Chapter 186

She absolutely had to return this medical payment.

Sophia refused to owe Ethan Roscente a single cent. More importantly, she couldn’t risk staying in the hospital. If they discovered her pregnancy, the consequences would be disastrous.

At the end of the hallway, Ethan crushed his cigarette underfoot. As he turned, he nearly collided with Zachary Evans.

"What are you doing here?" he demanded, brows furrowed.

Zachary lifted a water bottle. "Miss Lowell wanted a drink."

"Was there no water in the room?" Ethan’s voice turned icy.

"Maybe…" Zachary scratched his head. "The outside water tastes better?"

"Idiot!"

Ethan’s expression darkened as he strode toward the hospital room. Zachary hesitated before hurrying after him.

When the door swung open, the bed was empty.

"That woman has a death wish!" Ethan growled through clenched teeth.

Zachary spotted the neatly stacked bills on the nightstand. "Mr. Roscente, Miss Lowell left the medical fees and left."

"I can see that."

His knuckles whitened as his face twisted with fury.

Zachary ventured cautiously, "Should we…?"

Before he could finish, Ethan snatched the money. "If she gave it, why refuse?"

Zachary swallowed the rest of his words.

Inside the taxi, Sophia had just given the driver the address when her phone buzzed.

Six missed calls—all from Emily Laurent.

"Why aren’t you answering?" Emily’s voice dripped with irritation.

Sophia rubbed her temples. "I just woke up."

"You gave up a perfectly good secretary job for this?" Emily launched into her usual lecture.

"Get to the point," Sophia cut her off.

"Come to the family estate. We’ll talk in person."

Sophia checked the GPS—only two blocks from Vivian Ashcroft’s place.

"Can’t we discuss it over the phone?"

"It’s important," Emily insisted.

"Fine."

Hanging up, Sophia wearily changed the destination.

Forty minutes later, at the Lowell family estate.

"What’s this about?" Sophia slumped onto the couch, her face pale.

Emily studied her for a long moment. "You look terrible."

"Didn’t sleep well," Sophia murmured, closing her eyes.