The annoying fly had finally flown away.
Silence returned to the world.
Ethan Sullivan turned his cold gaze toward his assistant.
"Something came up at the company. Head back first."
Ian Watson paused.
Today's work had already been completed.
But the moment she met her boss's sharp, icy stare—
She understood immediately.
"Understood!"
Sophia Sullivan pulled a wet wipe from her bag.
She slowly wiped her fingers clean.
"Thank you for stepping in earlier, Mr. Sullivan."
"It was nothing."
Ethan's voice remained indifferent.
The two walked side by side toward the underground parking garage.
Not a word was exchanged.
Yet there was an odd sense of harmony between them.
A quiet atmosphere enveloped them.
As if they existed in their own little world.
"Are you really giving up the competition prize just like that? Radiant Beauty Group is the largest global advertiser. That opportunity should be valuable to you."
Ethan didn’t believe Sophia was the type to follow rules.
With her methods, she didn’t need to concede just to shut Liam Winston up.
Sophia’s lips curved slightly.
A knowing smile played on her face.
"I always keep my word. However, whether the collaboration succeeds depends entirely on Liam’s own abilities. I have no control over Mr. Roscente’s decisions."
This deal was crucial for the Winston family.
But for her? It was expendable.
She had her reasons for doing this.
The situation had escalated because of Ethan’s interference.
She didn’t want him tangled in unnecessary trouble because of her.
And she certainly didn’t want to owe him any favors.
Ethan immediately caught the hidden meaning in her words.
As expected—she never truly backed down.
"On the surface, you’re granting Liam’s wish. But in reality, you’ve set a trap for him. I know Julian Roscente well—he appears easygoing, but he’s incredibly picky. He’d never work with someone he dislikes."
Radiant Beauty Group controlled global media influence.
Julian’s cunning and ruthlessness far surpassed ordinary people’s.
For those in the PR world, smiling while hiding a knife was second nature.
"Sharp as always, Mr. Sullivan."
Sophia chuckled.
Talking with someone perceptive saved so much effort.
"I spent three years with Liam. I know better than anyone how little self-awareness he has. The last time Mr. Roscente rejected him, he was too polite—Liam mistook it for room for negotiation."
From what she knew, Julian despised people who refused to take no for an answer.
Collaborating with short-sighted individuals never lasted.
"So even if Liam secures the spot, any mistakes during the process will be entirely his own doing."
Ethan’s lips curled slightly.
"Ms. Sullivan, you truly think steps ahead."
Not only had she taught Liam a lesson—
But she’d also planted a ticking time bomb.
A masterful move.
Sophia thanked him again.
"Regardless, I appreciate your timely arrival today. If I’d been left alone with those two, things might’ve gotten messy."
Ethan raised a brow at her.
Was she really still pretending to be ordinary?
He was certain—had he not been there, those two would’ve ended up far worse.
"Drop the act."
He called her out bluntly.
Then, without missing a beat—
"If you really want to thank me, how about undoing whatever you did to me earlier? We’ve fought side by side now. Still don’t trust me?"
Sophia gave him a slow, sidelong glance.
She feigned innocence with a shrug.
"What poison? Surely you don’t think I’d casually drug someone? That was just a vitamin candy—good for your health. You didn’t actually believe me, did you?"
Poison in the middle of nowhere?
She didn’t carry that kind of thing around.
Unless it was for a dignified exit in dire situations.
But Sophia Sullivan never surrendered.
Her motto: If she went down, she’d drag everyone with her.
Ethan froze for a second.
Then it clicked—he’d been played.
But instead of anger, amusement flickered in his eyes.
This only made her more intriguing.
"You’re telling me the truth just like that? Not afraid I’ll retaliate? Seems you trust me quite a bit now."
He pressed the elevator button.
"Need a ride home?"
"No." Sophia dangled her car keys. His offer wasn’t about chivalry—he wanted her address.
"I drove. No need to trouble yourself, Mr. Sullivan. Besides, we’re not close enough for drop-offs."
Ethan lifted his gaze.
"Then what does it take to be 'close'? Was one passionate night not enough?"