William walked into the nursery, looking agitated. “The investors are skittish. Cynthia’s article about the ‘unsafe’ building has done its damage,” he said, pacing. “We need to reassure them. I’m hosting a Grand Opening Gala for the Conservatory this Friday.”
“That’s wonderful,” Sophie said, forcing a smile through her fear of Beatrice. “It will show them the work is solid.”
“I can’t go alone,” William admitted, stopping near the window. “If I go alone, the press will paint me as the ‘Lonely Widower’ building a tomb. I need to look stable. Focused on the future.”
He turned to her. “I need you to come with me.”
Sophie blinked. “Me? But… I’m the nanny.”
“You are the only person Leo trusts,” William said, using his son as a shield for his own desires. “I want to bring Leo for the ribbon cutting, but he’ll need support. And… frankly, I could use the support too.”
It was a professional request on the surface, but the intensity in his eyes told a different story. He was asking her to step into the light with him.
“I’ll go,” Sophie whispered. “For Leo.”