"Pleasure doing business with you."
Ethan Sullivan's palm slowly covered the back of her hand.
"You said you needed time to consider earlier, but now you agreed because of Grandmother."
Sophia Sullivan smiled knowingly. Mrs. Sullivan was his biological grandmother—family bound by blood. It was only natural for him to be cautious. She decided to be upfront.
"Indeed, it's for her sake. I'm obsessed with perfumery, always eager to explore techniques I haven't mastered. Her blending methods are top-tier, especially the balance between warm and cool notes—something I've struggled with."
Sophia wore a gentle, unassuming smile.
"If Mr. Sullivan is willing to offer guidance, it would save me a lot of trouble."
A man like Ethan was sharp and suspicious, noticing even the smallest details. Sophia never revealed her cards easily.
She wasn’t foolish enough to visit Mrs. Sullivan openly. But once inside the estate, she’d find a way to gather information.
"You flatter me, Ms. Sullivan."
Before Ethan could finish, Sophia withdrew her hand. The lingering warmth of her soft skin made his fingers curl reflexively.
"I keep my promises. But gaining my niece’s approval won’t be easy—handling children is tedious work. Why don’t you make another request?"
His tone was casual. "As long as it’s within my power, consider it repayment for saving my life that night."
Saving his life.
Sophia tilted her head. "Which night are you referring to, Mr. Sullivan? The cruise or the cave?"
Her words carried a faint hint of flirtation.
She took a step forward, closing the distance between them past the point of propriety.
Ethan could feel her breath. When she lifted her gaze, her long lashes brushed against his senses like feathers, leaving a subtle itch.
Before he could respond, Sophia continued, "Really, any request?"
Ethan averted his eyes, instinctively avoiding her gaze.
His pulse raced uncontrollably. No woman had ever unsettled him like this.
His voice came out rough. "Naturally, within reason."
Sophia chuckled lightly and retreated a step, the previous tension dissolving as if it had never existed.
"I’ll save it for later. When I’m in trouble, you’ll be the first person I turn to."
In that brief moment of closeness, she had discreetly plucked a strand of hair from his shoulder and concealed it in her palm.
According to The Decagon’s intel, she and Ethan were around the same age. His mother’s death coincided closely with her own mother’s disappearance.
Most tellingly, Mrs. Sullivan’s perfumery techniques were identical to her mother’s.
Were they related by blood?
The thought unsettled Sophia. Even if it was just speculation, she had to verify every lead.
A soft knock interrupted them.
"Sir."
Ian Watson entered politely but froze when he saw his boss standing unusually close to Sophia.
His famously aloof CEO—who avoided women—was now sharing an intimate moment with the very woman who had uncovered his secret about faking his disability.
Ian’s mind raced with theories, though his expression remained professional.
"The media has swarmed outside. Our car can’t get through. A-City’s largest news network and two international outlets have been waiting for you."
He had never seen so many reporters. But it made sense—Ethan was the CEO of the world’s top luxury brand, heir to the Sullivan empire, and now revealed as the mastermind behind Breeze Perfumes.
His expansion from luxury goods into perfumery, coupled with his alliance with Radiant Beauty Group, was headline-worthy.
No wonder the press was desperate for an interview.
"Several friendly media outlets have sent invitations. They said even a single photo would suffice if you decline an appearance—"
"It seems you’re busy, Mr. Sullivan. I’ll take my leave."
Sophia picked up her bag with a smile, discreetly tucking the strand of hair inside.
"Looking forward to our collaboration!"
Ethan ignored Ian, his gaze following Sophia as she walked away. Only after a long pause did he finally speak, his voice dark.
"Bring me the list of reporters first."