Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Sophie was decisive and independent, often managing numerous family affairs on behalf of Leila.
Leila felt a pang of sympathy for Sophie as she observed her.
“Sophie, have you lost weight again? It seems like you haven’t been resting well. Let others take care of things if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Don’t push yourself too hard.”
Despite her persistent concerns, Leila couldn’t stop fussing.
Sophie, unfazed by the worry, gave Leila a reassuring smile.
“Mom, perhaps you should take your own advice. Elma mentioned your many restless nights. You really should get some rest.”
Leila shook her head dismissively.
“I’m fine, really. Just feeling a bit down.”
Sophie’s expression turned serious, a hint of conflict in her gaze. She hesitated but then spoke her mind.
“Mom, this might not be the right time, but you need to hear this. A few days back, we got an invite to his and Lacey’s engagement party. He hopes Calvin and I will come.”
Sophie bit her lip, casting a worried look at her mother.
Leila remained composed and simply nodded.
“They wouldn’t dare cause a scene in front of a crowd. It seems they care too much about their image to not invite our family.”
Sophie let out a relieved breath upon seeing her mother’s calm demeanor. Suddenly, she felt a wave of frustration without any clear reason, her eyes welling up slightly.
“I refuse to go. It’s absurd how heartless he can be. I can’t believe I once called him Dad. He’s unworthy of that title.”
Leila understood Sophie’s resentment but didn’t chastise her. Gently, she advised, “I know it’s hard to see him as your father, but remember, he is still family. That bond exists, even if it feels one-sided.”
Sophie was clearly troubled.
“Mom, don’t you understand? Family bonds mean nothing to him. His heartlessness knows no bounds.”
Even though Leila hadn’t shared the full extent of Landon and Lacey’s schemes, Sophie had pieced together bits of their plans. This only deepened her disdain for him. The more she had once respected him, the more she now found him despicable.
Leila felt a mix of amusement and resignation as she tried to soothe Sophie.
“That’s not quite my point. There might come a time when that connection could be useful if you face any difficulties. After all, you are his children, and in good health. He won’t be able to simply disregard you.”
Leila had considered all of this carefully. Despite her grievances with Landon and Lacey, she acknowledged that the Kensington Group was prospering. Despite the rise of the Nixon Group, it stood no chance against the well-established Kensington empire. Engaging in a direct confrontation could devastate both sides, possibly bankrupting the Nixon Group. Such an outcome might bring some satisfaction, but Leila could not afford to gamble with such stakes. The future of her children was her priority.
Currently, only Calvin and Sophie were in Burmoos, while Leila was overseas. Leila feared their impulsive actions might provoke Landon. Should that happen, she wouldn’t make it back in time to intervene.
Additionally, Leila was already feeling worn out. Her focus needed to be on Elma’s forthcoming surgery. Although success seemed likely, there were no certainties.
The family’s situation resembled walking a tightrope. Danger loomed around them, where a single wrong step could spell catastrophe. However, the ordeal’s end appeared near. They just had to endure this challenging phase, and all would be resolved.
Through Leila’s reassurances, Sophie began to find her peace and, feeling somewhat remorseful, admitted, “I’m sorry, Mom. I misunderstood you.”
Leila brushed it off with a soft smile, refusing to let something so trivial put a strain on her feelings for Sophie.
She contemplated rising early the following morning to prepare for Elma’s impending surgery. Reluctantly, Leila decided to cut the call short. After saying goodbye to Sophie, she headed off to meet with Calvin. Calvin had informed others that he was engrossed in crafting a model for an upcoming competition. However, in reality, he was deeply focused on deciphering an encrypted voice recording.
The program was sophisticated and complex, designed by a top-tier hacker for major corporations-far from easy to crack.
Moreover, Calvin was just a teenager. His passion for technology was intense, and although he was exceptionally bright, mastering such a complex task quickly was beyond his current capabilities. After all, others had dedicated years to such studies.
Calvin did have a network of experts he could consult to assist in deciphering the complex message. However, the matter was deeply personal and shrouded in family secrets. Therefore, he proceeded with caution, preferring to keep others out of it.
Upon hearing a knock, Calvin swiftly tidied up his desk. His wariness wasn’t directed at Sophie. Rather, he preferred to form his own insights before disclosing anything to his family. Otherwise, it would only stir up unnecessary worries.
A shadow of concern darkened Sophie’s features as she stepped into the room with deliberate gravity.
“Calvin, I’ve made the decision to go to their engagement party,” she declared, her voice firm with resolve.
Calvin, caught off guard, felt his heart skip a beat. The objects he was casually holding tumbled noisily to the floor. He didn’t need to ask-he already knew who Sophie was talking about.
