"Matt's taking Hunter out of the gang." Todd spoke matter of factly, as he watched Sophie hold different fabrics up in front of the window.
"Why?" She asked while momentarily glimpsing at him.
She was curious but mainly she was pleased. From the moment Todd had told her Hunter was involved, she had felt a huge weight on her shoulders. She had wanted to tell Juliet but had also been sworn not to, not only by Todd but by Matt too. The brothers had both insisted that Matt had it under control and that him and Hunter were going to tell her themselves. However, considering Sophie still hadn't received a panicked phone call from Juliet, she assumed she still didn't know.
"Because he's well out of his depth. He's going to get dragged into something messy, that even we don't understand."
"But you do understand it. You're just playing with fire."
Sophie's voice was composed but Todd could read right through it. This girl was the Queen of appearing unfazed and in control but he knew exactly what she was thinking.
"We don't really have a choice at this point." Todd insisted yet Sophie still wasn't sure how much she believed that.
She knew that regardless of how much Todd attempted to deny it, he always had some kind of pull to the gang world. It was true, he did hate it and always had done but it was an addiction and that wasn't easy to escape from.
"You could have left it in their hands like you said you would."
"All that would do at this point is leave Matt alone."
"So you really believe that the whole gang would just turn on Matt for no reason? It seems unlikely to me." Sophie remarked while placing the materials back down onto her desk.
"No, I believe that Jay has turned against the rest of the gang, but I have never trusted any of the Gibsons either. It wouldn't surprise me if they were working with their parents."
"You really think Jay would take Jazmine's side? Over his own gang, that he has worked so hard to protect?"
Todd knew that it sounded crazy but right now, it was the only theory that made even the slight bit of sense. Him and Matt had been trying to understand what was really going on here and every idea led back to Jazmine and Jay.
It was an unexpected relationship and since it had occurred, Jay had been acting suspicious. Even Matt was finding him difficult to trust at this point.
"I think Jay will do whatever he can to save his reputation, when it's clearly at risk."
"I don't get it." Sophie admitted, looking as baffled as she felt. "What is it that you think is going on here? What is it that Jay is trying to prove?"
"His brothers have always had a good relationship with their parents compared to him. Clearly, that's still the case with Bria and Kylie perfectly safe. I think he knows something is about to happen and he's taken the quickest option, one that he knows he will benefit from."
As much as Sophie was sick of hearing about the gang, at the same time she never wanted to miss a detail. She knew that Matt wasn't very open with Juliet about anything and in Sophie's opinion, that was just putting her more at risk. Therefore, she was adamant that Todd told her everything and thus far, he had stuck to his word. It just wasn't something Sophie was finding very easy to get her head around right now.
"I've not been the most loyal human being in this world, but even I wouldn't fuck over my best friend, putting their life at risk, to save my own name." Sophie replied honestly. "Jay and Matt are too close for that. I really think you've got this all wrong."
Todd just stood and watched Sophie for a moment, as he wasn't really sure how to respond to that. He knew that she had a point and understood exactly where she was coming from. Even Matt himself had continued to try and search for another explanation but he couldn't find one.
Jay wasn't being honest with him. He was shrugging off any ideas that Matt put forward to him in regards to Jazmine. He was acting suspicious whenever Matt asked him questions and he was barely letting him in on any of the gang business. None of that made sense.
"It's fucked up and confusing, I get that." Todd began before making his way over to where Sophie was stood. "But for now, it's the only theory we have to go by and I'm not going to ignore it, just in case."
Reaching his hand out to run it down the side of Sophie's cheek, Todd watched as she momentarily closed her eyes. He knew she had a lot on her mind at the minute, so this was the last thing she really needed to pile on top.
"Have you spoken to Phoebe?"
"No, not yet." Sophie shook her head, before turning to look out the large glass windows. "I don't know how to bring it up to her. I don't want to make false accusations until I know it's definitely true."
"I think there is a very small chance of them being false accusations, Soph. Lewis is the only one who has some kind of tie to you, who thinks he won't lose a whole lot by sharing this stuff."
A few days ago Sophie's publicist had been given the heads up about a story that was going to be released. It was a story of Sophie's past that had been anonymously sold with ill-intentions. Whoever had passed it over, had done it for two reasons; one, to earn a large sum of money and two, to ruin her reputation to gain a little pay back.
