Sophia's POV
The air between us, the proximity, all of it tilted toward something charged and uncertain.
I made the decision. "The land parcel in the western district. If you agree to the alliance, we develop it together."
It was my most valuable card. Land my grandfather had left to me that no one in the family knew existed. A significant asset by any measure, offered as proof that I was serious.
When the words landed, something moved through Damian's eyes — a flicker of cold that passed too fast to analyze.
"So in Sophia's view," he said slowly, "marriage is just a transaction."
I had thought I was skilled at reading people. This man defeated every attempt.
"What else would it be?"
I could sense he was waiting for a specific answer.
"It's an exchange of interests. That's what yo
