Chapter 33 #2
I didn’t hate Konni’s need for my undivided attention after work, not when he gave me so much of his in return. Which was why I didn’t even think of checking my phone until the next morning when Edi called.
Konni put him on speaker so he could quietly kiss my neck.
“Steele security called a few minutes ago. They stopped someone outside the building with a bucket of red paint. Security already contacted the police. Felix is involved. Nothing else happened overnight. The negative comments on yesterday’s press release decreased after Mrs. Steele’s post.”
“Thanks for the update, Edi,” I said before Konni hung up.
I grabbed my phone and saw Kaya’s post with photos from the night before.
Celebrating Sophia’s accomplishments and this week’s big deals for Steele Corp. I’m so proud of her, my son, and myself for this amazing dessert I whipped up. It’s good to have company at home again. No dishes for me!
She’d captured some great moments: Konni passing me a plate, his gaze filled with appreciation and interest, while Mom smiled in the background, wine glass in hand.
Another of the three of us toasting. Kaya’s homemade Cassata Siciliana, which looked mouthwatering.
And one of Konni and me standing shoulder to shoulder at the sink.
From behind, she’d caught him looking down at me, grinning.
The number of comments wasn’t only impressive, but proof her post had gone viral. All of Motan was watching.
“You’re upset,” Konni said, hugging me. “Why?”
“Not upset. Worried.”
“If you’d rather not go in today…”
I playfully pushed him away. “Your neediness is showing.”
He snuggled me tighter.
“I’m not worried about work,” I said. “I think all of Motan saw your mom’s post. If whoever’s targeting Mom saw it too, they’ll know we’re connected to the Steeles now.
I know that’s the point of what we’re doing, but I’m worried that, if someone’s willing to pay for an accident and arson, what’s next? ”
He kissed my temple.
“Only good things. Security here is tight, and when your mom leaves, she’s well guarded. If someone tries something, we’ll finally have them. Then you can shift your focus to what’s important.”
Knowing full well where he’d like my focus, I twisted to give him a dry look. His slow grin said I was right.
We were late for breakfast.
My gaze swept the crowd as Harlow pulled into the gala’s drop-off zone. Reporters lined up along the red carpet, ready to capture iconic photos of the guests. Most wouldn’t make the news. I knew mine would, though—good or bad.
“Ready?” Kaya asked as the attendants opened her door.
We’d strategized our positions. Kaya got out first as the distraction. Mom, in the front seat, waited for the attendant to open her door, while Harlow opened mine, allowing me to exit mostly hidden by the car and Harlow to avoid any unfavorable shots.
Harlow guided me around the car. Flashes and shutter clicks exploded around us as Kaya extended her hand to me. The three of us posed together. Kaya in the middle. Mom on her left. Me on her right.
A few reporters shouted questions about my relationship with Konni, the fire, and whether I’d slept my way into Steele. I felt Kaya’s hand flinch on my arm.
A car door slammed, and Konni stood beside me a second later.
“Your name and the outlet you represent so I can address your questions later,” Konni called.
One clueless man actually said his name. A neighbor elbowed him.
“Shall we?” Kaya said before walking me inside.
Konni escorted Mom in and I hoped he wouldn't stare at my back.
He’d loved the dress when I’d tried it on for him at home.
A keyhole-style back exposed me from just above my tailbone to the collar.
The front had a smaller keyhole cutout that stopped just shy of my nipples and was covered with appliquéd lace.
The cap sleeves and collared neck leaned qipao, which I loved. It also nicely covered my mark.
We entered the gala’s main doors. The clicking didn’t stop; it only got quieter.
Classical music drifted through the room from an orchestra playing off to the side, where a small dance floor waited. A few couples took advantage of the space.
“I need something to drink,” Kaya said, releasing me and turning to Konni. “You come with me. Would you like anything, Sophia?”
“Please.”
She looked at Mom, who nodded and moved to stand next to me.
“Awkward,” I said softly to Mom, noting how many people were watching us discreetly as Konni and Kaya walked away.
“And it’s only started,” she said just as quietly.
A second later, someone cleared his throat behind us. I turned to see Pennly with another woman.
“Ms. Elmantas, it’s good to see you here. This is my wife, Zoe.”
We shook hands, and she praised me for the high-end design I provided for their resort.
“Do you provide designs for private residences too?”
“Steele Corp is open to both business and residential construction projects.”
“Not Steele Corp but you, and just for a redecoration. You have an eye for detail that I think would make our home feel brand new again.”