"Has Clara sent you the story?" Todd continued in reference to Sophie's publicist and she nodded her head.
Reaching for her phone, she pulled up the email before passing it over to Todd to read.
Designer Sophie Carter is successful, talented, and made an unforgettable entrance into the world of fashion. Everyone has always admired her for her diverse, inclusive and unique designs, alongside her charming personality, which has made her a sweetheart to this usual catty industry. However, we're beginning to wonder if the Sophie Carter we see today is a front for the real her. Secrets from her past reveal that this strong woman may have made a quick rise to the top, but she managed to step on a lot of people's toes along the way!
Sophie has always been very good at keeping her personal life private however, an exclusive source has given us some juicy gossip that may reveal the real truth behind this talented beauty. We have been informed that Sophie Carter has been involved in a cheating scandal, alongside many messy romances, which she was in full control of. The source says that Sophie isn't afraid to break a few hearts and has never been one to settle for just one guy.
The source explained that even friends close to Sophie have always feared where her loyalties lie. Apparently the NYC designer previously had a child with one of her best friend's boyfriends, before going on to date his brother! This crazy antic isn't out of character for the blonde either, as she's found herself in countless scandals involving men. It seems as though Sophie Carter isn't afraid to use her looks to get what she wants! We're now counting down the days until her current romance with partner 'Todd Russle' is thrown in the bin for a new one. Start placing your bets on who the next guy will be!
Todd looked up to Sophie for a moment with a shocked expression over his face.
"Fuck, this is brutal." He muttered causing her to nod her head.
"They bring my mum into it too."
Skimming his eyes across the email, Todd soon spotted Estee's name and began to read the paragraph.
Estee Dubois, the french mother of Sophie Carter, is said to be a big influence in Sophie's behaviours. The source states that Estee is very unapproachable, abrupt and has very little time for anyone she deems unsuccessful enough. It's questioned whether this was the reason behind Sophie's scramble to be in the spotlight. Maybe she was seeking the approval of her own mother?
The source has also exclusively shared details of Sophie's childhood, claiming that Estee Dubois has always been selfish and career minded, leaving Sophie's father, Arlo Carter, to act as a single parent. Sophie had an unlovable childhood and was disowned by her mother, who believed her children should learn to fend for themselves.
The source states that Sophie now has a very strange relationship with the french businesswoman and lawyer, with the pair being close but competitive at the same time. Apparently Sophie always claimed that she never wants to be like her mum, but we're led to believe that she has turned out exactly like her! Sophie has also disowned her children on many occasions, with her youngest son now living with his father back in the UK.
"Fuck." Todd exasperated as he continued to read this email, with the words now blurring into one of the screen. He was fuming. He couldn't believe something like this was allowed to be shared with the world. "This isn't fair..."
"They can say whatever the hell they want about me but bringing my mum into it and making up shit, isn't okay." Sophie bit as the anger seeped through her. "They're making her out to be some kind of evil bitch. My childhood wasn't unlovable. It was different to most others yeah, but not unlovable."
Although Estee's ways were not always perfect, in Sophie's eyes, they weren't bad either. Sophie's childhood may have been different to most others but she was appreciative of it now. Her mum had taught her how to be independent and provided her with with all the confidence in the world. Her mum had taught her how to be successful in a world full of overpowering men, trying to push you down. Estee had been the best mother and mentor Sophie could have wished for.
"They don't know shit, Soph. Whether people believe this or not, you mum won't let it impact her. She's a strong woman."
Although Estee hadn't always been Todd's biggest fan, he had gotten to know her well over the past few years and finally understood her. It took a while for him to get there but when he did, he saw the genuine woman she was.
"I know, I still hate it though. Not everything he has told them is untrue but it's also irrelevant now."
Sophie knew that she wasn't an angel and never claimed to be either. However, since moving to New York and finally getting to live out her dream, things had changed. She kept herself out of trouble and just got on with what she loved. There was never any reason to associate her with any drama anymore, instead, she just focused on herself, her business, alongside her family and friends.
"He's also made stuff up though." Sophie continued as Todd watched her cautiously. "He's trying to ruin me and everything I've worked so hard for... all for the sake of making some money."
