Chapter 328

Ethan Roscente braced one arm against the doorframe, looking down at her with an imperious gaze.

"Let me in." His voice was low, laced with undeniable authority.

Sophia Lowell tightened her grip on the doorknob. "Say what you need to say right here."

He suddenly leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "Are you sure you want to have this conversation here?"

Her ears burned, and she instinctively took a step back.

Seizing the opportunity, Ethan pushed past her into the apartment and shut the door behind him.

"You—!" Sophia stamped her foot in frustration.

The man had already strode into the living room, his eyes sweeping over the cozy space. Potted plants lined the balcony, and a half-finished cup of floral tea sat on the coffee table.

"Nice place," he remarked, his tone loaded with implication.

Sophia watched him warily. "What do you want?"

Ethan moved to the balcony, where he could see the playground of a nearby high school. A group of girls in uniforms laughed under the trees.

"Did you go to school here?" he asked abruptly.

She frowned. "What does that have to do with you?"

An image flashed through Ethan's mind—Sophia as a teenager, her hair in a high ponytail, wearing a blue-and-white uniform, radiant in the sunlight.

The thought of countless boys slipping love letters into her locker made his expression darken.

"Stay away from Sebastian Valdemar from now on," he ordered, turning back to her.

Sophia scoffed. "Since when do you get to dictate who I see?"

Ethan grabbed her wrist. "Why didn’t you tell me about Dominic Valrose?"

"Tell you?" She tried to pull free, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "What good would that do? Isabella Valentine just has to call, and you come running."

His grip tightened. "That was an exception."

"An exception?" Her eyes reddened. "I almost—"

Before she could finish, Ethan yanked her into his arms.

"It won’t happen again," he said hoarsely. "Dominic will pay for what he did."

Sophia caught the faint metallic scent of blood and noticed the fresh bruises on his right knuckles.

"You—"

"It’s nothing." He released her, casually adjusting his cuff.

She turned her face away. "When will you give me the money?"

Ethan’s eyes darkened. "In such a hurry to cut ties with me?"

"There were never any ties between us," she said coldly.

A slow, dangerous smile curved his lips, sending a chill down her spine.

"No ties?" He advanced step by step. "Should I refresh your memory?"

Sophia retreated until her back hit the wall.

Ethan caged her in with one arm, his gaze dropping to her trembling lashes.

"Sophia," he murmured, his voice soft but unyielding. "You can’t run from me."