Chapter 1
Sophia Hale POV
“Was it you?!”
She came toward me, her voice weak but fueled by anger. I smiled coldly. She raised her hand, ready to slap me.
“Don’t. You. Dare.” I said it slowly, and her movement froze halfway. Her eyes, red from crying so much, locked onto mine. I almost laughed. Pathetic. How dared she raise her hand against me?
Voices around the office began to murmur. I already knew what the comments would be. I didn’t care. I never did. I’ve always been better at making enemies than friends.
“It was you!” she repeated, her voice shaking. “I got fired because of you!” she shouted, her voice trembling between anger and tears. I rolled my eyes and tilted my head slightly, studying her.
“The fact that you have free time now doesn’t mean I do…” I saw the shock on her face — and on the rest of the room. She opened and closed her mouth, speechless. “…for you and your little crises.” I gave her a faint smile.
“I’m busy,” I continued, gesturing around. “We all are. Unlike you, we actually have work to do.”
She stepped toward me again, fierce. I didn’t move. Ready for confrontation, not the slightest bit intimidated. I don’t resort to violence. But I can defend myself.
“Bitch,” she spat. “You cruel slut.”
I shrugged.
“I’ve been called worse.” A frosty smile curved my lips again. “Are you done? Or do I need to call security to help you pack your things?”
Francesca looked at me once more. I saw the rage in her eyes; for a moment I truly thought she might physically attack me. But she stepped back. The coward she is. She gathered her things and left.
As soon as I saw her walk out of the corner of my eye, a tall takeaway coffee cup with a plastic lid appeared on my desk. Jackie.
“Is it poisoned?” I asked. It was meant to be a joke (or maybe not), but I didn’t smile. She looked surprised by the question.
“No. No. Of course not.” I nodded. I knew why she was doing that. But I wasn’t obligated to like it, right? I didn’t ask for anything. And I don’t want favors. No one does anything for free.
She left the cup and returned to her desk. I considered throwing it in the trash. But I ended up accepting it.
I looked toward the director’s office. I know he’ll call me in soon because of Francesca. I’m ready to face him too. Just because I’ve only been here a few months doesn’t mean I’ll let anyone walk all over me. Francesca was our team leader, and yes, she was fired. I don’t believe it was solely because of me — though I did play an active role.
I won’t make excuses. I have no regrets. In fact, I couldn’t be more satisfied with the outcome. I glanced at the clock: it was almost time to leave. Maybe the director is too busy to reprimand me for what happened.
If you’re expecting a fragile little princess, forget it. That’s not me — and it never will be.
Wait for Lily Evans’ story. I’m Sophia Hale. I’m the villain of this story, and I don’t have the slightest problem with that. I’m the evil queen instead of the sweet girl who gets deceived and betrayed. I’d rather be the one who takes down anyone who stands in my way. Unfortunately for them, they realize their mistake too late.
Like Francesca just did. Like Francesca said, I’m a cruel bitch.
And don’t expect to find a horrible childhood or some tragic event meant to “justify” my behavior. You won’t find any of that. You’ll hate me from beginning to end. Or maybe… you’re the villain in your own story too (or you wish you were, but don’t have the courage). In that case, we’re going to have a lot of fun together.
I’ve been at Verity Agency for just over two months. Long enough to understand how things work around here. And I think I’ve integrated quite successfully. I bet part of Francesca agrees (or maybe not).
Verity is one of the most influential agencies in the entertainment world. I didn’t waste time making friends — my work speaks for itself. Modesty aside, I’m excellent at what I do. Verity has an impeccable reputation: it sells authenticity while building elegant lies. And I fit perfectly into that.
I hadn’t made enemies yet. Until now. Francesca will certainly curse my name for a long time. I smiled as I worked on a luxury brand campaign.
I joined as a junior account manager and I’m part of a team that handles image consulting, reputation campaigns, and media crisis management. Our clients range from authors, actors, and singers to hotels and brands that cannot afford a scandal.
Now we’re without a team leader — thanks to me. I smiled. I hope the next one lasts longer. I looked around at the other team members who’ve been here longer than I have: Jackie, Bryan, and Magda. Which one of them will be promoted? Well, at least they’ll be better than Francesca. I think they’ve all understood what happens to anyone who stands in my way like she did.
I could take her position. Now that would be perfect. But I understand if they prioritize someone who’s been on this team longer — or bring someone more qualified from elsewhere.
Great. No more drama today. It’s almost time to leave and I still haven’t been called into the director’s office. And no, I don’t work overtime. Celebrity crises can wait until business hours — or the director can handle them himself. Unless they pay extra. Then we can negotiate.
**
“You’re early.” I smiled. I found her in the kitchen, blonde hair tied in a ponytail, a comfortable brown sweater, and a smile that seemed to light up the hallway — even when I didn’t want to be illuminated. She turned when she heard me, those ever-cheerful light blue eyes. Annoying. Lily Evans, the perfect princess of the story. Of course she had to live with the evil queen.
If I lived alone, the apartment would probably be immaculate — almost sterile and cold. Instead, it was warm, full of life, with books scattered everywhere. Don’t worry, I’m not a cruel bitch to her. I don’t keep her imprisoned here. She came willingly. In fact, I haven’t been able to get rid of her since college.
“Francesca got fired,” I said, moving closer to see what she was cooking. Lily paused halfway through washing the lettuce for the salad she was making.
“I imagine you had something to do with that,” she said.
“You know me so well.” I smiled, and she rolled her eyes. I started helping by setting the table for dinner.
“What did you do?” she asked.
“Nothing special.” I smiled. I was satisfied with how successful it had been — honestly, I doubted it would go that smoothly. “I just let her steal one more presentation from me.”
“You told the director? And they believed you?” she asked, drying her hands on a towel as she began placing the food on the table.
“So innocent, Lily.” I replied, noticing her childish urge to stick her tongue out at me. “The presentation wasn’t mine. I just made her believe it was.”
“So…”
“It was one of the director’s old presentations that she tried to pass off as her own.”
“Oh my God, Sophia.”
“It took a bit of work, but…”
“Sophia… you could’ve been the one who got fired,” she said, worried.
I shrugged. They couldn’t fire me that easily. And if they did, I wouldn’t go quietly.
“I could always go work at your school as a janitor,” I teased, with a half-provocative smile. I wasn’t going to get fired — but if I did, it would be a good use of my time. It would be… satisfying.
I saw the uncomfortable look on her face and realized she still hadn’t done anything. So predictable, our sweet little princess. So naïve.
Well, I didn’t need to change jobs to do some part-time cleaning at the school where she teaches.
Oh, a plan was already beginning to form in my head.
Something very villainous.
And if everything went well, someone at that school was about to learn what happens when you mess with the sweet princess the villain has decided to protect.
