Chapter 251

Ethan Roscente narrowed his eyes, watching the flustered woman before him.

She darted around the living room like a startled rabbit, shoving suspicious items into drawers.

"Destroying evidence?" he drawled.

Sophia Lowell froze mid-motion and glared at him. "None of your business!"

A phone rang abruptly. She hurried to the balcony. Their calico cat seized the moment to leap onto Ethan's lap, rubbing against him affectionately.

"Hospital?" He caught her deliberately hushed voice. "Got it. I'll be right there."

After hanging up, Sophia crouched to refill the cat's bowl. The calico ate eagerly, tail held high.

"My aunt's hospitalized." She didn't look up. "You're on your own."

Ethan lounged on the sofa, long fingers tapping the armrest. "Two million buys me this treatment?"

She rolled her eyes. "Take it or leave it."

Suddenly, he pressed his temples, brow furrowing. "Headache."

"Serves you right." Despite her words, she fetched a blanket. "Couch it is."

His gaze drifted toward the bedroom. "The bed's more comfortable."

"In your dreams!" Sophia bristled. "My bed's off-limits."

"Two million doesn't even get me a bed?" He smirked. "What was the consumer hotline again?"

Her jaw clenched. The man was blatantly threatening her.

"Fine!" she spat. "But if you dare soil my sheets—"

"Soil?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Don't play innocent!" Her ears burned. "If you try anything, I'll toss you out the window!"

As he stood, he deliberately stepped closer, warm breath grazing her ear. "Like... this?"

Sophia jerked back, nearly colliding with the coffee table.

Ethan laughed heartily and strode into the bedroom, shutting the door behind him.

"Bastard!" She shook her fist at the door.

The hospital hallway reeked of antiseptic. Margaret Lefèvre rushed to meet Sophia, relief washing over her.

"Madame Laurent kept rambling..." The elderly maid fretted. "Like she'd seen a ghost."

Inside the room, Emily Laurent lay curled on the bed, pallid. IV fluid dripped steadily.

Sophia gently grasped her aunt's icy hand. "Who brought her in?"

"An unknown number." Margaret lowered her voice. "When I reached the hotel, Madame was already..."

She mimed collapsing.

Sophia's eyes hardened. The loan sharks had dared target her aunt?

Emily suddenly convulsed, mumbling incoherently. "Stay back... I'll repay..."

"Doctor!" Margaret frantically hit the call button.

By the window, Sophia watched medical staff rush in. The glass reflected her stormy expression.

This debt wouldn't go unpaid.