Glimpsing back down to the email, Todd skipped past to the end where he was soon met with the lies that had definitely taken it a step too far.
We've always been a huge fan of Sophie Carter and believed she was never just in it for the money. We have always admired her passion and hard work but now we are having our doubts. Our exclusive source claims that the blonde now pays others to do the real work for her, while she just shows her face to keep in the spotlight.
Sophie is set to release her 'see now, buy now' Autumn collection this September, so we're hoping she can get her act together before then. Will the designs we're spending our hard earned cash on really be created by the woman herself? Or will they be pulled together last minute by some anonymous talents, that she can pay to do it for her? We'll keep you updated!
"I think this is probably the most offensive part of the whole email." Todd began, as he passed the phone back over to Sophie. He was trying to keep calm but it was incredibly difficult to. "I don't know about you but that part pisses me off the most.
Glimpsing down at the screen, Sophie checked what part Todd was referring to before nodding her head.
"I work my arse off, day in and day out to make everything I release perfect. Lewis sits on his arse, day in and day out to scrounge off Phoebe and then has the cheek to ask me for money too."
"Do you think that's what this is about?" Todd asked. "You not giving him the money?"
"Of course it is, that and the fact that I can't stand him and he knows it."
"What happened that day? You must have really pissed him off for him to do something like this."
Thinking back to it, Sophie remembered every second of their conversation. She had lost all patience with Lewis that day and had made the final decision that she was going to do what she could to make sure Phoebe ended things with him.
FLASHBACK
"Soph, someone's here to see you." Gaby poked her head around Sophie's office door with an odd tone to her voice, very different to her usual chirpy self.
"Who is it? I didn't realise I had any meetings..." Sophie trailed off as she pulled up the calendar on her laptop.
"No, um, it's Lewis, Phoebe's fiancé."
As Sophie glimpsed back over at Gaby, she instantly saw the awkward expression across her face. She knew full well that Sophie would not want to see him however, his persistence had not given her much choice in the end.
"Send him in." Sophie replied simply, not giving too much away.
Although she hadn't been very good at hiding her dislike for the boy, she did try her best to keep that away from work. It was a personal issue, something to be dealt with at home. She didn't need to be bringing Phoebe's personal life to work.
Sophie had been typing away on her laptop when the glass door was pushed open again. She didn't even want to look up at Lewis as he walked into this room, and instead kept her eyes on the screen in front of her.
"I don't have a lot of time, Lewis. Can you make this quick?" She quipped, while he made his way over to the spare seat on the opposite side of her desk.
"Yeah sorry to bother you at work..." Lewis replied, in that low, sleepy sounding voice, which Sophie was certain had just occurred due to his laziness. "...but I really wanted to ask you something."
"Go ahead."
"Right well... er..."
Lewis clearly felt awkward. Sophie didn't need to look at him to know that, she could hear it in his voice and she was gaining some satisfaction from that right now.
"You know I asked Phoebe to marry me."
Sophie didn't answer, so Lewis continued anyway.
"Well, I wanted to make it special, you know, the wedding and that. So I wanted to go big."
Lewis paused once again while he adjusted himself in his seat. Sophie could feel his eyes on her, as though he was desperately trying to get a bit of eye contact in return but she was not going to give it to him.
"So I didn't know if I could borrow some money? If you could maybe lend me some, so I could make it extra special for Phoebe."
That comment was enough to finally grasp Sophie's attention, as she looked up at him with a mixture of emotions across her face. Shock? Anger? Fear? It was all of them really.
"You want me to lend you money?" Sophie asked, as though she needed some clarification on his crazy request.
"Yeah, so I could make it special for her." He repeated once again, as though he was trying to emphasise that point.
"I think what you meant to say, was can I pay for you to marry my daughter?" Sophie responded, while holding as much composure in her voice, even though on the inside she was fuming. "You don't have a job, Lewis. You scrounge off of Phoebe's money, while you sit on your lazy arse doing absolutely nothing. If I lent you money, there would be no way in hell that you would or could ever pay me back. If anything, you would pressure Phoebe into doing it instead."
