Sophie’s POV
“You know what?” Elizabeth’s eyes lit up with that dangerous gleamd come to recognize. “This is actually perfect. We’ll leak this information to Brandon. If Summer’s behind this, he’ll take care of her himself! We won’t even need to lift a finger.”
Victoria’s face brightened at this suggestion. “You’re right. Brandon would never let someone get away with using his name like this, especially not someone as insignificant as Summer.”
I’d been quiet long enough. Their eagerness to condemn Summer without a single piece of evidence was getting on my nerves.
“Oh Sophie!” Victoria suddenly noticed me, as if she’d forgotten I was there. “Sorry, I was just…” she gestured vaguely, her voice trailing off.
“I get that you’re upset,” I said carefully, stepping forward. “Anyone would be after what happened at the airport. But I think we need to look at this logically before jumping to conclusions.”
Victoria’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”
“I mean,” I continued, meeting her gaze directly, “that this doesn’t feel like Summer’s style. From everything I’ve seen and heard
about her, she keeps to herself, focuses on her work. This kind of media manipulation? It’s too… calculated.”
took a breath before delivering my actual advice. “I think you should hold off on approaching Brandon about this. His reactions are unpredictable at best. What if he thinks you’re trying to drag him into your drama?”
“What exactly are you suggesting?” Elizabeth cut in, her voice sharp enough to cut glass. “That my daughter should just sit back and take this abuse? Summer is clearly behind this! Who else would want to destroy Victoria’s reputation and relationship with
Alexander?”
Victoria shot her mother a warning look. “Mom-”
“Mrs. Taylor,” I interrupted firmly, forcing myself to remain professional despite my growing distaste. “I understand you’re protective of Victoria. But please, let me finish.”
Inside, I couldn’t help but think how pathetic it was that this was Summer’s family–people who didn’t even try to understand her, who were so quick to vilify her at every turn. No wonder she’d distanced herself.
Elizabeth looked like she’d been slapped, but Victoria quickly intervened.
“Mom, let Sophie speak. She’s been my rock through all of this.” Victoria turned to me with genuine gratitude in her eyes. “If it weren’t for Sophie helping me at the airport, I don’t know what I would’ve done.”
She then fixed me with a determined stare. “Sophie, I need you to find that photographer from the airport. He needs to pay for what
he did.”
I nodded, making a mental note to follow up on that lead. “I’ll handle it.”
“Now,” I continued, pulling the conversation back on track, “let’s think about this rationally. Victoria, at the annual party, besides Summer, who else might have had it out for you? Who else might have wanted to see you taken down a peg?”
Victoria accepted the glass of water I handed her, taking a small sip as she considered my question. After a moment, her eyes widened in realization.
“The Diana contract,” she murmured. “That’s what this is about. I beat out all the other girls for that spokesperson position.”
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“Exactly,” I encouraged. “And who was most devastated by that announcement?”
“Bianca,” Victoria answered immediately. She was the front–runner before Brandon chose me. The others–Chen and whatever by name was—they were never real contenders anyway.”
I nodded, but knew we weren’t quite there yet. “You’re getting warmer. But there’s someone else you’re forgetting Someone whe might have been even more upset by all the attention you received that night.
Victoria stared at me blankly.
“Elle Sinclair,” I prompted. “Remember how she completely lost it during your performance? How Brandon publicly humiliated her, then immediately announced you as Diana’s new spokesperson? Dont you think she might have seen that as a deliberate slight?
Elizabeth’s perfectly arched eyebrows shot up. “Elle Sinclair? Who’s that?‘ Her eyes narrowed as she worked through the same. “Wait, Sinclair… isn’t she Brandon’s cousin or something? Why would she target Victoria?”
I couldn’t help but feel a small thrill of satisfaction as I watched the pieces click into place in Victoria’s mind.
“Oh my God,” Victoria breathed. “You’re right. Elle Sinclair was furious that night.” She looked at me with newfound respect. “Sophie, I don’t know what I’d do without you. You’re absolutely brilliant.”
Her face fell slightly. “But even if it is her, what proof do we have? It’s just speculation.”
I sat down beside her on the plush sofa. “Elle Sinclair is dangerous, Victoria. This attack was calculated and vicious–and I dont think she’s done yet.”
“What do you mean?” Victoria asked, tension evident in her voice.
“I’ve been watching her interactions with Brandon,” I explained. “Her feelings for him go beyond normal family affection. It’s almost… obsessive. The way she looks at him, follows him, tries to insert herself into his life. Honestly? I think she’s mentally
unstable.”
Victoria’s jaw set in determination. “I refuse to be her punching bag. I don’t care if she’s a Sinclair. I’ve seen how Brandon looks at her–like she’s something unpleasant he stepped in.”
“That may be true,” I conceded, “but Brandon isn’t going to go after her without solid proof. She’s still family, and Stark men protect their own.” I paused for effect. “What we need is evidence. Something that proves beyond doubt that Elle orchestrated this whole thing. We need to make her reveal herself.”
“And then what?” Victoria demanded.
“Then,” I said with quiet confidence, “we demand that Stark Entertainment and Brandon personally make this right. They need to clear your name, publicly affirm your position with Diana, and ensure Elle faces consequences for her actions.”
I leaned loser, my voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. “In fact, if we play this right, this whole scandal might actually work in your favor.”
Victoria looked at me like I’d lost my mind. Are you insane? How could this possibly be a good thing? I’ve spent years building a respectable image, and now it’s being dragged through the mud!”
I pulled out my tablet, swiping through several screens before turning it toward Victoria. “Look at these metrics. Your social media following has jumped by 15% since this morning. Your name is trending on every platform. People are talking about you, Victoria.”
“As a slut who slept her way to the top!” she countered.
*For now,” I agreed. “But narratives can be changed. The important thing is visibility, and right now, you’ve got everyone’s attention.
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We just need to redirect it.”
Elizabeth, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, suddenly nodded “Sophie’s right, Victoria. This could be an opportunity if handled correctly.”
I nearly did a double–take at Elizabeth’s unexpected support. The woman had been glaring daggers at me just minutes earlier.
“The immediate priority is clearing your name and exposing Elle,” Elizabeth continued. “Dealing with Summer… well, that can wait.
Victoria looked between us, then let out a long sigh. “Fine. So what’s our next move?”
