Chapter 261

Ethan Roscente's slender fingers tapped rhythmically against the desk, his gaze icy.

"Cancel the variety show appearance."

Sophia Lowell toyed with her phone, not bothering to look up.

"Why should I?"

"Because I'm your boss."

She finally lifted her head, a mocking smile playing on her lips.

"Since when does being my boss give you the right to control my personal life?"

Ethan narrowed his eyes, his voice dropping lower.

"This business trip involves a project worth hundreds of millions."

"What does that have to do with me?"

He leaned forward abruptly, his presence overwhelming.

"That endorsement Vivian Ashcroft has been chasing..."

Sophia's fingers stilled.

"What are you implying?"

Ethan adjusted his cufflinks leisurely.

"I heard she turned down three roles for this opportunity."

She bit her lower lip.

"That's low."

He chuckled, though his eyes remained cold.

"Five million. Accompany me to Hong Kong."

"Ten."

"Seven."

"Deal."

Ethan raised an eyebrow, surprised by her quick agreement.

Sophia stood, looking down at him.

"But I have conditions."

"Name them."

"No more than eight hours of work per day. Five-star accommodations. Meals covered separately."

He scoffed.

"You think this is a vacation?"

She tilted her head, grinning slyly.

"Isn't it?"

They locked eyes for a tense moment before Ethan looked away first.

"Fine."

Sophia turned to leave but paused.

"Oh, about Vivian's endorsement..."

Ethan flipped through his documents without glancing up.

"That depends on your performance."

She stomped her foot in frustration but knew she was outmatched.

That evening, Sophia stood before a private jet, dragging her suitcase with visible reluctance.

"Do we really have to take this?"

Ethan fastened his seatbelt without sparing her a glance.

"Scared?"

She snorted and marched up the steps.

"I'm scared you'll puke on me."

As the plane took off, her knuckles turned white from gripping the armrest.

Ethan handed her a glass of champagne.

"Relax."

She took the glass and downed it in one gulp.

"How much longer?"

"Three hours."

Closing her eyes, she tried to steady her breathing.

Suddenly, a warm hand covered hers.

"First time on a private jet?"

Sophia yanked her hand away.

"None of your business."

Unfazed, Ethan smirked.

"We'll have plenty of time to get acquainted in the coming days."