"Even if Sister Sophia has countless admirers, I'd gladly accept my place among them."
Ethan Sullivan remained silent.
Sophia Sullivan massaged her temples.
Ryan Lawrence's declaration was startling.
The young man's gaze held unwavering sincerity—no trace of jest.
Sophia exhaled sharply.
She should've anticipated his unpredictable nature.
Thankfully, no bystanders witnessed this exchange.
"Enough nonsense. Head to the banquet hall."
Her eyes narrowed in warning.
"Linger here any longer, and you might take an unplanned swim."
Ryan nodded obediently.
"Understood, Sister. I'm going now."
He fell into step behind Sophia.
Ethan's expression shifted imperceptibly.
This boy might hold clues to Sophia's past.
As the trio entered the grand hall, Ian Gallagher intercepted them.
"Sophia, I've been searching everywhere for you."
His tailored suit and gold-rimmed glasses gleamed under the chandeliers.
The sight of two unfamiliar men flanking Sophia gave him pause, though his smile remained polished.
"Enjoying the sea breeze?"
His tone stayed congenial.
Sophia chuckled. "You know me too well."
She gestured between the men.
"This is a friend of mine."
Ryan tilted his head with a disarming grin.
"Ryan Lawrence, recently returned from abroad."
Sophia arched a brow.
Members of The Decagon never used real names.
Ian adjusted his glasses.
"Ian Gallagher, pharmaceutical researcher."
Ethan's voice cut through like winter frost.
"Son of Mayor Lawrence. His mother heads a Fortune 500 enterprise."
Ryan's eyes darkened.
"Thorough research, Mr. Sullivan."
He despised being reduced to family connections.
"Pleasure to meet you."
Ethan gave a curt nod.
Ian reciprocated the pleasantry.
The air thickened with unspoken tension.