Magnus felt something tighten in his chest.
He inhaled deeply, but the breath did not soften his eyes. His jaw tightened slightly as he turned to look out the window on his side.
Yet he couldn’t stay still.
His gaze kept drifting back to her.
To the curve of her cheek.
To the calm indifference on her face.
To the fact that she didn’t even seem affected by his presence.
It irritated him.
Unsettled him.
‘Why does she act like I’ve done something unforgivable?’
The car finally slowed.
Brent pulled into the entrance of the Empire Auction Hall, the grand building glowing under golden exterior lights. At the last moment, the car came to a smooth stop.
Magnus stepped out first, adjusting his suit jacket as soon as his shoes touched the ground. His expression returned to cold professionalism.
Sophia stepped out from the other side. The cool air brushed against her skin.
Brent drove off to park the car.
Without exchanging words, Magnus and Sophia entered the Empire Auction Hall together. Their footsteps echoed across the polished marble floor as staff members greeted Magnus with respectful nods.
Magnus guided her through the main area and down a corridor toward a private room beside the grand hall.
He pushed the door open and stepped inside.
Sophia followed.
But they weren’t alone.
Across the room, seated at a table with her legs elegantly crossed, was Isabel.
The moment Isabel saw Magnus enter, her face lit up.
She stood abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor, and hurried toward him in quick, eager steps.
“Magnus!”
Her voice was bright, almost musical.
Before he could react, she reached him and immediately wrapped both her hands around his arm, clinging to him.
“You’re finally here! I’ve been waiting for you for so long,” she said brightly, her voice filled with excitement. “I was at work, but when I heard you were personally attending this auction, I came right away.”
She tilted her head slightly, smiling sweetly.
“It’s been so long since we met properly. Aren’t you happy to see me?”
She giggled softly.
