Chapter 17

Before Martha could say anything to comfort her, a stern voice suddenly echoed from upstairs. "Tell her to come up." Martha gave Sophia a quick nudge. "Go on, the old man's been waiting." Maybe he'd fall for Sophia at first sight, just like she did. Who knows? Sophia gave a small nod and carefully held onto the stair rail as she made her way up. She looked a bit nervous, glancing back at Martha now and then. Martha gave her a firm nod, and only then did Sophia seem to calm down a little as she continued to the second floor. Led by the butler, she stopped outside the study. Hesitated for a moment, then gently knocked on the door. "Come in." That deep voice made her heart sink. No matter how she braced herself, she still felt intimidated by Charles Brooks' presence. She slowly pushed the door open and walked in carefully, lips tightly pressed together. With a heavy thud, the butler shut the door behind her, making Sophia's body tense with fear. She lowered her head, not daring to look at