Chapter 429

Sunlight slanted across the car window, casting blinding reflections. Ethan Roscente's slender fingers gripped the steering wheel, knuckles whitening.

The rearview mirror reflected a hesitant figure approaching.

Sophia Lowell wore faded jeans, her disheveled hair clinging to flushed cheeks. Each step seemed painful, as if she might turn and flee at any moment.

Ethan smirked coldly and pushed the car door open.

The sharp click of dress shoes made Sophia freeze. She instinctively retreated half a step, fingers twisting her shirt hem.

"To what do I owe this rare visit, Mr. Roscente?" Her forced smile trembled as badly as her voice.

Ethan narrowed his eyes, his gaze slicing over her. Barely a month apart, yet she looked transformed—healthy color in her cheeks, even her perpetually evasive eyes now shone brilliantly.

"Seems you're thriving without me." His icy tone contrasted with the cigarette butt crushed between his fingers.

Cold sweat dampened Sophia's back. She knew that expression too well—it always preceded someone's misfortune.

"Thanks to your generosity." She forced a laugh, edging backward. "If there's nothing else—"

"Stay." Ethan closed the distance abruptly, his scent of tobacco and bergamot overwhelming. "When do you plan to repay your debt?"

Her breath hitched. That astronomical sum weighed like a boulder.

"Next month..." Her voice faded. "I swear—"

"Next month?" He sneered, suddenly gripping her chin. "I heard you've grown close to Sebastian Valdemar."

Sophia's pupils contracted. Now she understood—this wasn't about money, but interrogation.

"You had me followed?" Fury made her shake.

Ethan's eyes darkened as his thumb roughly grazed her lip. "You overestimate your importance."

The words doused her like ice water. She laughed, eyes reddening. "Right. An ant like me isn't worth your attention."

She slapped his hand away. "The money will be repaid. Now leave."

Ethan's expression turned thunderous. He seized her wrist with bone-crushing force. "Who permitted that tone?"

"Let go!" Sophia struggled wildly, then stilled when she saw his eyes.

Storm clouds churned in those dark depths.

"Sophia." His voice turned gravelly. "You think aligning with the Valdemars frees you?"

Distant footsteps approached. Before she could react, Ethan yanked her against his chest. His breath scorched her ear: "The game has just begun."

The black sedan vanished in a cloud of dust, leaving Sophia alone with a lurid bruise circling her wrist.