Irritation flashed through her but she complied. If he happened to look down at the ledgers, he might see some of the handsome profits incurred since Magnus' buying of the brothel, and even more so since Sonia took over. She was a rather smart businesswoman, she'd done all the math herself since her husband's death just to see what she was dealing with. She was ready to sell the business, frankly, she thought wearily as she sought to catch her breath.

"Why do you still wish to marry me?" she was genuinely perplexed. "I find the whole... blackmail situation distasteful and regret it. I'm truly sorry I cornered you in such a manner, Mister Meijer." And she meant it. She took hold of the papers.