Biting her lower lip, she looked around while waiting for someone to answer the door. The mansion was absolutely stunning and so much bigger than any of the giant houses her father had owned. The classic architecture and landscape complete with an aged bronze fountain and perfectly groomed topiaries hinted at old money. The late afternoon sun tinted everything golden, making the place look almost magical, like a castle from a fairy tale.
The only question was… Did it hide a savior or a beast?
The door opened finally, revealing an elderly man in a crisp suit. Rail thin, he had an oddly stiff way of standing, all his joints set at tight angles.
Just be aware that he’s too good-looking and charming for his own good.
Her mother’s texted advice came back to Sophia, and she squinted a bit. Betsy could be accused of a lot of things, but having low standards wasn’t one of them. Not that the man in front of her was ugly or anything, but he was extremely…average.
He looked at Roco, gamboling around her feet, then at her. She couldn’t read anything in his placid face. “Yes?”
She swallowed. “Mr. Pryce?”
The man’s forehead creased. “Mr. Pryce…?”
“Mr. Salazar Pryce.”
“He’s not receiving any visitors.”
She blinked. “You aren’t…?”
“I’m the butler.”
Oh wow. She’d never seen a butler in real life. “I’m Sophia Reed. Could you just ask if he’d see me please? My mom, Betsy Reed, called yesterday.” Or at least that was what she had promised to do.
The man ran his gaze over her from head to toe. She knew she looked presentable in her favorite white blouse and gray pencil skirt paired with pink ballet flats; she’d checked after she’d gotten off the bus.
She straightened to ensure she looked as tall as possible. She was barely five four, the perfect candidate for a little help from the shoes department. But heels hurt her hip too much.
“Please wait a moment,” the man said and disappeared.
She let out a soft breath. She needed to project the proper confidence. Nobody wanted to be around the downtrodden.
The butler reappeared. “This way, miss.”
She started to drag her suitcase along, but he waved a hand. “Leave it in the foyer, please. I’ll have it looked after.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“You needn’t be so formal, miss. Call me Al. Regrettably, your dog should remain here. Animals aren’t allowed in the study.”
“Sorry, boy,” she whispered at Roco, leashing him to the suitcase. She didn’t like leaving him behind—it felt like he was the only one she had left—but she had no choice if she wanted a roof over their heads.
Al led her up the winding stairs, his head held high. She followed him, doing her best not to wince or drag her feet as her hip and knees ached. They only bothered her when she overdid it, and the hike from the bus stop had definitely done that.
The inside of the Pryce mansion was just as stunning as the outside with gorgeous portraits—done with actual paint—on the paper-covered walls. Everything was gleaming marble, hardwood and plushy rugs. Chandeliers dripped with fat crystals hung from the ceiling, and Sophia couldn’t help but admire the beautiful home. The display of wealth should’ve been gaudy, but there was just enough restraint to keep it classy somehow.
Al stopped in the middle of the hall and opened a door to his right. “Miss Sophia Reed, sir.”
“Thanks, Al,” came a soft voice.
She went inside; the door closed with a loud click behind her. Al had disappeared, leaving her alone with Salazar Pryce.
His dark hair was slicked back, damp from a recent shower. Silver streaked his temples, and he watched her with polite curiosity.
Her mother hadn’t exaggerated at all. He had to be at least sixty, but he was still extremely handsome. His skin was even and smooth except for some small lines around his eyes and mouth, and his blue gaze was steady and sharp.
Something about his appearance tickled her memory. He seemed familiar somehow, but she had to be imagining things. She’d never met him before.
He adjusted his starch-stiffened collar and flashed her a quick grin. “Sophia Reed, huh? Nice to finally meet you in person. How are you?”
“Good, thanks.”
“Please, sit down.” He waved at an empty chair.
She sat with her knees pressed together. This was it.
“What can I do for you?”
“Um, well…” Her cheeks grew hot, and she found that she didn’t know how to broach the subject. How much had Betsy told him?
He laughed. “Shall I help you out? I’m sure Rick could’ve left his estate in better financial health. Is that why you’re here?”