His face twisted into a scowl, and with a tone laced with frustration, he questioned her, “Sophie, why on earth would you want to attend? Does it not tear you apart to see Landon and Lacey together? And that’s not the point. This is more than personal discomfort. It’s like voluntarily stepping into a viper’s nest. If we go, it might unleash a whirlwind of trouble.”
Calvin, typically composed, now radiated a rare, palpable distress, reflecting his profound distaste for Landon and Lacey.
Feeling trapped yet resolute, Sophie sighed. Her earlier conversation with Leila had shed new light on the matter. As long as Landon and Lacey maintained their composure, it was crucial for her and Calvin to preserve a superficial relationship with them-to avoid providing any pretext for hostility.
Leila, though absent, was perpetually concerned about their wellbeing. Any escalation of hostilities would inevitably place Leila in a difficult position. Driven by a desire to shield Leila from such turmoil, Sophie steeled herself for the inevitable sacrifice. She would show up, and leave just as quickly.
Once Calvin regained his composure, he grasped the implication behind Sophie’s words. He felt a mix of frustration and resignation wash over him, yet he firmly declared, “I’ll always feel uneasy about this. Sophie, I’m coming with you.”
Sophie raised her eyebrows in mild surprise.
“You really don’t have to come if you don’t want to. I’m just showing my face there. I don’t even intend to eat.”
Calvin shook his head firmly.
“No, it’s better if I accompany you. Otherwise, they’ll surely concoct some excuse to trouble you. They might question why your siblings aren’t present. Those people are notorious for fawning over the influential and stepping on the downtrodden. With Mom gone, they won’t miss a chance to target you. And I doubt Landon will stand by you.”
Sophie felt a swell of reassurance and gratitude, knowing Calvin cared so deeply. She nodded affirmatively and replied, “Alright. Let’s face this together.”
At the grand Kensington family house, Lacey was experiencing her first day as the future mistress of the manor.
One of her initial acts was to dismiss a few of the long-standing servants of the Kensington family household. She tactfully retained most of the staff, knowing that a complete overhaul would cause an uproar and displease Landon.
Key roles, particularly in the kitchen, remained unchanged. Her strategy was clear: surround herself with individuals devoted solely to her agenda.
Despite the divorce between Landon and Leila, many of the existing servants remained loyal to Leila, complicating Lacey’s transition into her new role.
Lacey had been itching to dismiss those servants for ages. As she watched them depart with their possessions, she was suffused with a deep sense of satisfaction.
Positioning herself flamboyantly at the garden’s entrance, Lacey was the picture of sarcasm.
“Didn’t you all claim Leila was good to you? Now you’re leaving? Why not call her? Maybe if she speaks with me, I’ll consider letting you stay.”
An elder servant paused, turning to face Lacey with a gaze filled with scorn.
“Even if Miss Nixon begged us to stay, we wouldn’t want to. With you in charge of the Kensington family, it’s best for us to leave sooner rather than later. Those who linger are truly unfortunate. Since you’re allowing us to go, we’re relieved, and everyone is eager to leave. We’ve heard the Nixon family is looking for new servants, and we’re considering going there. I’m sure Mrs. Kensington would welcome us.”
Lacey’s face blanched with fury at the retort. She longed to respond sharply, but the eyes of everyone around her were fixed on her. After all, she had started with biting sarcasm, and now she was met with a stinging rebuttal.
Fists clenched tightly, Lacey seethed silently. She understood the implications of their words. They saw her as unfit to manage the sprawling Kensington estate. Their preference was clear-they would rather leave quickly than remain under her supervision.
Determined, Lacey realized the need to assert her competence. Yet, her pride was a bitter pill to swallow. She stood on the verge of becoming Landon’s wife, yet she was met with disdain. They continued to address Leila as “Mrs. Kensington,” completely ignoring her impending title.
Bubbling with indignation, Lacey managed to restrain her fury, only to let out a mocking sneer.
“If my leadership displeases you so much, consider your final wages forfeited. You’re all so eager to leave-do so without delay.”
Traditionally, these staff members should have received their wages and severance upon termination. Now, Lacey withheld both compensation and their due pay. The departing staff cast glares filled with deeper scorn toward her. Still, they pressed on, unwilling to tolerate her leadership any longer, despite the financial loss.
Watching them retreat, their faces marked by grimaces of discontent, a smirk of satisfaction spread across Lacey’s face, and she hummed in smug triumph.
Not far off, the butler observed the entire scene unfold. Under his breath, he couldn’t resist scoffing.
“Fool.”
