Sophia's fingertips had just grazed the razor blade.
Ethan's hand clamped around her wrist in an instant.
His movements were a blur.
The blade changed hands before she could react.
A bead of blood welled on his thumb.
His expression remained unreadable.
"Planning to kill me, Sophia?"
"Don't flatter yourself."
Their fingers tangled together.
The cave wall cast their intertwined shadows—
a perfect mimicry of lovers in embrace.
Ethan dropped the pretense abruptly.
"My legs were healed months ago."
"The Winston family is a nest of vipers."
"The wheelchair was just bait."
He stepped closer.
Firelight danced in Sophia's pupils—
illuminating the sharp angles of his face.
"That night on the cruise..."
"The drug made me lose control."
"Entering your room wasn't intentional."
His throat moved as he recalled her pinning him down.
"What happened between us—"
Sophia yanked her hand free.
"Don't."
"That night never existed."
She despised complications.
This man used even himself as a chess piece.
Playing with fire would burn her alive.
"I'm freshly divorced and homeless."
"I can't afford the Winston-Evans war."
Her lashes lowered.
"Your secrets are too heavy for me."
"Let's pretend this conversation never happened."
Her smile was deceptively soft—
like morning dew on camellias.
Ethan laughed darkly.
"Drop the act."
"Your innocent facade doesn't suit you."
"No wonder Liam chose Chloe."
Sophia's counterfeit sweetness vanished.
"Look who's talking."
With masks discarded—
the air between them cleared.
Ethan brushed nonexistent dust from his sleeve.
"Kill me..."
"And the Sullivan family will hunt you endlessly."
"You'll lose every foothold in A-City."
His gaze turned blade-sharp.
"You're staying here for a reason."
"The perfumery competition? Or someone?"
Sophia's knuckles whitened.
Having her weakness exposed stung.
"The world is wide enough."
"I've never clung to any place."
Ethan's breath grazed her ear.
"Then let's make a deal."