Chapter 296

Ethan Roscente's thumb pressed heavily against her damp lips, his dark eyes swirling with turbulent emotions.

"Too sweet," he murmured, his voice rough with desire.

Sophia Lowell's ears burned crimson.

"W-what nonsense!" She pushed him away in a fluster, her fingertips scorching hot.

Ethan chuckled lowly, tilting his head back to drain his glass in one gulp.

As his Adam's apple bobbed, his gaze remained fixed on her flushed earlobe.

Nearby, Dominic Valrose narrowed his eyes.

He watched Sophia's hurried retreat, tongue pressing against his back teeth.

Even fleeing in panic, the woman was irresistibly alluring.

By the poolside, the night breeze carried a slight chill.

Sophia slapped her burning cheeks forcefully.

"Bastard..." she muttered under her breath, yet couldn't stop reliving that searing kiss.

The water reflected shimmering lights.

Lost in thought, she failed to notice the dark figure approaching from behind.

"Ah—"

Her scream tore through the air as an icy hand clamped around her ankle.

Freezing water engulfed her instantly.

She thrashed wildly, but the iron grip dragged her deeper.

Bubbles escaped her lips.

As her vision blurred, a shadowy figure sliced through the water toward her.

"Hel..."

The suffocating burn of inhaled water turned everything black.

Splash!

Strong arms hauled her to the surface.

Gasping and coughing, she collapsed against the pool's edge.

"Sophia!"

Sebastian Valdemar's frantic voice reached her ears.

Blinking water from her eyes, an inexplicable disappointment settled in her chest.

Not him...

The murmuring crowd suddenly erupted into chaos.

Heavy footsteps shattered the moonlit tranquility of the water.