Chapter 118 Unspoken Truths

Chapter 118 Unspoken Truths

Suddenly, the atmosphere became strangely tense.

Out of respect for the deceased, no one spoke much until the memorial service ended and they all headed to the restaurant together.

Penelope glanced from Clarence to Sofia, then to Kate, her eyes filled with confusion.

What exactly was going on here?

"Mr. Fisher, perhaps it's time we put everything on the table," Ethan said, finally breaking the silence. His voice was calm but firm.

All eyes turned to him. Kate froze for a moment.

What did he know?

It made sense that Ethan would have conducted his own investigation, but he wouldn't keep information from her without reason. Was this some kind of test?

Kate remained silent, waiting for what would come next. Her expression remained neutral, though her palms had grown damp with perspiration.

If her suspicions were wrong...

How would she face Clarence?

Despite her outward composure, she felt anxious about the potential revelation.

But Clarence didn't provide the answer she was hoping for.

"I don't believe I have anything to discuss," he replied flatly.

And with that, the table fell into an awkward silence.

The tension was unbearable. Penelope, unable to stand it any longer, encouraged everyone to eat, though each person at the table seemed lost in their own thoughts.

Sofia in particular seemed to be studying Kate intently.

By the time the meal ended, Clarence was already leading Sofia away. Kate didn't even get a chance to exchange a single word with her.

Kate watched their car disappear down the street, her mind filled with questions. A couple? They didn't seem like it to her. Their relationship felt more like a façade—something practiced rather than genuine.

"Kate, dear, we should head back," Penelope said, taking her arm. Kate nodded and turned away from the street.

Back at the mansion, Kate went upstairs to change clothes. Penelope seized the opportunity to pull Ethan aside into a corner.

"Tell me honestly, what's really going on? What's the story with Sofia? Why is she back now?"

Penelope frowned, her expression unusually serious.

Ethan narrowed his eyes and glanced up toward the second floor. "Mom, is there something you know that I don't?"

Penelope's eyes flickered briefly, but she didn't hide anything.

"Yes, I do know something, but only that Sofia's return is suspicious. When she left years ago, she swore she would never come back."

"Why?" Ethan pressed.

"Kate?"

They hadn't noticed Kate standing at the top of the stairs. She had already changed her clothes.

She descended the stairs slowly as Penelope opened her mouth, seeming reluctant to continue. Finally, Penelope motioned for them to sit on the sofa.

"There are things you might as well know," she said. "Your mother had one wish—that I never mention Sofia to you. I never understood why, but I'm sure she had her reasons."

She paused, then continued, "Since you asked, I'll tell you. When Sofia left all those years ago, she had a terrible fight with your mother. It was vicious. Sofia actually hurt Elizabeth—physically."

Kate's face paled. "How could that be? Sofia and my mother were such close friends."

Penelope remembered that day clearly. Sofia had cut Elizabeth with a knife.

She was the one who took Elizabeth to the hospital. Elizabeth made her promise to keep it a secret, so she never mentioned it. Kate had been just a baby at the time.

Kate looked disturbed. "How is that possible? Weren't they best friends?"

Penelope shook her head. "Only Sofia knows the answer to that."

Her instincts told her that Sofia harbored no goodwill toward Kate. She didn't support Kate meeting with her.

But some truths had to be faced eventually.

She recalled Elizabeth's words from years ago. "Richard, you think you can have everything just because I'm dead?"

She thought of Elizabeth's mentions of Sofia's strange behavior.

She remembered every argument Elizabeth had with Richard.

All these fragments seemed to be leading toward a truth—one that neither she nor Kate had discovered, whether in Kate's previous life or this one.

She suspected that Clarence and Sofia might be the key to unlocking this mystery.

Kate looked conflicted. "I still want to see her."

She looked at Ethan, who pulled her close and held her.

"Then we'll see her," he said simply.

No matter what Kate wanted to do, he would support her.

Though Penelope continued to advise against it, she didn't push too hard. Young people had their own ideas, and she didn't want to interfere too much.

That evening, Ethan arranged a meeting with Sofia on Kate's behalf.

They expected it to be difficult, but surprisingly, Sofia agreed readily.

They met at the Moonlight Cafe. When Kate and Ethan arrived, Sofia didn't look up, merely raising her hand to indicate they should sit down.

Sofia silently prepared coffee, finally pushing cups toward both of them after she finished brewing.

"I know why you've asked to meet," she said coolly. "Drink your coffee first. Let's talk later."

The cup made a crisp sound as she placed it on the table. Steam rose, blurring Sofia's expression.

Even through the mist, Kate could see the coldness in Sofia's eyes.

That coldness seemed to look through her at someone else.

Kate suspected Sofia was seeing Elizabeth when she looked at her.

Kate picked up her cup and blew on it gently, her demeanor calm.

"Sofia, let's be direct."

Sofia smiled. "Direct about what?"

"About whatever happened between you and my mother."

Kate looked up. Sofia paused, then leaned forward to examine Kate more closely. Ethan immediately moved his arm protectively in front of Kate. Sofia snorted and leaned back.

"Your boyfriend is certainly protective."

Sofia smirked, "Tell me, why are you and your mother always so lucky?"

Kate was puzzled.

What did she mean?

Could it be that...

"Were you in love with Richard?" Kate asked innocently.

"What?" Sofia's cold composure cracked instantly. She looked so flabbergasted that she nearly choked, her earlier icy demeanor completely shattered.

She gave Kate a look of utter disbelief while Kate sat there confused, not understanding what was wrong with her question.

Sofia had said she and Elizabeth were lucky, and the only common factor Kate could think of was Richard. After all, Sofia was with Clarence, and Elizabeth hadn't ended up with him. It couldn't possibly be about Clarence.

"Kate, what on earth would make Richard appealing to anyone? Do you think I'm blind?" Sofia rolled her eyes dramatically.

Kate nodded. "Fair point."

Wait, that wasn't quite right.

Wasn't that basically calling Elizabeth blind for marrying him?

Kate felt speechless.

As she struggled to respond, Ethan sat beside her listening to their exchange, the wariness in his eyes diminishing slightly.

Truthfully, he felt he might have overthought things.

He'd expected Sofia to employ some dangerous tactics, but judging from the conversation, she seemed to be all bluster.

Nevertheless, he would protect Kate no matter what.

Ethan moved closer, while across the table Sofia continued massaging her temples.

She truly felt that Kate had a talent for unintentionally provoking people.

Kate replied, "So then?"

Sofia sighed in exasperation. "So I was in love with Clarence, obviously. Don't be dense."

Kate nodded. "Oh, I see."

Clearly she had guessed wrong. Did Sofia really need to be so dramatic about it?