Ethan Sullivan spoke slowly.
"I have a little niece."
His voice was deep.
"She's clever and adorable."
Sophia Sullivan noticed the fleeting tenderness in his expression when he mentioned his niece.
It surprised her.
A man like Ethan actually cared about family.
She was an orphan.
No one had ever looked after her.
Seeing that expression on Ethan's face stirred complicated emotions within her.
"Unfortunately, she has autism."
Ethan continued.
"Her only hobby is pottery."
Sophia listened quietly.
"I've seen your work, Miss Sullivan."
Ethan's tone was calm.
"I'd like you to be her pottery instructor."
His gaze fixed on her.
"In exchange, I'll provide any assistance you need."
He spoke as if negotiating a business deal.
Not a life-or-death situation.
"My connections and resources can support you."
Ethan added.
"Every shadow needs a legitimate front."
Sophia frowned slightly.
The Sullivan family had influence in both legal and underground circles.
They could indeed help her.
She crossed her arms.
"Is this your way of begging for mercy?"
She smirked.
"Not exactly."
Ethan met her eyes directly.
"You never intended to kill me."
He saw through her.
"Your hesitation gave you away."
Sophia arched a brow.
"If you have doubts, why not collaborate?"
Ethan proposed.
"Mutual benefit makes good business."
Sophia scoffed.
"Every merchant has a trick up their sleeve."
She tacitly agreed to the partnership.
Her slender fingers moved suddenly.
The blade vanished back into her hand.
The gauze snapped cleanly.
"As a gesture of goodwill, I'll tend to your wound."
Sophia produced a porcelain vial.
Ethan frowned.
How many things did this woman carry on her?
"A CEO wouldn't keep such things handy."
Sophia didn't look up.
"But I'm used to being prepared."
She bandaged the wound with practiced efficiency.
"Open your mouth."
She gripped Ethan's chin.
A red pill slipped between his lips.
"What is this?"
Ethan swallowed.
"Poison."
Sophia answered flatly.
Ethan fell silent.
Sophia packed up her supplies.
Amused by his stunned expression, she chuckled.
"Better safe than sorry."
She explained.
"Who knows if this niece of yours even exists?"
Her lips curved.
"The poison is insurance."
She dusted off her hands.
"Don't worry. I have the antidote."
Ethan leaned back lazily against the sofa.
"Now, will you answer my question?"
His eyes bore into her.
"Who are you, really?"
This woman kept surprising him.
Beneath that icy exterior lay ruthless cunning.
And this untamed audacity.
Carrying medical supplies was reasonable.
But poison?
No one had ever dared manipulate him like this.
No one had ever cornered him so completely.
Ethan's pulse quickened.
He felt a thrill he hadn't experienced in years.
More exhilarating than any extreme sport.
Fascinating.
What kind of life had shaped Sophia Sullivan?