Joseph’s brows drew together as he considered her words, his fingers tapping lightly on his thigh. For a moment, he said nothing.
Then, slowly, his expression changed.
“Didn’t you hear about the woman everyone said he was involved with?” he asked, his voice thoughtful. “The only woman he kept by his side for years.” He frowned, snapping his fingers as if searching his memory. “…Celia Thompson.”
A calculating smile spread across his face.
“If you want to get rid of Sophia,” he said evenly, “then start by using Celia.”
Joseph pushed himself to his feet, straightening his back. He clasped his hands behind him, the smile on his lips widening as his thoughts took shape.
“Come with me,” he said calmly. “I’ll teach you everything.”
Violet’s eyes lit up instantly, excitement flickering across her face. She hurried after him without hesitation as they left the room together and entered Joseph’s study.
Chapter 8 Murder Her Husband
Sophia lowered the corn onto the plate beside the lasagna, carefully adjusting its position. She fussed over the presentation for a moment, then reached for the second plate, lifting both with care to walk back to the dining table.
“Does it really take you the whole day just to serve food?”
Magnus’s voice sounded suddenly right by her ear.
Sophia jolted. The plates clattered back onto the counter with a sharp crash, her heart nearly leaping out of her chest. She spun around, eyes wide, breath uneven.
“Are you a ghost?” she snapped. “Why are you walking so silently in your own house?”
The corner of Magnus’s mouth curved upward, a hint of mischief glinting in his eyes.
“Did I scare you?” he asked lightly. “Sorry.”
Sophia narrowed her eyes at him, studying his face as if trying to find the trick.
“What’s wrong with you today?” she demanded. “Have you lost your mind? Why are you suddenly so…” She paused, eyeing him from head to toe. “…well-behaved?”
Instead of getting annoyed, Magnus smiled.
The unexpected curve of his lips unsettled her more than anger ever could. Before she could react, he stepped closer and reached out, his fingers petting the back of her head.
Then he turned and walked away as if nothing strange had happened.
“Hurry and bring the food to the table,” he added over his shoulder. “I’m hungry.”
Sophia stood frozen, eyes fixed on his retreating back.
“What is wrong with him?” she muttered under her breath.
She drew in a sharp breath, pressing her lips together as if holding herself back, silently begging the universe for patience. Then she bent down and picked up both plates, the cool ceramic pressing against her palms. Turning, she carried them to the dining table.
One by one, she set the plates down, the soft clink of porcelain cutting through the quiet. Pulling out a chair, she sat, trying to focus on her meal.
They were nearly finished when Magnus finally broke the silence.
“Are you busy today?” he asked casually, lifting his glass for a sip of water. “Come with me to the swimming court.”
Sophia paused, her fork hovering midair. She lifted her eyes to him only for a second before answering flatly,
“No. I won’t.”
