“Since the first time we met, I’ve had the feeling that you hold some kind of grudge against me.”
Then his expression shifted.
The confusion faded. The frown melted. His hands slipped behind his back as he straightened to his full height.
“Or is it,” he continued smoothly, “that this is just another technique?”
He tilted his head slightly, eyes narrowing with quiet arrogance.
“Showing anger. Acting indifferent. Trying to make me look at you twice… and chase you?”
Sophia stared at him in disbelief.
Then she laughed.
A short, incredulous sound.
“Are you serious?”
She looked at him as if he had completely lost his mind.
Magnus, however, only grew more composed. His jaw tightened slightly, his gaze unwavering, fully convinced he was right.
“If that’s not the case,” he said coolly, “then why are you refusing? Tell me your demands. Whatever they are, I’ll consider them. I’m willing to fulfill them if that’s what it takes to get you on this project.”
“My only demand,” Sophia said coldly, “is that you stop appearing in front of me, Mr. Graves.”
She took a small step back, creating distance between them.
“I have no interest in joining your project. I have no interest in helping you. And I have absolutely no interest in seeing you again.”
She held his gaze without wavering.
“So please stop approaching me everywhere and understand this clearly — I am not interested in any offer you want to make.”
She gave him a cold, disinterested look before turning on her heel and walking away.
Behind her, Magnus clenched his jaw, watching her leave. Something dark and restless stirring inside his chest.
“What is her problem?” he muttered under his breath, his voice edged with aggravation.
Brent, who had been standing behind him the entire time, stepped forward to stand beside him. He, too, was frowning.
“Mr. Graves… perhaps Miss Sylvia just doesn’t like men,” Brent said cautiously.
Magnus shot him a sharp look.
Brent cleared his throat and quickly added, “Or maybe she’s pretending to be harsh because she actually has a crush on you.”
Magnus’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“She knows the situation is complicated,” Brent continued. “Maybe she’s trying to hide her feelings. Why else would she act this way from the very first meeting? Isn’t it strange for a stranger to behave this aggressively?”
Magnus’s anger faded. His expression shifted.
His shoulders relaxed, and a confident smile curved on his lips.
“You’re right. That must be it.”
