Chapter 113

Sophia rested her head gently against Vivian Valdemar's shoulder, breathing in the familiar scent of jasmine. "Senior, promise me you'll take care of yourself."

Vivian's fingers combed through Sophia's soft hair, her eyes shimmering with tenderness. "Silly girl, I promise. But you're the one who keeps worrying everyone."

The long-missed intimacy made Sophia's eyes burn. Behind Vivian's forced smile, she saw the same fragile brokenness that mirrored her own.

After settling Vivian at Sebastian Valdemar's apartment, Sophia checked her watch. The night had grown late, and she rose to leave.

Sebastian grabbed his keys and followed her out.

At the building entrance, Sophia hesitated before speaking. "Senior, about Vivian—"

"I know," Sebastian interrupted. "I'll stay with her these next few days. Once our father arrives, we'll take her back to Seattle to recuperate."

Sophia nodded. The night wind lifted the strands of hair at her forehead, revealing her reddened eyes.

Sebastian didn't turn away until the elevator doors closed behind her.

......

The sharp antiseptic smell in the hospital hallway made Ethan Roscente's temples throb. For the third time, he unlocked his phone. The stolen photo of Sophia smiling up at the camera pierced his heart like a thorn.

"Mr. Roscente?" Zachary Evans reminded him quietly. "The Madam is waiting."

A familiar voice suddenly echoed from around the corner. Ethan froze mid-step.

Outside the obstetrics clinic, Sebastian was carefully adjusting a pregnant woman's scarf. The gentle care in his actions was a stark contrast to the man at the restaurant earlier.

Ethan let out a cold laugh, his knuckles cracking under the force of his grip.

"Report."

Zachary's back broke out in a cold sweat. "Sebastian Valdemar, 32, associate professor at the School of Architecture. Yesterday, Ms. Lowell—"

"The highlights."

"He and Ms. Lowell studied under the same mentor. He also recommended the lawyer for Ms. Ashcroft's case." Zachary forced himself to add, "Rumors say... Ms. Lowell plans to teach at the university after resigning."

Ice formed in Ethan's eyes. The hallway lights cast ominous shadows across his sharp features.

So that was it.

The little wildcat who always bared her claws at him had sheathed them for someone else.