Chapter 8 - Chapter 8 – The Dangerous Question

Dinner continued with polite conversation, but Amara could feel the tension slowly building around the table. Even though several guests were discussing business matters with Adrian's father, Sophia's eyes kept returning to her again and again. It was the kind of look that made Amara feel like she was being quietly studied, like a problem waiting to be solved. Amara tried to focus on the food in front of her, carefully following Adrian's lead whenever the conversation shifted. Every now and then Adrian would ask her a small question or make a simple comment that allowed her to participate naturally, and she understood he was helping her stay part of the discussion without drawing too much attention. For a while things seemed calm. Then Sophia gently placed her fork down and leaned back in her chair. "Adrian," she said smoothly, "you never told us how long you and Amara have been together." The table grew quiet again. Amara felt Adrian's hand lightly rest over hers under the table, steady and calm. "A few months," Adrian replied without hesitation. Sophia raised her eyebrow slightly. "A few months?" she repeated. "That's interesting." Adrian looked at her calmly. "Why?" Sophia gave a small smile. "Because I visit the company often. And somehow I've never seen her before." Amara felt the trap forming. Adrian answered immediately. "That's because she works in a different department." Sophia's eyes flicked toward Amara. "Really? Which department?" Amara knew this was the moment she had to be careful. If she hesitated too long, it would look suspicious. "Maintenance," she said calmly. Sophia blinked once. "Maintenance?" A few people at the table exchanged curious glances. Adrian's father leaned slightly forward. "Maintenance?" he repeated. Amara nodded politely. "Yes, sir." Sophia let out a small laugh. "So the woman my fiancé's son is dating… works in maintenance at his company." Adrian's expression immediately hardened. "Sophia." But she continued speaking as if she hadn't heard him. "That's quite a romantic story," she said. "A billionaire CEO falling in love with a maintenance worker." Amara kept her expression calm even though she could feel the tension rising around the table. Adrian's father was watching closely now, his sharp eyes moving between the two women. Finally Amara spoke. "I never said it was romantic." Sophia looked at her with mild surprise. "Oh?" Amara gave a small polite smile. "It started with coffee spilled on a very expensive suit. I think Adrian was more annoyed than romantic." A few guests laughed quietly. Even Adrian's stepmother smiled at the comment. Adrian's father leaned back in his chair, clearly amused. Sophia's smile faded slightly. "Still," she continued slowly, "it's quite a big jump from cleaning floors to attending private family dinners." Adrian set his glass down calmly. "That's enough." Sophia turned toward him with an innocent expression. "What? I'm just curious." Adrian's voice remained steady but firm. "You're being rude." The room fell silent again. Sophia studied him for a moment before shrugging lightly. "Fine." She turned back toward her plate and picked up her fork again. "If you say so." Dinner resumed after that, but the atmosphere had changed. The earlier polite warmth had disappeared, replaced by something sharper and more cautious. Amara could feel that most of the guests were now paying closer attention to her, silently judging whether she truly belonged there or not. After a while the servants began clearing the plates and bringing dessert. Adrian's father stood up slowly, holding his glass. "Before the evening ends," he said, "I would like to make a small announcement." Everyone turned toward him. Sophia's eyes brightened slightly, as if she already knew what was coming. Adrian remained perfectly still beside Amara. His father continued speaking. "For many years, our families have discussed a partnership that would strengthen both our businesses." He glanced briefly toward Sophia. "That partnership was meant to become official very soon." Amara felt Adrian's hand tighten slightly around hers. The older man paused before finishing his sentence. "However… tonight I see that my son has made other plans." His sharp gaze moved toward Amara again. "Which raises a very important question." The entire table was silent now. Adrian's father looked directly at Amara and spoke calmly. "Young lady… how serious are your intentions with my son?" The question hung in the air like a challenge. And suddenly Amara realized that everyone in the room was waiting for her answer.