Ethan Sullivan stood by the floor-to-ceiling window when Julian Roscente's call came through.
The sky outside was overcast.
"How many days has it been? Still no progress?" Julian's voice dripped with amusement.
Ethan's brow furrowed.
"Playing hard to get doesn't work on her," he said, his voice low.
It only tormented him instead.
Julian clicked his tongue. "That's unexpected. Maybe try again? Or just ask her directly."
"Calling you was a mistake."
"..."
Julian could practically see Ethan's expression through the phone.
Tie loosened, face like ice.
He quickly switched to a placating tone.
"Hey, I'm no expert either! But she might come looking for you soon—"
The line went dead.
Julian stared at his screen.
Typical Ethan—never one for pleasantries.
——
The office had been tense for days.
Everyone treaded carefully.
"What's wrong with Mr. Sullivan? Things he used to approve are getting rejected now."
"I delivered documents yesterday. Just standing near him gave me chills."
"Definitely in a bad mood."
Sophia Sullivan overheard the whispers but kept her head down.
She was fine-tuning a new perfume formula.
This was her final task before leaving A-City.
Compared to Ethan's agitation, Sophia remained composed.
Ryan Lawrence had sent good news.
Her mother's trail had resurfaced in M-Country.
Though unrelated to the human experimentation lab, it proved she was alive.
The owner of that earring likely knew her mother.
"Ms. Sullivan, here's the ingredient list you requested."
Charlotte Vance handed her the documents.
After the recent purge of office bullies, Charlotte had been promoted.
She carried herself with newfound confidence, smiling more often.
"And this rice ball—for when you're hungry."
Her voice was soft but clear.
Only her smile still held a trace of shyness.
"Thank you." Sophia carefully tucked away the rice ball and patted her shoulder. "You've grown so capable. I can trust you to handle things from now on."
Charlotte flushed.
"That's only because of your guidance, Ms. Sullivan."
Without Sophia, she might have jumped from a building when those rumors spread.
Now she'd been reborn.
Yet Sophia's words unsettled her.
They sounded like... farewell.
Charlotte clenched her fingers.
When she looked up, Sophia was already walking away with the files.
"Must be my imagination."
She murmured to herself.
Surely Mr. Sullivan wouldn't let Ms. Sullivan leave either.
——
Sophia headed for the elevator, arms full of documents.
The doors slid open.
Distracted, she collided with someone inside.
A crisp, cool fragrance enveloped her.
In her panic, her hand landed squarely on a firm chest.
Warmth radiated through the dress shirt.
Sophia looked up into Ethan's deep, unreadable eyes.
For a moment, her mind wandered.
So this was what relaxed pectorals felt like—surprisingly soft.
Papers scattered across the floor.
"Ms. Sullivan." Ethan steadied her arm, then immediately released her. "What a coincidence."
Her scent enveloped him—more intoxicating than any perfume.
An indescribable urge surged within him.
Not hunger.
Not possession.
Their past intimacy had taught him it transcended the physical.
Now he teetered on the edge of control.
Even the slightest contact set his pulse racing.
So his expression remained icy, though his gaze burned.
"Thank you, Mr. Sullivan."
Sophia stepped back and knelt to gather the files.
A pair of elegant, long-fingered hands joined hers.