648.Chapter 648
Sophie had always despised Eliza, and ever since her brush with death, that loathing had only deepened into intense hatred. Hence, the moment she saw the boy who looked just like her, her first instinct was to believe it was yet another of Eliza’s schemes.
What she didn’t realize was that her reaction had ended up giving Eliza the upper hand.
Eliza chuckled. “Looks like my dear sister also thinks he looks like you. Oh, wait. According to you, you two look exactly the same, right?”
“You think?” Sophie shot back, thinking Eliza was merely stating the obvious.
Burning with rage, Sophie glared at Eliza, only to see her suddenly burst into laughter.
“Did you hear that, Father?” Eliza asked mockingly. “What else do you have to say for yourself now?
“Take a good look at your pair of illegitimate children. Why do they look so alike? You know the answer better than anyone. Or do you need me to lay out every sordid detail of what really happened back then?”
“What are you talking about?” Sophie asked, still trying to make sense of the situation.
Just as Sophie was about to press further, someone barked, “Shut up!”
Startled, Sophie turned toward the voice, and only then did she see her usually lofty father kneeling on the floor of the grand hall, looking disheveled and defeated.
‘What’s going on?‘ Sophie wondered. ‘Isn’t this just about Eliza changing her last name? Why does this seem like a bigger deal than it really is?’
“Insolence! Lord Mowbay, what do you think you’re doing? How dare you raise your voice in the presence of His Majesty? Have you no respect?” James berated, his eyes piercing with fury.
Gabriel clenched his fists tightly, glancing at Nolan, who was watching him coldly from the side. With gritted teeth, he slammed his forehead against the floor. The dull thud was so jarring it made one flinch.
When Gabriel raised his head, blood was already dripping from his forehead. “Your Majesty, I beg your forgiveness,” he said hoarsely. “I lost my composure and behaved out of turn. Please punish me as you see fit.”
Gabriel had truly lost it this time. He never imagined Eliza would actually summon Sophie to the palace. He knew his daughters despised each other and was certain Eliza would never send for Sophiely unlocked, Sophie would never agree to
Successfully
come.
But against all odds, Eliza had called for her, and Sophie had actually come. ‘That fool!’ Gabriel thought.
1/2
648 Chapter 648
Standing with Rafe in the center of the court, their faces were a spitting image of each other for all to see. If Rafe bore such a strong resemblance to Gabriel, then Sophie and Rafe were, as she had put it, absolutely identical.
Eliza had said she would catch him in his lies, and she did.
‘If only this daughter of mine had been born a son, she might’ve been the heir I always dreamed of. Of course, that’s assuming she wasn’t a Padilla, Gabriel thought.
With a heavy sigh, he closed his eyes and remained kneeling.
Magnus made him kneel for a while longer, showing no intention of letting him get up anytime soon. The young King had long been displeased with Gabriel, and now, his disdain had only grown.
It was the perfect opportunity to teach Gabriel a lesson, and the King wasn’t about to let it slip by.
“It seems the Duke of Mowbay is growing old and senile,” Magnus said coolly. “He no longer remembers his place. After the court is dismissed, he will receive twenty lashes. May this serve as a warning.”
