Moments later, Jeremy returned with a tray bearing a steaming pot of tea and delicate porcelain cups. He poured them each a cup, and they settled into a comfortable silence as they sipped their drinks. "So, Miss Johnson, what can I do for you?" Jeremy finally spoke, breaking the silence. Sophia took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead. "I came to you because of this," she said, pulling out the letter she had found in Maestro Paus' private office. "It's from my grandfather, Christopher Johnson. He mentioned your name and said that if I ever needed help, I should look for you." Jeremy's eyebrows rose in surprise as he accepted the letter, his expression thoughtful as he read its contents. "I see," he murmured, his gaze flicking up to meet Sophia's. "And how can I assist you, Miss Johnson?" "I'm hoping you can help me unravel some of the mysteries surrounding my grandfather," Sophia explained earnestly. "I've been digging into his past, trying to understand the

As Sophia stood at the doorstep of Benjamin’s home, the moment he opened the door, his expression was a clear testament to his reluctance. His gaze, devoid of warmth, seemed to assess her as if she were a stranger rather than a sibling. Sophia, however, had braced herself for this. The lack of a welcoming smile did not deter her; the opportunity to mend fences was worth enduring the initial chill."Come in," Benjamin said, stepping aside with a curt motion. His tone was as cool as the London air swirling in from behind her.Sophia stepped inside, her heart pounding but her resolve steady. "Thank you for agreeing to see me, Benjamin. I know this might be awkward, but..."Benjamin cut her off with a terse wave of his hand. "Let's not do this in the doorway. I have someone else coming. Wait in the living room."Despite the brusqueness of his invitation, Sophia was grateful for the chance to have this conversation. She nodded and moved to the living room. As she sat down, her eyes were dr

In the morning, Sophia's phone buzzed, pulling her out of her thoughts. It was a text from Benjamin, containing Audrey's address and a direct request to meet there since he had other commitments. With a sigh, Sophia quickly gathered her things and headed out. Upon arriving at Audrey's home, Sophia was greeted warmly by Benjamin's mother. Audrey's smile was genuine, her eyes twinkling with warmth as she welcomed Sophia inside. Moments later, Benjamin arrived, accompanied by his secretary, Becky. Sophia couldn't help but notice the tension in the air as Becky's gaze briefly met hers. There was an air of aloofness about her, a stark contrast to the warmth Audrey and Benjamin exuded. Sophia brushed it off, deciding not to dwell on it for now. As they settled into the living room, Benjamin explained that he had brought Becky along for a business matter they needed to attend to afterward, hence the necessity of her presence. Sophia nodded in understanding, although she couldn't shake off

"Your grandfather made me purchase a flat here in London in my name, where he used to stay," Audrey revealed, her tone tinged with a hint of nostalgia and apprehension. "An apartment?" Sophia queried, her curiosity piqued. "I didn't want anyone to associate it with him, so, to make it difficult to trace, I bought and registered it in my name. The money he was sending me was meant for the taxes on the apartment and also for Benjamin's care." "What kind of apartment has a tax of twenty thousand dollars?" Sophia's disbelief was palpable. "Well, ten, the rest was for me," Audrey corrected with a gentle smile. "However, Christopher always had a taste for the finer things, and style comes with a price tag." "Could you take me there?" Sophia inquired eagerly, her mind already racing with possibilities. "I can provide you with the address. There's no need for me to accompany you. There's a maid who has been looking after it all these years, and she'll be able to assist you with anything

Becky looked troubled by Sophia's question. She opened the fridge and started rummaging in there, not looking for anything in particular, just giving herself time to think about how to answer. The kitchen was dimly lit, the soft glow of the refrigerator casting shadows across the room. The faint hum of the appliance filled the air, a steady background noise punctuating the tense silence between the two women. "Come on, tell me," Sophia invited her, her voice echoing slightly in the quiet kitchen. "I have a right to know why you don't like me." Becky's fingers paused in their aimless search as she considered Sophia's request. Her brow furrowed with uncertainty, betraying the turmoil of emotions swirling within her. "Not that I don't like you," Becky sighed, her voice carrying a hint of resignation. "Just... what are you doing with Benjamin?" Sophia's laughter rang out, a bright contrast to the somber atmosphere. The sound seemed to bounce off the walls, momentarily breaking the te