The Bennet Scandal

The Storm Within

The conference room was tense, the air thick with unspoken words. Sophia sat across from Gabriel, her heart racing as the meeting unfolded. The seller, a slick man named Victor, flashed a toothy grin, completely unfazed by the wary looks exchanged around the table.

"I assure you, gentlemen," Victor said, leaning back in his chair, "this land is a gold mine waiting to be tapped. You'd be foolish to let it slip away."

Gabriel shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He came here to close the deal on land he needed for his next project, and Luke and Sophia had come along with him.

"Gabriel, wait—" Sophia saw Gabriel was about to say something, so she interrupted. "Victor is known for selling disputed properties. We can't trust him."

Gabriel looked at her, surprise flashing across his face. "How do you know that?"

"I've done my research. Trust me, Gabriel," she replied, her voice steady but urgent. "We need to walk away."

"Are you sure?" he asked, searching her eyes for confirmation.

"Absolutely. Let's sign a deal, but one that ensures we're not tied to this land," she said, her mind racing. "We can present it as a counteroffer."

"I have the documents to prove it. This land is solid," Victor said abruptly, trying to maintain control. He didn't want Gabriel to walk away without buying his land, but this lady was ruining everything.

"Documents can be forged," Luke chimed in, his tone serious. "We need to be cautious."

Gabriel nodded, his expression grim. "But it could be a great opportunity—"

"It's a trap," Sophia blurted, her emotions spilling over.

Gabriel hesitated, then nodded. "Okay. Let's do it."

The tension in the room shifted as they quickly drafted a false agreement, one that would buy them time and protect Gabriel's interests.

As they left the building, Gabriel turned to her, a newfound trust glimmering in his eyes. "You came through back there. I didn't expect that."

Sophia smiled, her heart swelling. "I have to do this to... I think we make a good team, even with our differences."

They climbed into Gabriel's car, the weight of the meeting still hanging in the air. The sky darkened ominously as they drove, the first drops of rain beginning to splatter against the windshield.

"Looks like a storm is coming," Gabriel remarked, glancing at the gathering clouds.

"I hope it holds off," Sophia replied, peering out at the turbulent sky.

But moments later, the rain began to pour, heavy and relentless. Visibility dwindled as the road became a blur of gray.

"Hang on," Gabriel said, gripping the wheel tightly. "I'm pulling over."

He navigated the car to the side of the road, and they both sighed with relief as the storm raged outside. The sound of the rain drumming against the roof created a cozy atmosphere, the tension of the meeting dissolving into something softer.

"Guess we'll be here for a while," Gabriel said, his voice lightening.

"Yeah," Sophia said, a smile creeping onto her face.

"So, you did your homework before meeting Victor," Gabriel said, looking toward Sophia.

"Yes, I did. Dad taught me this," she said plainly. The mention of Marshal made Gabriel feel uncomfortable, but he ignored it and continued, "You saved me. I was going to be trapped in a messy deal. I don't know why I trusted Victor and went to buy land from him when I didn't know anything about him."

"It happens," Sophia said in a composed tone, her eyes fixed on the raindrops sliding down the windshield.

Gabriel looked at her and felt a pull toward her. Since she joined his office, a bond of understanding and trust had been developing between them.

"We should have met in different circumstances, or you shouldn't be the daughter of my rival," Gabriel said, making Sophia look toward him.

"We cannot change fate," she said slowly.

"But we can make our future as per our desires," he replied. Under the influence of his feelings, Gabriel leaned closer, his breath warm against her skin. The world outside faded away as their lips met in a soft, tentative kiss that ignited a spark between them. It was unexpected, electric, and filled with the promise of something new.

As they pulled away, both breathless, Gabriel's gaze searched hers.

"You always make me forget everything. There is magic in you."

Sophia breathed, her cheeks flushing, and whispered, "The magic is our unsaid feelings."

Then she regained her composure and said, "We should leave... the rain has stopped."

"Yes," Gabriel said, igniting the engine. He wanted to get out of there before he got lost in his desires and crossed every limit.