The numbers written in the contract were enormous. The benefits and working conditions were incredibly generous.
Her thumb slowly scrolled through the terms, line by line. The working conditions were favorable. The authority they were offering her… was significant.
It was tempting.
But it was also sudden.
London.
A fresh start.
Distance.
Her lashes lowered, hiding the flicker of emotion in her eyes.
“I need time to think about it,” she said at last.
Elias studied her carefully, his sharp eyes softening just a fraction. “Sure. But don’t take too long. It’s important, and it can’t wait forever.”
“I won’t,” Sophia replied with a small smile.
The tension on his face eased a little.
Just then, the office door swung open with a soft creak. Emma popped her head inside, her hair bouncing lightly as she looked around.
“Sophia! I have a party tonight,” she said quickly. “I need your help getting ready. Are you coming with me? I booked a room at a hotel so I can change there.”
“Sure,” Sophia answered, already rising to her feet.
She rose from her seat, smoothing down her skirt, slipping the phone back across the table toward Elias. She gave him a brief look.
“I’ll think it over,” she said. “Give me some time. I’ll let you know.”
Elias nodded and stood as well. As he approached the door, Emma was still half inside the doorway, blocking the exit.
Without breaking stride, Elias lifted a finger and pushed it against her forehead, moving her aside.
“Hey!” Emma whined, stumbling back a step, rubbing her forehead as she shot him an annoyed glare.
He walked past her calmly, as if nothing had happened.
Sophia couldn’t help the faint curve of amusement that tugged at her lips.
She then walked over to Emma. The moment she stepped closer, Emma’s irritation vanished instantly. Her face broke into a bright, wide smile. She slipped her arm through Sophia’s, clinging to her affectionately.
“Come on,” Emma said excitedly, already tugging her toward the hallway.
Together, they walked out of Centurion Hall.
***
Gregory stepped out of the elevator and headed toward the CEO office at Empire of Diamonds, his footsteps echoing faintly against the polished marble floors.
The entire floor was wrapped in silence, the kind of silence reserved for the highest level of power. Even the staff outside moved carefully, afraid to make unnecessary noise.
At the center of the vast CEO office, behind a sleek black desk, Magnus sat leaning back in his chair, eyes closed.
His tie was loosened slightly. The faint shadows beneath his eyes were impossible to miss. One hand rested on the armrest, fingers tapping slowly.
