Chapter 29: Backlash

(Sophia POV) Yesterday's celebration banquet was absolutely perfect! I sat at my dressing table, looking at my radiant self in the mirror, feeling fantastic. The joy of winning the bid still rippled in my heart, especially thinking of Aline's collapsed and pathetic face made me want to laugh out loud. "Aline, just wait." I said softly to the mirror, lips curving in a smug smile. "Someday, I'll make you kneel before me begging for forgiveness." Yesterday everything went according to plan....