Chapter 276

Sophia instinctively clutched the collar of her nightgown, her knuckles turning white.

Ethan Roscente looked down at her with a mocking curve on his lips.

"Want to keep my grandfather company? Too bad he's long gone." He slowly undid his cufflinks. "Sophia, I never knew you had such... peculiar tastes."

Heat rushed to Sophia's cheeks.

Before she could retort, his slender fingers had already slipped beneath her collar.

"But..." He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "I suppose I could indulge you."

Sophia's words died in her throat.

Ethan swiftly stripped off her nightgown and scooped her into his arms.

Steam rose from the bathtub, carrying the faint scent of herbs.

"Is this... Chinese medicine?" Sophia looked up in surprise.

Ethan leaned against the tub's edge, his Adam's apple bobbing. "You said you were sore." His voice was rough. "If you want to walk tomorrow, stop talking."

Sophia shrank back.

She suddenly remembered Ethan's brief stop at an herbal shop on their way back to the hotel.

"Relax, it won't kill you." His tone was lazy. "I prepared it myself."

Sophia muttered under her breath, "That's exactly why I'm worried..."

She froze mid-sentence.

"Wait, didn't you study Western medicine?" Her eyes widened. "Since when do you know traditional remedies?"

Years ago, her aunt had mentioned Ethan's brief but notable medical career before he switched to business.

His eyes snapped open, sharp and alert. "Investigating me?"

Sophia's heart skipped a beat.

During her infatuation phase, she'd often pried information from her aunt.

"Your medical degree isn't classified information." She turned away. "I lived with the Roscentes for two years. Gossip travels."

Ethan scoffed and closed his eyes again.

"About this prescription—"

"Keep talking," he suddenly moved closer, "and I'll find another way to silence you."

The next morning, Sophia was shocked to find her body miraculously pain-free.

Ethan emerged from the bathroom adjusting his tie and glanced at his watch. "We leave at nine. You have eight minutes."

Sophia suddenly remembered their actual purpose for this trip.

Damn last night's gala.

She struggled upright. "Yes, Mr. Roscente..."

Cold water splashed on her face, clearing the fog in her mind.

At exactly nine o'clock, the black sedan pulled away from the hotel.

But the route to the Valrose headquarters grew increasingly remote.

When Sophia was jolted awake for the third time, dense forests stretched beyond the window.

"The Valrose headquarters..." She eyed Ethan suspiciously. "Please tell me it's not built in a graveyard."