Sofia averted her gaze from Hubert, visibly flustered.

"Why ask something so ridiculous? Do you even think that makes sense?"

Hubert said nothing, his eyes locked on her. A fleeting flash of guilt crossed her face - a startled expression, unnatural movements, a flicker of unease.

He let out a derisive laugh.

"Don't forget, I'm the one who gave you the money to patch up your father's company's financial hole. I gave it, and I can just as easily take it back, Sofia."

He said it without ...