Chapter 327

Ethan Roscente curled his lips in disdain. "The louder they protest, the guiltier they feel."

"You!" Vivian Ashcroft stomped her foot. "You're just jealous of Sophia!"

Sophia Lowell tugged her friend's arm. "Don't waste your breath. Let's go inside."

"Hmph! Like talking to a brick wall!" Vivian linked arms with Sophia and moved to shut the door.

Ethan suddenly gripped Sophia's wrist. "I drove three hours for this. Is this how you treat guests?"

"Serves you right!" Vivian rolled her eyes. "Let go!"

Ignoring her, Ethan stroked the delicate skin of Sophia's wrist. "We need to talk business."

Sophia struggled but couldn't break free. "We have nothing to discuss."

"Really?" He leaned in, warm breath grazing her earlobe. "Not even about your friend's reality show deal..."

Vivian lunged forward. "Stop threatening her!"

"Vivian," Sophia interrupted, "could you get me some water?"

"But—" Vivian hesitated, frustration evident.

Sophia squeezed her hand. "Trust me."

Jason Roscente seized the moment to drag Vivian into the elevator. "I could use a drink too."

"Drop dead!" Vivian flipped Ethan off. "Over my dead body will you get your way!"

As the elevator doors closed, the hallway plunged into uneasy silence.

Sophia finally yanked her hand free. "Changed your mind?"

Ethan's gaze lingered on her rumpled pajama collar. "Let's continue inside."

"Here's fine." She stood her ground.

A low chuckle escaped him as he twirled a strand of her hair. "Standing out here dressed like this—want to give the neighbors a show?"

She glanced down, realizing her collar had slipped to reveal a sliver of collarbone. Ethan's eyes darkened, his throat bobbing visibly.