Lewis sat still and in shock as Sophie spoke. He had clearly not expected this brutal response from her, considering in the past she had always bit her tongue for Phoebe's sake. She was unable to do that anymore. Things had gone way too far. Sophie wasn't going to let Phoebe throw away her life for some waste of space boy, who just wanted her for the money and five minutes of fame.
"I think you just assume that I'm stupid. You think that I'm just going to sit back and watch you use my daughter for every cent she works hard to earn. I know exactly why you're with her and I know you have shit intentions. So my answer Lewis, is no. I won't lend you any money to marry my daughter. So you can leave now because I'm a busy woman."
Flashing Lewis a sarcastic smile, Sophie focused her attention back to the computer in front of her. She suddenly felt such a huge relief flow through her body at what had just happened. She had been dying to say something to Lewis since the moment she had figured him out and it felt so good.
She knew that if it got back to Phoebe, there was a chance it could cause problems. However, she was hopeful that her daughter was smart enough to see this incident for what it truly was.
END OF FLASHBACK.
"I think he was pissed that I told him what I thought and was also pissed that he didn't get the money he came asking for." Sophie said as she dazed out from the thoughts of that day. "He clearly wants payback for it. But do you know what I'm worried about most?"
"What?"
"That if I immediately start accusing him off this story, that he will deny it and make Phoebe believe him. I don't want to do something that will end up pushing Phoebe away for good. I have to be careful about this..."
"So what do you think his plan is with this money he's going to make?" Todd asked, as he had his own ideas but wasn't sure if they would match up with what Sophie was thinking. "Do you think he will take the money and run?"
"No." Sophie immediately began shaking her head. "The money will only be short-lived if he did that. I think if he's smart, he'll be thinking long term."
"And do what?"
"He will use it to have a wedding with Phoebe, to prove himself to her. Then I think he will do everything he can to stay with her, so he can continue to live this lazy life he's set out for himself."
Sophie was sure of her words and Todd believed it too. Phoebe had innocently fallen in love for the first time and unfortunately, it happened to be with the completely wrong guy.
"Phoebe is strong though, Soph. You've brought her up to be that way. Although she can't see it now, I think she will see through this guy's shit."
As Todd spoke those words, both him and Sophie were alerted by a knock on her office door. As they looked up, Phoebe's publicist Clara was stood waiting.
"There wasn't anything I could do to stop it Sophie. I'm sorry, I really tried." She spoke in a flustered state. "It's been published and I can't get any names of who is behind it."
Nodding her head, Sophie didn't say anything. It was inevitable that it was going to get published, there wasn't a whole lot she could do about it at this point. However, even though Clara was unaware of who this anonymous source was, Sophie was adamant that Lewis was the only person who could be behind it.
Although this whole thing was damaging to her own reputation, her main concern was how it impacted the people around her. She didn't want her children getting hurt and she didn't want Phoebe's mind or heart being played with.
As Estee had always told her, nobody messes with a Dubois woman, but if they tried, they would most certainly regret it.
"You really think Jay would take Jazmine's side? Over his own gang, that he has worked so hard to protect?"
Todd knew that it sounded crazy but right now, it was the only theory that made even the slight bit of sense. Him and Matt had been trying to understand what was really going on here and every idea led back to Jazmine and Jay.
It was an unexpected relationship and since it had occurred, Jay had been acting suspicious. Even Matt was finding him difficult to trust at this point.
"I think Jay will do whatever he can to save his reputation, when it's clearly at risk."
"I don't get it." Sophie admitted, looking as baffled as she felt. "What is it that you think is going on here? What is it that Jay is trying to prove?"
"His brothers have always had a good relationship with their parents compared to him. Clearly, that's still the case with Bria and Kylie perfectly safe. I think he knows something is about to happen and he's taken the quickest option, one that he knows he will benefit from."
As much as Sophie was sick of hearing about the gang, at the same time she never wanted to miss a detail. She knew that Matt wasn't very open with Juliet about anything and in Sophie's opinion, that was just putting her more at risk. Therefore, she was adamant that Todd told her everything and thus far, he had stuck to his word. It just wasn't something Sophie was finding very easy to get her head around right now.
"I've not been the most loyal human being in this world, but even I wouldn't fuck over my best friend, putting their life at risk, to save my own name." Sophie replied honestly. "Jay and Matt are too close for that. I really think you've got this all wrong."
