Sophia Sullivan saw right through Ian Gallagher's intentions.
The handmade chocolates were exorbitantly priced.
The love confession on the box was bold and passionate.
"Thanks." She leaned against the doorframe. "I'm cutting back on sugar lately. Not really into sweets."
Adults didn't need elaborate rejections.
A flicker of disappointment crossed Ian's eyes.
He quickly smiled. "I see. I'll bring something else next time."
Back in Italy, rejections were common for him.
But he never gave up easily.
Ian wasn't the type to pester.
Just being near Sophia was fortune enough.
Ethan Sullivan's gaze darkened when he spotted the chocolates.
Their cheerful banter grated on his nerves.
Hearing her rejection made fireworks explode in his chest.
"Tastes do change," Ethan remarked, crossing his long legs on the sofa.
His deep eyes were unreadable when he looked up.
"Since Miss Sullivan prefers spicy food now, Dr. Gallagher should do his research next time."
Ian's chest tightened.
He scoffed. "Changing tastes doesn't mean disliking."
Ethan's lips curved slightly. "Is that so?"
Neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
His slender fingers finished tying the last strip of gauze.
"Don't forget Emma's therapy session. Your expertise is appreciated, Dr. Gallagher."
Ian gritted his teeth.
What impeccable timing.
Ethan continued calmly, "Thank you for today."
Though they were at odds,
Ian had stood with them when Zachary Sullivan caused trouble.
This gratitude was genuine.
"Don't mention it, Mr. Sullivan. I barely helped."
Ian glanced reluctantly at Sophia. "We'll talk more at dinner."
He suspected Ethan's interference.
But the therapy schedule couldn't be delayed.
With that, Ian took his leave.
The room fell into silence with just the two of them.
Sophia approached Ethan. "How did you know I like spicy food now?"
They'd shared few meals together.
"Last time we had Kobe beef, you added chili sauce three times."
Ethan always noticed her quirks.
Like how she hated passive kisses.
Preferring fiery clashes instead.
"Quite observant, Mr. Sullivan."
Sophia couldn't read his thoughts.
She'd meant to discuss Zachary, but that seemed unnecessary now.
Since she was here, she had another agenda.
"By the way, can I photograph your necklace?"
Last time she'd seen it, things were rushed.
Her mother's matching bracelet remained a mystery.
Perhaps Ethan held the key.
She made no attempt to hide her purpose.
"My mother had an identical bracelet. I've been searching for clues..."
Ethan met her gaze directly. "Go ahead."
His agreement came without hesitation.
Sophia arched a brow. "Charles said it's a family heirloom for the future Mrs. Sullivan. Aren't you afraid I'll switch it?"
Ethan countered, "Would you?"
Sophia shrugged playfully. "Maybe."
"If you want it, no need for tricks."
Ethan's voice dropped lower. "I'll give it to you."
As if the priceless heirloom meant nothing.
Sophia's breath hitched.
This man was always unpredictable.
"It's your mother's keepsake. I won't take what's precious to you." She steadied herself. "A photo will suffice."
She expected him to summon a servant.
Instead, Ethan began unbuttoning his shirt.
"The clasp is tricky. Would you mind helping?"
His shirts were always buttoned to the top.
Long fingers loosened each button methodically.
His collarbones came into view.
The serpent necklace gleamed ominously.
Its ruby eyes burned like embers.
"Or you could just photograph it like this."
Ethan reclined lazily against the sofa.
His smoldering gaze was drowning-deep.
Wild and utterly irresistible.