Chapter 248

Ethan Roscente tapped the car window with his slender fingers, amusement glinting in his eyes. "Ran faster than a rabbit, yet here you are crawling back?"

Sophia Lowell clenched the hem of her shirt, her nails digging into her palms. She'd just escaped the loan sharks when she learned Ethan had repaid her 45 million dollar debt.

"I never asked for your help," she muttered under her breath.

The man's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Breaking the bridge after crossing the river, Miss Lowell?"

The temperature in the car plummeted. Zachary Evans caught his employer's stormy expression in the rearview mirror and discreetly adjusted the AC.

"I..." Sophia bit her lip, suddenly remembering her aunt was still captive. "Thank you for the assistance, Mr. Roscente. I'll repay every cent."

Ethan scoffed, trailing his fingers along the leather seat. "With what? That failing design studio of yours?"

Her ears burned. She lacked the means, but refused to show weakness.

"I'll clear the debt in two months," she insisted stubbornly. "We can sign an agreement."

"Agreement?" Ethan suddenly leaned in, his sandalwood cologne enveloping her. "A contract of servitude would be more fitting."

His thumb brushed her flushed earlobe, voice turning husky. "After all, this body of yours—"

"Ethan!" She shoved him away, only for him to trap her wrist.

He chuckled darkly. "Running again? Shouldn't a 45 million dollar creditor collect some interest?"

Neon lights flickered across his sharp features through the window. Sophia noticed the bandage on his temple—a wound from rescuing her earlier.

Her heart fluttered. "Uncle..."

"Now you remember I'm your uncle?" His fingers tightened on her chin. "Weren't you calling me 'Mr. Roscente' just now?"

Beneath his gaze, her lashes trembled. "What do you want?"

His eyes darkened as he pinned her against the seat. Warm breath grazed her neck. "An advance payment."

Zachary silently raised the partition and drove deeper into the night.