Ethan's voice was deep and magnetic.
Every word carried an intoxicating allure.
He lifted his gaze to meet Sophia's.
His expression appeared calm.
Yet his palm unconsciously tightened.
Sophia gave him a soft smile.
"Of course I trust you, Mr. Sullivan."
"After all, you said I'm quite useful to Grandma Sullivan and Emma."
Her tone was light, almost teasing.
But inwardly, she reminded herself to stay clear-headed.
With a dangerous man like him, she had to remain composed.
They were merely partners with mutual interests.
Yet lately, his words kept making her heart race.
This wasn't right.
For people like them, one-night stands were just games.
Sophia changed the subject. "Thank you for showing up today."
Ethan's eyes darkened. "It was nothing."
He suppressed the storm of emotions inside.
The evening breeze brushed against their faces.
Under the amber streetlights, their shadows stretched long.
For a brief moment, the shadows overlapped.
As intimately as lovers.
Ethan's gaze flickered over their merged silhouettes.
He understood Sophia was drawing boundaries.
"My grandfather and Mr. Winston were old friends."
"Now that I've recovered, it's only proper to pay my respects."
"The Sullivan family has many enemies. Expanding connections is beneficial."
His reasoning was impeccable.
Flawless.
Sophia smiled faintly. "I see."
They walked side by side.
A wordless understanding lingered between them.
Sophia clutched the brocade box, emotions swirling.
Few things in this world could hurt her.
But being remembered felt different.
This blood jade contained a lifetime of care from an elder.
It was her anchor.
Ethan glanced at the box. "Mr. Winston treats you like his own granddaughter."
"He does." Sophia looked up at the stars. "But I can't stay with the Winstons forever."
Ethan's heart stirred. "He only wants your happiness."
"So do you."
Sophia turned to him.
"Grandma Sullivan and Emma wish the same for you—to live freely."
They were alike.
Cold on the surface, yet deeply sentimental.
Ethan recalled that night in the restricted area.
She had witnessed his secret.
Afterward, they both pretended nothing happened.
She had said similar words then too.
Told him to just be himself.
"You're right, Ms. Sullivan." His gaze was profound.
They reached the underground garage.
Time to part ways.
Yet they spoke simultaneously.
"This weekend—"
"I—"
In unison.
Ethan chuckled. "You first."
"Alright." Sophia smiled.
"I have plans next weekend. Can't accompany Emma to pottery class."
"Requesting leave from my boss."
"What a coincidence." Ethan feigned nonchalance. "I'm taking Emma on a trip."
"Was about to tell you to take the weekend off."
"Quite the timing." Sophia waved. "Then I won't visit the Sullivan estate."
She didn't overthink it.
Isabella had signed her up for a competition—perfect timing.
After the divorce, everything was new.
Now she just wanted to live freely.
"Goodbye." Ethan watched her car leave.
The engine roared to life.
The vehicle gradually disappeared.
Ethan stood motionless.
Gazing at the empty road.
Long after she was gone.