Chapter 297

Ethan Roscente stood at the end of the hallway, his cold expression freezing the moment he saw Sophia Lowell nestled in Sebastian Valdemar's arms. He strode forward with purposeful steps, each one radiating suffocating intensity.

Sophia was drenched, her wet hair clinging to her pale cheeks. She trembled slightly, like a frightened fawn. Ethan knelt on one knee, brushing the damp strands from her forehead with his long fingers.

"Mr. Roscente..." Her voice shook.

A flicker of pain flashed in his eyes. The radiant rose from earlier now resembled a bud battered by a storm. He quickly assessed her condition, and only when he confirmed she had merely swallowed water did the tension in his jaw ease slightly.

Suddenly, Sophia threw herself into his arms, her tears soaking his shirt. Ethan stiffened for a moment before tightening his hold, shielding her completely.

"Don't be afraid," he murmured, his deep voice steady as his palm gently stroked her back.

Sebastian stood nearby, watching Sophia let her guard down completely in Ethan's embrace. He wiped the water from his face with a bitter smile, his chest heavy as if weighed down by a stone.

Ethan lifted Sophia into his arms. As he turned, his icy gaze swept over Sebastian. "Thanks."

"No need," Sebastian replied, shaking his head. "I did it willingly."

Their eyes locked in a silent clash, sparks flying between them. In the end, Ethan carried Sophia away, his retreating figure exuding undeniable possessiveness.

In the bedroom, Ethan carefully laid Sophia on the bed. He wrapped her shivering body in a blanket and pressed her cold hands against his warm chest.

"The doctor will be here soon," he said, his tone uncharacteristically gentle.

Sophia leaned against him, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. This version of Ethan was so tender it made her steal a glance at him.

His phone vibrated abruptly. After reading the message, his expression darkened instantly. He met her questioning gaze with a cold smirk. "Touched?"

She was about to nod when his voice turned sharp. "First, explain why my secretary ended up in the water with another man."

Her words caught in her throat.

Ethan rose, looking down at her with an unreadable expression. "We'll talk properly once your body temperature stabilizes."

The sound of the door closing made Sophia shiver. She pulled the blanket tighter around herself, her emotions in turmoil.

The hot shower washed away the chill from her skin but not the confusion in her heart. Just as she lost herself in thought, a knock sounded at the door.

"Who is it?" she asked warily.