Chapter 437

The car glided through the night, neon lights flickering across the windows like liquid color.

Sophia Lowell sat with her arms crossed, her cold gaze fixed on the passing scenery.

"Where exactly are you taking me?" She asked for the third time.

Ethan Roscente's long fingers tapped rhythmically against the armrest. "You'll see when we get there."

"Psychopath," she muttered under her breath.

He suddenly leaned in, the faint scent of his cologne enveloping her. "Change your clothes."

"Why should I?" She recoiled slightly.

"For the gala." His eyes narrowed. "Don't worry, I won't touch you."

Sophia scoffed. "I don't even have spare clothes. How am I supposed to change?"

Ethan paused, realizing his oversight.

As the car passed a shopping mall, he signaled the driver to stop.

Before exiting, he leaned close to her ear. "Don't even think about running. You know the consequences."

Sophia clenched her fists.

"I need a dress one size larger," she said abruptly.

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"I've gained weight," she deadpanned. "My waist is two inches thicker now."

His hand darted toward her waist. "Let me measure it myself."

"Get off!" She slapped his hand away.

Ethan chuckled darkly before striding into the mall.

Twenty minutes later, he returned with an elegant shopping bag.

"Put this on." He handed it to her.

Inside was an exquisitely designed dress with perfectly tailored waistline.

"And these." He passed her a shoebox containing diamond-encrusted heels that glittered under the interior lights.

"Pull over. I need to change," she told the driver.

"Do it here," Ethan checked his watch. "We're out of time."

Sophia threw the items onto the seat. "Then I'm not going."

"What's there to hide?" His lips curved mockingly. "There's not an inch of you I haven't seen."

She yanked the car door open. "I'll jump out right now if you don't back off."

Ethan's expression hardened as he seized her wrist.

"Five million," he said suddenly.

Sophia froze.

"Ten," he upped the offer.

Slowly closing the door, she smiled coldly. "Twenty. Cash."

After several tense seconds, Ethan laughed. "Deal."

He pressed a button, raising a black partition between the front and back seats.

"Now. Get changed."