Ethan Sullivan's fingers tapped lightly on the desk.
His gaze lingered on Ian Gallagher.
"If not for Sophia's connection, I might not have had the pleasure of meeting you today, Dr. Gallagher."
He usually addressed her formally as Ms. Sullivan.
This was the first time he'd called her by her given name.
Ian's expression remained unchanged, his lips curving into a gentle smile.
He turned to Sophia Sullivan.
"Mr. Sullivan is too polite. Aurora's friends are my friends."
His tone was warm and familiar.
"We've never stood on ceremony between us. Please don't feel like an outsider, Mr. Sullivan."
Ethan's voice lowered. "Of course not. Aurora is also very important to me."
Yao Xi subtly took half a step back.
The air crackled with invisible tension.
She wondered silently.
Shouldn't the CEO be happy to meet the doctor who could treat Ms. Sullivan?
Why did he seem displeased instead?
Ian leaned down to play with Emma Sullivan.
But the child quickly hid behind Ethan.
Ian wasn't bothered, maintaining his pleasant smile.
"Rest assured, Mr. Sullivan. I'll devote my full efforts to treating Ms. Sullivan."
His tone shifted slightly.
"Consider it repayment for your kindness in looking after Aurora recently."
He kept emphasizing his connection to Sophia.
"I've reviewed Ms. Sullivan's test results. Her condition is much better than expected."
Amusement danced in Ian's eyes.
"She's like Aurora—distant with strangers but deeply attached to those she knows. Quite endearing."
He winked at Sophia.
"Right, Aurora?"
Sophia shot him a cold look. "Keep talking nonsense and I'll make you regret it."
Ethan lowered his lashes to conceal his displeasure.
"You two seem very close."
He recognized Ian's provocation perfectly.
The more irritated he became, the calmer his demeanor grew.
"Aurora keeps everyone at arm's length during the day, but sleeps as peacefully as a child. Even more adorable than Emma."
Ian's eyes turned icy at the mention of sleeping.
"Mr. Sullivan has quite the loose tongue."
Sophia interrupted with a frown.
"If you want to bond, pick another topic. Stop using me as conversation fodder."
Her sharp gaze swept over both men.
They were acting strangely today.
Sophia always spoke her mind.
"Shared friends can bridge gaps, but let's not fabricate stories."
She arched a brow suggestively.
"How about a proper handshake to start fresh?"
Both Ethan and Ian stiffened slightly.
Ian extended his hand first.
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Sullivan."
Ethan's voice was deep. "The honor is mine."
Their handshake carried surprising force.
When they separated, each discreetly hid their hand in their sleeve.
The base of their thumbs showed faint bruising.
Ian shook some documents.
"I'll review these test results. If everything checks out, I'll return to A-City with you."
His gaze brushed Sophia's thick curls.
"Perfect timing for a vacation."
His lips quirked.
"Aurora, you always used to complain about those annoying wispy hairs near your temples. Remember how you'd pin them up?"
Concern colored his voice.
"Why aren't you wearing any hair clips today? Couldn't find one you liked?"
Without waiting for her reply, he continued.
"I acquired a ruby at an auction recently. Had it set into a hair clip."
His eyes sparkled.
"Red gems would complement your dark hair beautifully. No refusing this time."
Ethan frowned at this.
He mentally reviewed Sophia's usual attire.
An inexplicable irritation rose within him.
How did this doctor know her preferences so intimately?
Sophia was silent for a moment.
She had indeed loved hair accessories once.
But Liam Winston disapproved.
So she'd gradually abandoned the habit.
She hadn't expected Ian to remember.
A flicker of nostalgia crossed her eyes.
That fleeting expression stung Ethan.
His chest tightened. "Are there no other doctors at this facility?"
Sophia shook her head. "Ian's the best in his field. Weren't you two getting along fine earlier?"
Ethan paused. "Just concerned about his schedule."
It seemed Ian's inclusion was inevitable.
The realization left him profoundly unsettled.