"You really can read my mind," Sophia admitted with a playful smile. "Nothing escapes those sharp eyes of yours."
Their gazes met, sharing an unspoken understanding.
Aligning with Ethan Sullivan was undoubtedly beneficial.
But more importantly, she needed to earn his trust—and through him, gain access to Mrs. Sullivan.
"By the way," Isabella chimed in, "there’s a packed schedule of events coming up. The parkour championship in two months—interested?" She grinned, knowing Sophia’s passion for extreme sports. "I love watching you compete. You’re unstoppable."
"A competition?" Sophia took a sip of water. "What’s the prize?"
"Decent. A million for first place. Plenty of competitors, though." Isabella tilted her head. "But that’s pocket change for you, isn’t it? You’re hardly strapped for cash."
Lately, Sophia had become oddly frugal despite her wealth, hoarding every penny like a miser.
"Your offshore account alone holds two billion. And White Tea Restaurant’s profits could fund a lavish lifestyle. You could casually drop a million without blinking."
Sophia’s expression darkened.
"That money stays untouched. It’s earmarked for the M-Country perfume venture and other expansions. The company’s prepping for IPO."
Her mother’s dream had been to build a world-class fragrance empire.
If Sophia could make it happen, maybe—just maybe—her mother would see it.
As for A-City, she refused to dip into overseas funds. Starting from scratch here was deliberate. This was where her mother had vanished. She wouldn’t leave.
Besides, a fresh challenge never scared her.
"You’re impossible," Isabella sighed, pulling out her phone. "Fine. I’ll register you."
———
Sunday arrived, and Sophia returned to the Sullivan estate for pottery lessons.
"Good morning."
Emma sat curled in her usual corner, clutching yesterday’s ceramic mushroom. This time, though, the girl peeked up, studying Sophia with wide eyes before shyly looking away.
"You’ve made her happier than she’s been in years," Ethan remarked softly.
Their eyes met—and instantly, the memory of yesterday’s kiss flickered between them.
Both glanced away, pretending nothing had happened.
"Ready for something new today?" Sophia crouched beside Emma, gently smoothing her hair. The child didn’t flinch, just gazed up curiously.
"You did so well yesterday. Let’s keep going."
To her surprise, Emma nodded eagerly.
This time, Sophia guided the girl’s hands directly, sharing tools. Emma didn’t resist—if anything, she focused harder.
Two hours later, the lesson ended with Emma proudly cradling her creation.
"Dinner’s ready," Ethan called from the doorway.
Sophia turned—and nearly laughed.
There he stood, apron tied haphazardly, fingers smudged with oil.
The dining table gleamed with an elaborate spread, including a plate of tender bamboo shoots.
"From Mr. York. Wasn’t sure about your preferences, so I kept it light." His tone was casual.
Sophia arched a brow. The mighty Ethan Sullivan, cooking? For her?
"Impressive skills for someone in a wheelchair," she teased.
"It’s nothing."
The butler gaped. In all his years serving the family, he’d rarely seen the young master lift a spoon—let alone cook while injured.
"Join us," Ethan said, noting the butler’s astonishment.
"Only thanks to Miss Sullivan’s influence," the old man chuckled, rubbing his hands.
Emma, oblivious, quietly picked at her food, never reaching for dishes herself.
"Try this," Sophia murmured, noticing where the girl’s eyes lingered. She served her portions with natural ease.
Ethan watched silently before speaking.
"Have you reconsidered my offer? Thirty percent of Breeze Perfumes is yours if you join."
For anyone else, such shares would be a fortune. But Ethan knew Sophia’s worth—with her, the company’s potential skyrocketed.
"Generous," she declined politely. "But I prefer independence."
Between her perfume startup and reviving The Nexus, her plate was full. Maybe later.
Ethan wasn’t surprised. Sophia had never been swayed by material temptations.
"Your call. The door stays open."
"Appreciate it." Sophia shifted gears. "Actually, do you own property near The Underground City?"