Chapter 200

Chapter 200:

Uneasiness pricked at Sophie under Theo’s steady gaze, so she lightened the mood with a teasing smile. “Of course I’ll miss you! I don’t meet supervisors as fair and professional as you every day p>

“You could come with me, you know,” Theo said at last, his voice carrying the weight of a decision he had been holding back.

That caught Sophie completely off guard. “What p>

“The company I’m joining still needs one more designer,” Theo said quickly, almost as if he feared she might say no too soon. “If I put in your name, they’ll hire you without hesitation. You’re too talented for them to overlook. Work with me, and I’ll see to it that you get the best projects and every resource you need. This could take your career to the next level p>

Her lips parted as Sophie searched for a response. This was not at all what she had expected to hear from him tonight.

Theo mistook her pause for consideration and said gently, “You don’t have to decide now. Take your time. When you’re ready, my door will always be open p>

Sophie finally shook her head, her expression gentle but resolute. “Thank you, Theo. I truly mean that. But my choice is to stay at Pinnacle Jewelry p>

Had Theo made this offer just a day earlier, she might have wavered. An international company could open doors to the world, giving any designer the chance to grow beyond their limits. However, after the ordeal with Sadie, she felt more connected to Pinnacle Jewelry than ever before.

“You should talk to someone else on the team,” Sophie said gently. “I’m sure plenty of them would jump at the chance p>

“I asked you for a reason,” Theo said, his words tumbling out as if he couldn’t hold them in any longer. “And it’s not only about your talent p>

Locking eyes with her, he went on, “I’ve been paying attention to you from the day you started here. Your commitment and determination have always stood out to me. At first, I thought I’d wait and promote you when you had more experience, but you didn’t need me—you earned it on your own. Sophie, I… I like you. Would you consider p>

𝗦𝗮v𝘦 уо𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝗮vо𝗿it𝗲 n𝘰vе𝘭𝗌 𝘰𝗻

“She won’t.” The interruption cut through the air, cold and commanding.

At the far end of the hallway, Adrian appeared, his stride quick and purposeful. When he reached them, his arm wrapped firmly around Sophie’s waist, pulling her close against him. Beneath the edge of his mask, Adrian’s jaw was rigid, and his eyes held a cold, cutting glare fixed entirely on Theo.

Theo went pale. His stunned gaze shifted from Adrian to Sophie, who was still pressed against Adrian’s chest. His throat felt dry as he managed to ask, “Who is he p>

Caught completely off guard, Sophie felt heat rush to her cheeks. Adrian’s sudden arrival at such a sensitive moment left her scrambling for words. She tried to push Adrian back, but he didn’t move an inch.

Accepting there was no way out, she turned toward Theo. “Theo, this is my husband p>

“You’re married?” Theo’s voice cracked with disbelief. Work had always been his sole focus, and office gossip never reached him, so the news hit him like a blow. A rush of emotions swirled through him—shock, awkwardness, and a sting of disappointment he couldn’t hide.

Sophie’s own embarrassment deepened. She hadn’t anticipated Theo’s confession, and Adrian’s perfectly timed entrance only made everything more uncomfortable. “I’m sorry, Theo. I had no idea you didn’t know p>

Color drained from Theo’s face, and the weight of disappointment seemed to pin him in place. When he finally found his voice, it came out dry and restrained. “No need to apologize. I was out of line. But my offer still stands. If you ever feel unhappy here, you’ll always have a place with me. As director, I can still bring in the designer I choose p>

Even as he spoke, there was a lingering heaviness in his tone, but beneath it lay a genuine respect for Sophie’s ability. The words struck Sophie unexpectedly, leaving her moved. Theo had truly been a designer worth admiring.

Before Sophie could find a way to reply without wounding his pride, Adrian cut in and answered for her.

“There’s no need for that,” Adrian said coldly, a faintly mocking curve on his lips. “A design director talking like he runs the world? Spare me. Before you start bragging about who you can hire, make sure you can keep your own position p>

Theo’s temper flared at once. His face flushed with anger, but words failed him, leaving him standing there in fuming silence.

Message from Noa: Beautiful Friday dear reader. God loves you and Noa wishes you all the best. p>