Ethan Sullivan lifted his slender fingers with deliberate grace.

The bodyguard behind Sophia Laurent immediately understood the silent command, retreating from the room without a sound.

His gaze shifted to Iris Evans, his eyes clearly spelling out "dismissal."

Iris swallowed nervously. "Mr. Sullivan, you won't hurt my Sophia, will you?"

Ethan's brow furrowed slightly.

Iris quickly took the hint, backing toward the door. "Sophia, I'll be right outside."

The door clicked shut.

The air thickened instantly.

Ethan gestured to the sofa. "Sit."

Sophia remained rooted in place. "It's inappropriate for us to be alone this late. If you have something to say, say it plainly."

He studied her stubborn profile, his chest tightening.

This past month had felt longer than three years.

When he'd claimed he was stepping aside for her and Kyle Grant, it had only been to force her choice.

Yet she'd walked away without hesitation, without looking back.

A thousand days and nights together, overshadowed by childhood sweethearts.

"If there's nothing else, I'm leaving." Sophia turned to go.

Ethan seized her wrist. "The investor asked you to entertain me. Is this your attitude?"

"I'm just making a cameo appearance."

"I put money into this. You owe me satisfaction."

"How should I please you?"

"Your choice."

Sophia's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Shall I sing you a lullaby?"

Ethan arched an eyebrow, reclining lazily on the sofa. "Proceed."

"Sleep, sleep, my darling baby..."

His expression darkened. "Do I look three years old to you?"

"Not to your liking, Mr. Sullivan?"

"Try again."

Sophia spread her hands. "Or you could withdraw your investment. I'll take over."

Ethan's lips curled coldly. "Using the money I gave you to spite me?"

"That money has been mine for a long time."

Staring into her defiant eyes, he suddenly found himself at a loss.

He couldn't strike her, couldn't berate her, and harsh words only bred resentment.

He pushed two food containers across the coffee table toward her.

The aroma of spicy pickled vegetables wafted through the air.

Sophia's stomach betrayed her with an audible growl.

"Eat," Ethan said flatly.

"I'm not hungry."

"It's not poisoned."

Sophia pulled out her phone and transferred two hundred dollars. "For the meal."

Ethan glanced at the payment notification. "The fuel for my private jet was eighteen thousand. Care to settle that too?"

Sophia turned on her heel and left.

Eighteen thousand for a meal? She'd rather starve.

Back in her room, her phone vibrated suddenly.

A text from Kyle Grant: [I'm in the room across from you. Call if you need me]

Sophia opened her door to find a travel-weary Kyle standing there.

"What are you doing here?"

"Business negotiations," he replied with a gentle smile.

Sophia sighed. "Stop following me around."

Kyle's eyes dimmed slightly. "Just coincidence."

At the end of the hallway, Ethan stood motionless, food containers in hand.

He watched the scene unfold, his lips twisting into a cold smirk.

The containers landed in the trash bin with a sharp thud.

Cigarette after cigarette burned between his fingers.

The doorbell rang abruptly.

Ethan stubbed out his cigarette and opened the door with a frosty expression.

A heavily made-up woman stood outside.

"Mr. Sullivan, I'm Diora Chan, the lead actress." She deliberately leaned forward, revealing her plunging neckline. "Could you help me rehearse my lines?"

"No."

"Don't be so cold~" She swayed her hips, pressing closer.

Ethan slammed the door shut with a bang.

Picking up the script that had fallen to the floor, he suddenly dialed Sophia's number.

"Come here. I'll go over your scenes with you."