CHAPTER 72: THE SECRET MISTRESS

Sophia sat calmly, sipping her coffee while the man across from her spoke for what felt like an eternity. She didn’t even blink.

"Sophia, what exactly are you trying to do?" Frank’s tone was tense, his hands gripping the table. "You poached all of my senior staff! If it’s money you want, I can give you that. Just send them back. Those people have been with Wright Group for years!"

Sophia smiled faintly, stirring her coffee. "Mr. Turner, you’re mistaken. I didn’t steal anyone."

"Didn’t you?" Frank’s voice sharpened. "Don’t lie to me. I’ve already seen the reports, Sophia."

"Your offer was far too stingy," she said lightly. "If they left, that’s the consequence of your own choices—something you should’ve seen coming."

Frank frowned deeply, the muscles in his jaw tightening.

Sophia met his gaze, her eyes cool and steady. "Everyone deserves a chance at a better life, don’t you think?"

A better life? The words stung. She was mocking him.

"Sophia, you’ve seen the Wright Group—we’re thriving. But the people you took are irreplaceable. I’m asking you, as your uncle, please... send them back."

Sophia arched a brow. "Mr. Turner, don’t call yourself my uncle. Someone might actually think we’re close." She reached into her bag, pulled out a folder, and slid it across the table.

"Take a look first. Your ’senior staff’ were making barely more than your new hires. Even those who worked their way to the top were still underpaid. You said they were your loyal employees, right? Then tell me, why treat them like disposable tools?

"You want loyalty, but you pay peanuts. Tell me, Mr. Turner, were you planning to motivate them with starvation?"

Her tone was cutting, every word sharp as glass.

Frank’s face flushed with anger. "Sophia! Don’t make a scene—"

"A scene?" She set down her cup with a quiet click. "No, Mr. Turner. I’m just telling you the truth. People only leave when they find something better. Coincidentally, Lucas left me in City Y for two reasons: one, to discuss business; and two, to recruit new talent.

"So, really, I should be thanking you for training such capable people. I’m heading back to City A tomorrow, but remember this—the game we’ve started has only just begun."

Her smile was effortless, dangerous.

If the Wright Group had truly been as strong as Frank believed, no one could’ve taken his people in the first place. Those who left didn’t just leave because of her—they left because of him.

"Sophia, you—!"

But she was already on her feet. Before stepping out, she turned slightly and said over her shoulder, "On behalf of Lucas, I’ll confirm our partnership with Wright Group. I’ll be waiting for you in City A."

Frank stood frozen, brows furrowed, staring at the folder she’d left behind.

Aurora’s daughter... she was exactly like her mother—brilliant, ruthless, and impossible to control.

But this time, she wasn’t here for peace.

She was here for revenge.

Outside the café, Sophia got into her car.

Inside, six pairs of bright eyes stared eagerly at her.

Angela, the calmest of the bunch, glanced toward the window where Frank’s figure was disappearing. "So, Mommy, it worked?"

Sophia chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "My smart little girl, you’re incredible. I wasn’t even planning to gut Wright Group completely—but now it looks like we just might."

Angela smiled faintly. "Are we going home now?"

Sophia nodded, her voice soft but laced with steel. "Yes. Now we wait for the snake to crawl into the trap on its own."

She leaned back in her seat, eyes gleaming. Wright Group, Morgan Group, Trump Family—none of them would be spared.

Early the next morning, Sophia boarded the private jet her children had bought for her—and experienced for the first time what true luxury felt like.

"Mommy, isn’t it super convenient?" one of the six kids asked nervously, as if afraid she might scold them again.

Sophia sighed dramatically. "My back... feels a little sore lately."

Charles immediately scooted over and started massaging her waist.

"Actually, my arms feel kind of tired too..."

Dustin and Eric each took one of her arms, carefully kneading her shoulders like two little bodyguards-in-training.

"And now that you mention it... my shoulders ache so much."

Billy jumped up without hesitation to help.

Before Sophia could even open her mouth again, Angela appeared with a glass of freshly squeezed juice while Faye brought her snacks and turned on her favorite drama.

"Mmm... now this is the life," Sophia murmured, sinking deeper into the seat as six pairs of little hands catered to her every need.

Meanwhile, back in City Y—a team of men stormed into the hotel suite.

"Boss, they’re gone! What do we do?"

"Move out! Report back."

They disappeared as quickly as they came, completely unaware that their target was already halfway across the sky.

...

City A.

When Sophia arrived at her company, she immediately sensed something off.

Several employees looked at her oddly, and when she met their eyes, they quickly looked away.

Her brows drew together.

"Mommy," Faye whispered, "they’re acting weird."

"So you noticed too?"

Sophia thought for a moment, then suddenly, as she reached the elevator, a dangerous idea crossed her mind.

Could it be that Lucas... kept a woman in her office while she was gone?

"Kids," she said seriously, "wait out here. What’s about to happen might get a little... messy."

After warning them several times, Sophia pushed open the door.

And froze.

Lucas stood inside—holding a pink bra in his hand. His face was serious, but the moment he saw her, his entire expression changed to shock.

"Lucas! You pervert!"

Sophia threw her purse aside, marched over, and yanked his wrist up. "Where is she? Where’s the woman you’re hiding?!"

She crouched to check under the desk—nothing.

"Sophia, it’s not what it looks like."

"Not what it looks like?!" Her eyes flared. "I always thought you just had control issues, but you’re actually a freak!"

"Sophia—"

"Don’t even try to deny it! Do you have any idea how people were looking at me when I walked in? I knew something was off—and it’s all because of you!"

Lucas could only stare, speechless.

And just as Sophia’s voice hit its peak—

"Mr. Hilton, how did the women’s lingerie samples look? The partner said—"

Alex stopped dead in the doorway. He blinked between the two of them. "Mr. Hilton... Mrs. Hilton... what exactly are you two doing?"

Sophia froze. "Wait. Women’s samples?"

She glanced back at the item in Lucas’s hand. It was clearly brand new.

Alex nodded quickly. "Yes, an underwear brand came by—they want to collaborate with Hilton Group on a promotional line."

So it was... all a misunderstanding?

Sophia’s face turned scarlet. "I—I need a minute."

She turned to bolt for the door—but Lucas caught her wrist. In one smooth motion, she stumbled right into his chest.

"Running away?" His low voice was laced with amusement. "And where exactly do you think you’re going?"

He didn’t look at her—just shot Alex a sideways glance. "Send one sample to every female employee in the company. I expect feedback in a week."

"Y-yes, sir!" Alex vanished instantly.

Now only the two of them remained.

Lucas’s smirk deepened as his gaze trailed lazily down her face. "My dear wife... as a family member, do you need one too?"

Sophia shook her head so fast her ponytail swished. "No need! You can... keep it for yourself~"

"Oh, really? Me wear it?"

His laugh was low and dark. He leaned in, his warm breath brushing against her ear as he murmured, voice rough with amusement, "Didn’t you know, sweetheart? I’d much rather see you wear it... so I can be the one to take it off."