The Call Boy I Met in Paris — Episode 27
“Fifty percent off?” Sophie repeated. The words echoed through the sales center with all the realism of a fairy tale. Luxury developments did not cut fifteen million dollars from a house because a server had briefly stopped working.
The representative kept smiling. “That’s correct, Ms. Swift. The promotion became available moments ago, and this lot qualifies.” She did not mention that the authorization carried the digital signature of Lake Enterprises’ chief executive.
Sophie looked at Justin. He lifted his brows with practiced innocence, pretending the news surprised him as much as it surprised her. “That seems like a very committed promotion,” he observed.
Her practical instincts fought with the extraordinary opportunity. Fifteen million dollars was still a fortune, but the property itself was worth twice that, especially with Maple Plaza under development. If she walked away, Stella could return and seize it out of spite.
“There aren’t hidden fees or restrictions?” Sophie asked. She reviewed the preliminary terms with the speed of someone accustomed to contracts. The numbers remained impossible, but nothing in the documents suggested a trap.
“None beyond the standard conditions,” the representative assured her. “If you’d like the house, we can reserve it immediately.” Justin admired Sophie’s restraint as she read one final page instead of surrendering to excitement.
She placed the agreement on the counter. “Deal.” The single word emerged with decisive satisfaction. She had intended only to look, yet now Justin would have a home that matched the dignity she believed others kept trying to deny him.
“Deal,” Justin echoed. He had bought and sold properties worth far more, but no transaction had ever felt this personal. Sophie’s name on a contract tied her to a house his company had built and to a future she still called temporary.
The representative stepped away to prepare the reservation documents. Sophie stared at the miniature house again, then released a delighted laugh. “Oh my God.” Her composure broke beneath the sheer absurdity of what had happened.
Justin watched her face brighten. “You’re kind of adorable when you’re happy, huh?” The teasing slipped out with more tenderness than he intended. Sophie’s smile faltered as awareness passed between them.
“Don’t distract me,” she said, though color warmed her cheeks. “I just saved fifteen million dollars.” She sounded proud enough to make Justin laugh.
“Fifteen million?” Sophie repeated to herself, still calculating. “At this price, I could buy another one.” She was joking, but Justin knew he would have approved the same discount twice if it kept that expression on her face.
The purchase also solved problems she had not admitted aloud. Her family could no longer ridicule Justin’s address, and Derek could no longer use wealth as proof that Sophie had chosen beneath herself. For once, Stella’s attempt to take something had ended with Sophie gaining more.
Justin’s satisfaction came from a simpler place. Sophie had defended him when she believed he had nothing, then tried to create security for him without demanding gratitude. Giving her the discount felt less like manipulation than balancing a debt he could never fully repay.
“You realize this is ridiculous,” he said gently. “Most people don’t buy their employees houses on the first day.” He wanted to offer her one last chance to step back from the expense.
“Most employees aren’t also temporary husbands who supposedly live with four roommates,” Sophie replied. “Besides, it’s an investment. Don’t let it go to your head.” The businesslike explanation could not disguise her happiness.
The representative returned with a tablet, and Sophie began signing. Justin leaned close to indicate each field, familiar with the system because he had approved its design. His hand brushed hers, turning an ordinary signature into a moment of dangerous intimacy.
“Thank you,” he murmured. For once, the billionaire’s gratitude had nothing to do with the price. Sophie met his eyes and seemed to understand that, because her teasing answer never came.
After the final signature, the representative congratulated them and stepped away. Sophie glanced toward the office where the sudden promotion had originated. “But how does she have the authority for that kind of discount?” she wondered aloud.
Justin’s smile became carefully unreadable. Sophie narrowed her eyes and studied the tailored suit, brilliant résumé, and calm certainty of the man she had mistaken for a call boy. Then a ridiculous possibility escaped her lips: “What are you—some undercover billionaire?”
