He leaned back just a fraction, one arm resting against the chair, posture relaxed but closed off. “Let’s discuss the deal. I don’t have much time.”
Celia’s smile faltered—but only for a second.
She masked it immediately, letting out a soft laugh as if she hadn’t been cut off at all. “Of course,” she said lightly. “But first, let’s have a drink.”
She rose smoothly from her seat, heels clicking softly against the floor as she reached for the bottle of champagne she had ordered—one of the most expensive options on the menu. She poured his glass first, then her own, the bubbles rising between them.
“We were friends for so long,” she added with a smile, sliding the glass toward him. “We haven’t seen each other in years. Surely we can share one drink.”
The glass stopped right in front of him.
“Here,” she said softly. “Tell me if you like this one.”
Magnus stared at the champagne for a moment, his jaw tightening almost imperceptibly.
He took a slow breath.
Then he reached out, picked up the glass—and drank.
Meanwhile, in another private room farther down the corridor of the same restaurant, Sophia took a slow sip of champagne, her gaze lowered to the auction list in her hand.
She swirled the champagne in her glass absentmindedly while scanning the paper, her brows slightly drawn in concentration. Just then, the sound of the door opening cut through the quiet.
She lifted her head.
Emma stood at the doorway—grinning.
And she wasn’t alone.
Emma was still dressed in the same outfit she had worn that morning. Beside her stood a man Sophia hadn’t expected to see.
He was tall, broad-shouldered, and impeccably put together. Dark, tousled hair framed a strong, chiseled face, and his sharp jawline caught the light as he tilted his head slightly. His eyes—dark, intense, and unreadably confident—held a teasing glint, and the faintest curve of a smile played on his lips. Hands tucked casually into his pockets, he radiated an effortless charm.
Sophia’s face lit up instantly as she rose to her feet.
“Elias?” she exclaimed, surprise and delight flickering openly across her expression.
“Surprise!” Emma said brightly. She looped her arm around Elias’s and pulled him inside, tugging him toward the table. “He had a business meeting here,” she explained cheerfully. “When I spotted him, I dragged him along.”
Sophia pushed her chair back and walked toward them, her smile genuine. She hugged Elias at once, wrapping her arms around him. Elias chuckled softly and returned the hug, patting her back before stepping away.
“How’s everything going?” he asked warmly. “It’s been a long time since I last saw you.”
Sophia clicked her tongue, shaking her head dramatically. “Please. You’re too busy making money to remember I exist, and I’m too busy helping your sister make even more of it.”
Elias smiled at that, amused. Emma laughed openly, and Sophia couldn’t help but giggle along with her.
“Come on,” Emma said, standing up. “Let’s head out and go somewhere else. I’m bored here.”
Sophia nodded, and quickly gathered her things from the table. The three of them stepped out of the room together, walking down the quiet corridor side by side.
Elias lifted his hand and extended the shopping bag he’d been carrying toward her.
“This is for you.”
All three of them halted mid-step.
Sophia blinked in surprise before breaking into a smile. She accepted the bag. “For me? I never say no to gifts.”
