Chapter 169

The black Maybach glided smoothly along the ring highway.

Sophia's slender fingers rested lightly on the steering wheel. Her profile looked especially striking in the golden sunset. "Master Ye," she said softly, "Grandfather has been mentioning you often these days. He's worried you might not have time to attend his birthday banquet."

Ye Chen leaned back in the leather seat, his gaze drifting past the fleeting scenery outside. "I never go back on my word."

"Grandfather will be overjoyed to hear you're coming." A faint smile touched Sophia's lips. "He told me privately that seeing you is his greatest wish for this celebration."

Ye Chen's brow twitched slightly.

He knew exactly why the old man was so eager. The miraculous transformation of Shi Tianqi after taking the Rejuvenation Pill must have ignited the elder's longing.

To ordinary people, the Rejuvenation Pill was a priceless treasure for longevity. But to him, it was merely a common item easily obtained. The thousand-year-old snow ginseng was the true rarity.

"Oh," Sophia suddenly remembered, "Grandfather specifically invited several of your friends."

"Oh?" Ye Chen's interest was piqued.

"Vice Chairman Wang Dongxue will be there." Sophia glanced at the rearview mirror. "I heard you two are close?"

Ye Chen nodded. "Indeed."

"And the heads of the Wang and Qin families." Sophia paused. "As well as... Wei Liang."

At the mention of Wei Liang, a glint of amusement flashed in Ye Chen's eyes. "He's been managing Wei Pharmaceuticals quite well."

Sophia chuckled. "I heard his father and brother are still digging for ginseng in the Changbai Mountains?"

"They enjoy it there," Ye Chen replied flatly.

"Latest update," Sophia said with a playful blink. "A heavy snow recently trapped them in the mountains. They stole a villager's chicken and were beaten so badly they couldn't get out of bed. Now they're surviving on tree bark."

Ye Chen arched an eyebrow. "You seem quite invested in their affairs."

"Just curious." A faint blush colored Sophia's ears. "The ones sent to the coal mines in Shanxi have it worse—twelve-hour workdays, crying themselves to sleep every night."

A low laugh rumbled from Ye Chen in the quiet car.

Ethan Roscente's grip was ironclad, pinning Sophia Lowell's slender wrist against the wall.

She tilted her chin up, meeting those fathomless dark eyes.

"Architectural design?" His voice dripped with ice. "You've hidden your talents well."

A mocking smile curled Sophia's lips. "With your busy schedule, Mr. Roscente, when would you have time to notice my affairs?"

She emphasized the word "my" deliberately.

Ethan's gaze darkened as his thumb pressed hard against her lower lip. "You chose today to debut your work. Was this your idea of humiliation?"

A sharp pain lanced through Sophia's chest. For a fleeting moment, hurt flashed in her eyes.

So in his mind, every move she made had ulterior motives.

"You flatter yourself," she said suddenly, her smile brightening. "I simply took a commission."

The warmth of her skin beneath his fingertips made Ethan's breath hitch.

"Liar." He leaned closer. "Felix went out of his way to notify me. Wasn't that your doing?"

Sophia's pupils constricted.

She hadn't expected Felix to interfere.

"Cat got your tongue?" Ethan sneered, his thumb pressing into her collarbone. "You used to play the obedient little lamb. Now you've grown claws."

The words ignited Sophia's fury.

"Let go!" She jerked her knee upward.

Ethan anticipated the move, pinning her leg with his own. Their bodies pressed together seamlessly, her back flush against the wall. She could feel the rise and fall of his chest.

"You—" Heat crept up Sophia's ears.

The man's eyes darkened further as his hand slid beneath her blouse.

Cold fingers grazed her waist, making her shudder.

"Ethan Roscente!" Her voice trembled. "You're disgusting!"

He chuckled, his palm gliding over bare skin. "You were putting on quite the show earlier."

Sophia's eyes burned with unshed tears.

Abruptly, she stopped struggling and met his gaze head-on. "So the great Mr. Roscente prefers forcing himself on women?"

The words doused Ethan like cold water.

He stilled, the storm in his eyes gradually receding.

"Sharp tongue." Releasing her, he adjusted his cufflinks. "My office. Nine tomorrow."

Sophia blinked. "Why should I?"

"Because," he said over his shoulder, "I'm taking your design proposal."

The door slammed shut. Sophia's legs gave out, and she slid down the wall, trembling fingers pressed to her lips.

A humorless laugh escaped her.

What was this?

Cruelty followed by crumbs of kindness?

She clenched her fists until her nails bit into her palms.

Ethan Roscente, do you really think this will make me obey?