The Bennet Scandal

A Confusion

"You're not going there as some outsider, but as a representative of Bennet Industries," Marshal Bennet said, leaning back in his leather chair. The office lights cast a soft glow on the oak-paneled walls of his high-rise office. He settled his gaze on his daughter, Sophia, who stood by the window, looking out at the city below.

"You understand why I need you to attend this summit, don't you?" Marshal's voice was calm but firm, the weight of expectation behind every word.

Sophia turned, her eyes meeting his. She was dressed impeccably, her sharp black blazer highlighting her intelligence and beauty. "Of course, Dad," she said, trying to match his tone. "But don't you think it's too soon? After everything that happened..."

Marshal waved a hand, dismissing her concerns. "The past is the past. This is business. The Innovators' Summit is where deals are made, and I need someone I can trust. Gabriel will be there, and I need you to remind him who we are."

Sophia stiffened at the mention of Gabriel Westbrook. The rivalry between their families had been a simmering cauldron for years, ever since Gabriel's company had stolen a crucial deal from her father. The betrayal was still fresh in her mind. Yet, here she was, being sent to represent her father at a summit where Gabriel would be present—the man who made her heart race with both anger and desire.

"Alright," she finally said, her voice steady. "I'll go."

Marshal nodded, satisfied. "Good. I knew I could count on you. Now, you go get ready for the summit. I'm going to meet some friends." He walked closer to Sophia, stopped near her, and leaned forward to kiss her on the forehead.

"Cheer up. I know you'll stand out at the summit," he said before leaving the room.

Sophia stood still for a moment when her phone started buzzing. She saw it was Jake and exhaled a deep breath to calm her racing mind. "Hello, Jake."

"Hey, Sophia dear," Jake said in his lively, loud voice. "What were you doing?"

"I was in a meeting with Dad," Sophia replied plainly, sitting down on the sofa.

"Okay... I called to ask whether you're going to attend the Innovators' Summit or not?" Jake asked.

"I don't want to go, but Dad is forcing me, so I think I have to," Sophia said.

"You should come. It would be a great adventure and a place to learn a lot," Jake persuaded her.

"Yeah, I know," Sophia said slowly.

"Come on, Sophia," Jake urged. "You need a break. You can't keep burying yourself in work."

"You don't know why I don't want to go to the summit," Sophia said in a low voice, the image of Gabriel Westbrook coming alive behind her eyes, making her restless.

"Then tell me why you don't want to go," Jake pressed.

"I'll tell you some other time," Sophia said, then added, "So, you're going to the summit?"

"Yes, for sure," Jake replied, then added, "And Linda will also join us there."

Sophia leaned back on her couch, phone pressed to her ear as Jake's voice came through the line.

"So, what's got you at the Innovators' Summit this time?" Sophia asked, curious.

Jake's chuckle echoed in her ear. "You know me, Soph. Always scouting. These start-ups are full of potential, and I can't resist turning a casual chat into my next big investment. It's what I do."

"Can't switch off the venture capitalist in you, huh?" she teased.

"Not a chance," Jake said confidently. "One good conversation at these things, and I could be looking at my next million-dollar deal."

Sophia laughed softly. "Sounds like you're in your element. What about Linda? She's with you, right?"

"Yeah, she's here," Jake replied. "But she's not really into the tech scene like me. She's working the room for a different reason—trying to break into the high-end fashion market. These parties are packed with potential clients and influencers who could give her brand the boost she needs."

Sophia smiled to herself. "Of course. Always business, even in the glitz and glam."

Jake's tone softened. "That's right. We both have our reasons. It's a win-win."

"Don't worry, Sophia darling, we'll be there with you to keep things fun! You know how these tech parties can be—lots of geek talk and business jargon. We'll make sure you enjoy yourself," Jake said, sensing the silence on the other end of the line.

"So nice of you, Jake... and, yes, I am coming to the summit," Sophia replied, her voice betraying a hint of reluctance.

Despite their different reasons for attending, she valued their friendship and knew having them around would make the event less daunting. The two of them were her anchors in an environment that otherwise felt foreign and uncomfortable.

"That's a good girl... See you there," Jake said, disconnecting the call.

Sophia knew that the Innovators' Summit was a high-profile event where the brightest minds in technology and business converged to discuss the future of innovation. She had to attend not only for her dad but also for her growth. She realized she shouldn't miss an intellectually stimulating event for a man who didn't even know about her feelings.