Chapter 225

"Huh?"

"You'd make an excellent matchmaker with that silver tongue of yours." Sophia couldn't help but laugh. "Those professional matchmakers online are quite popular these days, but you're even more persuasive than them."

Vivian's voice crackled through the phone, indignant. "Sophia! I'm being sincere here, and you're making fun of me?"

"I'm serious." Sophia pressed her lips together to suppress a smile. "Your eloquence truly suits the profession."

"Oh, you—!" Vivian huffed. "Who do you think I'm worrying about? Decent men are practically extinct these days, and you're still dragging your feet!"

Sophia gazed at the sunset outside her window, her voice softening. "Mm, I know. I'm so touched I could cry."

"Enough with the sarcasm. The director's calling me." Vivian's tone turned hurried. "Remember what I said! A man like Sebastian Valdemar doesn't come around often!"

Before the call ended, Sophia received an exaggerated cheering sticker. Shaking her head with amusement, she turned—only to meet a pair of deep, penetrating eyes.

Sebastian stood a short distance away, her bag in hand.

"The studio's cleared out," he said, stepping closer. "I noticed you weren't there, so I brought your things."

Sophia took the bag, her fingertips brushing lightly against his knuckles. "Thanks. I was just on a call."

She silently thanked her lucky stars Vivian's outrageous comments hadn't been overheard.

At the end of the hallway stood a glass door. Sebastian quickened his pace to open it. Just as Sophia was about to thank him, a group of crew members carrying equipment surged past. He waited silently by the door, holding it open until everyone had passed before finally releasing it.

That small act of consideration warmed her heart.

It was precisely this kindness that made Vivian's suggestion seem all the more absurd. He deserved better.

As they stepped out of the television station, Sophia was about to say goodbye when Sebastian spoke first. "Dinner?"

"Can't." She waved her phone. "Still have a design draft to finish."

Streetlights flickered on one by one, casting dappled neon shadows across his sharp features. Suddenly, he called her name softly. "Sophia."

"Hmm?" She glanced down at her messages, her lashes fluttering like delicate fans under the glow.

For the cameras, she'd worn more makeup than usual. Her typically understated face now glowed with a radiant charm. Unconsciously, he took half a step closer. "You don't have to push yourself so hard. I could— Look out!"