Chapter 14

The anticipation of Victoria's racing competition tonight and imagining her effortlessly cool demeanor instantly brightened Sophia's mood. She slipped into the outfit and immediately reached for her phone to check again.

Her smile faltered.

Victoria always responded to her texts within minutes. Yet this time, there was complete radio silence - not even after Sophia had finished dressing.

Was Victoria angry with her?

A wave of panic surged through Sophia as her fingers flew across the screen. Vic, pls don't be mad! U know I wanted YOU to take me to school, not Mom! Pls answer!

Still nothing.

Isabella reappeared at her door. "Sophia? Breakfast is ready. We need to leave soon."

Irritation flashed across Sophia's face. "I KNOW! God, Mom, stop nagging! You're so annoying!" She snatched up her backpack and stomped downstairs.

Isabella followed silently, though her gaze lingered on Sophia's unfamiliar outfit.

She'd always carefully selected Sophia's clothes, ensuring each piece met her daughter's approval. But ever since that Salzburg trip with Alexander, Sophia's style had undergone a dramatic transformation.

All because of Victoria's influence - introducing Sophia to rock climbing and skateboarding.

Victoria wasn't just academically brilliant; she was this impossibly cool, adventurous woman with countless hobbies. Sophia worshipped her, emulating everything from her fashion to her interests.

It pained Isabella to see her daughter growing so attached to Victoria, but she never voiced it. She'd even started buying clothes she thought would appeal to Sophia's new tastes.

Yet Sophia barely glanced at Isabella's selections, wearing only what Victoria chose for her.

That camouflage outfit? Definitely Victoria's doing. But Isabella pretended not to notice, maintaining her usual composure as they descended.

The rest of the household still slept, except Eleanor.

"Good morning, you two."

Isabella smiled. "Morning, Grandma."

Sophia mumbled a half-hearted greeting.

Eleanor caught her tone immediately. "What's wrong, sweetheart?"

Sophia remained silent, sulking.

Richard chuckled from the doorway. "Teenage morning grumpiness, nothing more."

Eleanor smiled at his comment but turned to Isabella. "Where's Alexander? Still asleep?"

"He had business last night." Isabella kept her voice neutral.

Eleanor's expression darkened. She could guess what kind of "business" that meant. But with Sophia present, she bit back any criticism.

As they prepared to leave after breakfast, Sophia dashed upstairs for something forgotten. Isabella waited below.

Then Sophia's phone buzzed on the table. The screen lit up: Victoria Kensington with a heart emoji.

Isabella froze.

She'd always respected Sophia's privacy, never snooped. But now, against her better judgment, she picked up the phone.

A quick scan of the messages revealed why Sophia had been so moody. Morning greetings to Victoria, lengthy daily chats - their entire communication laid bare.

Hearing the elevator, Isabella quickly replaced the phone.

Sophia's entire demeanor shifted when she saw Victoria's reply - promises she'd never be angry, explanations about oversleeping. The radiant smile returned instantly.

Isabella noticed but said nothing.

Oblivious, Sophia climbed into the car, immediately resuming her texting. She kept sneaking glances at Isabella, who remained focused on driving.

After thirty minutes of nonstop messaging, Sophia finally set her phone down, her good mood restored. "Mom, are you free this afternoon?"

Isabella kept her eyes on the road. "Why?"

"Just tell me!"

"I'm busy. What do you need?"

Sophia grinned. "Nothing."

Perfect, she thought. If Mom's busy, she can't pick me up. I can go straight to Victoria after class.

At school, Isabella accompanied Sophia to meet Elizabeth Moore, her homeroom teacher, who led them toward the classroom.

Then a high-pitched voice called out, "Ms. Sinclair!"

Isabella turned to see a small figure barreling toward her. She crouched just in time to catch the child.

"Charlotte?"

The little girl beamed, her twin braids bouncing. It was the same child Isabella had saved from that dog attack days before.

Before Isabella could say more, Sophia roughly shoved Charlotte aside.

"Sophia!" Isabella caught Charlotte before she fell. "Are you okay?"

Tears welled in Charlotte's eyes. "Why... why did you push me?"

Sophia had been confused by Charlotte's sudden appearance. But seeing Isabella's obvious affection for the girl sparked instant jealousy.

As Charlotte sniffled, Sophia's face twisted in contempt. "You're so pathetic. And pink is disgusting on you!"