CHAPTER 60

Sophia’s POV

I had been dreading this business trip. I didn’t even have much time to prepare myself emotionally!

The thought of being confined in a car with Elijah for hours filled me with anxiety and resentment. But as I stood in the driveway, watching Connor load our bags into the trunk, I reminded myself that this was just another professional obligation.

I can handle this.

“Ready to go, Sophia?” Connor called, his usual cheerful demeanor on full display. He glanced at Trevis, who was already settling into the passenger seat with a stack of papers on his lap.

“Ready,” I replied, plastering a smile on my face as I approached the car. My heart sank when I realized I’d be sitting in the back with Elijah. No avoiding him today.

As I slid into the back seat, Elijah gave me a brief nod. “Sophia.”

“Elijah,” I responded, keeping my tone neutral. The tension I expected wasn’t there, though. Instead, there was a strange calmness between us, as if we both silently agreed to keep things prof