His sudden arrival startled them both, though Sofía recovered quickly, offering him a small, knowing smile.
"Gérard, do you truly like my daughter beyond the mate bond?" she asked without hesitation.
Charlotte's mouth parted in shock, her gaze snapping to her mother, but no words came.
"I do, ma'am," Gérard answered without a trace of doubt.
Charlotte's head whipped toward him, her eyes widening in pure disbelief.
Sofía caught the sincerity in his gaze the quiet, undeniable truth behind his words and something in her softened.
"Then… would you like to marry my daughter?"
"I would love to, ma'am."
Charlotte could only stare at him, stunned into silence, her eyes round and searching his face as if trying to understand what had just happened.
Sofía's lips curved into a pleased smile as she reached out, gently patting his arm. "You can call me Sofía… or Mom. Whatever you prefer."
"Alright… Sofía," Gérard replied, a faint smile touching his lips.
