Sophie’s POV
I hung up the phone, allowing myself a moment of pure, unadulterated satisfaction. The trap had been laid perfectly, and Victoria had walked right into it, never suspecting that her “best friend had orchestrated her downfall.
My bedroom door creaked open, and my mother appeared with a plate of sliced fruit.
“Was that Victoria again?” She asked, her lips pressed into a thin line of disapproval. “Your father and I told you to stay away from that woman. Haven’t you been hurt enough already?”
I accepted the plate with a grateful smile. “Mom, please drop it. It’s precisely because I was hurt that I need to stay close to her.”
Mom sat on the edge of my bed, her face creased with worry. “Sophie, sweetie, there are better ways to heal. Why not take that study abroad opportunity in London? Get away from New York for a while, start fresh somewhere new?
“I can’t leave yet,” I said firmly, setting the fruit aside. “I need to finish this. After that, I’ll go wherever you want–London, Paris, the moon. But until then, I’m not leaving New York. End of discussion.”
My mother threw her hands up in frustration and stormed out. I could hear her voice rising as she complained to my father in the
kitchen.
That girl is so stubborn! I don’t understand why she’s fixated on that horrible Victoria woman!”
My father’s deeper voice rumbled in response. “I think Sophie’s right. Why should our daughter suffer while that woman gets away scot–free? Mark my words–karma’s coming for Victoria Taylor, and I say good riddance.”
I slipped out of bed and padded to the kitchen doorway, catching my father’s eye.
“Sophie,” he said, his expression softening. “You know I’ve got your back, honey. As long as you don’t cross any major lines, I support whatever you need to do.”
My throat tightened unexpectedly. After everything I’d been through–the drugging at Victoria’s party, the humiliation, being used as a pawn in her games–my parents had never wavered in their support.
“Thanks, Dad,” I managed. “I promise, once this is over, I’ll leave New York. Fresh start, just like Mom wants.”
Back in my room, I pulled up the news on my laptop, barely containing my glee as I scrolled through the headlines.
Each article featured the same damning photo–Brandon and Victoria, his hand on hers, their faces close together as he announced her new position. The angle was perfect, making the professional interaction look intimate, secretive.
I dialed Maya, Victoria’s manager, keeping my voice carefully neutral
“Maya? It’s Sophie. This news about Victoria and Brandon–what’s going on? Victoria called me panicking.”
9
I have no fucking clue,” Maya hissed. “This is a complete disaster. I certainly didn’t leak this! Stark Entertainment hasn’t issued any statement yet. You know this involves Brandon Stark himself–our goddamn boss. If he decides to make this ugly, we’re all screwed.”
Do you have any id who might have done this?” I asked innocently.
“No idea. I need to go–my other line is blowing up. Talk later.”
m deep
After hanging up, I took a deep breath and made the call I’d been waiting for.
1/3
Chapter 268
“Mr. Wilson? It’s Sophie.
James’s voice was cold and professional. ‘Sophie. What can I help you with?”
“Have you seen today’s news? About Brandon and Victoria?” I asked, injecting just the right amount of concern into my votes
“I have. His tone sharpened. “What exactly is going on? How did Brandon’s photos end up splashed across the media with Victoria? Anyone with eyes can see this was deliberate!”
I feigned shock. “Mr. Wilson, I swear this has nothing to do with me or Victoria! She called me this morning absolutely terrified She’d never risk something like this–she’s married to Alexander! This kind of scandal would destroy her more than help her.”
“Terrified?” James scoffed. “You expect me to believe this wasn’t orchestrated by you two? You have some nerve targeting Brandon Stark like this. Do you realize what he could do to you both if he wanted?”
“I promise you, we had nothing to do with this!” I insisted, my voice cracking with practiced desperation.
James paused, considering. “Perhaps she doesn’t love Alexander. Maybe she’s using this scandal to break things off with him, aiming higher–at Brandon himself.”
“That’s ridiculous, I countered. “Victoria isn’t that stupid. She knows Brandon would never- I stopped myself before saying too much. “I mean, she’s just not that type of person.”
“So who do you think is behind this, then?” James asked pointedly.
I hesitated, choosing my words carefully. “I honestly don’t know, which is why I called you. I’m positive Victoria isn’t involved, even though I… well, let’s just say I wouldn’t mind seeing her face some consequences for once. I paused. “Mr. Wilson, who do you think might want to hurt Brandon like this?”
There was a long silence on the other end.
“Sophie, James finally said, his voice measured, “you don’t need to worry. Even if this turns out to be Victoria’s doing, we won’t hold you responsible. Just stay out of it for now. Where is Victoria currently?”
“She’s traveling with Alexander, but catching a flight back today and landing at JFK at 3.” I replied.
“Good. Keep her calm and out of trouble. The last thing we need is for her to make a statement or get caught by paparazzi in compromising position. Tell her to lie low until this blows over.”
“I understand,” I assured him. “I’ll make sure she doesn’t do anything stupid.”
After hanging up, I allowed myself a small smile of satisfaction. Little did James know, I’d already put the wheels in motion for phase two. Victoria’s nightmare was just beginning, and I would be right there, playing the supportive friend while watching her world crumble.
I texted Victoria: Try to stay calm. Flight booked. Landing at JFK at/3.
She quickly replied: Of course. Thanks, Sophie.
I glanced at the news articles again, admiring my handiwork. The photo had been perfect–intimate enough to suggest impropriety but professional engh to maintain plausible deniability. And James had fallen for it completely.
For months I’d worked as Victoria’s assistant, enduring her demands and tantrums, all while gaining access to the very people who could help me destroy her. Now I was perfectly positioned–trusted by Victoria, useful to James, and invisible enough that no one would suspect me of orchestrating any of it.
“Your move, Victoria,” I whispered, closing my laptop with a satisfying click.
