Chapter 153

Sophia was just chilling at the top of the stairs, one hand on her knee, the other patting her chest, huffing and puffing like she’d run a marathon. Her face was all flushed, her hair a bit of a mess, and you could see a layer of fine sweat beading on her forehead.

She caught Brandon’s eye and felt a bit embarrassed.

“Today’s the grand opening of the new company, and everyone’s buzzing with excitement. Why don’t you come and celebrate with us?” she said awkwardly. “Honestly, people love it when the boss lets loose and hangs with the crew. Makes you feel less like the big man upstairs, you know?”

Brandon glanced at her still-thumping chest, then at her damp, rosy cheeks, before his gaze settled into her eyes. “Did you specifically come looking for me?”

The word “specifically” hung in the air between Sophia and Brandon, loaded with unspoken meaning, given their complicated relationship.

She hadn’t thought it through his solitary silhouette had just popped into her head, and on a whim, she’d dashed up to find him. “Not really,” Sophia replied, her cheeks coloring. “It’s just everyone’s heading out to party, and it seemed like a bummer for the big boss to be missing out.”

She glanced at the now-deserted office, then back at him. “You’re here burning the midnight oil all by yourself. If work’s not screaming for attention, why not take a break? Don’t push yourself too hard.”

Kent looked over at Sophia, a tad surprised.

Her casual concern for Brandon was kind of sweet and unexpected.

Brandon threw him a glance.

Kent, taking the hint, quickly made his exit. “I’ll leave you two to chat. Mr. Dempsey’s waiting for me to join the celebration. I’ll head over so no one’s kept waiting.”

With that, he bolted.

Brandon’s eyes lingered on the sweat on Sophia’s forehead, and he casually grabbed some tissues from a nearby desk, walking over to her.

Standing in front of her, he reached out with the tissue towards her forehead. “Did you take the stairs?”

“Yeah, the elevator was out of service,” Sophia replied, taking the tissue from him with an awkward smile. “I’ve got it.”

He gave

her a look but didn’t fight her for it, handing over the tissue.

After drying off, Sophia turned to him again. “So, you coming?”

He nodded. “Sure, why not?”

A smile flickered across her face, and a hint of one appeared in his eyes too.

“Let’s go,” he said, and they headed down together.

Don had texted Sophia the details for the get-together.

He’d booked a rooftop farm with its own BBQ and bonfire setup.

By the time Sophia and Brandon arrived, everyone was already in full swing some prepping the food, others manning the grills, chatting and laughing in little clusters.

Brandon’s entrance caused a momentary freeze, everyone suddenly self-conscious.

Sophia, all smiles and warmth, called out/”Keep the fun rolling. Don’t mind us!”

demeanor and innocent charm quickly eased the tension, and the party vibe bounced back.

skewers for Brandon. “Want to

standing side by side with her at the grill.

hand. Seeing Sophia and Brandon

actually up for this kind of thing?”

the skewers

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08:125

no problem at all, Don replied, thrilled. “Just saying, it’s good to relax every now and then, take a breather.” Brandon ignored him,

plate of oysters and called Sophia over to

a

it,” quickly dismissing the idea of Sophia joining her..

busy oyster crew, then back at Brandon. “I’m gonna go help

of

else.

gatherings, nudged him. “Why force yourself

glanced towards Sophia again.

Among the chattering girls, Sophia’s serene presence stood out;

he show much interest in BBQ. Social gatherings weren’t his

a work call came through on his phone.

had dropped their tasks and was now dancing around the

for Sophia but didn’t

with the oysters, absentmindedly grilling skewers, occasionally glancing at the lively crowd with a smile, but

by her side, picking

placing the skewer on the grill.

his sudden appearance melted into ease as she turned

she asked, having spotted Brandon on the phone just moments

nodded

skewers sizzle over the charcoal, she finally turned

say she didn’t want to leave Brandon hanging by

be cool to just

would be the last person to jump into a

then looking over at the laughing and joking group, he turned to her, “Wanna go check

bit surprised but nodded, “Sure, why

let go of Cindy’s hand to make way for them to step

Brandon joined the hand-holding dance.

hands, hopping

bit self-conscious at first but soon got swept up in the festive vibe,

she couldn’t help but sneak a peek

wasn’t laughing uproariously like

usual serious and aloof demeanor, he seemed to have a bit more youthful

then, Brandon turned to look at

a light smile.

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08:42

He smiled back.

the revelry was still in full swing, shifting from the campfire dance

Kent, the life of the party, had already grabbed mics and were belting out tunes that were way off-key, filling the farm air with

sat down by

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