“She transferred several million into Violet’s account,” he continued, his voice turning cool and controlled. “I checked her financial records. The transfer happened the day before the incident at the party.”
His jaw tightened.
“I think that woman is involved in Violet’s plan.”
Sophia leaned back against the desk, her fingers loosely resting on the table.
She had never interacted with Celia directly before. There had been no connection, no conflict, no reason for hostility.
They had never even spoken, so what kind of grudge could Celia possibly have against her?
The answer felt obvious.
With all the rumors linking her and Magnus, it had to be about him. It had nothing to do with Sophia personally.
Her brows furrowed in confusion, anger slowly building in her chest. After a moment, she looked back at Elias. Her expression was steady, but there was a faint chill in her eyes.
“Thank you for letting me know,” she said evenly. “I’ll handle this matter.”
Elias studied her for a second, then unlocked his phone. The soft click of the screen lighting up broke the silence. He slid it across the polished table toward her.
“There’s something else.”
The phone stopped just inches from her hand.
Sophia glanced at him, puzzled, then reached out and picked up the phone. On the screen was a formal document.
It looked like a proposal.
Her brows drew together.
“What is this?” she asked, lifting her eyes to him.
Elias leaned back in his chair, his broad shoulders settling as he clasped his hands together.
“I have an opportunity for you,” he said, his voice deep and firm. “A once-in-a-lifetime chance. I suggest you don’t waste it.”
The room seemed to grow quieter.
“There’s an auction house in London. They’re looking for someone to develop and elevate their brand globally. The current boss is getting old and can’t manage everything anymore. He’s looking for a capable partner — someone who could eventually take over.”
Sophia’s grip on the phone tightened.
“They heard about you,” he added. “They contacted me. Asked me to speak with you.”
He held her gaze steadily.
“A lot of people want this position. What do you think? Do you want to go?”
Sophia’s heart gave a faint, unexpected thud.
He paused, then added more seriously, “If you accept, you’ll have to stay there. You can’t come back until everything is finalized and you’re properly settled. It’s a highly confidential deal. They’ll require you to stay off cameras until they’re satisfied. No public appearances. No media. And no one knows how long settling in will take.”
The words hung heavily between them.
“What do you think?” Elias pressed gently. “Do you want to join?”
Sophia lowered her gaze to the proposal again.
