Chapter 185
Ethan Roscente set the porridge bowl gently on the nightstand and reached for the bed adjustment handle.
Sophia Lowell was about to thank him when she noticed his sudden pause.
"Let me." Ethan stepped forward, his slender fingers already gripping the lever.
The hospital bed rose slowly. He leaned over to unfold the tray table, arranging the utensils with practiced efficiency. Steam curled from the uncovered porridge, softening the sharp angles of his profile.
"Eat while it's hot." He handed her the spoon, his fingertips brushing against the back of her hand.
Sophia froze. Since when had this man learned to care for others?
The aroma of the porridge filled her senses. She took a tentative sip—the rice was perfectly tender, the shrimp sweet and fresh.
"Does it suit your taste?" Zachary Evans leaned in to ask.
She nodded, catching Ethan staring at the takeout bag from the corner of her eye.
Silence settled over the room. Zachary cleared his throat and launched into office anecdotes. Sophia responded occasionally, a faint smile playing on her lips.
Bang. Ethan suddenly stood, his chair scraping loudly against the floor.
"I need a smoke." He stormed out without a backward glance, the door slamming behind him.
Sophia set down her spoon and met Zachary's gaze. "You're unusually chatty today."
"Am I?" His smile stiffened.
"Like a dog wagging its tail." She tilted her head. "Out with it. What happened?"
A bead of sweat formed on Zachary's forehead. He couldn't very well admit he'd just finished digging into her background.
"Just building rapport for our upcoming project." He forced a laugh.
Sophia nodded thoughtfully. "Then would you mind fetching me some water?"
The moment his footsteps faded, she threw off the covers. Her wallet contained the exact amount of cash she'd left, but the items inside had clearly been disturbed.
From a hidden compartment, she pulled out a photograph—a yellowed image of a little girl grinning brightly at an amusement park.
"I knew it..." Her fingers trembled slightly.