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.
