Sophia’s voice stopped him.
It wasn’t loud, but it carried.
Magnus paused mid-step. His shoulders stiffened slightly before he turned around to look at her.
Sophia lifted her head. Her fingers still rested on the edge of the gift box, knuckles pale from how tightly she was holding it.
“Since I’ve already agreed to accept your project, I will fulfill the contract I signed.” She swallowed lightly before continuing, “I will assist with the auctions.”
For a brief second, something flickered across his face—surprise, then relief, then something dangerously close to satisfaction.
But before he could respond, Sophia lowered her eyes. Without giving him another glance, she closed the door.
Magnus’s expression shifted. The tension eased from his jaw, and a faint smile slowly spread across his face—as if something he had nearly lost had just slipped back into his grasp.
***
Emma sat in her office at Centurion Hall, the afternoon light pouring through the tall glass windows and casting sharp reflections across the polished desk.
A pair of thin-framed glasses rested on the bridge of her nose as she stared at the computer screen in front of her. On display were high-resolution images of rare jewels—emerald necklaces, flawless diamonds, antique sapphire brooches.
Her fingers moved with precision over the mouse, selecting pieces for the next auction.
But her mind was elsewhere.
Every few seconds, her eyes flicked toward the doorway.
Waiting.
Expecting.
The room was quiet except for the faint clicking of keys.
Across from her desk, Sophia sat on the cream-colored couch, a Macbook balanced on her lap. She typed steadily, researching diamond origins, refining item descriptions, adding detailed provenance notes. A small crease formed between her brows as she concentrated, completely unaware of Emma’s restless glances toward the door.
Emma removed her glasses and rubbed the bridge of her nose.
Why wasn’t he here yet?
Just then—
The door opened.
Emma’s back straightened instantly.
Lloyd, her assistant, walked in with a tablet in hand.
He was in his early twenties, freshly graduated, still carrying that eager energy of someone determined to prove himself. His steps were quick but careful as he approached Emma’s desk.
She leaned forward slightly. “Is it done?” she asked, unable to hide the tension in her voice. “Did you find anything?”
Lloyd nodded quickly, though he looked slightly startled by her intensity. He quickly tapped on the tablet, scrolling for a moment before pulling up a file.
“Yes, Ms. Creed,” he said, trying to sound composed. “I uncovered the video from that day.”
Emma’s fingers curled against the edge of her desk.
Lloyd continued, unable to hide the pride in his voice. “It was difficult to find camera recordings from that long ago, but I managed to pull some strings. Thankfully, we were able to recover it.”
