Chapter 162

Ethan Roscente detected the hesitation in her voice and softened his tone. "Sophia, don't push yourself. Luming Studio isn't short on projects."

Sophia Lowell's lips curved slightly. "I understand, Professor."

"Good. Get some rest."

The call ended, and the smile faded from Sophia's face. She stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, absently tracing the edge of her phone.

Theodore Orlando quickly replied to Felix Roland: "Mr. Roland, Lilian's schedule is packed. She needs time to consider the meeting."

Felix stared at his phone, brow furrowed. He typed rapidly: "Are you sure you conveyed it properly? Does she know who wants to see her?"

"Of course," Theodore replied promptly. "But she's genuinely swamped. I hope you'll understand."

Understand?

Felix nearly threw his phone. Since when did Felix Roland need to understand anyone?

Remembering the bold claims he'd made to Ethan, his temples throbbed.

If this fell through...

He took a deep breath, forcing down his irritation. "Fine. Give her time. But the project won't wait. There are plenty of architecture firms."

Theodore sent a smiling emoji. "Mutual understanding is key."

Felix responded with a passive-aggressive smiley and angrily locked his screen.

Two days passed.

When Theodore's message finally arrived—"Lilian has agreed to meet"—Felix was lounging at a private club with a drink in hand. He bolted upright from the couch.

"It's happening!" He practically sprinted to Ethan's side. "Lilian said yes. When are you free?"

Ethan swirled his glass without looking up. "It's just dinner. Why the fuss?"

"This is a billion-dollar project!" Felix rubbed his hands together excitedly. "Once the resort is built, profits could multiply tenfold."

Ethan scoffed. "Pathetic."

"So? When?"

"Whenever." The man downed his drink, tone indifferent.

Felix's eyes gleamed as he leaned in. "I bet the designer's a knockout. Maybe this’ll lead to something more."

Ethan stood, straightening his suit jacket. "More like a middle-aged woman with thinning hair."

"Wanna bet?" Felix pressed. "If she's stunning, what then?"

"Childish."

Felix suddenly grinned. "Heard you got arrested for drunk driving the other day?"

Ethan froze. His gaze turned icy. "Who told you that?"

"It's all over the circle," Felix said, barely containing his laughter. "Rumor has it the cops hauled you in during a vice raid."

Ethan's expression darkened.

Felix's curiosity grew. "What really happened? Who reported you?"

"Sophia. Lowell." Ethan ground out each syllable through clenched teeth.