Chapter 226

Sebastian was mid-sentence when he noticed two crew members carrying heavy equipment toward them. Sophia stood with her back turned, oblivious to the approaching danger.

His pupils contracted. In one swift motion, he yanked her aside.

Sophia stumbled into his arms, her nose filling with the crisp scent of his shower gel—fresh and clean, like a forest after rain.

"What did you say?" She tilted her face up.

Their eyes locked, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze.

Outside the TV station, a black Maybach rolled to a stop. Ethan stepped out, his gaze sharp as a blade as it landed on the embracing pair.

"What the hell is this?"

His icy voice cut through the air. Sophia jerked back, pushing Sebastian away on instinct.

"Why are you here?" She frowned.

Dark currents churned in Ethan's eyes. The air around him thickened with palpable tension as he strode forward, his knuckles whitening around the memory of Sebastian's touch on Sophia.

"Am I interrupting?" His laugh was bitter.

Sophia turned her face away. "What's your problem now?"

"Couldn't wait, could you?" Ethan's voice dripped venom. "Should I book you a room?"

Sebastian stepped between them. "Mr. Roscente, you've misunderstood—"

"Does she not have legs? Since when is she your concern?" Ethan's words were laced with thorns.

Sophia trembled with anger, gripping Sebastian's sleeve. "Let's go. Ignore this lunatic."

The moment she turned, Ethan seized her wrist with bruising force, dragging her toward the car. Her heel caught on the pavement, sending a sharp pain up her leg.

"Let go!"

She clawed at his hand, leaving red marks, but he didn't flinch. With a rough shove, he forced her into the backseat. The door slammed shut with a deafening crash.

By the time Sebastian reached them, the taillights were already vanishing into the night. Jaw clenched, he pulled out his phone and dialed his agent.