[EVE]

The line of questioning continued, with Sullivan and Sophia steering the conversation smoothly in Sophie''s direction.

While her parents seemed determined to highlight her role, Sophie''s unease was evident. She wasn''t used to the spotlight in this way, and despite her attempts to smile, there was a tightness in her expression, and her answers were clipped and hesitant.

Interviews were an art of their own, a rhythm you learned to dance with over time.

Your journey continues on empire

I''d been through more than a few myself, and I knew that no amount of practice could quite prepare you for the real thing.

Sophie had probably rehearsed, but it was experience that truly taught you how to handle the unexpected questions, the quick pivots, the subtle pressure of the lights and cameras on you.

She was clearly trying, though. Each time she glanced my way, I met her with a taunting smile.

You always wanted this, right? Then take it—every bit, the good and the bad.

"Uhm . . . Are you and Eve close right now?"

Sinclair, finally losing patience, stepped in. "Is it really necessary to compare the two girls like this?" he asked.No?v(el)B\\jnn

"Uh . . . I''m sorry. It''s in the question notes . . ."

The interviewer started to explain but froze under Sinclair''s sharp gaze, her words trailing off immediately.

"I will be mindful from now on," the interviewer said, bowing at Sinclair.

The tension thickened in the silence that followed, and it felt as though everyone was holding their breath, waiting for the next move.

Sullivan''s faint smile remained, while Sophie looked as though she wanted to say more but couldn''t quite find the right words.

The questions flowed smoothly now, easing the tension, and I found myself letting out a quiet sigh of relief. I need this kind of atmosphere to ask Sullivan and Sophia about my adoption.

"When''s your birthday again?" the interviewer asked, glancing my way with an easy smile.

I could feel tension clawing up from inside me. I''d always wanted answers, but I''d never dared to ask—not until now.

Swallowing my nerves, I took a deep breath and called out, "Excuse me, Sullivan."

Their movements halted, and instantly the atmosphere turned frigid. They turned to face me, their gazes sharp and venomous.

Sullivan''s eyes narrowed, and Sophia''s lips pressed into a tight line. Sophie only raised an eyebrow, her hands crossed.

"What do you want?" Sophie asked.

I ignored Sophie, and forced myself to meet Sullivan''s gaze, swallowing my pride. "I . . . I wanted to ask about the orphanage where I was adopted."

For a moment, silence settled, thick and tense. Then Sullivan''s lips curled into a mocking smirk.

"The orphanage?" he sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "You''re asking about that now?"

"Yes," I replied, steadying my voice. This was my chance to finally find my real parents. "I just thought—"

"Oh, you thought, did you?" he cut me off, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Let me make one thing clear. You may have some legal claim to our name, but that''s where the connection ends."

He took a step closer, and his voice dropped to a harsh whisper. "The only reason you''re here at all is as a stand-in. A prop. You''re not family—don''t flatter yourself, so why do I have to answer a question of yours?

"And as for the orphanage . . ." He smirked, relishing each word. "Why would I waste my time helping you dig up a past that means nothing to us?"

His words struck like a slap, each one laced with cold malice.

I felt my cheeks flush with anger, and I refused to look away. "Have you forgotten that I''m your sister now, legally?" I shot back with a mocking smile.

Sullivan scoffed, a harsh laugh escaping him as he looked at me as though I were a piece of dirt beneath his shoe.

"

Sister

?" he echoed, his eyes darkening with contempt. "You''re nothing of the sort. You''re just a convenient illusion we created. Nothing more. And as for the orphanage—why would you want to go digging? Are you eager to learn just how quickly your parents got rid of you?"