Cole had never been one to entertain flirtations or indulge in pleasantries with women, and his disinterest was clear to all.
To approach him was to risk public humiliation, and no one wanted to be the next to fall victim to his scathing remarks.
So the young ladies, dressed in their finest designer gowns, contented themselves with admiring him from afar. They cast longing glances in his direction, whispering amongst themselves, wondering what it would be like to catch his eye, even if for just a moment.
Yet none dared make the first move. The consequences of being dismissed by Cole Fay were too severe, especially in front of the elite crowd gathered tonight.
Better to remain silent than to face rejection in such a grand setting.
However, Sophia Rosette was different. She didn't care about the whispers or the invisible barriers. She had long since hardened her resolve, her skin thickened by years of maneuvering through the cutthroat world of high society.
And unlike the others, she had an ace up her sleeve—her daughter, Sophie. Everyone knew Cole was engaged to her
daughter
, a union that had been carefully orchestrated by their families.
And if anyone had the right to stand beside Cole, it was her.
Though everyone knew Eve was her daughter, at this moment, it didn't matter. Cole wasn't marrying Eve for love or personal connection—he was marrying the Rosette name, the power, and legacy that came with it.
In high society, emotions and desires had no place when family dynasties were at stake.
Sophia knew this better than anyone, and she was confident Cole wouldn't care whether it was Eve or Sophie standing beside him at the altar. What mattered was bloodline, wealth, and influence—the things that really counted in a marriage of this magnitude.
But she didn't care. Cole was hers—well, Sophie's—and she would make sure everyone knew it.
Sophia seized her moment, slipping through the throng with practiced ease, her expression warm and welcoming as she approached Cole.
She knew how critical it was to secure her daughter's future tonight. This wasn't just a party; it was a chessboard, and her ultimate goal was to ensure the engagement between Cole and Sophie was solidified.
"Good evening, Cole," she greeted him smoothly, her voice warm but firm. She stood beside him with the confidence of someone who belonged, someone who had already won the game before the pieces were even set on the board.
Cole glanced at her, his expression unreadable, but there was a flicker of recognition in his cold gaze.
Unlike his father, who could do literally anything he wanted, he couldn't simply dismiss Sophia. She was no stranger, no fawning maiden hoping for his attention. She was a Rosette, and more importantly, the Rosette and the Fays were business partners.
"Sophia," Cole acknowledged.
Unfazed by his frosty demeanor, Sophia smiled. She had dealt with men like Cole before—men who believed their power and status made them untouchable.
However, she knew how to play the game. The Fays might be at the top of the social ladder, but the Rosettes were not far behind, and tonight, she would make sure that their two families were inextricably linked.
"The party is truly magnificent," she said, her voice smooth as silk. "But then again, nothing less could be expected when two families like ours come together."
Cole's lips tightened into a thin line, but he remained silent. Sophia had said all she needed to. Her presence by his side spoke volumes, more than any whispered words could convey.
This was not a night for subtle flirtations or meaningless small talk. This was a night to secure alliances, and Sophia had just made her move.
The room watched in silence, eyes flicking between Cole Fay and Sophia Rosette. While the other women could only dream of standing beside him, Sophia had made it clear—Cole might be a prize in the eyes of high society, but he was already claimed.