Chapter 3 The Family Pressure

David's POV

The way her face changed when I said her name. God, it almost made me laugh. Sofia Jacobs. After all these years, there she was, sitting right in front of me like a ghost that forgot how to haunt. I missed her so much. But then, she had no idea what kind of deal she just walked into. After all these years, here she is acting like she didn't remember anything from that night. But believe me, I'd make sure she felt every bit of it.

"Sit," I said simply, gesturing to the chair across from me. I stayed standing, one hand buried casually in my pocket, watching her with quiet amusement.

She complied, all calm and composure, then, placed her laptop on the table like she was here to close another regular deal. With her legs crossed, chin high, and tapping fingers betraying the tiniest hint of nerves.

"What's the project, Mr. Beckham?" she asked, acting cool and collected.

I was impressed with her attitude, but I didn't respond immediately. Instead, I walked to the desk behind her where a few neatly arranged folders waited. I grabbed them and returned. Then, I dropped them in front of her with the kind of indifference that made people uneasy. She flinched slightly but covered it well. I walked back toward the windows, giving her space and giving myself a front-row seat to her reaction.

"My company's launching several projects. I'm offering your firm full control of the designs. It's a high-profile opportunity, not something you'd want to pass up."

I watched from the glass as her eyes scanned through the files. Fast, focused, and sharp. She hadn't lost her edge.

But when I turned around, her gaze was locked on me. "I'll have to decline the offer, Mr. Beckham.I'm not interested."

I blinked. "Excuse me?" She'd thrown me off balance. I wasn't expecting her to reject such a huge offer.

She stood and said in a calm voice. "It's a generous proposal, I won't deny that. But I don't accept deals just because they're wrapped in gold. I'm not 'anyone,' as you so casually put it. I'm Sofia Jacobs. And if you think you can dangle a check in front of me to bend me, then you don't know me at all." She swallowed and continued. "But I must thank you for thinking about my company."

There was fire in her eyes, and for a second, I almost forgot I was supposed to be annoyed. Instead, a crooked smile crept onto my lips.

"You're full of surprises," I said, admiring her stance. "You live up to the reputation. Bold and Untamed." I took a step closer, just enough to see the flicker in her pupils. "The contract's already in your inbox. Think it over. Or don't. But you'll come around."

Before she could reply, I walked past her and exited the room. I didn't want her to have the final say. I am still who I am.

Nate was waiting by the hallway, straightening as I approached. "How did it go, sir?"

"Fire the rest of the design team. The Jacobs company is doing the project." My tone was final, and I knew she would do it.

He gave a slight nod, though I caught the confusion in his eyes. I didn't care. Let him wonder why I just tossed millions into the fire.

This wasn't about business. This was personal. She ran from me once. She won't do it again.

As I climbed into the backseat of the car, my phone buzzed. I glanced down. It was my old man.

"Evening, Dad," I answered coolly, relaxing into the leather seat.

"David. Didn't you see my message? I asked you to join me for dinner tonight."

Of course I saw it. That's why I booked my meeting with Sofia at this exact time.

"I had a meeting," I said. "If it's urgent, talk to Nate."

Through the mirror, Nate glanced at me, clearly regretting being dragged into another Beckham father-son showdown.

"You'll come tonight. That's not a request," my father barked.

"I'm not interested. Tell your guests I'm busy."

"Don't be like Lucy. She doesn't even pick up my calls anymore. At least show your face."

Click.

He hung up.

I sighed. "Take me to the estate."

***********************************

The Beckham estate is huge and imposing as always. A maid rushed to greet me, taking my coat as I headed for the main lounge where my father would be hosting whatever dinner circus he had planned.

The marble floor echoed beneath my shoes as I entered the grand living room. The old man was seated, looking every inch the lord of the manor. Across from him sat a middle-aged couple. Looking respectable, but dull and a young woman with too much confidence in her smile.

The moment our eyes met, hers lit up like she'd won a prize. "Finally," she whispered, sultry and knowing.

"I see you two already know each other," my father chimed in.

"I don't," I said flatly, never breaking eye contact with her.

She blinked, caught off guard but tried to cover it with a laugh. "You're just being shy, Dav. We've met. Several times."

I was Unimpressed at whatever she was saying. I turned to my father. "Why am I here?"

He leaned forward. "That's Rita. One of London's top models. Beautiful, kind, well-connected and available. You both are single, and..."

"Don't finish that sentence," I said, leaning back.

They all stared at me like I'd slapped someone. I didn't care.

Rita stood and glided toward me, swaying her hips with practiced perfection. "Am I not your type, David?" she asked sweetly, while locking her eyes on mine. "Or is there someone else you're already in love with?"

I smirked, but it was slow and deliberate. "Actually... yes."

A hush fell over the room.

"There is someone," I said, squeezing my face. "And she's ten times more captivating than you could ever dream of being."

And as Rita's fake smile dropped and my father's brows furrowed in anger, only one name rang through my head like thunder.

Sofia.

She thought she could walk away again. Never! She definitely has no idea what's coming.