She didn’t wait for an answer. Walking straight up to Sophia, she wrapped her in a warm hug. Then she turned to Magnus and fixed him with a sharp look.
“I wanted to make a good impression on her, but you ruined it.”
Sophia smiled politely. “Mrs. Graves, thank you for thinking of me. It’s really okay. I don’t mind.”
Sophia noticed she was slightly taller than Camila. Camila looked gentle but strong, her presence warm and lively, far younger-looking than any woman who had raised three grown sons.
Camila took Sophia’s hands, smiling brightly. “I’ve been wondering how you’re adjusting to the new house. Don’t worry about anything—if there’s even the smallest problem, just tell me, and I’ll take care of it for you.”
Sophia smiled and nodded.
Camila pulled her toward the couch, helping her sit down beside her.
“I saw your auction the other day,” Camila said brightly. “I was with a friend, and she showed me a video of you. I couldn’t believe how beautiful and fierce you looked. It was fascinating.”
She shook her head in disbelief.
“I never thought we’d have an auctioneer in our house,” she continued, laughing softly, “but look at you. My friend said she couldn’t take her eyes off you—you looked so graceful and confident.” Her eyes sparkled with pride. “I was so happy that I ended up bragging about you to all my friends. When I showed them the video, everyone loved it so much!”
She leaned closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “When I take you to meet them, they’ll probably ask for your autograph.”
Sophia’s heart jumped—happiness blooming alongside sudden nervousness.
“Thank you, Mrs. Graves,” Sophia said, visibly stunned.
In high society, all she had ever heard about her profession was criticism. Auctioneering was looked down upon—especially among families whose status came from business empires.
Standing on a stage and selling items, no matter how valuable, was considered improper. Again and again, she had been told to give it up and do something “respectable.”
That was all she had heard since the day she started working.
Because of that, she had assumed Camila would be the same. She had even prepared herself for the inevitable—being asked to quit her job after marrying into the Graves family.
But instead…
Camila was praising her.
Bragging about her.
Showing her off to friends.
Something in Sophia’s chest softened—something she hadn’t realized had been tense for a long time.
Camila picked up a glass of water from the table and handed it to her.
Sophia accepted it automatically.
“We’ll also be hosting several auctions in the coming months,” Camila continued. “I’ll arrange for you to be the auctioneer. In fact—” she smiled mischievously, “—we’ll make them even bigger.”
She smiled with unmistakable pride. “I’ll make them so grand that when you step up to announce the items, people will be watching you more than the items being auctioned!”
“Don’t do that,” Magnus said at once, displeasure clear on his face.
Camila ignored him completely. Instead, she turned to Sophia and flashed her a bright smile.
Before Sophia could say a word, Camila pointed toward the table across the room. “Look at all of that,” she said cheerfully. “You have to take them with you before you leave.”
She glanced at Magnus pointedly. “You’re carrying all of them. Don’t forget.”
