Chapter 284

Lydia Merovingian hid behind the wisteria trellis, fingers flying across her phone screen. "Mr. Valrose, Ms. Lowell is too alert. She won't take the bait."

Dominic Valrose was engaged in conversation with Ethan Roscente when the message arrived. A dark glint flashed in his eyes as he typed his reply. "Of course she's difficult. Ethan trained her well."

"Should we keep trying?"

"Just observe for now. Don't spook her."

Dominic pocketed his phone, his gaze drifting to the slender figure in the distance. His plan had been simple—have his secretary lure Sophia to the guest suites for an "accidental" encounter. Afterwards, he could easily deny any involvement. Who could prove he knew Ethan's personal assistant?

But the woman was more cautious than expected.

Still, on this island, she had nowhere to run.

Sophia wandered aimlessly through the gardens, eventually finding herself before the Hot Springs Resort. The gilded sign glittered in the sunlight as guests in yukatas drifted in and out. The place was a gilded den of indulgence—oceanview hot springs, a private golf course, Michelin-starred dining.

"Ms. Lowell." Zachary Evans appeared at her side. "Mr. Roscente requests your presence for lunch."

Following his gesture, she spotted Ethan surrounded by business magnates. The mere thought of navigating that minefield of empty pleasantries made her stomach protest audibly.

"I'll grab something casual," she said, stepping back. "Business lunches give me indigestion."

Zachary hesitated. "Only Mr. Valrose and his secretary are attending. Mr. Roscente specifically asked for you."

Sophia opened her mouth to refuse when her phone buzzed.

Ethan's message contained two words: "Come here."

She looked up and met his piercing gaze across the garden. Even at this distance, the command in his stare was unmistakable.

"Does your boss have me bugged?" She waved her phone at Zachary. "He even predicted I'd try to escape."

Zachary's mouth twitched.

Another buzz.

"Talking shit about me?"

Sophia nearly dropped her phone in alarm. When she looked up again, Ethan was striding toward her. His tailored slacks accentuated the lethal grace of his movements, making her feel like prey under a predator's gaze.