She needed to hear what he would say next.
Magnus met her eyes again, something conflicted flickering there before he buried it under his usual composure.
“Since you’re refusing to be part of our project, I’ve decided I won’t force you anymore.”
Sophia watched him turn slightly to the side. Brent immediately stepped forward and handed him the white gift box he’d been holding.
Magnus took it and extended it toward her.
“This is for you,” he said. “It’s a dress.”
Instinctively, Sophia lifted her hands. The box settled into her palms.
Magnus opened the lid, his tone shifting into something calmer—almost thoughtful.
“As an auctioneer, your dress is your first impression,” he said evenly. “I hope that in the future, you continue to be as impactful and graceful in your dresses as you are now.”
Sophia lowered her eyes.
Inside lay a black dress.
Simple. Elegant. Timeless.
The brand name stitched inside was significant and expensive—but that wasn’t what made her breath catch.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she stared at it.
Because it was the same dress.
The same black dress her grandmother had given her before her very first auction.
The memory struck her so suddenly it almost made her dizzy.
She could see it clearly—
The memory came so suddenly it almost made her sway.
Her grandmother, Mila, standing in front of her with warm eyes and gentle hands. Mila had placed the dress into her arms that day, then held Sophia’s hands tightly.
“Always be graceful and impactful,” Mila had said in a soft, loving voice. “Chase your dreams. Protect what you love.”
Her eyes had shone with pride.
“But remember,” she had whispered, squeezing Sophia’s hands, “even if you sell treasures to the whole world… you are my most precious treasure.”
The words echoed in Sophia’s mind now as if Mila had just spoken them.
Sophia’s vision blurred slightly as she stared at the dress in the box.
“All right,” Magnus said, completely unaware of the storm of emotions running through Sophia.
He stepped back from the doorway, giving her space. “I’ll take my leave now. I’m sorry for disturbing your rest today.”
He gave her a small nod, then turned and began to walk away.
He had only taken a few steps when—
“Mr. Graves?”
