The restaurant glowed with soft lighting.
Ian rested his chin on one hand while continuously serving Sophia with the other.
"Sophia, your favorite celery." His voice was tender. "Remember that little shop on the streets of M-Country? You looked like an adorable bunny munching on celery."
Sophia couldn't help but laugh.
"You still remember those old stories?" She arched a brow. "Back then, you insisted on showing off your cooking skills and nearly blew up the kitchen. We almost got evicted by the landlord."
Her eyes crinkled with playful teasing.
They exchanged smiles, their shared warmth creating an intimate bubble around them.
Ethan sat across the table, his fingers absently tapping the surface.
Each mention of memories he wasn't part of tightened his chest.
"Seems you two share quite a history." His tone remained even. "What exactly was your relationship before?"
His gaze swept over Ian, assessing.
Sophia set down her fork and knife, meeting his eyes directly.
"What do you think, Mr. Sullivan?" Her lips curved slightly. "Take a guess."
Ethan's knuckles whitened. Silence stretched across the dining table.
Ian smoothly intervened, "We were very close friends." He paused. "Though we don't meet often now, the bond remains."
"I'm taking care of Sophia now." Ethan abruptly cut in. "You can rest assured."
The words slipped out before he realized how possessive they sounded.
Ian chuckled lightly. "That's good to know."
He saw right through Ethan's barely concealed territoriality.
Sophia suddenly leaned forward.
"Besides friends," she locked eyes with Ethan, "what other relationship do we have?"
Her intense gaze felt like a vortex pulling him in.
Ethan lowered his lashes, shadows falling across his face.
"Business partners." His voice deepened.
Sophia slowly leaned back into her chair.
"Right." She murmured.
Her fork absently pierced the celery, leaving a small hole.
She shook her head inwardly. She shouldn't have expected anything different.
Ethan always drew clear boundaries with her.
Perhaps it was better this way.
Dinner concluded in the delicate atmosphere. Ian glanced at the darkening sky outside.
"Shall I take you home?" He offered considerately.
"No need." Ethan grabbed his jacket. "The company's system has been breached. We need to handle it urgently."
Sophia stood immediately. "How serious?"
"Similar to last time." Ethan nodded at Ian. "Excuse us."
Ian inclined his head gracefully. "Work comes first. My support is unwavering."
Ethan turned away without expression.
This Ian was far too smooth for his liking.
Striding toward the parking lot, Ethan disappeared through the entrance with Sophia quickening her steps to keep up.
Night had fully descended, swallowing their retreating figures.