The Bennet Scandal

Fractured Bonds

"Sophia, you had to copy these files onto his laptop and save these photos in the folder related to the trust hospital project." The voice of Marshal Bennet echoed in Sophia's mind as she switched on Gabriel Westbrook's laptop.

She knew Gabriel had gone outside, so she took the opportunity to save the fake documents containing information about the alleged fraud in the trust hospital construction. Her father had emailed these documents to her that afternoon, and now she was saving them on the laptop to confirm Gabriel's downfall.

"Hmm... it's done," she murmured under her breath as she saved the last photo.

After a moment, Sophia Bennet hurried out of Gabriel Westbrook's study, her heart still racing. The weight of what she had done settled heavily on her, but she pushed those thoughts aside as she made her way down the hallway toward her room.

"I had to do this to get back my place in my house. It was inevitable," Sophia told herself, trying to shake off the guilt that was pinching her and making a lot of noise in her mind.

As she reached her door, her phone buzzed insistently in her pocket. She pulled it out, glancing at the screen. The name flashing back at her sent a wave of unexpected emotions crashing over her: Camila Bennet, her mother.

With a reluctant sigh, she answered the call.

"What?" she snapped, the edge in her voice betraying her irritation.

"Sophia? Is that you?" Camila's voice sounded soft and tentative on the other end.

Sophia rolled her eyes, feeling a mix of anger and hurt. "How did you remember me after so long?"

"I've been thinking about you constantly," Camila replied, her tone shifting to one of concern. "When your father exiled you, I was in England, and I couldn't get to you. I'm so sorry."

Sophia felt a swell of emotion at her mother's words, but it quickly morphed into frustration. "I don't want to talk to you. When I needed you, you were in England, partying with your friends. I was wandering the streets of Washington with nothing to eat and no shelter."

"Please, Sophia," Camila pleaded. "Forgive me. I had reasons for being away, reasons I can explain when I see you."

Sophia shook her head, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. "I don't want to see you," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "You had your chance. You chose your life over me."

"Your whole life, you listened to your dad," Camila continued, trying to regain her daughter's attention. "But now you have to listen to me. Please, just come and see me."

"No," Sophia said, her voice firm despite the tremor of her anger. "I will not do any such thing."

With that, she disconnected the call, her chest heaving with a mix of anger and sorrow. The tears she had been holding back spilled over, and she pressed her back against the door, sliding down to the floor. Memories flooded her mind: the happy family moments, her mother's laughter, the mischiefs of her brother, and their lavish lifestyle.

"How could I ever forgive Mom? Why didn't she come to rescue me and save me from Dad's anger?" she murmured to herself. "I was her only daughter, and yet she chose the comfort of her social life over my safety." Anger bubbled inside her, boiling over into the tears streaming down her face.

"You let me suffer," she whispered, her voice trembling. "You let the world treat me like I was nothing. Now I don't want to see you, and I don't need your fake concern and love." She was speaking to the image of Camila Bennet in her mind, pouring out her anger and frustration into the space around her.