Novel1The Silent 209 Chapter 209 Chapter 209 Sophie's eyes shimmered with tears as she looked up at her three older brothers, her expressión pitiful, almost fragile "Benedict, Matthew, Anthony," she said softly, voice trembling. I know you don't believeright now, but I swear-I didn't do it. I didn't take her body! Benedict frowned, his tone cold. "And yet people saw the ones who took Mother's coffin. They were your people, Sophie How can you still claim you had nothing to do with it?" Sophie faltered for a second, but quickly shifted tactics. "You're right... it was related torme. But when I said it wasn't my doing. I meant that I didn't order it directly. The three men you saw were my mother's old retainers- people she left behind to protect me. They didn't followto Hasen City because Father had already broughtto the Stonor estate. They stayed behind.
Her voice turned gentle, careful, calculated. "After I was beaten... I was upset, hurt. In a moment of weakness. I wrote to them just to ask them to cand protect me. I never imagined they would overreact like that. When they heard what happened, they got angry on my behalf... and took your mother's body as revenge. I swear, if I'd known they would do that never would ve sent that letter." Tears streamed down her face as she spoke, the image of vulnerability and grief. Even Benedict, who had walked in certainty, felt himself wavering.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtBut he still forced himself to question her. "If that's true, then why would Eliza say you ordered them to steal our mother's corpse? That you planned to desecrate it- out of spite?" Sophie's face crumpled instantly. "Because when I found out what they'd done, I panicked. I told them to return the body immediately, I swear I did. But before they could, Eliza captured me. She beat me, poisoned me-I was terrified. I told her it was my fault, that Id sent them, that if she didn't letgo, she'd never see her mother again. That's how the exchange happened. That's the only reason." "I knew it wasn't Sophie, Matthew cut in at once, as if needing no further proof. "I said it from the start" Anthony nodded slowly. "Then that talk of desecrating the body-that must've been Eliza making it up, trying to frSophie." Benedict still felt something was off. Her story seemed to make sense, but.....
He glanced to the side-and suddenly realized that throughout this entire conversation, Gabriel had been silent.
He narrowed his eyes. "Father," he asked carefully, "did you know about this? Do you believe Sophie's telling the truth?" Gabriel hesitated. He looked at Benedict, paused a moment longer, then gave a slow, unreadable nod. "I believe she is." But for Benedict, that answer only confirmed his doubts Sophie was Gabriel's illegitimate daughter. He knew that now. And if Gabriel had chosen to protect her, then it didn't matter whether she was guilty or not-he would defend her no matter what, The more easily Gabriel forgave, the more Benedict felt certain Sophie was lying. And he was right Because the moment the brothers left, Gabriel closed the doors and ordered the servants to keep anyone else from coming near. He turned to Sophie with cold fury in his eyes.
"What the hell were you thinking he snapped. "Have you lost your mind? I told you-you could do whatever you wanted to Eliza, but that woman was my wife. She was their mother. Even if you hated Eliza, how could you sink so low as to defile a corpse Don't you realize if this gets out, you'll be branded as heartless and unfilial for the rest of your life!" 1/2 11:46 Fri, 18 Apr Chapter 209 Sophie's expression instantly darkened. Gone was the innocent act-gone was the helpless little girl.
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"That's not my mother," she said with venom in her voice. "That woman was Eliza's mother, not mine. Myn mother was Zoje your favorite. If that woman hadn't forced her way in. I would've been born as your legitimate daughter, and my mother would've been the rightful lady of the Stonor family!
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmGabriel's jaw tightened. Tve told you before-this wasn't Caroline's fault.
The marriage between the Ewa M ve families was arranged. It wasn't my decision or hers. You and your mother never understood the politics behind it." "Caroline!" Sophie scoffed, voice sharp with jealousy, "Listen to how fondly you speak her name. You scoldon her behalf like I'm sstranger. Admit it- you've already forgotten about my mother, haven't you?" Her eyes filled with real tears now, not the ones she used to deceive others, but bitter, aching grief.
"Back then, she did everything to carry your child. She poisoned herself, took medicine, risked her life just to keepsafe in her womb. And what did it cost her? She died shortly after giving birth. She left this world with nothing-not your name, not your love, not even the chance to raise her child. And now, even you don't want me?" Her voice broke, tears spilling freely. "If that's the case... then what's the point ofstaying alive? I might as well die now and go to hell-at least there, I can be with my mother again."
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