Simon’s office was quiet in that intimidating, expensive way that suggested no one dared breathe too loudly inside it. Sophia stepped in with Dominic trailing behind her like a rainbow-colored emotional support system.
Simon sat behind his desk, posture straight, expression unreadable. Christoph stood near the window, hands tucked in his pockets, looking like a dark statue carved to intimidate lesser mortals.
“Good morning,” Sophia announced, her voice overly bright, betraying her nerves.
Simon studied her carefully. “Sophia. How are you feeling?”
“I am thriving,” she declared. “Glowing. Hydrated.”
Dominic choked on nothing.
Simon ignored that. “I heard about last night.”
Sophia froze. She considered fainting. She considered rolling under the desk. Instead, she sat very still and fo
