Chapter 380

"Don't recognize me?" Ethan Roscente's lips curved slightly, amusement glinting in his eyes.

Vivian Ashcroft's voice screeched through the phone. "Am I hallucinating? Why do I hear that bastard Ethan?"

Sophia Lowell's fingers trembled. She hung up abruptly.

When she looked up again, the man had already sprawled in the seat opposite her. His long fingers tapped the table, his gaze burning into her.

She immediately stood to move.

"Running away?" A low chuckle followed her.

Sophia clenched her phone, pretending not to hear. But his stare felt tangible—like a serpent coiling around her.

"Stop staring!" She whirled around.

Ethan arched a brow. "Finally acknowledging me?"

"Air should know its place." She sneered. "Stop being so obnoxious."

"My eyes, my choice." He suddenly leaned in, his lashes nearly brushing her nose. "Like what you see?"

Sophia's pupils dilated.

Since when did the notoriously taciturn CEO become this shameless flirt?

"Speechless?" He inched closer.

"..."

"Tch. Playing mute again."

Her temple throbbed. Scanning the surroundings, realization struck. "Why are you here?"

"Collecting debts."

"Who'd dare owe you money?" The words tumbled out before she could stop them.

"Emotional debts." His eyes dropped to her flushed lips. "Someone's trying to skip town without paying."

Her ears burned.

The three-billion-dollar bet flashed through her mind.

"I...I wasn't running." Her voice dwindled as her fingers unconsciously picked at the armrest.

He scoffed. "A mere 45 million? Then pay up, Ms. Lowell."

"It's just a job transfer!" She lifted her chin. "I'll clear it in two months."

"With what?" Ethan suddenly gripped her chin. "Your eight-thousand-dollar monthly salary?"

His warm breath fanned her neck. Every muscle in her body tensed.

"Maybe..." His thumb grazed her collarbone. "You should think about how to please me instead."

"Disgusting!" She slapped his hand away. "You're engaged—"

A shrill voice cut through the station:

"Ethan!"