Chapter 34

Sophia turned to find Ethan's brooding expression staring back at her.

Her brow furrowed slightly. "Since when did you develop a habit of eavesdropping, Mr. Winston?"

His dark eyes gleamed dangerously. "Meeting with Lucas Sheridan—are you trying to break into the entertainment industry?"

"None of your business." Her voice was glacial.

She reached for the car door handle.

A powerful grip suddenly clamped around her wrist.

"We need to talk."

Ethan refused to release his hold.

The moment their skin made contact, Sophia recoiled as if burned.

"Let go!"

His grip loosened in shock at her violent reaction.

"Was that really necessary?" His brows knitted together.

"I'll call the police if you don't release me." Her words dripped with ice.

Ethan reluctantly dropped her wrist, disbelief written across his face.

"Sophia, how much longer will you keep this up?"

The bustling parking lot forced him to exercise restraint.

Rubbing her reddened wrist, Sophia's eyes turned arctic.

"You think this is me throwing a tantrum?"

A bitter laugh escaped her.

So in their eyes, her resolve was merely childish rebellion.

Ethan froze.

Those once-tender eyes now regarded him with complete detachment.

For three years, her gaze had always shone with warmth when looking at him.

Now it held the indifference of a stranger.

An inexplicable tightness gripped his chest.

"After three years together, you should know how I feel."

Sophia's nose stung.

Three years of memories couldn't be erased so easily.

"What exactly do you want to say?"

"We can go back to how things were." Ethan's voice softened.

Sophia arched an eyebrow.

"The arranged marriage with Isabella was a family obligation," he murmured.

"And?"

"In private, nothing changes. I'll treat you well."

Sophia's pupils contracted violently.

He wanted her to be his secret mistress?

A chill crawled up her spine.

The familiar face before her suddenly became unrecognizable.