Chapter 228

Nigel Winthrop extended a velvet jewelry box with his slender fingers, presenting it to Sophia Lowell.

Sophia's fingertips trembled slightly as she accepted the box, nearly fumbling it. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Between us, no thanks are necessary." A faint smile curved Nigel's lips, warmth shimmering in his eyes. "Open it?"

Lydia Montgomery dug her nails into her best friend's arm to stifle a squeal. The tender way Nigel looked at Sophia was enough to make anyone's heart race.

Sophia took a deep breath and lifted the lid. A flash of crimson caught the light—a ruby gleaming like a drop of frozen blood, breathtaking in its brilliance.

"Oh my God!" Lydia gasped. "How much did this cost?"

Sophia snapped the box shut as if burned. "It's too extravagant. I can't accept this." She bit her lip and pushed it back toward him, her nails leaving faint marks on the velvet.

Nigel didn't budge. "I chose it especially for you." His voice lowered. "Consider it... proof of my feelings."

Three million meant nothing. Securing the Lowell heiress would solve Winthrop Realty's crisis in one stroke.

Sophia's ears flushed pink, her pulse hammering so hard she feared it might leap from her chest. Such an extravagant gift, such tender gazes—he must truly...

"Mr. Winthrop and Sophia look perfect together," Lydia interjected smoothly, her eyes glinting with calculation.

"Lydia!" Sophia stomped her foot in embarrassment but couldn't resist stealing a glance at Nigel.

He stepped closer suddenly, his gaze burning into hers. "She's right." His voice roughened. "Ever since the Centennial Gala, you're the only one I see."

Sophia's breath hitched.

"Do you believe in love at first sight?" Nigel murmured.

"I do." Her reply was feather-soft before she met his eyes boldly. "Because I—"

"Let me say it first." Nigel dropped to one knee. "Sophia Lowell, will you be my girlfriend?"

Gasps rippled through the onlookers.

Sophia's eyes welled up, her lips parting to answer—

"Tch." A derisive scoff cut through the moment. "Perfect match indeed. A playboy and a Green Tea Bitch—made for each other."