hapter 286
Sophia Kensington’s saccharine smile only fueled Eleanor Blackwood’s rage. The older woman’s fingers trembled as she pointed an accusatory finger. “You—!” Her voice cracked, fury rendering her momentarily speechless.
Sophia, ever the picture of innocence, tilted her head slightly. “Eleanor, don’t you understand? In this family, I’m the only one who truly cares about you.”
The words were honeyed, but the venom beneath them was unmistakable. Sophia had always despised living in Isabella Sinclair’s shadow, and Eleanor’s constant comparisons had scraped raw against her pride. The sweeter Sophia’s expression grew, the sharper her words became.
“Oh, and did I mention?” She flicked an imaginary speck of dust from her sleeve. “I’ve been appointed General Manager of the Blackwood Group. I intend to ensure its success under my leadership.”
Eleanor nearly choked on her own breath. The audacity! Was this some twisted power play? Did Sophia think she could manipulate her way into control? A cold laugh escaped Eleanor’s lips. “Work hard, then. But let’s be clear—you’ll never measure up to Isabella.”
Sophia’s smile twitched. Comparisons to Isabella were a blade to her pride, but she swallowed the retort. Now wasn’t the time. Eleanor had decades of influence within the company, and her loyalists, while not powerful, could make Sophia’s life difficult.
Forcing her voice to remain light, Sophia replied, “Eleanor, what are you implying? I only want to support Ethan, just as Isabella did.”
“Remember those words,” Eleanor snapped.
Done with the pointless exchange, Eleanor’s gaze flicked to the antique brooch in Sophia’s hand. “How extravagant. A custom piece, isn’t it? Young people these days have no concept of frugality.”
The disdain in her voice was palpable. Isabella would never have wasted money on such frivolities—she’d have invested it back into the family.
Eleanor’s lips curled. “My birthday is coming up, you know. Is this brooch your gift to me?” She had no real interest in it—she just wanted to see Sophia squirm.
Sophia’s grip on the brooch tightened. “Eleanor, I’ll get you a proper gift. This was a personal present from a friend’s mother. It wouldn’t be right to regift it.”
Perfect.
Just then, the door creaked open. Eleanor’s demeanor shifted instantly. Clutching her chest, she let out a dramatic wail. “Why must I suffer like this?”
Sophia barely had time to react before Ethan Blackwood strode in, his expression darkening at the scene. “Mother, what’s wrong?”
Eleanor dabbed at nonexistent tears. “It’s your wife! She’s tormenting me! She thinks I’m trying to steal her precious brooch!” She shot Sophia a triumphant look. “As if I couldn’t buy a hundred of them if I wanted!”
Sophia’s jaw clenched. She had never met someone so shameless.
