Chapter 11: Crime

Sophia's horse crossed the finish line simultaneously with Owen's. Owen took off his hat and glanced at Sophia with a piercing gaze. He had almost lost to her. "Good job, reminiscent of Evelyn in her prime," Carter said with a light smile, his eyes revealing a touch of satisfaction as he looked at Sophia. Sophia, out of breath and pale, could still hear her pounding heart clearly amidst the noise. Coming to her senses, she finally said, "Thank you, Dad." It seemed like the first time Carter had praised her. "Come down," Benjamin approached Black, signaling for Sophia to dismount. Sophia glanced down, and the four-meter drop reignited her fear. She had just faced a life-threatening danger and been severely humiliated by Charlotte, and she had completely forgotten her fear of heights. Seeing Sophia stiff and pale, Benjamin guessed she was afraid of heights again. The way she had charged earlier, fearless and majestic, made him think she had overcome her acrophobia. Now, she h