CHAPTER 79: CHAPTER 79: AFRAID OF GETTING CUCKOLDED

They chatted for quite a while.

Zane Sterling’s gaze drifted over toward Sophia Lowell.

He saw Clay Gable chatting animatedly with Sophia about something.

His eyes darkened, instantly losing interest.

Sophia tilted her head, meeting Zane’s gaze.

She smiled slightly.

This man was the right fit for her.

It wasn’t about money — it was about being grounded.

Even if he could be a bit clueless sometimes.

"His leg isn’t great, can he really satisfy you?" Clay chimed in.

Sophia immediately tossed out whatever admiration she’d had for him earlier.

"Clay, if you’re desperate for a woman, go look elsewhere. With your looks and background, you’re hot stuff on the dating market."

"If you really want revenge on those two, I’m your best choice. I’ll give you freedom, I’m happy to get married, you can spend as much of my money as you want, and you’ll get to hear them all call you aunt."

"Tempting offer, honestly."

"I probably perform better than him, if you ever want to give it a try."

"..." She nearly spat out the wine she’d just swallowed. "Get lost."

Clay gave a small nod, picked up his glass, and left.

Not long after, Zane walked back over.

"You know him?"

"Sienna Lawson’s uncle. When we were fixing the car, he was the first to spot that video."

"Oh, I thought he was one of your suitors."

"Mr. Sterling’s jealous." Sophia glanced at him, teasing.

"Yeah."

"If I’ve got admirers, means your wife’s got some serious charm."

"Just worried someone might steal you away, especially since no one even knows about us."

He seemed a bit upset — upset that their relationship wasn’t public; it would save them so much hassle.

And he really didn’t want all these men eyeing his woman.

"So you finally opened your mouth."

"What?"

"Nothing. Just hope you keep your heart in your chest and stop overthinking like some dramatic chick."

She set down her glass, stood up, and reached for his hand.

Zane took her hand, and the two strolled back together.

If it weren’t for trying to get rid of his messy admirer, this whole "mistress" rumor wouldn’t have blown up.

And even when she told Henry she was married to Zane, he still didn’t buy it.

She didn’t care to explain anymore anyway — as long as they were together, that was enough.

As soon as she lay back on the bed, Sophia’s phone rang.

She picked up and saw a WhatsApp request from: Sylvia.

She glanced at the man holding her, then accepted the request.

She’d thought Sylvia Coldwell would call or video her — she was even ready for it — but nothing came through.

She didn’t bother thinking about it and put her phone down.

——

The next morning, the two got up early.

After a fun business trip, Sophia snuck into the elevator from the underground garage like she was sneaking around.

Zane absolutely didn’t care; he wished the whole world knew.

Would make life so much easier for him.

Sophia had just sat down at her workstation when Chloe Vance dragged Lily Ellison’s chair over and sat right next to her.

She stared suspiciously at this sudden visitor.

"What’s up?"

Chloe looked around; not many people were there yet. She said boldly, "I saw it."

Sophia smirked, "Saw what?"

She really didn’t want to chat first thing in the morning — mood killer.

"You and Sterling... um..."

Before Chloe could finish, Sophia shut her up with a hand covering her mouth.

After half a minute of struggle, Sophia finally let go.

"Talk like a human!" Sophia warned, extra cautious.

Chloe gave a little huff, her eyes landing on Sophia’s ring.

Sophia awkwardly tried to hide her hand.

"All the execs know Sterling’s married, but it hasn’t been announced yet. I figured he’d marry some rich girl. Hmph, turns out his taste isn’t so great after all."

Between Chloe’s teasing, Sophia knew she’d got the whole story.

So she dropped the act and busied herself tidying her desk.

"If even you don’t approve, his taste really must suck."

Chloe wasn’t stupid.

The family business was still riding on Zane; if she was nasty to the boss’s wife, her family would lose their contracts.

Besides, last time Sophia kept her secret, Chloe was grateful enough.

Being young, she still did silly things sometimes.

"Got you a coffee. Should be here soon — added some milk. Think of it as an early congrats." Chloe said.

"Congrats for what?"

"Oh come on, you’re just fishing for praise so I’ll say it out loud? Check the group notice yourself." Chloe grumbled as she walked off, "All you do all day is date..."

Sophia quickly pulled out her phone and opened the group files.

"Tsk tsk..." She spun around and around in her chair.

Her work had won first prize; loads of top designers from all over the world had liked it, even dropped comments below, flirting with the idea of poaching her.

She was one step closer to her goal!

[Come see me after lunch.]

Zane’s message popped up. Her cheeks flushed instantly.

She’d been way too bold with him last night.

She’d even reached out first to hold his hand — what was wrong with her?

Just to provoke Sylvia and Henry, she’d do anything.

Not to mention the stuff she’d said after drinking — talk about losing her dignity.

Normally, she’d barely dare get close to him.

Honestly, if someone else didn’t push them, these two probably wouldn’t get close at all.

[What’s up?]

She asked, shamelessly.

If it was about that kind of thing, she wasn’t going — this was work hours, and he was that desperate?

She bit her lip, waiting for his reply.

[It’s about Hugh Irving’s studio.]

Wow, he’s quick.

Before Sophia could answer, Zane sent another message: [What did you think it was? Or what are you hoping for?]

Guess you just can’t act too innocent.

A man’s a man, after all.

Back when she barely knew him, he was ice cold.

Didn’t even have a female mosquito buzzing around.

One night together, and things just spiraled out of control.

Sophia didn’t reply.

Zane stared at his phone all morning, waiting.

——

The design competition results had just come out, and now everyone was talking about Sophia.

No idea which Argus had such sharp eyes — actually spotted the plain ring on her ring finger.

"This ring is worth at least ten million."

"They say it’s a custom piece — you can only order one in your whole life, and it has to be real-name."

They crowded around, gingerly touching the ring on her hand.

Sophia’s heart almost jumped out of her chest.

She’d just thought it was a simple plain ring.

This design team had seen it all, so if they said it, it was probably true.

"Total nonsense," Sophia fibbed, hoping no one noticed anything fishy.

"Ms. Lowell just got dumped, no way she’s married. If you ask me, that ring finger stunt’s just to stick it to her scumbag ex." Wyatt Nash stepped in to cover for her.

"Well, wasn’t her ex getting married yesterday?" Chloe passed by, chiming in before walking off.

The crowd suddenly got it, all nodding: "Ah, that’s what it is."

Sophia gave a dry chuckle, honestly wanted to thank them—

Once everyone left, she secretly slid the ring off her finger.

They’d said the inside should be engraved with a name, but she didn’t know for sure.

She looked closely — and sure enough!

LS.

Wait a minute, this guy only got the marriage license a couple days ago, but he already had this ring ready for her?

A custom job like this should take months.

Could it be a fake?

No way, right? No way the CEO would cheap out with a fake ring?

She remembered Ethan Sinclair once said: If he didn’t love you, why would he go through so much trouble to have you?

So much trouble?

She paused, feeling like something was up.

She decided she was going to get to the bottom of this.