"Sophia, am I interrupting?"
Ian adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, his eyes lowered behind the lenses, his expression unreadable.
"This is my first time attending such an event, so I wanted to stay close to you."
His tone carried a hint of unease.
Ryan saw right through him and feigned curiosity.
"Dr. Gallagher is a top medical expert. It's hard to believe he's never been to a gala before."
He smirked inwardly.
Keep pretending.
When it came to playing the innocent card, no one could outdo him.
Ethan delivered the final blow with calm precision.
"Indeed. The only reason Dr. Gallagher hasn't attended is because he chooses not to. The line of people wanting to invite him could stretch for miles."
Ian fell silent.
Sophia stepped in to smooth things over.
"He's always focused on research, not socializing. It's normal he hasn't been to many events."
It wasn’t a lie.
Back when they shared an apartment in Italy, Ian had always kept to himself—polite on the surface, yet distant.
"This gala is for charity. No need to feel out of place. Mr. Sullivan and I are just guests too."
Ian relented.
"I see."
Truthfully, when Julian Roscente sent the invitation, he hadn’t planned on coming.
Only after learning Sophia would attend as Ethan’s plus one did he change his mind.
Still, it’s hard to let go.
Ethan suddenly spoke up.
"I’m familiar with this venue. If Dr. Gallagher would like a tour, I’d be happy to guide you."
His voice was even, but an undeniable aura of dominance surrounded him.
For some reason, Ian suspected Ethan’s idea of "familiarity" might involve tossing him into the ocean.
Ryan couldn’t help but laugh.
"Sophia, since Mr. Sullivan is so eager, why don’t we explore together later?"
He blinked playfully.
"I just got stood up. How about buying me a drink to mend my broken heart?"
His wounded puppy expression made it hard not to ruffle his hair.
He’d always known Sophia had admirers, but two showing up at once?
This is too good to pass up.
Sophia saw right through him.
"If you were truly heartbroken, you wouldn’t be here."
She refused to pick sides.
"Why don’t the three of you get acquainted?"
She stepped back, completely detached.
Ethan suddenly coughed lightly, pressing a hand to his shoulder.
Sophia frowned.
"Is your gunshot wound acting up?"
The memory of the kidnapping still sent a chill down her spine.
Ethan remained composed.
"It’s nothing. You’ve been busy lately—take a moment to rest. I’ll find Julian. Your friend should be there too. I have some questions for him."
Sophia remembered their real purpose tonight.
Gathering intel on Isabella and Julian.
"Let’s go together." She waved at the other two. "You two chat. We’ll be back."
Ian and Ryan exchanged glances, two strangers sharing the same bewildered realization.
Who said playing innocent was the only trick?
Ethan’s strategic retreat was nothing short of masterful.