Chapter 1 Blackmailed #2
Crystal chandeliers glowed overhead, casting warm light across the ballroom. Guests filled the space—men in tailored suits, women in glamorous gowns—while waiters weaved through the crowd, trays of champagne and delicacies balanced in their hands.
Violet stood at the center of it all.
She was surrounded by wealthy socialites, their laughter light.
One of them suddenly widened her eyes as she noticed Violet’s dress. “Wait—isn’t this the famous Valentina dress?” she exclaimed. “It just came out last week, right? You already got it?”
Her gaze lingered on the silver-white gown hugging Violet’s figure, strapless, elegant, brushing her ankles perfectly.
Violet smiled smugly. “Of course. The moment I saw it, I knew it was meant to be mine.”
“Wow… must have cost a fortune,” one of the women said, eyes glued to the dress. It was covered in shimmering stones, layered in rich, elegant colors. The longer one looked at it, the clearer it became—this wasn’t something money alone could easily buy.
“Of course she got it,” another woman chimed in quickly. “Violet is the only child in her entire family. That’s why her uncles love her so much. As long as she points her finger at something, it’s hers.”
Violet’s lips curved upward in satisfaction.
“My dad loves me too much,” she said casually, her tone light but proud. “Even if I don’t ask, he gets it for me. Price doesn’t really matter to us.”
“Only child?” someone asked suddenly. “But I heard you have a cousin. Your uncle Arthur’s daughter, right?”
Violet’s smile froze.
“I heard she’s even more beautiful than you,” the woman added, clearly curious.
Violet’s expression stiffened, the pride on her face cracking instantly.
“Really?” another woman gasped. “Violet is already so pretty—her cousin is even more beautiful? Where is she? I want to see her. Didn’t she come to the party?”
“Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her at any event,” someone else added. “Why is this the first time we’re hearing about her?”
“Yeah,” another voice lowered conspiratorially. “Why doesn’t she ever appear?”
“Oh my God,” a woman whispered dramatically. “Do you think she did something shameful? Maybe the family kicked her out.”
“That must be it,” the first man agreed quickly. “Otherwise, why wouldn’t she show up at any party?”
Violet’s fingers tightened around her wine glass.
“Come on, everyone,” she said gently, her brows knitting together as if troubled. “Don’t talk about her like that. I just feel… uncomfortable. That’s just how she is. No one can really change anyone, you know.”
She sounded concerned. Almost kind.
Then—
“Don’t you know it’s evil to badmouth someone behind their back?”
A calm, clear voice cut through the group.
The group parted instinctively.
Sophia stood there.
Silence fell.
Her posture was relaxed, her expression cool.
Her green dress clung to her like a second skin.
Backless. Thin straps crisscrossed over her bare skin.
The bold shade made her skin glow under the lights.
She wasn’t wearing anything flashy, nothing overly expensive yet the moment she appeared, the atmosphere shifted.
“That’s her,” one woman whispered, pointing discreetly. “Violet’s cousin.”
The woman beside her gasped and leaned closer to her friend. “Oh my God… you were right. She’s more beautiful than Violet.”
Violet’s fingers curled at her sides.
Just moments ago, all eyes had been on her. Now—without trying—Sophia had stolen every bit of attention.
And that was what enraged Violet the most. Sophia wasn’t even wearing something as expensive. And yet she outshone her completely.
Even standing there quietly, she was prettier. Brighter. Effortlessly striking.
That truth had always burned Violet.
Sophia raised an eyebrow slowly. “What happened?” she asked lightly. “Why did everyone suddenly go quiet?”
Her gaze landed on Violet, sharp and amused.
“Are you already tired of gossiping behind my back?”
Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
“Honestly, Violet doesn’t even compare,” someone whispered.
“She’s stunning,” another said.
“No wonder Violet looks so tense…”
The gossip spread fast.
“Everyone, I’m the one who invited Sophia,” Violet smiled sweetly at the people around her, lifting her chin with practiced elegance. ““Yes, she’s my cousin—Uncle Arthur’s daughter. She never attends family events. This is actually her first time.” She let out a light laugh. “Even I was surprised.”
Sophia’s eyes darkened.
“What are you talking about?” she said loudly, her voice cutting through the chatter.
Heads turned.
She stepped forward and looked Violet straight in the eye. “You’re the one who threatened me, Violet. Didn’t you say you’d throw away all my mother’s belongings if I didn’t come to this party?”
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
“Of course I had to come,” Sophia went on, her voice cold. “You blackmailed me.”
Violet’s eyes widened instantly.
For a brief second, her face went pale—rigid, frozen—as Sophia exposed her in front of everyone.
But the shock passed quickly.
She stepped closer to Sophia, lowering her voice so only they could hear. She stopped inches from her face, her smile soft but her eyes cold.
“If you want those things back,” Violet murmured, “then behave yourself and enjoy the goddamn party.”
Her gaze flicked meaningfully around the ballroom.
“It’s unlucky to cry over dead people’s belongings while a party is going on.”
Sophia’s eyes blazed. “What the hell did you just say?”
Violet took a deliberate step back, her lips curling into a smug smirk. Without answering, she turned away and walked off as if nothing had happened.
Sophia stood there, trembling with rage, her eyes following Violet’s retreating figure.
