Chapter 285

Ethan Roscente always knew exactly what Sophia Lowell was thinking. It wasn’t mind-reading—just an intimate understanding of the woman.

Sophia walked slowly toward the seating area. First meetings always required polite small talk.

Dominic Valrose studied her through narrowed eyes. The photos hadn’t done her justice. The simple chiffon blouse hugged her curves perfectly, and her bare face glowed with natural beauty. When those liquid eyes met his, his throat tightened.

Sophia shifted uncomfortably under his blatant stare, instinctively stepping closer to Ethan.

"Mr. Valrose?"

Ethan’s voice was calm but carried a clear warning. As a man, he recognized that look all too well.

"Keep your eyes to yourself." His fingers tapped the table. "Unless you want to lose them."

The threat couldn’t be more obvious.

Dominic blinked, then burst into laughter. "Don’t misunderstand, Mr. Roscente. Your secretary is simply stunning. Even my own assistant can’t stop praising her." He glanced at Lydia. "Right?"

Lydia Merovingian quickly agreed. "Who wouldn’t admire a beauty like Miss Lowell?"

Dominic spread his hands. "Every gentleman appreciates a graceful lady."

Ethan smirked and abruptly pulled Sophia against him. His fingers traced her slender waist as he drawled, "What’s mine stays mine. I don’t like sharing."

"Understood." Dominic wisely wrapped an arm around Lydia. "We all have our favorites."

Lydia giggled and snuggled into him. Sophia watched the pair with cold disgust. Men were all the same.

She sensed the danger radiating from Dominic. Ethan’s display was clearly a protective shield. Playing along, she leaned into his shoulder with a shy smile.

"Dinner is ready," Dominic smoothly changed the subject. "You must try our signature dishes."

During the meal, Sophia’s phone buzzed. A text from Sebastian Valdemar. They hadn’t spoken much since the show ended. The professor was always vanishing into his busy schedule—his sudden message surprised her.