Chapter 51

Sophie’s pov ; "There’s no one I know with that name," I said, almost to myself, as Jenna had mentioned the name “Brandon Carpenter.” Why did it sound so...strange? My chest felt tight, like there was a weight pressing down on it. It hurt in a way I couldn’t explain. "Sophie, what’s wrong with you?" Jenna’s voice pulled me back to the conversation. I pressed a hand over my chest, willing the sensation to go away. "Nothing," I said, trying to sound casual. "I just think…that name feels very…special." There was a slight pause on her end before Jenna continued. "The Carpenter family still holds a high status here in London, but their reputation faded after something happened over ten years ago. It led to the family’s decline. Now, they’re considered second-rate." I felt an odd pang of sadness. "What happened?" The question tumbled out before I even thought about it. "Sophie, you never cared about wealthy family drama before. Why are you curious about the Carpenters now?" "I…I don’t know."