Chapter 412

Ethan Roscente's eyes darkened as his long fingers tapped rhythmically on the desk. He hadn't intended to engage with Isabella Valentine, but the question compelled him to answer.

"Yes, I love her."

His voice was low, shadows swirling in his gaze. "From the moment I first saw her, I wanted to possess her. Seeing her with another man makes me want to kill him."

Isabella clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms.

"Sophia Lowell belongs to me." Ethan's expression turned obsessive. "No matter where she runs, I'll drag her back. Even if she hates me, I'll keep her locked away forever."

Isabella bit her lip hard, chest heaving. She lowered her head to hide the venom in her eyes before speaking hoarsely, "I understand."

Bending to pick up her fallen purse, she forced a brittle smile despite her tear-streaked face. "I'll behave from now on. I won't cause Sophia any more trouble."

The moment she stepped out of the office, her smile twisted into something ugly.

Ethan stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing at the city skyline. Memories flooded back—the first time he'd seen Sophia.

He'd just dealt with a traitor, returning to the Roscente mansion reeking of blood. The grand hall buzzed with虚伪 laughter. There she stood beside Emily Laurent, a rose with thorns.

At twenty, she'd been radiant, peach-blossom eyes shimmering with life. Though visibly厌倦 by the hollow pleasantries, she'd played the obedient girl perfectly.

One moment sweetly addressing elders, the next rolling her eyes when they turned away.

That duality had ignited something primal in him.

From that instant, he'd wanted to pluck this rose and trap it in his palm.

"Zachary." Ethan pressed the intercom. "Keep close watch on Isabella. If she steps out of line—"

"Understood." Zachary needed no further explanation.

Meanwhile, violent crashes echoed from Isabella's limousine.

"That bitch!" She smashed objects wildly, face contorted. "He actually loves that whore!"

A down pillow lay in shreds, feathers swirling as she slashed it with a dagger.

Exhausted, she collapsed amidst the wreckage, panting. She had to delay the wedding—or all her secrets would—

Suddenly, her eyes locked onto an ambulance speeding past. A grotesque smile spread across her face.

"Stop the car!" she shrieked.