Chapter 148

Felix Roland tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, his sharp gaze catching the key point in the other man's words. "So you're saying you'll approve the proposal as long as you meet the designer in person?"

"Perhaps." Ethan Roscente exhaled a slow stream of smoke, his chiseled profile half-hidden behind the haze.

"What do you mean, 'perhaps'?" Felix frowned in irritation. "I need a clear answer."

"I'll know when I see them."

Felix scoffed and snatched the design drafts from the table. "Fine. Since it's Mr. Roscente's request, I'll make sure they show up. Don't go back on your word."

The corner of Ethan's lips lifted, but his eyes remained cold.

"Oh, and one more thing," Felix suddenly turned serious. "What I said earlier about Sophia and Professor Orlando wasn't a joke."

The cigarette between Ethan's fingers tightened imperceptibly.

"I went to the hospital for a dressing change these past few days and kept running into Sophia there." Felix lowered his voice. "Rumor has it she's been taking care of Professor Orlando's hospitalized father. Meeting the parents already—aren't you worried?"

"Meeting the parents?" Ethan's eyes darkened instantly, the air around him turning icy.

Felix shrugged. "If you don't make a move soon, the wedding invitation will land on your desk."

The cigarette was crushed violently into the ashtray. Ethan's jaw clenched, shadows swirling in his gaze.

This woman clearly hadn't taken his words seriously at all.

Late at night, Sophia Lowell had just stepped out of the shower when the doorbell rang.

Wrapped loosely in a silk slip dress, she padded barefoot to the door.

"Vivian, did you forget your key aga—"

Her words died abruptly.

Ethan stood outside, his expression stormy. His gaze lingered on her exposed collarbone for a fraction of a second before darkening further.

"You answer the door like this for strangers?"

SLAM!

The only response he got was the door slamming shut in his face.