Todd just stood and watched Sophie for a moment, as he wasn't really sure how to respond to that. He knew that she had a point and understood exactly where she was coming from. Even Matt himself had continued to try and search for another explanation but he couldn't find one.
Jay wasn't being honest with him. He was shrugging off any ideas that Matt put forward to him in regards to Jazmine. He was acting suspicious whenever Matt asked him questions and he was barely letting him in on any of the gang business. None of that made sense.
"It's fucked up and confusing, I get that." Todd began before making his way over to where Sophie was stood. "But for now, it's the only theory we have to go by and I'm not going to ignore it, just in case."
Reaching his hand out to run it down the side of Sophie's cheek, Todd watched as she momentarily closed her eyes. He knew she had a lot on her mind at the minute, so this was the last thing she really needed to pile on top.
"Have you spoken to Phoebe?"
"No, not yet." Sophie shook her head, before turning to look out the large glass windows. "I don't know how to bring it up to her. I don't want to make false accusations until I know it's definitely true."
"I think there is a very small chance of them being false accusations, Soph. Lewis is the only one who has some kind of tie to you, who thinks he won't lose a whole lot by sharing this stuff."
A few days ago Sophie's publicist had been given the heads up about a story that was going to be released. It was a story of Sophie's past that had been anonymously sold with ill-intentions. Whoever had passed it over, had done it for two reasons; one, to earn a large sum of money and two, to ruin her reputation to gain a little pay back.
"Has Clara sent you the story?" Todd continued in reference to Sophie's publicist and she nodded her head.
Reaching for her phone, she pulled up the email before passing it over to Todd to read.
Designer Sophie Carter is successful, talented, and made an unforgettable entrance into the world of fashion. Everyone has always admired her for her diverse, inclusive and unique designs, alongside her charming personality, which has made her a sweetheart to this usual catty industry. However, we're beginning to wonder if the Sophie Carter we see today is a front for the real her. Secrets from her past reveal that this strong woman may have made a quick rise to the top, but she managed to step on a lot of people's toes along the way!
Sophie has always been very good at keeping her personal life private however, an exclusive source has given us some juicy gossip that may reveal the real truth behind this talented beauty. We have been informed that Sophie Carter has been involved in a cheating scandal, alongside many messy romances, which she was in full control of. The source says that Sophie isn't afraid to break a few hearts and has never been one to settle for just one guy.
The source explained that even friends close to Sophie have always feared where her loyalties lie. Apparently the NYC designer previously had a child with one of her best friend's boyfriends, before going on to date his brother! This crazy antic isn't out of character for the blonde either, as she's found herself in countless scandals involving men. It seems as though Sophie Carter isn't afraid to use her looks to get what she wants! We're now counting down the days until her current romance with partner 'Todd Russle' is thrown in the bin for a new one. Start placing your bets on who the next guy will be!
Todd looked up to Sophie for a moment with a shocked expression over his face.
"Fuck, this is brutal." He muttered causing her to nod her head.
"They bring my mum into it too."
Skimming his eyes across the email, Todd soon spotted Estee's name and began to read the paragraph.
Estee Dubois, the french mother of Sophie Carter, is said to be a big influence in Sophie's behaviours. The source states that Estee is very unapproachable, abrupt and has very little time for anyone she deems unsuccessful enough. It's questioned whether this was the reason behind Sophie's scramble to be in the spotlight. Maybe she was seeking the approval of her own mother?
The source has also exclusively shared details of Sophie's childhood, claiming that Estee Dubois has always been selfish and career minded, leaving Sophie's father, Arlo Carter, to act as a single parent. Sophie had an unlovable childhood and was disowned by her mother, who believed her children should learn to fend for themselves.
The source states that Sophie now has a very strange relationship with the french businesswoman and lawyer, with the pair being close but competitive at the same time. Apparently Sophie always claimed that she never wants to be like her mum, but we're led to believe that she has turned out exactly like her! Sophie has also disowned her children on many occasions, with her youngest son now living with his father back in the UK.
"Fuck." Todd exasperated as he continued to read this email, with the words now blurring into one of the screen. He was fuming. He couldn't believe something like this was allowed to be shared with the world. "This isn't fair..."
