“Can’t I just… not go?”
Sophie’s voice quivered as she hurriedly grabbed her handbag. Every instinct she possessed screamed at her to leave.
The mere thought of standing before anyone from the Hale family made her stomach twist into painful knots.
On the other end of the line, Marcus closed his eyes briefly, forcing himself to remain calm.
“Sophie, listen to me.”
His tone was measured, though beneath it lay unmistakable urgency.
“My father specifically asked to see you. That means avoiding him isn’t an option.”
He paused, choosing his next words carefully.
“Out of everyone in my family, he’s the most rational. He’s nothing like my mother. He won’t lose his temper or do anything impulsive.”
Marcus was already gathering the documents scattered across the conference table as he spoke
