Chapter 27

I woke to the rich aroma of coffee and freshly baked pastries.

My eyes opened slowly, taking in the scene before me.

Sebastian stood beside the bed holding a tray, his dark gaze filled with tenderness.

"Good morning, darling," he said, placing the tray next to me.

I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. "What's all this?"

"Breakfast in bed," he replied with a smile. "You had a difficult night after that phone call. I thought you deserved some pampering."

I swallowed, recalling the threatening words I'd heard.

A chill ran through me, but it vanished when Sebastian pressed a warm kiss to my forehead.

"Eat first," he whispered. "Then I have another surprise."

I raised an eyebrow. "Another surprise?"

Sebastian grinned but remained silent.

After eating, I relaxed back into the pillows, enjoying the sunlight streaming through the curtains.

Sebastian moved behind me, his strong hands beginning to massage my shoulders.

I sighed softly. "A massage too? Are you trying to make me adore you even more?"

His lips brushed against my ear. "You already adore me."

His hands moved lower, and soon the massage became something much more intimate.

When we finally lay breathless and entwined, the sun was high overhead.

Sebastian reached for something on the nightstand and handed me a small velvet box.

I stared at it, confused. "What's this?"

He propped himself up on one elbow, his expression serious yet warm.

"Rachel, our first wedding wasn't done properly. It was rushed. No vows, no celebrations–just paperwork. I don't want that for us. I want the world to know you're mine. I want us to have the wedding you deserve."

I blinked, my throat tightening. "Are you...proposing?"

He chuckled. "Yes. But only if you say yes."

I bit my lip, my heart racing. "Of course it's yes, Sebastian. Besides, I'm already married to you."

He slipped the ring onto my finger, and I couldn't help but admire it. The diamond was stunningly beautiful.

Sebastian kissed my knuckles. "Then it's settled. We're going to have the most extravagant wedding this city has ever seen."

I sighed happily, resting my head against his chest. The TV was still on in the background, and just as I was drifting off, the news caught my attention.

BREAKING NEWS: RUSSO CORPORATION IN CRISIS AS INVESTORS WITHDRAW SUPPORT.

The reporter detailed how shareholders were pulling out, refusing to be associated with the company after the recent scandal.

Alexander's family empire was collapsing faster than I'd anticipated.

Sebastian poured us both glasses of wine, and we clinked them together.

"To the downfall of the Russos," he said.

I smiled. "And to our future."

As we drank, I turned to him. "When are we going to reveal Sophia's secret?"

Sebastian's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Later today. When we deliver our wedding invitation."

I laughed. "Oh, this is going to be an interesting visit."

That morning, Sebastian drove me to my office.

I felt lighter than I had in days, but the moment I stepped into my workplace, my good mood vanished.

Alexander was waiting for me.

His face was tight with anger, his usual confident demeanor replaced by desperation.

As soon as I entered, he grabbed my arm, his grip harsh.

"Alexander, what are you doing?" I snapped, pulling my arm back.

His eyes burned with fury. "Why are you doing this, Rachel? Why are you trying to destroy my family?"

I glared at him. "Your family destroyed itself. I'm just ensuring the truth comes out."

His grip tightened. "You don't understand what you're doing. You think you can ruin me? Is this your way of getting revenge? Are you using Sebastian to make me jealous?"

I froze, shocked by his arrogance. "Jealous?" I let out a bitter laugh. "Alexander, you betrayed me. You humiliated me. I don't need to use anyone to make you jealous."

Alexander clenched his jaw. "Then why are you doing this? You've done enough. Stop this nonsense, Rachel."

I pushed him away. "You're pathetic, Alexander. You want me to hide the truth to save your company? Well, guess what? I'm not stopping. By the time I'm finished, you'll have nothing left."

Alexander's face twisted with rage. "You're making a mistake."

I smirked. "No, Alexander. The mistake was ever loving you."

I turned to the security guards near the entrance. "Remove him from my building."

The guards moved in, taking Alexander by the arms. He struggled but couldn't break free.

"You'll regret this, Rachel!" he shouted as they dragged him away.

I took a deep breath, watching him disappear down the hall.

Good riddance.

At the end of the day, Sebastian arrived to pick me up.

As I got into the car, he handed me a gold-plated wedding invitation.

I gasped, tracing my fingers over the elegant lettering. "Sebastian, this is exquisite!"

He smiled. "Only the best for you."

I kissed him gently. "You always know how to amaze me."

As we drove, I told him about my encounter with Alexander. Sebastian listened, his jaw tightening slightly.

"He actually had the nerve to say I was making him jealous," I scoffed.

Sebastian chuckled. "Poor Alexander. He must be losing his mind."

I smirked. "Well, it's about to get worse. Once we deliver this invitation, we'll also reveal Sophia's secret."

Sebastian's eyes darkened with amusement. "It's going to be a memorable visit."

I nodded, a slow smile spreading across my lips.

And I couldn't wait.