"They can say whatever the hell they want about me but bringing my mum into it and making up shit, isn't okay." Sophie bit as the anger seeped through her. "They're making her out to be some kind of evil bitch. My childhood wasn't unlovable. It was different to most others yeah, but not unlovable."
Although Estee's ways were not always perfect, in Sophie's eyes, they weren't bad either. Sophie's childhood may have been different to most others but she was appreciative of it now. Her mum had taught her how to be independent and provided her with with all the confidence in the world. Her mum had taught her how to be successful in a world full of overpowering men, trying to push you down. Estee had been the best mother and mentor Sophie could have wished for.
"They don't know shit, Soph. Whether people believe this or not, you mum won't let it impact her. She's a strong woman."
Although Estee hadn't always been Todd's biggest fan, he had gotten to know her well over the past few years and finally understood her. It took a while for him to get there but when he did, he saw the genuine woman she was.
"I know, I still hate it though. Not everything he has told them is untrue but it's also irrelevant now."
Sophie knew that she wasn't an angel and never claimed to be either. However, since moving to New York and finally getting to live out her dream, things had changed. She kept herself out of trouble and just got on with what she loved. There was never any reason to associate her with any drama anymore, instead, she just focused on herself, her business, alongside her family and friends.
"He's also made stuff up though." Sophie continued as Todd watched her cautiously. "He's trying to ruin me and everything I've worked so hard for... all for the sake of making some money."
Glimpsing back down to the email, Todd skipped past to the end where he was soon met with the lies that had definitely taken it a step too far.
We've always been a huge fan of Sophie Carter and believed she was never just in it for the money. We have always admired her passion and hard work but now we are having our doubts. Our exclusive source claims that the blonde now pays others to do the real work for her, while she just shows her face to keep in the spotlight.
Sophie is set to release her 'see now, buy now' Autumn collection this September, so we're hoping she can get her act together before then. Will the designs we're spending our hard earned cash on really be created by the woman herself? Or will they be pulled together last minute by some anonymous talents, that she can pay to do it for her? We'll keep you updated!
"I think this is probably the most offensive part of the whole email." Todd began, as he passed the phone back over to Sophie. He was trying to keep calm but it was incredibly difficult to. "I don't know about you but that part pisses me off the most.
Glimpsing down at the screen, Sophie checked what part Todd was referring to before nodding her head.
"I work my arse off, day in and day out to make everything I release perfect. Lewis sits on his arse, day in and day out to scrounge off Phoebe and then has the cheek to ask me for money too."
"Do you think that's what this is about?" Todd asked. "You not giving him the money?"
"Of course it is, that and the fact that I can't stand him and he knows it."
"What happened that day? You must have really pissed him off for him to do something like this."
Thinking back to it, Sophie remembered every second of their conversation. She had lost all patience with Lewis that day and had made the final decision that she was going to do what she could to make sure Phoebe ended things with him.
FLASHBACK
"Soph, someone's here to see you." Gaby poked her head around Sophie's office door with an odd tone to her voice, very different to her usual chirpy self.
"Who is it? I didn't realise I had any meetings..." Sophie trailed off as she pulled up the calendar on her laptop.
"No, um, it's Lewis, Phoebe's fiancé."
As Sophie glimpsed back over at Gaby, she instantly saw the awkward expression across her face. She knew full well that Sophie would not want to see him however, his persistence had not given her much choice in the end.
"Send him in." Sophie replied simply, not giving too much away.
Although she hadn't been very good at hiding her dislike for the boy, she did try her best to keep that away from work. It was a personal issue, something to be dealt with at home. She didn't need to be bringing Phoebe's personal life to work.
Sophie had been typing away on her laptop when the glass door was pushed open again. She didn't even want to look up at Lewis as he walked into this room, and instead kept her eyes on the screen in front of her.
"I don't have a lot of time, Lewis. Can you make this quick?" She quipped, while he made his way over to the spare seat on the opposite side of her desk.
"Yeah sorry to bother you at work..." Lewis replied, in that low, sleepy sounding voice, which Sophie was certain had just occurred due to his laziness. "...but I really wanted to ask you something."
"Go ahead."
"Right well... er..."
Lewis clearly felt awkward. Sophie didn't need to look at him to know that, she could hear it in his voice and she was gaining some satisfaction from that right now.
