Chapter 166

Felix Roland immediately saw through Ethan Roscente's intentions.

He calmly lifted his wine glass, maintaining a polite smile. "This is Vincent Laurent, our design director from Luming Studio. And this is our designer..."

His gaze lingered meaningfully between them. "Lilian."

Vincent stood hastily. "Mr. Roscente."

When Sophia Lowell remained frozen, he cleared his throat. "Lilian?"

Sophia snapped back to reality, fingers trembling slightly. "Mr. Roscente."

Ethan's eyes held hers for three full seconds before turning to shake Vincent's hand.

As he pivoted, he extended his hand toward Sophia. "Lilian. I've heard so much about you."

Her breath hitched.

Was he pretending not to know her?

Hesitantly, she offered her hand. "You flatter me, Mr. Roscente."

His palm was warm and broad, but his thumb secretly traced circles around her wrist bone where no one could see.

Sophia's ears burned.

The audacity of this man—flirting in public!

She tried to pull away, but his grip tightened.

"Lilian's designs are extraordinary," Ethan said evenly, though danger flickered in his eyes.

Sophia gritted her teeth. "Too kind, Mr. Roscente."

He suddenly squeezed harder, making her wince.

Still holding a grudge, obviously.

Vincent eyed their clasped hands and remembered Theodore Orlando's warning. "Mr. Roscente?"

Ethan ignored him.

His fingertip brushed her knuckles as he murmured, "What hand cream do you use? The texture is exquisite."

Felix nearly choked on his drink.

"Mr. Roscente has a... unique habit," he interjected awkwardly. "He can't resist beautiful hands."

Vincent forced a laugh. "How... distinctive."

"Lilian seems to be enjoying it," Ethan observed, staring at Sophia's flushed earlobes.

Enjoy this, my ass!

Sophia suppressed her fury. "Please call me Sophia."

"Ah, so you have a Chinese name." Amusement laced his tone.

She finally wrested her hand free. "My oversight."

Ethan released her with visible satisfaction, triumph glinting in his eyes.

Felix leaned in to whisper, "You're shameless."