After Sophia Reed and Nathan Torres finalized the contract, Sophia rubbed her hands awkwardly.
“Sorry you had to see that mess today.”
Nathan, being an outsider, had unintentionally witnessed far too much of her personal drama with her ex-husband. The embarrassment still lingered.
But Nathan didn’t seem the least bit interested in her gossip. He simply draped his suit jacket over his arm and said calmly,
“I’ll drive you home. Your ex-husband might still be outside, and I’d rather make sure you get back safely.”
Sophia sighed. “God, today was such a disaster.”
When Nathan folded his chair and started to leave, Sophia followed behind, head down. Just as she raised the contract in her hand, Nathan stopped suddenly—and she crashed right into him.
“Ow!”
She winced, clutching her forehead, glancing around to see what she’d hit—but there was nothing there.
“Why’d you stop so suddenly? That’s gonna leave a bruise for days.”
Nathan turned back; Sophia was still rubbing her forehead, where a red bump had already appeared.
He stayed cool as ever. “Wait in the car. I forgot something inside.”
He returned to the restaurant, while Sophia muttered under her breath and slipped into his car. It was immaculate—just like the man himself.
She glanced around, studying the neat interior. “Of course his car’s cold and lifeless too. No wonder he doesn’t have a girlfriend,” she mumbled.
Before she could snoop any further, Nathan came back. Sophia froze, instantly transforming from snarky commentator to obedient passenger, buckling her seatbelt like a chastised schoolgirl.
“Why aren’t you starting the car? Did you forget something else?”
Ten minutes passed. Nathan still didn’t drive off. The silence inside was suffocating, and Sophia could practically hear her own heartbeat echoing.
Then her phone buzzed sharply, shattering the tension.
She expected it to be from her brother, but the nickname flashing on the screen made her stomach twist. It was her.
The message dripped with malice:
“Pathetic. You think you can play the victim when you’re just the mistress who got caught? Didn’t that slap earlier hurt enough?”
Sophia muttered curses under her breath. Nathan glanced over briefly, then started the car without a word.
When they reached the Reed Estate, Sophia bolted from the car clutching her folder, not even bothering to say goodbye.
Nathan watched her sprint off. “What, is there a man-eating lion waiting inside?”
No lion—but plenty of cunning foxes. Nathan was no ordinary man; she’d learned that much today.
Inside, Sophia tossed the folder and her phone onto the couch. “I’ve already signed everything. Nathan said he’ll come by to see Dad later—he’s probably parking now. I’m heading upstairs.”
Without waiting for a reply, she hurried up the staircase, phone in hand, calling someone she hadn’t spoken to in years.
“Hey, my little princess! I thought you’d forgotten about me—it’s been ages.”
The familiar warmth in his voice calmed her nerves, though she stayed cautious. “I ran into Vanessa Cole at the restaurant today. Things got ugly, but it’s over. Now she’s texting me threats—calling me shameless, saying she’ll make me pay. Can you find out what’s going on?”
There was no way Sophia had sent anyone after Vanessa; she’d left the restaurant immediately after the deal. It could only be investigated by her trusted friend.
A while later, Ethan Reed showed up with a basket of fruit.
“Dad wants you to start getting familiar with the company. Most of the shares will be under your name, so he’s pushing hard. Don’t take it personally—he just wants you prepared.”
Inside her room, Sophia was nibbling an apple, her brow furrowed. Ethan looked at her worriedly but still reminded her, “Don’t overwork yourself.”
“I know Dad means well,” she said softly. “But honestly, shouldn’t you be the one running the family business?”
Ethan didn’t answer—he had his own plans. He handed her a glass of milk. “I know you were up late last night. Drink this and get some rest. Oh, and Dad wants Nathan to stay for dinner tonight—so be ready.”
They both knew what that meant. Mr. Reed clearly wanted Sophia and Nathan to grow closer—maybe even spark something. Anything to make her forget Alexander Kane, that worthless man.
Sophia groaned inwardly. Marry Nathan? That cunning fox? He’d peel my skin before kissing me.
“I know, Ethan. You can go.”
