CHAPTER 49: THE ALLIANCE

Sophia came down the stairs.

Honestly, she found Aiden completely lacking in challenge. He was far too weak—every move he made was already within someone else’s grasp. Including Jessica downstairs.

Jessica being with Richard was nothing more than another attempt to sink her claws into Hilton Group’s fortune. If she couldn’t secure Lucas, she’d settle for his relatives. It wasn’t the worst strategy, but it seriously underestimated Lucas.

He was a predator, always watching, already several steps ahead—anticipating every move his prey might make. Jessica’s plan had been to win over the company staff and establish herself as "the lady of the house." But in the end, the results were... underwhelming.

Lucas might have been young, but his mind was sharper and heavier than any seasoned lion. He lived by one principle: never use someone you don’t trust, and never doubt the people you do.

Sophia knew for a fact that every employee, no matter where they worked, had been under Lucas’s watchful eyes at some point. Hilton Group had thousands of staff, and he had the patience to observe each one, slowly, carefully.

"Mommy, look," one of the kids pointed out softly. "That lady looks so sad."

Sophia’s eyes shifted toward Jessica, who was still trying to hand out wedding favors downstairs—every single one rejected. Her expression didn’t waver.

"That’s none of our business," Sophia told them calmly. "Remember this: whenever you see them, you walk the other way."

She never sugarcoated the truth for her children. The world was cruel. They didn’t need to dive into it too soon, but knowing how it worked could only help them later.

As she stepped outside, Aiden rushed after her. Richard was nowhere to be seen—likely busy consoling Jessica.

"Wait!" he called.

Sophia paused, arching a brow. "What is it, Mr. Hilton? Something else you’d like to say?"

"We should talk again. I can raise my offer."

Sophia couldn’t help the curve of her lips. So that was his game. But just because he wanted to strike a deal didn’t mean she had to play along.

"Mr. Hilton," she said smoothly, "I believe I’ve made myself very clear. I’m not giving up my place as Hilton Group’s lady of the house. I suggest you get smarter and stop doing foolish things. Even a cornered dog will leap the wall—what do you think a lion, one that’s never slept, will do? Consider today my kindness to you."

His brows furrowed. "Kindness? You call this helping me?"

"Of course," Sophia answered, her tone dripping with feigned innocence. "I’ve been gentle enough. If Lucas had said those words himself, do you really think he’d have been as polite?"

Her words hit their mark. Aiden hesitated, caught between doubt and fear.

Sophia’s smirk widened. Yes, he really was that slow. Without another word, she slipped into her car and was gone in seconds.

"Dad..." Richard appeared, helping Jessica walk over, his voice careful. "Dad?"

Aiden exploded, "This is all your fault! I raised you for nothing—useless!" His anger poured out like a storm before he shoved them toward the car. "Get in! Now!"

Richard hurried Jessica inside. "Dad, where are we going?"

"Morgan Group," Aiden snapped. He was finally desperate enough to consider Andrew’s plan.

At Morgan Group headquarters, Andrew had already laid out tea and water, his smile all false hospitality.

"Mr. Hilton," Andrew began, "have you thought over my proposal?"

"Two hundred million isn’t a small sum," Aiden said flatly. "Can I really trust you?"

The words meant there was still room for hope. Andrew nodded eagerly. "If you don’t trust me yet, I can give you leverage—something on Sophia."

"Sophia?" Aiden’s brows drew tight.

Andrew pulled out his phone, showing a video. "Mr. Hilton, this is about honesty between partners. You want Hilton Group; I just want to survive. And as for Sophia..." His voice dropped, cold. "As her father, I’m ashamed she’d betray her own blood."

"You’re not entirely wrong," Aiden murmured. His gaze sharpened like a blade. "But in that case, why don’t you tell me the truth? How did Sophia’s mother really die?"

That was the one secret he still wanted most.

Andrew forced a smile. "Her mother died of an illness. Men make mistakes when they’re young, right?"

He spoke as if it were the tiniest, most insignificant thing.

Aiden, who’d been around the block, understood the game.

"If you want me to help, at least show some good faith—give me the truth about this. We’re on the same ship here; you’ve got to learn to trust me."

Andrew’s brow tightened almost imperceptibly. If he revealed that secret, he’d be handing over the Morgan Group’s lifeline. If he didn’t...

Aiden saw the hesitation and put on an act of leaving. "If Mr. Morgan isn’t sincere, then fine."

Without that emergency funding, Morgan Group would be finished.

"Wait—Mr. Hilton, I can tell you. But we have to sign a contract first."

He was offering one secret in exchange for two hundred million. Whether it was worth it was a bet he was willing to make. Aiden agreed on the spot. "Fine."

Half an hour later, they shook hands, grinning like partners in crime.

"Pleasure doing business."

"Pleasure."

Suddenly—

"Dad, JL Studios just signed me!"

Olivia swept in wearing a floral dress and a bow in her hair, her face lit up.

"Olivia, you’re already grown up, and you still don’t have any manners!"

Aiden’s eyes flickered. "Who is she?"

"She’s my little girl, Olivia."

Aiden remembered the girl from the banquet. Truth be told, Olivia had some star quality—she turned heads on the street.

"Olivia, this is Uncle Hilton—Dad’s friend."

"Hello, Uncle Hilton," Olivia said with a bright smile.

"All right, let’s keep in touch for the future. I’m leaving now."

Andrew nodded heavily. When Aiden left, Andrew sank back into his chair, satisfied.

"Dad, JL signed me!" Olivia squealed again behind him, eager to share the news.

Andrew’s brow creased. "JL Studios? The entertainment industry? Why didn’t you tell me?"

Olivia’s joy flickered.

"You’re not pleased?" she asked.

"You’re the Morgan heiress—what are you doing joining show business?" he snapped. "It’s disgraceful."

Olivia clutched her dress. "Dad, I don’t want to be a vase. If I make it, I can shame Sophia."

"Ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous. Olivia, remember who you are. She’s not worth comparing to you. You’re the daughter of the Morgan family—stop daydreaming and get out of that contract."

Olivia went pale.