Victoria gently rubbed Sophia’s back, her voice steady and reassuring. “It’s alright now. I’ve posted bail. We’re going home.”
Stepping out into the crisp night air, Sophia felt her thoughts slowly clearing.
Victoria’s eyes, red and swollen from crying, fixed on her with deep concern. “Sophia, you’ve been through so much. I’ve already told Ethan. He’ll be back soon.”
A sharp jolt of anxiety shot through Sophia. She hadn’t anticipated Victoria involving Ethan.
This was a problem. Ever since Isabella returned, Ethan had been subtly showing her favor. If he started digging into this incident…
Sophia feared she might lose her place in his heart entirely.
She forced a weak smile, trying to sound casual. “Victoria, I’m fine, really. Maybe we shouldn’t bother Ethan with this. I don’t want to make a big deal out of it.”
Victoria let out a heavy sigh, her frustration clear. “You foolish girl, why must you always be so self-sacrificing? After what that woman did, and you’re worried about overreacting? Ethan needs to know her true character!”
Sophia’s gaze wavered, revealing her inner turmoil. “Victoria, I just… don’t want to be a source of worry for him.”
Seeing Sophia’s gentle nature made Victoria’s heart ache.
She pulled Sophia into a tight embrace, her own anger simmering beneath the surface.
Sophia was too kind, always putting others first, even now. Isabella, in contrast, was ruthless, willing to do anything to get her way.
By the time Victoria brought Sophia back to Blackwood Estate, the night was deep and still.
Sophia sat across from Victoria, cradling a cup of hot tea, its warmth seeping into her chilled fingers.
“Sophia, I heard about your dismissal. Please don’t blame Ethan. He can be impulsive in business matters,” Victoria said with a soft sigh.
A tightness gripped Sophia’s chest, her fingers curling into her palms instinctively.
“Sophia, I’ve arranged a new position for you. Starting tomorrow, you’ll be taking over a branch office.”
“Taking over?” Sophia’s head snapped up, her eyes wide with surprise and excitement.
“Yes,” Victoria confirmed with a firm nod. “You and Ethan will marry eventually. It’s time you learned to support him, to manage a branch effectively.”
Joy surged through Sophia. “Thank you, Victoria. I can’t express my gratitude enough…”
Leading a branch office had been her long-held ambition.
“Sophia, just do your best. I have complete faith in you. Remember, if it weren’t for you, those frauds would have swindled me!”
Victoria reflected on the past with another sigh.
A flicker of guilt passed through Sophia’s eyes, but she quickly masked it with a smile. “Victoria, let’s not dwell on the past. I only did what was right.”
The next morning, Sophia entered the Blackwood Enterprises branch office wearing an impeccably tailored champagne-colored suit.
“Miss Reed, good morning!”
The receptionist greeted her with unmistakable respect.