Chapter 414

Ethan Roscente stared at the documents in his hand, his thoughts drifting far away.

His slender fingers tapped absently against the desk.

When Zachary Evans pushed open the door, this was the scene that greeted him.

"Mr. Roscente, the files you requested." Zachary placed them on the desk, unable to resist stealing another glance at his boss.

Ethan snapped back to attention, his gaze dropping to the papers.

"By the way, sir," Zachary hesitated, "Ms. Lowell went for another checkup today."

Ethan's fingers stilled.

"How is she?"

"The doctor said everything's normal." Zachary studied his boss's expression. "It's just... Ms. Lowell asked about preconception care."

Ethan's head jerked up.

"What did you tell her?"

"I said you've been busy with work." Zachary chose his words carefully. "But sir, Ms. Lowell seems eager to have a child..."

Ethan's eyes turned icy.

"Drop it."

Zachary opened his mouth, then closed it.

"Something else?" Ethan frowned.

"Ms. Valentine came by again." Zachary lowered his voice. "She said she has something important to tell you."

Ethan let out a cold laugh.

"Tell her to get lost."

Zachary nodded and turned to leave when Ethan suddenly asked:

"Has she... been happy lately?"

It took Zachary a moment to realize he meant Sophia.

"Ms. Lowell seems in good spirits, but..." He weighed his words. "She often stares at other people's children."

Ethan's fist clenched unconsciously.

"Get out."

Once the office door closed, Ethan walked to the floor-to-ceiling window.

Sunlight streamed through the glass, but couldn't dispel the shadows in his eyes.

He remembered Sophia's peaceful profile as she slept last night.

His fingers drifted to his chest.

A dull ache throbbed beneath them.

When Zachary rushed back in, his face was tense.

"Sir! Ms. Valentine is making a scene downstairs!"

Ethan's gaze sharpened.

"Security?"

"They stopped her, but she..." Zachary swallowed. "She threatened to tell Ms. Lowell something."

Ethan's expression darkened.

"Bring her up."

Five minutes later, Isabella Valentine strutted in on stiletto heels.

"Ethan, you finally agreed to see me." Her smile was triumphant.

Ethan regarded her coldly.

"Speak."

She stepped closer, lowering her voice.

"I know why you won't let Sophia get pregnant."

Danger flashed in Ethan's eyes.

"You investigated me?"

"That's irrelevant." She smirked. "What matters is what happens when Sophia learns the truth—"

"Get out." His voice was glacial.

Isabella moved closer instead.

"I can keep quiet, if you—"

"Zachary!" Ethan barked.

The door flew open as Zachary and security rushed in.

"Remove her." Ethan turned his back. "She's banned from the premises."

Isabella shrieked as they dragged her away:

"You'll regret this! Sophia will find out eventually!"

Silence reclaimed the office.

Ethan watched from the window as Isabella was forced into a car below.

His phone vibrated.

A message from Sophia:

[What would you like for dinner? I'm cooking tonight.]

Ethan stared at the screen, fingers hovering.

After a long pause, he replied:

[Anything.]

Setting the phone down, he rubbed his temples.

Zachary slipped back in quietly.

"Sir, should I handle the Isabella situation?"

Ethan shook his head.

"She's harmless."

Zachary hesitated.

"Something else?"

"Sir..." He gathered his courage. "Have you really considered letting Ms. Lowell—"

"Out." Ethan's tone was lethal.

With a sigh, Zachary left.

Once the door clicked shut, Ethan pulled a file from the depths of his drawer.

Inside was a medical report.

His eyes locked onto the "Genetic Risk Factors" section.

His grip tightened, crumpling the paper.

Outside, the sunset bled across the sky.