I accompanied Samuel to a stock auction.
The moment the audience saw me, prominent figures from every major family hurried over, each one effusively asking after my well-being. I saw straight through their performative concern. I sidestepped them coolly, scanning the room until my eyes found Ethan.
The auction was for shares in Ethan's company. Since his reputation had collapsed, no one dared to do business with him anymore, and the company was on the verge of bankruptcy. I had no interest in his affairs, but since Samuel wanted to come, I joined him.
Ethan's eyes lit up the instant he saw me. "Sophia, is your hand alright? I've been repenting every single day. I misjudged people so terribly. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for you, and for our son."
I didn't spare him a glance. "I'm here to buy
