Sophia Sullivan's lips curved slightly.
"Mr. Sullivan just admitted he has feelings for me."
Her tone carried playful teasing.
Ethan Sullivan lifted his gaze.
Their eyes locked.
Electricity crackled in the air.
"I should be the one reassuring you, Miss Sullivan."
He leaned against the wall with effortless grace.
His voice remained calm.
Yet it held undeniable authority.
Sophia remembered how he'd looked when he lost control.
Nothing like the composed man before her now.
That version of him had been untamed.
Julian Roscente interrupted.
"Ethan's always been terrible at admitting things."
He smirked at Sophia.
"That black card's worth two billion."
Envy colored his words.
"Even I don't get premium Dragon Well tea."
His grin turned knowing.
Ethan shot him a glance.
"Go arrange the masquerade if you're free."
Julian shrugged.
"Fine, I'll leave you two alone."
He walked away.
The hallway held only them now.
Ethan relaxed against the wall.
"Chosen your mask?"
Sophia opened the velvet box.
"Just picked a fox at random."
The delicate mask gleamed.
Ethan's gaze lingered on her face.
"It suits you."
His voice dropped lower.
Sophia arched a brow.
"Is that a compliment, Mr. Sullivan?"
Ethan didn't answer.
"I'll take you home after the ball."
Sophia shook her head.
"I have business with Ryan."
Ethan's eyes darkened.
Ryan Lawrence.
The name displeased him.
He suppressed the reaction.
"I can wait."
His tone brooked no argument.