Her Divorce, His Downfall (Sophia and Damian) novel Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Sophia bit her lip hard, her heart bleeding with pain so intense she couldn’t speak.

She knew Michael played favorites. She just never imagined it

Was Isabelle his only real daughter?

Was she just some foundling he’d picked up off the street?

If that were true, she could accept it.

But Michael had promised her–she was his most treasured daughter. He’d protect her. Love her.

He’d told her countless times that he loved her mother Elaine the most. That he’d only brought Rhea and her daughter home because Elaine died so young and he had no choice.

Everyone has their preferences. From Michael’s perspective, maybe he wasn’t wrong.

But who was there to care about Sophia?

What did it matter that she was the Anderson family heiress?

Her father and stepmother didn’t like her. Her husband didn’t like her. Even her childhood friend didn’t want her.

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She wanted to cry and laugh at the same time.

Cry because having a father felt no different than being an orphan.

Laugh because her own father and stepmother were forcing her to write a settlement letter while she was still hospitalized.

The irony was suffocating.

Fighting off waves of dizziness, she said quietly, “Dad, deal with the Halls yourself. I’m tired.”

Rhea’s face went ashen, tears streaming down her cheeks again.

“Sophia! The Hall family won’t even let us through their front door anymore.”

“Isabelle is suffering in there. She can’t take another day! You’re her sister–you can’t be this heartless. You can’t just watch her die!”

Michael chimed in right on cue. “Sophia, you’ve always been such a sweet, obedient girl. Don’t make this difficult for your father.”

He knew that no matter what he did, he’d end up hurting one of his daughters.

2/6

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But he had to prioritize. If Isabelle couldn’t get that settlement letter and the Hall family pressed charges for assault, it would ruin her entire life.

siting

He’d already tried visiting the Hall Residence with expensive gifts, but they’d turned him away, claiming Eleanor was too unwell. He couldn’t even get past their front gate.

No choice. He had to work through Sophia. If she wrote a forgiveness letter and begged Eleanor to drop the charges,

Isabelle would walk free.

Sophia’s injuries could heal with time. But if he didn’t act now? Isabelle was done for.

In all of New York City, almost no one could stand up to the Hall family. Not even the Andersons.

Michael clenched his hands behind his back, thinking carefully before speaking.

“Sophia, family harmony is everything.

“No matter what, Isabelle’s your sister. You can’t just watch her suffer and do nothing. nothing,

“You’re the older one. Be the bigger person. When she gets out, I’ll make her apologize.

“I know Madam Hall did this to defend you. Go talk to her. Once 3/6

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she calms down, this’ll all blow over.”

“Dad, what if I say no?” Sophia’s chest clenched. She couldn’t breathe.

“I’m twenty–five years old. She almost killed me. Think about it –if that vase had hit me, would I even be alive right now?

“On Mom’s death anniversary, she and my husband were all over the gossip sites. The whole city saw it. Then she showed up at the Hall family dinner and threw herself at Damian in front of everyone.

“Where does that leave me? Mrs. Hall’s dignity–just gone?” Her voice cracked. “Dad, did you ever love Mom? Do you feel anything for me at all?”

At the mention of Elaine, Michael’s chest tightened with a dull ache, and something dark flickered in his eyes.

How could he not love her? He’d loved that woman to the point of madness.

They’d met at New York University. She was bright and warm- a radiant little sun who lit up everyone around her.

Michael had fallen for her almost at first sight and pursued her relentlessly.

Out of all her suitors, Elaine had chosen him. 4/6

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After graduation, they’d married with both families‘ blessings.

A year later, Elaine gave birth to Sophia.

Looking at that soft little bundle who looked so much like Elaine, Michael had been terrified he’d drop her if he held her too tight, or she’d melt if he held her too close. He’d loved his daughter more than life itself.

Those years had been the happiest of Michael’s life.

The Anderson family’s Zenith Corporation soared during that time, expanding its empire year after year.

But that girl who burned as bright as the sun had deeply wounded him.

That dark chapter of their past had died with Elaine’s accidental death.

Of course, Michael could never let Sophia know any of this.

But looking at that face so much like his late wife’s, his heart was wrapped in an indescribable bitterness,

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