Magnus went on, his voice calm but edged with urgency. “We’re holding an auction today. Unexpectedly, several key clients arrived without prior notice.”
He paused for a brief second.
“For this auction, we require someone with deep knowledge of natural diamonds. Someone who understands their history, value, and narrative. You’re more qualified than anyone to host this auction.”
Sophia stared at him, disbelief softening into overwhelm. The shock of seeing him hadn’t even faded yet. On top of that, she’d just discovered they would be working together in a week.
And now he wanted her to step intoday?
Everything felt rushed. Overwhelming.
Her lips parted slightly before she found her voice. “But this isn’t my project,” she said, her tone firm. “Why should I take responsibility for today? I’m sure you have your own auctioneers to handle these matters.”
“Yes, however this is an unexpected situation.” Magnus said sincerely, his expression turning serious. He clasped his hands behind his back, shoulders straight. “Our partners arrived without prior notice, and we’ve had to adjust the auction lineup at the last minute. Some of the pieces we’re presenting weren’t part of the original catalog.”
He glanced briefly at his assistant before looking back at her.
“Our in-house auctioneers are experienced, but they don’t have specialized knowledge of these new stones. The clients attending are collectors. Investors. They will ask detailed questions.”
Sophia’s expression turned thoughtful.
Magnus stepped a little closer, lowering his voice. “And we will pay you $50,000 per hour as your salary.” He said it calmly. His sharp eyes locked onto hers. “You wouldn’t refuse now… would you?”
Sophia’s eyes widened instantly. ‘$50,000 per hour?’
For a brief second, shock flashed across her face before she quickly controlled her expression. She inhaled slowly, forcing her features back to calm as her thoughts raced.
‘Are my feelings for him stronger… or my greed for money?’
She glanced at him from under her lashes.
A slow smile tugged at her lips. ‘Of course, my greed for money.’
“Alright,” she said smoothly, hiding her excitement. “I’ll host the auction for you.”
Magnus didn’t hide the satisfaction that appeared in his eyes. A faint smile curved his lips. “The auction starts in two hours. Let’s go.”
She nodded. “Please give me the address. I’ll meet you at the location.” She pulled her keys from her bag and gestured toward the car parked at the entrance.
Magnus followed the direction of her hand.
A red Corvette gleamed under the sunlight.
His expression changed instantly. A faint frown creased his forehead. “That’s your car?”
Sophia looked at him, slightly confused by his tone. “Yes. It’s mine.”
The familiar irritation rose inside him again.
But this time, it was ten times stronger.
His jaw tightened. He couldn’t even explain why the sight of her standing beside that car bothered him so much.
He turned away briefly, exhaling sharply, as if the view itself unsettled him.
Then he looked back at her.
“You should come with me,” he said, his tone firmer now. “We will go in my car. I can brief you on all the items for today’s auction on the way. Brent will drive us to the location.”
