Estelle’s call came through soon after, and Sophia picked up right away. “Estelle?”
“I just spoke to my brother,” Estelle said. “He’s fine. He said he was probably just having breakfast and didn’t see your call.”
Sophia was quiet for a moment. “Really?”
Estelle chuckled. “Really! I wouldn’t lie to you.”
Sophia hesitated, then said softly, “Alright. Thanks.”
As she hung up, a strange chill settled in her chest, pushing out the relief she thought she’d feel. Jason was fine—so he had chosen not to answer her calls or reply to her messages.
He’d picked up for Estelle, but not for her.
Even if he’d missed her call during breakfast, surely he’d have seen the missed calls afterward. Yet, not once did he call her back.
It felt as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped over her, soaking right through to her core.
Why would he do this?
Why was Jason suddenly shutting her out?
She racked her brain for anything that could explain his behavior. There’d been those rumors online accusing her of taking bribes from clients—he wouldn’t believe that, would he?
Maybe he saw that post on the Capital University forum? But the photos were old, taken with Robin years ago. Jason should know that. Was he really ignoring her over nothing more than some gossip?
Not a word of comfort, not even a returned call.
Sophia wrapped her arms around herself, a tangle of hurt, anger, and frustration clogging her throat. She bit her lip, eyes stinging with tears.
They’d only just gotten together, and this was how he treated her?
She grabbed her phone and booked a ticket to New York. Then she called Hannah to request some time off, got dressed, and headed to the airport.
Her mind was still reeling as she boarded the plane. Whether from anger or exhaustion, her eyes were puffy and sore. The flight attendant noticed and kindly offered her a cooling eye mask.
She managed to get a few hours of fitful sleep, ate a little, and felt marginally better by the time they landed.
*
That afternoon on Park Avenue, Sophia sat by the window in a corner café, watching Jason through the glass. He was impeccably dressed, deep in conversation with several business associates.
After about ten minutes, they all stood, exchanged pleasantries, and shook hands—a deal sealed, apparently. One by one, the others left, until only Jason remained, his gaze fixed on Sophia.
She looked away from the window and met his eyes, feeling unexpectedly calm.
Jason signaled for his assistant to leave, then drove her out to his place in the city.
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