Chapter 236

Sophia Bennett burst into laughter, clutching her stomach as her head tilted back in amusement. "Was I talking about you? I didn't name anyone specifically. Why assume it's about you?"

Benjamin's eyes flashed with irritation. "You—"

Before tensions could escalate, Evelyn Whitmore intervened. "Enough. Focus on your breakfast. No talking while eating—you might choke."

Sophia nodded obediently, falling silent immediately. Benjamin, however, shot Evelyn a defiant glare before stabbing his fork into the omelet with unnecessary force.

Across the table, Gabrielle Winslow observed everything with venomous intensity. How had this seemingly innocent girl bewitched Nathaniel Grayson and tamed the notoriously spoiled Sophia? Even rebellious Benjamin followed her lead now.

This was unacceptable.

Evelyn appeared harmless, but Gabrielle realized too late—she was dealing with a far more dangerous opponent than anticipated.

The afternoon sun painted the sky in brilliant blue, ideal for their planned kite-flying. Evelyn held up a swallow-shaped kite while Sophia sprinted across the field, the line unraveling behind her. Within moments, the kite soared upward, dancing among the clouds.

Their laughter carried on the breeze as they worked together to extend the string further. The joy between them was palpable.

Gabrielle approached then, clutching a butterfly kite with feigned helplessness. "Sophia, darling, could you assist me? I can't seem to get mine airborne."

Sophia's smile vanished instantly. She turned with a scowl. "Can't you see I'm busy? Figure it out yourself!"

Gabrielle's pleasant mask faltered. "I—"

Evelyn glanced up from untangling the string. "Miss Winslow, I can hold your kite if you'd like to run with it."

Gabrielle's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "You'd help me? Really?"

Evelyn shrugged. "Believe what you want." There was no point pretending after yesterday's confrontation.

With a contemptuous sniff, Gabrielle stalked away without another word.

Sophia huffed. "Why bother with her after what she did?"

Evelyn's gaze followed Gabrielle's retreating figure. "She's planning something. Playing along makes it easier to anticipate her moves."

"Planning what? Hasn't she done enough damage already?" Sophia protested.

Gabrielle positioned herself far from the others, determined to succeed alone. She ran, the kite lifting briefly before crashing down. Undeterred, she tried again—only to trip spectacularly moments later.

A sharp cry pierced the air as she crumpled to the grass, clutching her ankle dramatically. "Help! Someone, please!"

Nathaniel's friend Dominic Prescott was the first to notice. "Nathaniel, Benjamin—we've got a situation over there."