Sophia held her breath.
The person on the phone remained silent for a long moment before finally speaking.
"Zachary is plotting again. He wants to replay the aphrodisiac scheme—trying to slip someone into your bed."
Ethan let out a cold laugh.
"An illegitimate child will always be an illegitimate child. Only knows how to use such despicable tactics."
His fingers tapped lightly against the wheelchair armrest.
"Since he's so eager to ruin me, let him taste this 'good fortune' first."
"Contact several tabloids. Make sure his scandalous affairs become public knowledge."
His tone dripped with mockery.
"He dreams of becoming the legitimate heir of the Sullivan family? I'll grant him that wish."
"Understood."
The subordinate left to carry out the order.
The call ended, and the room fell into silence once more.
Ethan studied his reflection in the mirror.
Zachary was laughably stupid—couldn’t even come up with a new trick.
Did he really think Ethan would fall for the same scheme twice?
Memories of that night on the Royal Princess Cruise suddenly resurfaced.
Ethan's gaze darkened.
He used to be perpetually restless—until Sophia entered his life. Somehow, she brought him an inexplicable calm.
Now, with his emotions in turmoil, her image flashed through his mind again.
Sophia Sullivan...
He silently mouthed her name.
In the corner, a silicone mannequin stood motionless.
Ethan rose and approached it.
His physique was impeccable, muscles sharply defined under the light.
His breathing grew heavier.
A flush of unnatural red tinged the corners of his eyes.
Sophia frowned.
The mannequin looked increasingly eerie, surrounded by an assortment of props that created an unsettlingly intimate atmosphere.
Ethan's mind was filled with her icy, unreadable expression.
"You're impossible to figure out," he murmured, his body burning.
Closing his eyes, he could almost see the strands of her hair lifted by the wind.
And those red-soled heels she wore in Sicily.
He imagined her looking down at him from those stilettos, just like that night on the cruise.
A low, restrained groan escaped his throat.
Controlled yet desperate.
Sophia had never seen him like this.
She had intended to keep eavesdropping, but now she froze.
It took her a moment to regain her composure.
Adults had needs—that was normal.
She just hadn’t expected him to use a mannequin for release.
Eavesdropping was already unethical. Watching would be crossing another line.
Ethan was young and full of vigor. Despite rumors of his indifference toward women, he still had desires.
And with the act of playing disabled while fending off constant attacks, he needed an outlet.
Sophia rested her chin on her hand.
Though she couldn’t see, the sounds reached her clearly.
His deep, magnetic breaths were intoxicating.
She listened for a long while before muttering under her breath,
"How is he not done yet?"
That night on the cruise had proven his stamina.
Another half hour passed, and the sounds continued.
Sophia shifted uncomfortably, her limbs stiff from staying still for so long.
The cramped space inside the cabinet made her entire body ache.
But the slight rustle of movement alerted Ethan.
His voice turned sharp.
"Who's there? Show yourself."