Sophia's POV

Caelum seemed genuinely pleased with all three properties. I could almost glimpse the dawn breaking over the horizon—the contract was within my grasp.

But just as we were poised to move forward and sign, his phone rang.

He answered quickly, exchanged a few curt words, then ended the call.

"Sophia, I need your help with something—urgent," his voice carried an unexpected edge of haste.

"What's up?" I asked, curious.

He sighed deeply, frustration weighing down his words. "I'm such a fool. It's my mother's birthday today, and I completely blanked on it. Now I've got to scramble for a gift. But she's impossibly particular—if I pick it myself, it'll be a disaster."

I studied him quietly. Helping him choose a gift might not only smooth things over but possibly speed up the signing.

It was a small favor, and besides, I needed this deal as much as he did. I nodded in agreement.

"Alright. I'll help you pick something."

Relief washed over his face, and he smiled gratefully. "Perfect. There's a big mall nearby—I know the place."

We arrived at the area's largest shopping mall, and I guided him as we scoured for the perfect gift. Eventually, I settled on an exquisite jewelry set.

Just as we were about to leave, a familiar silhouette approached—Xavier.

His steps were measured and steady. Dark curls shifted subtly with his movement, and his eyes—deep, cold, and sharp—held a merciless focus that landed squarely on me.

Caelum immediately stepped forward with a practiced ease. "Xavier, what a surprise! Are you inspecting the mall?"

Only then did it register—the mall was a Knight family asset.

Though a few feet separated us, I felt the weight of Xavier's gaze as if it pressed against my skin.

"Out shopping with your girlfriend?" His voice was calm but carried a barely concealed sharpness.

A hand settled on my shoulder. Caelum draped his arm around me, flashing a teasing grin. "Not quite. We've known each other for a while. I like her, but I haven't figured out how she feels about me yet."

Xavier's eyes locked onto mine with a sudden intensity that left me nearly breathless.

"Sophia, shopping during work hours?" His tone was clipped, edged with a cold reprimand.

Caelum quickly interjected, shielding me. "Hey, don't blame her. This one's on me—I dragged her out."

I nodded, though my thoughts were tangled.

Xavier's gaze swept over me again, searching, weighing—as if trying to decode something beneath the surface.

After a few more formalities, Caelum started to lead me away, but Xavier stopped us.

"Wait, Caelum. I heard you're good at pool. There's a billiards lounge upstairs—want to play?"

Caelum's eyes lit up instantly. "Absolutely. It's been too long."

I blinked, puzzled. Why the sudden interest in spending time with me and Caelum? I was merely his employee.

But Caelum had already said yes—I had no choice but to follow.

We took the elevator up. Caelum kept his arm around me, while Xavier's penetrating gaze never left me. It felt suffocating.

Perhaps Xavier assumed I was the kind of woman who'd sacrifice everything for a sale. But he didn't know the truth—I was here for revenge.

Let him misunderstand. I had no energy left to justify myself.

The elevator dinged open. We stepped into the billiards lounge.

Xavier shed his jacket, revealing a fitted shirt stretched taut over broad, sculpted muscles.

His movement was casual yet magnetic, drawing the attention of everyone around—myself included.

My gaze involuntarily flicked to him, my heart quickening.

His physique was a perfect blend of raw strength and masculine allure.

Embarrassed by my own reaction, I quickly averted my eyes.

Xavier and Caelum began their game, immediately slipping into their rhythm.

They were both skilled—each shot precise and deliberate.

Caelum lost a few rounds and grumbled, clearly irked, but accepted defeat gracefully.

I sat nearby, quietly sipping water when Caelum strolled over, grabbed the bottle from my hand, and was about to take a sip.

Suddenly, a billiard ball rolled off the table and landed directly in front of us.

Startled, I reached out instinctively to stop it—but in doing so, knocked the water from Caelum's grasp.

Water spilled across the floor, and I lost my footing.

"Ah!" I cried as I stumbled backward, crashing onto the floor.

Drenched and disheveled, water trickled down my clothes.

My cheeks burned crimson with humiliation.

I struggled to stand, but pain flared sharply in my knee.

"Careful."

Xavier's voice cut through the chaos.

He moved swiftly, grasping my arm and pulling me up with firm, steady strength.

As I rose, I realized how close we were—close enough to catch the faint, refreshing scent of mint on his skin.

Caelum's gaze dropped to my bleeding knee.

"Sophia, this looks serious. Let me take you home and get you treated."

I shook my head, forcing a weak smile. "It's nothing. Just a scrape."

"No way. You're bleeding." Caelum reached down to lift me, but Xavier stepped in front.

"Caelum, Sophia is my employee. I'll take care of this."

His words caught me off guard. Since when did he show such concern?

"Xavier, really, I'm okay." I started to protest, but before I could finish, he bent down and scooped me into his arms.

"What are you doing?!" I exclaimed, struggling to break free.

But his grip was ironclad. His broad palm pressed firmly against my waist, pinning me in place.

"Don't move. You'll only make it worse," he said calmly but firmly. "Besides, if you don't rest now, it might affect your work."

The mention of work jolted me into silence.

He was right—if I let this injury slow me down, I could lose everything.

So I stopped resisting, letting him carry me to the elevator.

When the doors opened again, he carried me into the parking garage.

Gently, he opened the passenger door, eased me into the seat, then bent down to fasten my seatbelt.

"Where do you live?"

I hesitated briefly, then quietly gave him my address.