The Billionaire's Bargain

Chapter 4 : Dinner With His Family

Sofia stood in front of the full-length mirror, staring at her reflection as she adjusted the soft folds of the emerald green dress Alexander had left for her. It fit perfectly, hugging her curves in a way that felt both elegant and provocative. The fabric shimmered faintly under the light, and though she hated to admit it, the dress was stunning.

She ran her hands nervously down the sides of the gown. Her reflection stared back at her with wide, anxious eyes. This wasn’t just dinner; it was her first test as Alexander Blake’s fiancée.

A knock on the door snapped her out of her thoughts.

"Come in," she called, her voice wavering slightly.

Alexander stepped inside, his gaze sweeping over her. For the first time since she’d met him, his usual stoic expression faltered, just for a second.

"You look... appropriate," he said finally, his tone neutral but his eyes lingering on her for a moment longer.

Sofia raised an eyebrow. "Was that a compliment? Because it sounded like one."

He smirked faintly. "Don’t let it go to your head. Are you ready?"

"As ready as I’ll ever be," she muttered, grabbing the small clutch bag that matched the dress.

Alexander offered her his arm, and after a brief hesitation, she took it. They descended the grand staircase together, their steps echoing in the vast silence of the house. The dining room was already buzzing with voices, the warmth and light spilling out into the hallway.

As they entered, the chatter died down, and all eyes turned toward them.

"Alexander," a tall, silver-haired man greeted, rising from his seat at the head of the table. His piercing gaze shifted to Sofia, and a faint smile curved his lips. "And this must be the fiancée we’ve heard so much about."

"Father," Alexander said, his tone respectful but distant. "This is Sofia Morales."

Sofia forced a smile and stepped forward, extending her hand. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Blake."

"Call me Richard," he said, shaking her hand firmly. His gaze was assessing, as if he were trying to see beyond the polished exterior.

"Lovely to meet you, Sofia," a blonde woman seated beside Richard said, her voice warm. She stood and embraced Sofia lightly. "I’m Margaret, Alexander’s mother. Welcome."

The rest of the introductions blurred together as family members chimed in with polite but curious greetings. Sofia couldn’t help but notice the glances exchanged around the table—disbelief, curiosity, and even a hint of skepticism.

They took their seats, with Sofia placed beside Alexander at the long table. The room was lavishly decorated, the crystal chandelier casting a soft glow over the polished silverware and pristine table settings.

"So, Sofia," Richard began, his tone conversational but probing, "how did you and Alexander meet?"

Sofia felt her pulse quicken. This was the moment they’d rehearsed.

"We met at one of his charity events," she said smoothly, glancing at Alexander for reassurance. "I was there with a friend, and we struck up a conversation. The rest, as they say, is history."

Richard’s eyes flicked to Alexander, who nodded subtly, his expression unreadable.

"And what do you do, Sofia?" Margaret asked, her voice genuinely curious.

"I run a small café," Sofia replied. "It’s my passion project, though it’s been... challenging lately."

Alexander cut in smoothly. "She’s incredibly talented. Her pastries are some of the best I’ve ever had."

Sofia blinked in surprise, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. It wasn’t often Alexander complimented her so openly.

"That’s wonderful," Margaret said, smiling warmly. "We’ll have to visit your café sometime."

As the evening wore on, the conversation shifted to other topics—business, politics, family news. Sofia did her best to keep up, but it was clear this was Alexander’s world, not hers. The Blakes spoke with ease about million-dollar deals and luxury vacations, a stark contrast to her reality of budgeting and late nights at the café.

Just as Sofia was beginning to relax, a sharp voice cut through the air.

"Isn’t it a bit sudden?"

Sofia looked up to see a striking brunette seated at the far end of the table. Her expression was polite, but her tone was laced with doubt.

"Victoria," Alexander said, his voice cold. "I wasn’t aware you’d be joining us tonight."

Victoria smiled sweetly, ignoring his tone. "I wouldn’t miss the chance to meet your fiancée."

Sofia’s stomach churned. She’d heard about Victoria during their rehearsal—a family friend and Alexander’s ex.

"Sudden or not," Sofia said, forcing a smile, "when you know, you know."

Victoria’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn’t respond.

As the dinner wrapped up, Alexander excused them, guiding Sofia out of the room with a hand on her lower back.

"That wasn’t so bad," Sofia said as they climbed the stairs.

Alexander’s lips curved into a faint smile. "You handled yourself well. But be careful around Victoria. She’s not as harmless as she seems."

Sofia nodded, her mind racing with questions. She’d survived her first encounter with the Blakes, but she knew the real challenges were only just beginning.