"You know I asked Phoebe to marry me."
Sophie didn't answer, so Lewis continued anyway.
"Well, I wanted to make it special, you know, the wedding and that. So I wanted to go big."
Lewis paused once again while he adjusted himself in his seat. Sophie could feel his eyes on her, as though he was desperately trying to get a bit of eye contact in return but she was not going to give it to him.
"So I didn't know if I could borrow some money? If you could maybe lend me some, so I could make it extra special for Phoebe."
That comment was enough to finally grasp Sophie's attention, as she looked up at him with a mixture of emotions across her face. Shock? Anger? Fear? It was all of them really.
"You want me to lend you money?" Sophie asked, as though she needed some clarification on his crazy request.
"Yeah, so I could make it special for her." He repeated once again, as though he was trying to emphasise that point.
"I think what you meant to say, was can I pay for you to marry my daughter?" Sophie responded, while holding as much composure in her voice, even though on the inside she was fuming. "You don't have a job, Lewis. You scrounge off of Phoebe's money, while you sit on your lazy arse doing absolutely nothing. If I lent you money, there would be no way in hell that you would or could ever pay me back. If anything, you would pressure Phoebe into doing it instead."
Lewis sat still and in shock as Sophie spoke. He had clearly not expected this brutal response from her, considering in the past she had always bit her tongue for Phoebe's sake. She was unable to do that anymore. Things had gone way too far. Sophie wasn't going to let Phoebe throw away her life for some waste of space boy, who just wanted her for the money and five minutes of fame.
"I think you just assume that I'm stupid. You think that I'm just going to sit back and watch you use my daughter for every cent she works hard to earn. I know exactly why you're with her and I know you have shit intentions. So my answer Lewis, is no. I won't lend you any money to marry my daughter. So you can leave now because I'm a busy woman."
Flashing Lewis a sarcastic smile, Sophie focused her attention back to the computer in front of her. She suddenly felt such a huge relief flow through her body at what had just happened. She had been dying to say something to Lewis since the moment she had figured him out and it felt so good.
She knew that if it got back to Phoebe, there was a chance it could cause problems. However, she was hopeful that her daughter was smart enough to see this incident for what it truly was.
END OF FLASHBACK.
"I think he was pissed that I told him what I thought and was also pissed that he didn't get the money he came asking for." Sophie said as she dazed out from the thoughts of that day. "He clearly wants payback for it. But do you know what I'm worried about most?"
"What?"
"That if I immediately start accusing him off this story, that he will deny it and make Phoebe believe him. I don't want to do something that will end up pushing Phoebe away for good. I have to be careful about this..."
"So what do you think his plan is with this money he's going to make?" Todd asked, as he had his own ideas but wasn't sure if they would match up with what Sophie was thinking. "Do you think he will take the money and run?"
"No." Sophie immediately began shaking her head. "The money will only be short-lived if he did that. I think if he's smart, he'll be thinking long term."
"And do what?"
"He will use it to have a wedding with Phoebe, to prove himself to her. Then I think he will do everything he can to stay with her, so he can continue to live this lazy life he's set out for himself."
Sophie was sure of her words and Todd believed it too. Phoebe had innocently fallen in love for the first time and unfortunately, it happened to be with the completely wrong guy.
"Phoebe is strong though, Soph. You've brought her up to be that way. Although she can't see it now, I think she will see through this guy's shit."
As Todd spoke those words, both him and Sophie were alerted by a knock on her office door. As they looked up, Phoebe's publicist Clara was stood waiting.
"There wasn't anything I could do to stop it Sophie. I'm sorry, I really tried." She spoke in a flustered state. "It's been published and I can't get any names of who is behind it."
Nodding her head, Sophie didn't say anything. It was inevitable that it was going to get published, there wasn't a whole lot she could do about it at this point. However, even though Clara was unaware of who this anonymous source was, Sophie was adamant that Lewis was the only person who could be behind it.
Although this whole thing was damaging to her own reputation, her main concern was how it impacted the people around her. She didn't want her children getting hurt and she didn't want Phoebe's mind or heart being played with.
As Estee had always told her, nobody messes with a Dubois woman, but if they tried, they would most certainly regret it.
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