Sophia couldn't help but sigh. “Do you really think one can offset the other?”

“Given the current situation, it’s inevitable that Mrs. Jackson will use her health issues as leverage to force them apart. If Mason severs ties with his family for Aurora, it’ll only make her suffer more.”

Derek tilted her chin upward, his eyes teasing as he examined her face. “Let me take a look. Any wrinkles yet?”

Sophia pushed his hand away with a hint of ...