“Good to meet you,” she replied in a cold, uninterested voice.
Then she turned back to the tablet.
Magnus’s brows drew together slightly. His hand remained suspended in the air for a second before he slowly lowered it.
He looked… unsettled.
Clearing his throat, he straightened his back.
“I own the Empire of Diamonds,” he said, a faint edge of pride in his voice. “I’m sure you’ve heard of the Empire Group?”
He adjusted his cuff slightly before continuing.
“We handle diamond distribution worldwide. The Empire of Diamonds is the largest company in the gemstone industry.”
He spoke smoothly, but there was something else beneath it — a quiet need for acknowledgment.
Almost as if listing his achievements would force her to look at him. As if reminding her of his status would make him worthy of her full attention.
As if hewantedher attention.
Sophia didn’t even look up from the tablet this time.
“Yeah,” she said casually.
And fell silent again.
Seeing the disinterest on her face, disappointment flashing briefly in Magnus’s eyes before he masked it. An unfamiliar feeling settled in his chest. His jaw tightened slightly.
He frowned.
“Miss Sylvia,” he said slowly, his voice lowering, “why do I feel like you have a problem with me?”
His expression tightened, confusion mixed with irritation. “Did I do something wrong?”
This time, she finally looked at him.
She placed the tablet down on her lap and turned her body slightly to face him. Her eyes were calm, but there was a quiet sharpness behind them.
“It’s not about your business,” she said evenly.
A small pause.
“It’s personal.”
Chapter 14 Unforgivable
Magnus stiffened.
The faint confusion on his face deepened into something sharper.
“This is the first time we’ve met,” he muttered. “What personal grudge could you possibly have against me?”
Sophia remained silent for a few seconds. Her posture stayed straight, her chin slightly lifted. She didn’t even give him a full look.
“It’s not something I want to reveal, Mr. Graves,” she said calmly. “I’m sure it’s not of any importance to you either. Let’s focus on getting the job done. I’ll be out of your hair soon.”
Without waiting for his response, she turned her head dismissively and looked out the window, clearly shutting him out.
