Sophia turned back toward him, her hair shifting over her shoulder. Her gaze dropped to their hands, then lifted to his face.
Magnus lifted his eyes at the same time.
Their gazes locked.
The air between them tightened.
As if burned, he finally released her hand and pulled his back. But his fingers, which had held hers only seconds ago, remained slightly curled, tense. He had to physically stop himself from stepping forward again.
His chest felt tight.
He wanted to grab her hand again.
The urge was overwhelming, almost impossible to control. It felt like something inside him was pulling him toward her, taking over his senses, overriding logic.
His jaw flexed sharply.
He forced himself to look away, swallowing down that strange, unfamiliar impulse. Then he straightened his posture, slipping back into his composed, professional demeanor. After a steadying breath, he lifted his head.
“I understand this is beneath you. And I know it’s not the position you want.”
He paused, holding her gaze.
“But Isabel has asked to take over this project and host the auction. I can’t refuse her.” His fingers flexed slightly at his side. “However, this project is extremely important. I can’t leave it entirely to her.”
He took one slow step closer.
“So I’m asking you for this favor.”
Sophia quickly slid her trembling hand inside her coat pocket, trying to hide the way her fingers had started to shake the moment he held them.
The warmth of his touch still lingered on her skin, burning through her nerves. She curled her fingers tightly into her palm, forcing them to be still.
Hearing his words only made her anger grow stronger. ‘So, to make your new girlfriend happy, you’re even willing to lower yourself and personally beg me?’
She stared at him as if he had just insulted her.
She could barely believe what she was hearing. Was he seriously asking her to help his new woman climb higher… while she stayed in the shadows, doing all the hard work?
The audacity!
The way Magnus stood there—calm, composed, as if this was a reasonable request—only made her blood boil. He expected her to agree. Just like that. Without hesitation. Without pride.
A bitter scoff slipped from her lips.
“Mr. Graves is never satisfied with just one, is he?” Her eyes turned cold. “You always want one woman to show the world… and another you use when it’s convenient.”
Her words made Magnus stiffen. A faint crease formed between his brows as he looked at her.
“What do you mean?”
Sophia looked straight at him, her eyes icy. “I’m not interested in your offer. Thank you for your very kind and generous opportunity, and for allowing me the honor of doing a favor for the great Empire Group.”
Her lips curved faintly, but there was no warmth in it.
“But unfortunately, I’m not interested. Please stop approaching me.”
Magnus studied her face carefully. The anger burning in her eyes, the frustration she was barely holding back — it only made him more suspicious.