“I’m sorry. I’m unable to take on clients privately due to the non-compete agreement I signed with Steele Corp.”
Her expression fell, but she didn’t get mad. “I understand. If I want to work with you specifically through Steele Corp, can that be arranged?”
“Anything can be arranged with Ms. Elmantas for the right price. Isn’t that right, Ms. Elmantas?”
Without losing my polite, professional smile, I glanced at Lianna, who’d quietly joined us.
“My skillset for elevating existing designs from basic to high-end does have a hefty price tag. Thankfully, Mr. Steele recently cut overpaid, underperforming talent so he can focus on investing in that skillset.” I focused on Zoe, who, unlike her husband, was completely unaware of the turn our conversation had briefly taken.
“Steele Corp tries to honor all requests that align with our mission of excellence and building community. There’s no harm in submitting your request.”
Pennly thanked me and quickly guided his wife away.
“That’s a beautiful gown, Sophia. Couture?” Lianna asked.
“Isn’t she stunning in it?” Mom said with a polite smile.
“Although, Sophia looks good in anything. Even a pond.” Mom’s smile widened.
“Mr. Steele thought so too. It was sweet the way he had a towel waiting for her when she returned. It was like a matchmaking fairy had kicked her right into that pond.”
Lianna’s eyes glimmered dangerously.
“Ladies,” Konni said, joining us. “The wine you requested.”
Lianna’s gaze latched onto him. He ignored her as he passed us our glasses.
“Could I have a private word with you, Drake?” she asked.
“Drake promised his father he wouldn’t leave my side tonight,” Kaya said.
I was hoping to see Lianna’s eye twitch at the smooth deflection, but it didn’t.
“Are you free for lunch tomorrow?” she asked him instead.
“No. Why don’t you just say whatever it is you want to say, Lianna? I’d rather not waste my time.”
Her neck flushed, and she fisted her hands at her sides, but she didn’t leave.
“Fine. I regret resigning and want to come back to Steele Corp.”
“No.”
His abrupt refusal didn’t sit well with her.
“Why not?”
Heads turned our direction.
“Perhaps this is a discussion for tomorrow,” Kaya said, reaching out to soothingly pat Lianna’s arm.
Behind them, Lianna’s mom approached with a man who looked like he could be her father. Haughty. And they had the same nose.
“What’s wrong, Princess?” he asked. “Why are you upset?”
She turned to look at him, her angry expression turning crestfallen.
“Drake doesn’t want me at Steele Corp anymore.”
“Of course he doesn’t,” Kaya said in a soothing tone.
“He knows how much your parents want you to find a…husband, which can’t happen if you’re working twelve-hour days.
You’ve given enough to Steele Corp, Lianna.
Stay focused on your social life outside of work, and you’ll find someone who ignites your heart before you know it. ”
A hint of desperation showed on Lianna’s face before she looked at her mom.
“Kaya’s absolutely right,” Christine said. “Working at Steele Corp won’t help you attain the man you want.” She patted her daughter’s hand and focused on me.
“Ms. Elmantas, I’m glad to see you didn’t suffer from that golfing incident.
I saw Kaya’s recent social update. You’ve achieved so much in such a short time.
You’re obviously a very talented and driven young woman.
I’m sure it won’t take you long to get back on your feet on your own, but we’d like to offer our help regardless.
We have a few rental properties around the city if you’re interested. ”
It took everything I had not to laugh.
Tsking, Kaya reached for my arm. “You promised you’d stay at least until your mom’s cast is off.”
“You did,” Mom said, lifting her broken arm as if it were a witness.
I smiled at Christine. “Thank you for the very kind offer; however, I have a feeling everything I own would mysteriously vanish if I glanced at a suitcase.”
“Possibly even boarded windows and locked doors,” Konni said, half under his breath.
Kaya chuckled. “I would never unlawfully detain anyone. Coaxing and bribing are much more efficient. Although Sophia is regretfully resistant to both methods.”
“Unfortunately, I’m not as strong-willed,” Mom said. “Kaya’s cooking is Michelin worthy, and her company is filling a void I didn’t know I had.”
Kaya gave Mom a heartfelt look. “Having you and Sophia stay at the estate is the best thing that’s happened in years. The house feels like a home again.” She turned to Christine. “Konni finally moved back in. I couldn’t possibly give that up.”
“You moved back?” Lianna asked with a hint of alarm. “Why?”
“Because of the company, of course.”
“You’re not actually attracted to this gold digger, are you?”
The murmur of conversation around us fell silent.