Soon, the towering building of Magnus’s company came into view.
Sophia pulled the car into the parking area, and the two women stepped out, walking quickly toward the grand glass entrance.
But just as they approached the doors, two security guards stepped forward and blocked their path.
“Your ID card or appointment letter, please,” one of the guards said in a professional tone as his eyes settled on Sophia.
Sophia straightened slightly.
“I work for Mr. Graves,” she explained. “My name is Sylvia.”
The guard gave a polite nod but didn’t move aside.
“I understand, Miss Sylvia,” he said respectfully. “However, you still need an appointment to enter the building. Mr. Graves doesn’t allow walk-ins.”
He gestured slightly toward the reception desk.
“Do you have an appointment letter or an entry slip?”
Sophia’s shoulders stiffened.
For a moment she glanced at Emma, then back at the guards, clearly trying to think of a way inside.
Just then, the glass doors behind the guards slid open. Brent stepped out of the building.
The moment Sophia saw him, her eyes lit up.
“Brent?”
She called out his name quickly, relief flashing across her face as she lifted her hand to catch his attention.
Brent turned toward the voice. The moment he saw them, he walked over with a friendly smile.
“Miss Sylvia, what are you doing here?” he asked lightly. “We don’t have an auction scheduled today.”
“No, I know,” Sophia said quickly, releasing a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
She stepped closer, lowering her voice slightly.
“Actually… I wanted to meet Mr. Graves. Is he in the office? Would it be possible for me to speak with him?”
Brent’s expression shifted slightly.
“Mr. Graves isn’t at the office today,” he replied. He slipped one hand into his pocket as he continued. “He had to attend something important. I’m not exactly sure where he is right now.”
Sophia’s shoulders dropped.
Beside her, Emma’s face instantly fell, disappointment and worry spreading across her expression.
“I see…” Sophia murmured softly. “Thank you anyway.”
She gave Brent a small smile before turning away.
The two women walked slowly back toward the parking lot. The building behind them felt even more imposing now.
When they reached the car, Emma finally spoke, her voice tight with anxiety.
“What should we do now?” Emma asked, her face tight with worry.