A while later, Violet headed straight toward the drinks section. She stopped beside one of the waiters. Leaning in slightly, she spoke in a low, discreet voice.
“She’s right there,” Violet said, nodding subtly. “Just give her this drink and come back like you do with everyone else. Don’t act nervous. Do your job and leave.”
The waiter nodded and moved on.
He reached beneath the counter and picked up a prepared glass, placing it carefully on his tray. Then he walked off briskly toward Sophia.
Stopping in front of her, he bowed slightly.
“Miss, would you like a drink?” he asked politely.
Without suspicion—surrounded by guests holding glasses just like it—Sophia accepted.
“Thank you,” she said, lifting it to her lips.
Across the room, Violet watched closely.
Her eyes lit up the moment Sophia took a sip.
She stepped closer to Joseph, excitement flickering in her eyes. “Daddy, it’s done,” she whispered. “Make sure everything goes smoothly later.”
Joseph glanced toward Sophia, then back at Violet. “Of course. Just tell me what you need.”
Violet smiled sweetly. “I just need time. The driver is already waiting upstairs.”
Joseph gave her a quick thumbs-up.
Violet’s smile deepened.
Everything was going exactly as planned.
Sophia, on the other hand, started to feel dizzy.
The room twisted violently, as if she were trapped on a spinning carousel. Her vision blurred, lights stretching into streaks as her body swayed uncontrollably.
Something felt wrong.
She tried to steady herself, shifting her weight, but her legs buckled beneath her. Strength drained from her limbs as if someone had pulled the plug on her body.
Across the room, Violet noticed immediately.
The moment Sophia finally set her glass down on the table, Violet rushed toward her. Just as Sophia began to fall, Violet grabbed her and pulled her against herself.
Sophia could barely keep her eyes open. Feeling some support, her body gave in, allowing Violet to guide her out of the party hall. Violet led her through a side corridor, upstairs, and into the first room on the floor. She unlocked the door and pushed Sophia inside.
Sophia stumbled into the room and shook her head hard, trying to regain her senses, but it was useless.
‘Something is wrong with me,’ she thought in panic.
Her heart slammed painfully against her ribs.
She quickly pulled out her phone. With trembling fingers, she scrolled through her recent calls and tapped the screen. She meant to call Emma but her thumb slipped. She didn’t realize the name on the screen wasn’t Emma.
It was Magnus.
The phone rang once… twice… then connected.
“E—Emma…” Sophia mumbled, her voice slurred and shaking. “Come… come pick me up. I’m at the party… Hotel du Lac…”
Her grip loosened.
The phone slipped from her hand and hit the floor with a dull thud.
Her head spun violently. She couldn’t even bend down to pick it up.
Then, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed movement—a shadow where there shouldn’t have been one. Her heart skipped a beat as her gaze swept the room.
On the bed, a man sat watching her. Sleazy, heavyset. Every instinct screamed at her to run, but her body betrayed her. A sick smile spread across his face the moment their eyes met, and her stomach twisted with dread.
Sophia tried to step back, but her body failed her. She staggered, flailing, and he was on her in an instant. His grip on her wrist was iron. Before she could scream, he yanked her down onto the bed. The impact knocked the air from her lungs.
She thrashed, clawed at him, tried to push, but it was no use. He was stronger, and every attempt only left her more exhausted, more helpless. Panic screamed through her mind as he pressed over her. Her breaths came in short, ragged gasps.
Near the door, Violet stood with Curtis and Joseph, watching from outside. She held up her phone, recording every moment, their eyes locked on Sophia, watching her terror unfold.
“Look how easy it was,” Violet murmured happily. “All it took was making her helpless, and everything fell into place.”
She glanced at both men, eyes shining with greed.
Joseph nodded. “The moment she gets kicked out, make sure you get close to Magnus. Once you’re part of the Empire Group, no one will ever dare cross me again.”
“Of course, Dad,” Violet said quickly, smiling happily. “Don’t worry, I know exactly what I’m doing. Everything will be over today.”
She turned her eyes back to the phone, continuing to record the video.
Inside the room, the man was already on Sophia. She fought with all her strength, trying to push him off, but he was too physically strong. The harder she struggled, the more leverage he gained, tearing at her clothes.
Violet giggled, absorbed in the scene.
But then—loud footsteps echoed.
Violet froze. Her gaze shifted toward the stairs.
Magnus appeared at the top, his expression grim. Several men followed behind him, moving silently as they flanked him on both sides.
Arthur stepped out right after. He glanced at Magnus, then followed his line of sight, his eyes landing on Joseph, Curtis, and Violet.
Violet was so startled that her phone nearly slipped from her hand. She quickly shoved it behind her back, trying to hide it but Magnus had already seen it.
“Joseph? What is going on? What are you all doing here?” Arthur called out, but Magnus ignored him. He stormed straight toward Violet.
In the next second, he grabbed her shoulder roughly and pushed her aside. Violet fell hard onto the ground with a loud thud, sliding across the floor. Joseph rushed to her side, helping her back up.
Magnus didn’t pause. He stormed into the room.
As soon as he entered, he saw Sophia pinned under the man, struggling to fight him off. Magnus charged over to the bed. The sound of commotion made the man pause; he looked toward the door.
Magnus moved like a storm unleashed.
He seized the man by the back of his neck and tore him off the bed. The man cried out as Magnus flung him to the floor with brutal force.