His Underground Mistress Fled Away

Sophia’s POV

Since I had been running the logistics division for years, everyone tacitly accepted that I was the manager in all but name.

But Carlos, right in front of his staff, added Sophie—who had parachuted in from nowhere—to the encrypted company channel.

They sent messages one after another.Unless you were blind, you couldn't miss their matching profile pictures.The room erupted in envious whistles and cheers.

Carlos suddenly tapped his phone, signaling me to check my private messages."Sophia, this engagement is purely political. Don't misunderstand.""My father, the Old Don, is dying. This is his last wish. I’m just playing the part to keep the families happy."

I couldn't help but let out a dry, humorless laugh. Carlos still thought he could gaslight me, treating me like a naive child.

I had no interest in watching their public display of affection. I turned to go back to my office—or what used to be my office—to pack my personal stuff.

But Sophie grabbed my hand.Hidden from the others, her manicured nails dug viciously into the tender flesh of my wrist, drawing blood.

"By the way, Miss Johnson, since you are so familiar with the menial labor, be a dear and move my things into the office next to Carlos's."

Sophie’s eyes darted toward me, the provocation thick and heavy.

"I know that's where you've been working, but Carlos is so clingy.""He wants to see me at a moment's notice. So, I'll have to trouble you to move to a different desk."

Sophie barked orders with excitement, and Carlos didn't voice a single objection.Since I planned to resign anyway, I didn't care about losing the office.However, a few of the older, loyal employees stood up for me, questioning the decision.Sophie had zero experience in our operations. Moving offices just for a romantic tryst was unprofessional and dangerous for business.

I quickly grabbed the few who spoke up, signaling them to stay quiet.

Sophie’s face went pale, then red. Her eyes instantly filled with tears."Miss Johnson, I just got here. I don't know how I offended you. If you're unhappy, say it to my face. Don't brainwash the staff to target me."

Carlos glared at me, his eyes cold and furious."Sophia! Look what you've done. Clear your trash out now. Make room for Sophie."

"It's just an office. Do you have to be so petty? I won't tolerate you manipulating the crew to bully Sophie!"

"And if I catch anyone else relying on their seniority to haze the newcomer, you're done. Out on the street."

He ruthlessly swept my few personal belongings off the desk and onto the floor. Then, with his own hands, he began arranging the space for Sophie—bringing in vases of fresh flowers and silk cushions.

To an outsider, it looked less like an office and more like he was decorating a bridal suite.

I handed my resignation letter to HR quietly. I still had handover protocols to finish, so I worked until the end of the shift.

After hours, the colleagues invited me to a dinner. Apparently, Carlos was throwing a celebration for Sophie’s "onboarding."

I was surprised. A celebration for showing up?But knowing I was leaving for good, I didn't refuse.I treated it as my silent farewell to the life I was leaving behind.

At the restaurant, I realized the few colleagues who had defended me earlier were missing.I messaged them privately. Carlos had fired them. Not only that, he had threatened to blacklist them from the entire industry if they dared to complain to me.

I never thought Carlos, who used to value loyalty above all else, would ruin his own men’s livelihoods just to vent Sophie’s petty anger.

The dinner table was filled with sycophants, raising glasses and kissing the ring.Halfway through, I made an excuse to get some air.

I walked out to the garden terrace, but before I could take a breath, Carlos yanked me into the shadows.

He pressed me against the stone wall, his hot breath on my neck, his voice dropping to that familiar, tender whisper.

"Sophia, I know you felt wronged today. My heart aches for you."

"I had to do it. I had to show strength for my father. You don't blame your hubby, do you?"

"You've always been the sensible one. Listen, after this dinner, go pack your bags. I'm moving you to the new condo on the East Side."

"Sophie knows about the penthouse now. It’s not safe for you to stay there. Be a good girl, Sophia."

Because I was "sensible," I had agreed to be his shadow for five years.Now, he was trying to coax me into being his kept mistress, hidden away in a different cage while he played house with his wife.

I pushed him away hard.Just as I opened my mouth to tell him to go to hell, a piercing wail from Sophie echoed from the front hall.