The night had settled in, wrapping the world outside in a quiet, intimate darkness. Colby found himself alone in Gordon's study, only to find it empty. He frowned, feeling a twinge of unease. The soft click of the door closing behind him heightened his senses, and he turned

swiftly to leave, only to come face-to-face with Sophie standing at the door.

"You?" he asked, his frown deepening. "Step aside."

"My brother asked me to wait for you," Sophie said, her hands tucked playfully behind her back, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. Her smile was a dead giveaway that she was up to no good. "Get Gordon out here," Colby demanded coldly.

Sophie shook her head with a sly grin. "Nope. My brother said you're my responsibility tonight, and I get to do whatever I want with you."

"I don't hit women. Now move," Colby said, stepping forward.

Sophie stood her ground, unfazed, and pulled out a photograph, waving it in front of Colby's face. "Take a look. I've got copies, and if you walk out, it'll be all over the internet by morning."

The photo showed a young Colby, dressed up like a girl by Mrs. Costello, looking absolutely adorable, like a little doll, with Mrs. Costello proudly flashing a peace sign beside him. Everyone in Newport knew how much Mrs. Costello had longed for a daughter back then, and Alexander had this crazy idea to fulfill her wish, at least for a day.

Colby was sure this photo was locked away in the family safe. Who had taken it out? His face darkened as he quickly pieced together the betrayal. His own mother had taken it out and handed it over to Gordon and Sophie.

"Colby, think it through," Sophie taunted, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "If you leave now, you'll never live it down in Newport."

Colby swallowed his rising frustration and asked, "What do you want?"

"Let me have my fun. Whatever I do, you just have to take it. Or else..." Sophie sighed dramatically, glancing at the young Colby in the photo. "This cute picture will be tomorrow's hot topic."

Colby gritted his teeth, his fists clenched. "Alright, you win."

"Great! Mr. Colby, I can't wait to begin," Sophie said eagerly, her eyes sizing him up with anticipation.noveldrama

"How do you plan to hit me?"

"With my fists, of course!"

Sophie had imagined countless ways to get back at Colby. She raised her fist and aimed for his chest, but it was like punching

brick wall. Her punch did nothing to

Colby, but her hand throbh net

in pain.

Colby looked down at her, watching as she held back tears from the pain, and asked gently, "Want to keep going?"

His calm question only fueled Sophie's frustration. She grabbed a cushion from the sofa and began whacking Colby with it. But this "assault" was more like a light breeze to Colby.

Eventually, Sophie was exhausted,

tossing the cushion aside. Panting,

she pointed at Colby and

commanded, "Now, go down to the fountain and soak yourself! Then shout three times, 'Mercy, Auntie!""

"If you don't do as I say, I'll..."