Chapter 356

The private lounge buzzed with lively discussions about Ethan Roscente and Isabella Valentine's upcoming wedding. Sophia Lowell felt suffocated. She excused herself to the restroom, escaping the noisy crowd.

The bar's labyrinthine corridors disoriented her. A familiar potted plant by a door made her mistake it for her own lounge. She pushed it open.

The sight stole her breath.

Ethan's social circle filled the spacious lounge. Some shook dice cups, others danced wildly, a few belted love songs into microphones.

Ethan leaned casually against the poker table in an unbuttoned white shirt and gray vest, his sleeves rolled up to reveal toned forearms. A suit jacket draped carelessly over a chair. A cigarette dangled between his slender fingers.

The real gut punch was the girl beside him—a fresh-faced college graduate with doe eyes, blushing as she stole glances at him. Sophia saw her younger self reflected in that timid gaze.

"Mr. Roscente, which card should I play?" The girl's sugary voice pierced the air.

Ethan chuckled, covering her hand to guide her choice. Felix Roland protested from across the table: "Cheating!"

Raucous laughter erupted.

Sophia stood frozen in the doorway. She should leave. Yet some unseen force rooted her in place.

"New girl?" Someone whistled.

Ethan looked up. His cigarette crumpled when their eyes met.

"Damn," Felix muttered under his breath.

The music played on, but the atmosphere turned glacial. Sophia watched Ethan's Adam's apple bob. The girl beside him followed his gaze, confused.

Cigarette ash drifted soundlessly onto the poker table.