Chapter 428
The call ended abruptly. Ethan's fingers tightened around his phone.
The device creaked under the pressure in his palm.
He stared at the darkened screen, his eyes stormy.
"Hung up on me again," he muttered under his breath.
His long fingers scrolled through his contacts until he found that familiar number.
Beep—
The robotic tone confirmed he'd been blocked. Again.
Ethan hurled his phone onto the leather couch with a dull thud.
He loosened his tie, the fire in his chest burning hotter.
"Sophia, you're something else."
Meanwhile, Sophia lay sprawled on her apartment couch.
Her calico cat purred contentedly in her lap.
She stared blankly at the ceiling, fingers absently stroking the cat's fur.
Ding—
A notification snapped her out of her daze.
An unknown number flashed on her screen: [Come down.]
Two simple words that froze her blood.
Her fingers trembled uncontrollably.
She stumbled to the window and yanked open the curtains.
Below, a familiar black Maybach sat silently.
The car window rolled down.
A cigarette glowed crimson between Ethan's fingers, stark against the night.
Sophia's breath hitched.
He looked up, his gaze locking onto her window with terrifying precision.
Her phone vibrated again.
[Three minutes.]
The cold countdown sent chills down her spine.
Sophia bit her lip and bolted for the elevator.
The night wind slapped her with icy fingers.
Only then did she realize she was still in thin pajamas.
Ethan stood beside his car, his tailored suit blending into the darkness.
He watched her frantic approach, his lips curling into a mocking smirk.
"Finally decided to show up?"
Sophia clenched the hem of her shirt, nails digging into her palms.
"What do you want?"
Ethan's expression darkened instantly.
He strode forward and seized her wrist.
"Is that how you greet me?"
Sophia staggered from the force.
A sharp twinge shot through her abdomen.
Her face paled.
"Let go!"
Ethan noticed her discomfort, his gaze dropping to her slightly rounded stomach.
His pupils constricted.
"You're—"
Sophia wrenched free and stepped back.
"If you're done, I'm going back up."
She turned to leave, but a strong hand yanked her back.
Ethan pinned her against the car, his voice rough.
"Explain."
Under the streetlight, his eyes were terrifying.
Sophia averted her gaze, her heart pounding.
"Nothing to explain."
Ethan gripped her chin, forcing her to look at him.
"My child?"
The words stabbed through her.
She laughed bitterly.
"Don't flatter yourself, Mr. Roscente."
His gaze turned glacial.
"Fine."
He released her and pulled a check from his pocket.
"Whoever's it is, get rid of it."
The check fluttered to the ground.
Sophia stared at it, shaking.
"Get lost."
She fled into the building, tears blurring her vision.
Ethan stood motionless, his fists clenched so tight his knuckles cracked.
His driver hesitantly asked, "Should we follow her, sir?"
"Don't."
He bent down, picked up the check, and methodically tore it to pieces.
The night wind carried the shreds away into the darkness.