Chapter 184

Ethan Roscente sat motionless on the opposite sofa, his long fingers tapping lightly on the armrest.

"Wait till morning," he said in a low voice. "I don't want to become a police suspect tomorrow."

Was he cursing her misfortune?

Sophia Lowell frowned, silently cursing the man for his sharp tongue.

"Calling me names in your head again?"

Ethan saw right through her.

Sophia kept her expression blank. "You're too paranoid, Mr. Roscente. I suggest seeing a psychiatrist."

His gaze lingered on her pale face, and an inexplicable softness flickered in his chest. He scoffed. "I'll leave once you're discharged tomorrow. For now, stay in bed."

"Unnecessary." Her tone was icy. "I've already called a friend to stay with me."

Ethan immediately thought of Sebastian Valdemar. His face darkened.

He stood abruptly, strode to the bed, and gripped her chin. "Who? Sebastian?"

Sophia pulled free. "None of your business."

She had only said it casually, never expecting him to jump to that conclusion.

His jaw tightened. "I don't have the energy to argue with you."

Sophia smirked and threw off the covers, swinging her legs over the edge.

"What are you doing?" he snapped.

"Leaving." Her resolve was firm.

A vein throbbed at Ethan's temple. "Did you ignore everything I just said?"

"At least you're self-aware," she mocked.

He was momentarily speechless.

Seeing him flustered eased some of the bitterness in Sophia's heart.

If he hadn't tormented her back then, she wouldn't have developed claustrophobia—wouldn't have been trapped in that broken elevator, reliving her nightmare.

"I'm not being stubborn," she said, her voice gentler. "I just hate hospitals. Resting at home is the same."

"No." His refusal was absolute. "The doctor said you need observation. Try leaving and see what happens."

Sophia laughed coldly. "Do you know what I hate most about you?"

His eyes sharpened.

"Your arrogance. Your selfishness. How you never consider others." She enunciated each word.

Ethan's pupils contracted. Remembering the root of her fear, he hesitated.

Just then, Zachary Evans entered with a food container. "You're awake, Ms. Lowell? Feeling better?"

Sophia averted her gaze. "Much better."

"Good. You've been asleep for hours. Have some porridge first."

Though she had no appetite, she nodded for the sake of the baby. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it." Zachary smiled warmly. "We're family."