.

Ethan saw them beforehand, walking toward them. The party hadn’t begun yet.

They stood on the third-floor corridor, watching people flow in and out on the second floor.

The second-floor dining area had long tables lined with flowers, on either side were exquisite place settings and unique silver cutlery.

The butler directed maids to start serving the meals. After letting the wine breathe, they poured it into tall glasses.

The maids were well-trained, adding a touch of splendor to the party and offering a sense of top-notch luxury in high society.

Ethan signaled Zane to speak aside, and Sophia wisely moved to the railing, leaning over to look from the third-floor down into the banquet hall.

She noticed several familiar figures.

Beau Morgan and Vivian Hale.

Beau wasn’t invited, was she?

Or did she come as someone’s plus one?

Sophia glanced over.

Indeed, Beau hadn’t been invited; without the title of Sterling Group, she wouldn’t qualify to enter.

But she knew Zane would be here, and she wouldn’t miss this chance. She pleaded with many, but no one dared risk offending Zane.

If Zane knew his employee was brought in by someone else, wouldn’t that disgrace his own company?

If Zane decided to hold someone accountable, who would dare take that risk?

Who knew where she met Vivian Hale, but Vivian managed to bring her in.

They truly are a nest of snakes and rats.