Olivia Laurent frowned deeply.
Her tone carried reluctant hesitation.
"Ethan, the collaboration agreement has confidentiality clauses. We can't just show it to anyone—"
Before she could finish, she met Ethan Sullivan's icy gaze.
His eyes cut like knives.
Olivia's heart skipped a beat.
Ethan had always been cold toward her.
Like an unyielding block of ice.
Now his gaze held unmistakable mockery.
"Clearly you didn't draft this agreement."
His finger tapped a specific clause.
"It explicitly states Ms. Sullivan is a shareholder of Breeze Perfumes."
His expression might as well have spelled out "incompetent" in bold letters.
Olivia froze.
She genuinely hadn't known.
She opened her mouth to explain, but his piercing stare silenced her.
Those eyes seemed capable of seeing through every lie.
A chilling thought struck her.
One more word.
And she'd be fish food.
Sophia Sullivan remained composed.
"The joint product launch strategy is well-designed."
She scrolled through her phone.
"This collaboration benefits both parties."
Her gaze lifted to meet Ethan's.
"I wish you success with the partnership."
This was her first time seeing Ethan in a white shirt, sipping coffee.
As always, every button fastened to the top.
His sleeves rolled slightly.
Revealing toned forearms that exuded raw masculinity.
The epitome of restrained elegance.
Yet wildly untamed between the sheets.
The nearly empty café grew tense.
A server arrived with Sophia's two coffee orders.
Olivia finally snapped out of her daze.
She eyed the drinks pointedly.
"Who could Ms. Sullivan be waiting for all this time?"
Her tone dripped with insinuation.
"Could it be... a special someone?"
Ethan's expression didn't change.
But the air around him turned glacial.
Sophia chuckled.
"Just a friend."
She took a sip.
Bitter notes giving way to rich aroma.
Olivia feigned concern.
"Good it's just a friend."
She lowered her voice conspiratorially.
"A friend of mine once met someone at a café."
"Ended up pregnant and—"
A sudden shriek cut her off.
"My foot!"
A sharp stone had grazed her ankle.
Blood welled instantly.
Olivia flailed in panic.
Her face drained of color.
"Manager! How could you allow debris here?"
Spoiled since childhood.
She'd never suffered such injury.
That gash would surely scar!
Sophia subtly withdrew her hand.
"Seems you're the one who should be careful."
She tilted her head with a smile.
"Cafés don't just harbor bad men."
"Sometimes... supernatural occurrences too."
Her cool voice blended with piano music.
The sarcasm unmistakable.
Olivia trembled with rage.
"Sophia! You did this!"
Sophia blinked innocently.
"Don't make baseless accusations, Olivia."
"Evidence matters."
"Or karma might bite back."
Olivia looked up.
Realizing they stood in a camera blind spot.
No proof to be found!
"You—!" She pressed a napkin to her wound.
Fury overtook reason.
She stood abruptly, glaring at Sophia.
Their eyes locked.
Olivia saw the icy indifference in the other woman's gaze.
A look that chilled to the bone.
Olivia instinctively retreated.
Her pulse hammered.
For one terrifying moment.
She thought she might die.
Then reason returned.
How dare this nobody threaten her?
A worthless tramp.
Olivia turned to Ethan through gritted teeth.
"She's your associate. You'll tolerate this behavior?"
"Don't forget our newly signed—"
Blinded by anger.
She'd forgotten the delicate nature of their business ties.
Surely Ethan wouldn't jeopardize their deal for Sophia!
His derisive laugh cut her off.
"Our collaboration?"
As if hearing a joke.
"Olivia, your company isn't fit to lick Sophia's boots."
"Without Grandmother's request, you'd never sit at this table."
The weight of his authority pressed down.
Olivia's back prickled with cold sweat.
Right.
She'd nearly forgotten.
The man before her.
Was the untouchable devil of legend.