Sophia Sullivan hurried across the lobby and paused beneath the opposite eave.
The rain grew heavier.
Her ride-hailing app showed no available drivers.
Frowning, she hesitated over whether to call Isabella Robinson when a black umbrella suddenly appeared above her.
"The rain's too heavy. Let's head to the garage."
Ethan Sullivan's voice was low and rough.
The dim streetlights filtered through the rain, casting a cold silhouette around him.
Sophia's gaze fell on his hand gripping the umbrella.
His knuckles stood out as he tilted the handle slightly forward.
She stood beneath the eave.
He stood in the rain.
Only this umbrella connected them in the same space.
Sophia looked up. "Have you been waiting here?"
The lobby clock showed 3 AM.
"Got held up with something."
Ethan adjusted his grip, angling the umbrella further toward her.
"Besides, I promised to see you home."
Truthfully, he'd waited much longer.
Long enough to watch the lights flicker on the top floor, long enough for his cigarette to burn down to the filter.
The searing ash had left a faint red mark on his hand.
He hadn't even noticed.
If Sophia had truly been with Ryan Lawrence, he had no right to question it.
"Thank you, Mr. Sullivan."
Sophia stepped forward, aligning herself beside him.
Her heels splashed through a puddle, scattering droplets.
The scent of bamboo and faint tobacco clung to Ethan's 6'2" frame, making him seem even more composed.
"Have you been drinking?"
"Just some champagne."
They walked side by side toward the garage.
"Ryan doesn't hold his liquor well. He's still passed out—I left someone to watch him."
Ethan's shoulders relaxed slightly.
"I see."
He'd suspected Ryan had ulterior motives.
Now it seemed they really were just catching up.
The overreaction had been his own.
Ethan's lips curved in self-mockery.
He was losing his mind.
He had no claim over her, yet he cared far too much.
Perhaps it was Ryan's words—"Even without status, I want to stay by your side"—that left him feeling both mocked and threatened.
They reached the garage quickly.
"I'll take you back to The Underground City first."
"Thank you, Mr. Sullivan."
"Don't mention it."
Ethan closed the umbrella and opened the car door for her.
Once inside, he noticed Sophia hugging her arms and turned up the heat.
"Is the temperature alright?"
"Perfect."
Sophia found his attentiveness unexpectedly thoughtful.
Warmth filled the car, driving away the chill.
"Are you free tomorrow, Mr. Sullivan?"
She set her clutch on her lap and leaned back lazily.
Ethan's voice softened. "I am. Let me know if you need anything."
"Not a favor—I need to request leave. Mr. York says he misses me and wants me to visit Potter's Town. He specifically asked me to bring you along."
Sophia chuckled helplessly. The old man was as whimsical as a child.
But it had been a while since she'd seen him.
Teasing, she added, "No idea how you won him over. He used to hate cold, distant people."
When they'd parted ways in Potter's Town last time, Benjamin York had not only gifted Ethan several things but also struggled to hide his reluctance to see him go.
Ethan asked, "Do you think I'm cold?"
"Sometimes. The office calls you aloof."
But those who knew him well saw how relaxed he became around them.
Not truly unapproachable.
Sophia continued, "Let's bring Emma too. She's talented—Mr. York appreciates that. He'll adore her."
Ethan nodded. "Good chance for her to unwind."
Outside, the rain grew louder.
Inside, their casual conversation filled the quiet space with ease.
Lately, he'd been drowning in work. Before, exhaustion had only meant less sleep, his restlessness soothed by extreme sports.
But since Sophia appeared, he hadn't needed Potter's Town to find peace.
Where the heart finds peace is home.