Chapter 136

Sebastian Valdemar blocked the car, his fingers clenched until they turned white. His gaze locked onto Sophia Lowell's unconscious form in Ethan Roscente's arms, his Adam's apple bobbing. "Mr. Roscente, given your impending wedding, this is highly inappropriate."

Ethan smirked coldly, pulling Sophia closer. The heat of her feverish skin seeped through the fabric, darkening his eyes.

"My affairs are none of your concern."

He strode past Sebastian, lowering his voice as they brushed shoulders. "Remember this, Mr. Valdemar—every inch of Sophia, from her hair to her toes, belongs to me."

Sebastian stood frozen, watching the black Maybach vanish into the night.

Inside the car, the air thickened with a cloying sweetness. Sophia writhed unconsciously, her silk dress riding up her thighs, revealing luminous skin. She bit her lower lip hard enough to draw blood.

"Who drugged you?" Ethan gripped her chin, his voice icy.

Her only response was a kitten-like whimper. She clung to his shoulders, her scorching cheek brushing his pulse. His breath hitched as he slammed the partition button.

"Get out."

The driver scrambled to stop the car and fled into the darkness.

The backseat suddenly felt suffocating. Pinned against the leather seat, Sophia gasped as Ethan's hot breath grazed her ear. A flicker of clarity pierced her dazed eyes.

"Hospital... need to go..."

With one hand, Ethan loosened his tie and methodically bound her flailing wrists. He captured her earlobe between his teeth, relishing her violent tremors.

"Too late." His low chuckle sent shivers down her spine as his fingers traced her flushed collarbone. "You won't last ten minutes like this."

Sophia arched suddenly, tears streaming. The protective hand over her abdomen didn't escape Ethan's notice.

"Afraid?" His eyes darkened as he ripped open her collar. "Weren't you bold enough when you schemed against me?"

Faded love marks still marred her porcelain skin. The sight dragged Ethan back to that rainy night three years ago—eighteen-year-old Sophia in a soaked white dress, calling him "Uncle" with feigned innocence in the Roscente garden.

Even then, he'd wanted to tear that act apart.

"If you dared provoke me..." He sank his teeth into her shoulder. "...you'll never escape."

The car began rocking rhythmically. Moonlight spilled through the window, illuminating their entangled shadows. Sophia's cries dissolved into fragmented gasps against his lips.

In the distance, church bells tolled midnight. Ethan brushed damp strands from her forehead, his gaze stormy.

Tomorrow was his engagement party.

And the woman in his arms would forever remain his secret.