Sophia Sullivan stood before the full-length mirror.
She had changed into the black evening gown Ethan Sullivan prepared for her.
The design was simple yet elegant.
"Does Mr. Sullivan always plan everything so thoroughly?"
Even backup outfits for galas were prepared with such attention to detail.
Ethan was buttoning up a fresh white shirt nearby.
The mirror reflected his toned upper body.
His muscles were perfectly defined.
The V-line disappeared beneath his waistband.
This body had left countless marks on her skin.
"I've learned from past mistakes."
His tone was casual, as if discussing something trivial.
Sophia noticed the crisp white shirt he wore.
"I see."
She fastened a pair of pearl earrings.
"I assumed Mr. Sullivan often prepared these for his companions."
Ethan secured the last button.
"You're the first, Ms. Sullivan."
And the only one.
He took a seat on the sofa.
His gaze lingered on the delicate curve of her neck.
Sophia absentmindedly touched her bare collarbone.
The black gown made her skin glow like snow.
The subtle shimmer along the hem swayed like starlight.
Perfectly concealing the traces of their passion.
"Stunning."
Ethan met her eyes in the mirror.
"Where's your necklace?"
Sophia lowered her hand.
"It doesn't matter."
Her voice was lazy.
"I'm only here for appearances anyway."
That necklace had been torn off during their entanglement.
Lost in some forgotten corner.
It wasn't valuable anyway.
"Beauty needs no justification."
Ethan stepped closer.
From behind her, he produced a serpentine necklace.
The silver coils formed an elegant loop.
Its scales shimmered under the light.
He leaned in to fasten it around her neck.
His warm breath brushed her ear.
Sophia could feel the heat radiating from his chest.
Through the thin fabric between them.
"Now it's complete."
Ethan secured the clasp.
His fingertips grazed the nape of her neck.
Their reflections looked intimate in the mirror.
The serpent necklace curved perfectly along her collarbone.
"I heard this is a Sullivan family heirloom for the lady of the house."
Sophia arched a brow.
"Mr. Sullivan is lending it to me just like that?"
Ethan chuckled.
"I told you—if you want it, it's yours."
His eyes traced the necklace.
"It suits you."
The faint scent of winter plum drifted between them.
Soothing the restlessness in his chest.
Tonight's loss of control might have been the alcohol.
But Sophia clearly didn't care.
She reapplied her lipstick.
"Then I'll thank you in advance, Mr. Sullivan."
Her lips bloomed crimson.
"Though your hands are burning."
Ethan closed the distance.
"And your legs are trembling, Ms. Sullivan."
How ruthless of her to act indifferent now.
Amusement flickered in Sophia's eyes.
This push-and-pull game.
Only fueled her desire to conquer.
She was curious.
Just how many secrets this man was hiding.