The sea breeze brushed gently against their skin.
Night enveloped the entire stretch of ocean.
Ethan Sullivan stood on the deck, his gaze fixed on Sophia Sullivan in the distance.
His voice was low.
"Sir."
"The water is cold."
"Are you planning to swim?"
Ryan Lawrence turned around.
A careless smile played on his lips.
"Mr. Sullivan."
"I was just chatting with Sophia."
Ethan's eyes darkened slightly.
He could tell.
Sophia was completely at ease around Ryan.
That kind of relaxation—
Only happened with someone she knew well.
Ryan wasn’t a stranger.
Between them—
There were secrets.
"Swimming isn’t necessary."
Ryan tilted his head.
"But if Sophia is willing to teach me—"
"I’d be more than happy to learn."
Ethan’s expression remained impassive.
It was rare for him to let his emotions show.
Ryan was different from Ian.
At least Ian knew how to pretend.
Ryan, on the other hand, was blatant.
"The banquet is about to start."
Sophia interrupted.
She looked at Ryan.
"You should go get ready."
Ryan shrugged.
"Sophia, always so ruthless."
His words were directed at her.
But his eyes flicked toward Ethan.
Challenging.
Ethan suddenly smiled.
His voice was soft.
But carried an undeniable weight.
"Mr. Lawrence."
"Do you have feelings for Sophia?"
The deck fell silent.
Only the sound of waves filled the air.
Ryan raised an eyebrow.
Not only did he not deny it—
He became even more brazen.
"Plenty of people adore Sophia."
"Where do I rank?"
He leaned closer to her.
"But Sophia—"
"I’m more sincere than some people."
Ethan’s gaze turned icy.
He took a step forward.
Blocking Sophia behind him.
"Unfortunately."
"I’m Sophia’s escort for tonight."
Ryan laughed.
He took two steps back.
Shoving his hands into his pockets.
"Just an escort."
"Not a boyfriend."
The sea breeze lifted the hem of his shirt.
He turned and walked toward the cabin.
"Sophia."
"See you at the banquet."
Ethan remained where he stood.
Watching Ryan’s retreating figure.
His eyes deep and unreadable.
Sophia sighed softly.
"Ethan."
"He’s just a kid."
Ethan turned.
His gaze settled on her face.
"A kid?"
His tone was ambiguous.
"Are you sure?"
Sophia didn’t answer.
She looked out at the distance.
Moonlight shimmered on the water’s surface.
Ryan’s words—
Still echoed in her ears.
Only an idiot wouldn’t fall for Sophia.
Her lips curved slightly.
What a—
Troublesome little brat.