Chapter 267

Sophia instinctively tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear as her fingers brushed the doorknob.

The door swung open, revealing Ethan Roscente's towering frame.

His scorching gaze traveled from her tousled hair down to her toes, lingering at the slight dip of her neckline.

"Seems my technique was effective." His Adam's apple bobbed, voice gravelly. "At this rate, we might need a different measuring method."

"Shut up!" Sophia's ears burned as she turned to leave.

A strong hand clamped around her wrist, yanking her against his blazing chest. Ethan looked down at her. "In a hurry?"

"Isn't there a gala to attend?"

His eyes dropped to her fluffy slippers, one brow arching. "Wearing these?"

Sophia gasped at her oversight. As she spun around, strong arms lifted her effortlessly onto the sofa.

Ethan knelt on one knee, retrieving diamond-studded heels from a velvet box. Silver satin shimmered under the light.

"Lift your foot."

Sophia stared, transfixed, as his deft fingers slid along her ankle. The ruthless business titan was now kneeling to put shoes on her.

"Perfect." His thumb stroked her instep. "Like Cinderella's glass slipper."

Her pulse stuttered. "Why..."

"Hong Kong's elite will be there tonight." Ethan rose, adjusting his cufflinks. "Just stand there and look pretty."

Of course. Sophia bit her lip and jerked her foot back. "I can manage without your help."

"Between decorations," he suddenly leaned in, breath grazing her earlobe, "I prefer my accessories with claws."

The gala sparkled under crystal chandeliers. Ethan paused at the entrance, offering his arm.

"Unnecessary." Sophia stepped back. "There's a difference between secretary and date."

Darkness flashed in his eyes. "Are you lecturing me, Ms. Lowell?"

A chill crawled down her spine. Reluctantly, she took his arm and was swept into the glittering den of vipers.

Amidst clinking glasses, she maintained a porcelain smile while Ethan charmed the power brokers.

"And this is?" A corporate director eyed Sophia.

"I'm Mr. Roscente's—"

"My personal assistant." Ethan cut her off, fingers digging warningly into her waist.

The man smirked. "Excellent taste. Compared to Miss Valentine, this one seems more..."

"Director Qi." Ethan swirled his champagne, eyes glacial. "Choose your next words carefully."

Sophia's nails bit into her palms. She never should have come.