Sophia's delicate fingers lifted Ethan's chin. Her clear, watery eyes locked onto his with undeniable authority. "You're forbidden from seeing that Riveron woman again."

Her voice carried an icy dominance.

Ethan found her commanding demeanor irresistibly alluring.

This classical beauty, usually so gentle and refined, now carried herself like a queen.

The contrast made his pulse quicken.

He seized the back of her head and crushed his lips against hers.

"Didn't need your reminder. I've wanted to do this for ages."

Grabbing his phone, he dialed Zachary Riveron. "Mr. Riveron, we'll need a different liaison for future collaborations."

Zachary sounded startled. "What happened?"

Ethan's tone turned grave. "Your daughter stands accused of workplace sexual harassment."

Sophia nearly choked on her coffee.

Sexual harassment?

That accusation carried far more weight than simple flirtation.

Zachary's face burned crimson. "What exactly did Zoe...?"

"The details are inappropriate to discuss. If personnel isn't replaced, we'll terminate the contract and enforce penalty clauses."

Cold sweat beaded on Zachary's forehead.

Construction had already begun on the development. With presales imminent, withdrawal now would mean catastrophic losses.

"I'll reprimand her immediately! Zane will handle future communications!"

After hanging up, Sophia mimicked Zoe's mannerisms, looping her arm through Ethan's. "Such impressive authority, Mr. Sullivan."

Ethan relished her closeness. "Only way to eliminate her delusions."

"Even 'average-but-confident women' know about you now. Been spending time online, haven't we?"

"Only to keep tabs on you."

Warmth flooded Sophia's chest. "Was that you leaving comments as 'Sophia's Number One Fan'?"

Ethan arched a brow. "How'd you guess?"

"Who else leaves messages at three in the morning?"

She speared a cake slice and offered it. "Your reward."

Ethan checked his watch, then suddenly swept her into his arms.

"Hey! What are you—"

"Office play. Care to try?"

One week later.

Sophia officially signed as Sullivan Group's brand ambassador.

That very afternoon, Victor Sullivan came storming in.

"Remove this damned thing!" He shook the glass vial stuck to his hand.

Sophia slid a document across the table. "Sign this first."

Victor's face darkened upon reading the contents. "You're mocking me?"

"You think I care about endorsement fees?" Sophia chuckled coolly. "If not for making a point, I'd rather be restoring antiques in my studio."

Gritting his teeth, Victor signed and pressed his thumbprint.

Upstairs in the lab, Sophia expertly mixed reagents.

Each drop measured with precision.

An hour later, the vial finally released.

Victor examined his swollen palm with a sneer. "Don't think fame makes you untouchable."

Sophia calmly wiped down test tubes. "One day, you'll beg me to call you Father."