Her Divorce, His Downfall (Sophia and Damian) novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Sophia couldn’t wait to get back to work and contact Aurora Tech’s rep.

She was so excited that even her phone call with Stella sounded much more cheerful.

Stella had come from a wealthy family too–not quite on the level of the Four Great Families, but she’d grown up comfortable and happy, never wanting for anything.

But when she turned fifteen, everything changed.

Stella’s dad had an affair, took all the family assets, and ran off with his mistress and their illegitimate son.

When the new property owner showed up at their door, irritation plastered on his face, demanding they vacate the villa they’d lived in for fifteen years—

That’s when it hit them. The man Stella thought was a devoted husband and father had already built a whole new family on the

side.

That night, Stella and her mom sat on a cold overpass, tears running dry.

One second, they were the lady of the house and heiress. The next? Homeless.

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Eventually, a community worker found them temporary housing and got Stella’s mom a job.

They scraped by. Stella worked her way through college, juggling part–time gigs and classes.

Sophia had met Stella a few years ago at a party where Stella was working part–time as a server. Some guests had been giving Stella a hard time, and Sophia couldn’t stand watching it. She’d stepped in without a second thought.

A cold, elegant heiress helping out a struggling part–timer.

It was one of the few times anyone had shown Stella kindness since everything fell apart.

That warmth from a stranger? It meant everything.

Then Stella asked for Sophia’s WhatsApp right then and there, insisting she wanted to repay her somehow.

Sophia liked her grit, her independence. She said yes.

They clicked. Became best friends.

Later, when Sophia learned about her situation, she offered

financial help multiple times. Stella always refused, She’d make it on her own.

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And she was doing it. She was an actress now–landing roles, building a loyal fanbase.

She believed it. One day, she’d be a superstar. Household name. The whole nine yards.

Then she and her mom would never be cold, never go hungry, never suffer again.

Watching the video call, Sophia’s chest tightened. Stella was bundled in an army coat, waiting for her scene while the whole crew fawned over the leads.

“Stella, let me invest in a project for you. You should be the lead, not the supporting role. This is a waste of your talent.”

“Nope! I’m scared you’ll try to ‘casting couch‘ me.

“You worry about yourself first. I’ve been gone one day and you’re already in surgery.

“When I’m back, I’ll help you tear that homewrecker apart. We’ll get revenge together,”

Warmth flooded through Sophia, but she just laughed it off.

“She’s in jail. Won’t be out anytime soon.” Sophia smiled faintly,

Stella’s eyes went wide. “Wait, what? Who had the guts to throw that brat behind bars?” 3/6

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“Grandmother.” Sophia’s smile dimmed, turning bitter. “Not Damian. He doesn’t give a damn if I live or die.‘

Stella’s jaw clenched, her excitement vanishing. “Sophia, dump that trash. Divorce Damian. Next time I’ll introduce you to a hot younger guy.”

“Sure, whatever you say.” Sophia laughed softly, assuming she was joking.

Knock.

“Someone’s here. Gotta go.”

Thinking it was the doctor making rounds, Sophia hung up quickly.

But it wasn’t the doctor.

It was Michael and Rhea.

Sophia blinked in surprise. Since when did Michael actually care about her?

Before she could speak, Rhea rushed forward and grabbed her hands, voice thick with suppressed sobs,

“Sophia, sweetheart, I’m so sorry you had to go through this… I know–it’s all Isabelle’s fault. All of it.”

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“But at the end of the day, I’m the one who failed. I didn’t raise

her right. That’s why she dared to hurt you.”

Tears streaming down her face, Rhea watched Sophia’s expression like a hawk.

“Please, be the bigger person. Let it go.”

“I’m begging you–write a settlement letter. Let her out. I’ll take all the blame!”

“We’re family. No need for blame.” Michael stepped forward, frowning—but he didn’t even glance at Sophia’s injuries. His tone stayed casual. “Isabelle was impulsive, sure. But you’re her older sister. Blood is blood. Why couldn’t you handle this behind closed doors?”

“You’re fine now, aren’t you? Why drag this to court and make the Andersons a laughingstock? Is the Hall family really going to ruin her entire life over this little incident?”

He paused, then continued.

“Tell the Halls to drop the charges. Whatever expenses they’ve incurred, name your price. I’ll pay double. We’ll call it even.”

Every word was a knife straight to Sophia’s chest.

Her heart felt like it had been ripped open, cold wind pouring through the wound. She was freezing from the inside ou