"I didn't take that knife for you."
Ethan Sullivan's voice was low.
His gaze lingered on Sophia Sullivan's face for a fleeting moment before he looked away.
"I don't like owing favors."
Even he wasn't convinced by his own excuse.
Sophia studied him quietly.
Ethan continued, "You found a doctor for Emma. If something happened to you, she'd be devastated."
He paused.
"I calculated the angle. A wound to the abdomen wouldn't be fatal."
"But if it had struck you, the consequences would've been dire."
His tone was clinical, as if this had been a calculated decision.
Only he knew the truth.
The moment he saw the blade aimed at her, his mind went blank.
His body moved before his thoughts could catch up.
By the time he realized what he'd done, he was already shielding her.
Ethan lowered his eyes.
Was Sophia really just a friend to him?
He didn't dare examine that question too closely.
"So there's no need for you to feel indebted, Ms. Sullivan."
His voice was light, deliberately distant.
Sophia was too perceptive.
She recognized the protectiveness beneath his words.
He didn't want her to carry any guilt.
That thoughtfulness stirred something in her chest.
"I still want to thank you."
Her voice was soft.
Ethan arched a brow, teasing. "How? By buying me dinner?"
Sophia smiled, picking up a bandage and carefully applying it to the cut on his finger.
Her touch was gentle.
"They say when someone saves your life, you should offer yourself in return."
She looked up, amusement dancing in her eyes.
Ethan's heartbeat stuttered.
He held her gaze.
"Then would you?"
His voice was deep, laced with quiet hope.
The hospital room fell silent.
Sophia could see her own reflection in his eyes.
She withdrew her hand and laughed lightly.
"You're one of the top ten wealthiest men. Who would say no?"
Their eyes locked.
Ethan was the first to look away.
His expression remained composed, but the tips of his ears burned.
"You're joking, Ms. Sullivan."
He suppressed the flutter in his chest.
Some words weren't meant to be spoken yet.
Sophia noticed his retreat and smoothly changed the subject.
"You caused quite a stir by standing up in public."
She gestured to his legs.
"That illegitimate brother of yours must be losing sleep over it."
Ethan's eyes darkened.
"Thanks for the reminder."
Sophia stood.
"I won't disturb your rest any longer."
Ethan nodded.
"I'll take you to dinner another time."
Sophia smiled and turned to leave.
The door clicked shut behind her.
Ethan stared at the bandage on his finger, his skin still tingling where she'd touched him.