Chapter 452

Zachary Evans stood in the center of the office, his six-foot frame hunched like a scolded Great Dane.

Ethan Roscente's tirade had lasted two full minutes.

Files slammed against the desk with sharp cracks.

Zachary stole a glance at his phone. The distress text to Sophia Lowell remained unread.

Three days now.

At this rate, he'd be requesting a transfer to the African branch.

"Mr. Roscente, the resort project permits came through." Zachary forced himself to offer the new documents. "With Mr. Roland traveling, should we proceed with the groundbreaking—"

Ethan's fingers froze mid-page.

The designer signature line glared with two characters: Sophia Lowell.

Thud.

The folder snapped shut.

"Tell her to crawl back here and take responsibility." Ethan's voice could frost glass. "Abandoning projects like some amusement park ride?"

Zachary swallowed hard. "This afternoon's schedule—"

"Figure it out." A razor-edged glare.

Zachary snapped upright. "I'll prepare the car immediately!"

Seattle University.

Sophia had just collected the last exam when her phone buzzed.

"Ms. Lowell, your presence is required for the resort groundbreaking today." Vincent Laurent's voice carried through the receiver.

"Is Roscente Group attending?" Her grip tightened on the device.

"Naturally, it's a joint venture." A chuckle. "But don't worry—Mr. Roland's away. They're sending the project team."

Sophia exhaled.

As long as he wasn't coming.

The bullet train station swarmed with travelers.

Sophia stared at the flickering "New York" on the departure board. Her pulse stuttered.

When she'd left this city, she'd sworn never to return.

As the train accelerated, the scenery blurred past the window.

Like the memories she'd fought so hard to erase.

Roscente Tower, penthouse.

On Ethan's fifth tie adjustment, Zachary finally ventured, "Sir, perhaps try the new men's skincare line?"

"Meddlesome." A glacial side-eye.

Zachary smiled placatingly. "I heard Ms. Lowell particularly appreciates well-maintained—"

"Who said I'm waiting for her?" Ethan's voice spiked. The fountain pen in his hand snapped with a crisp crack.

The office plunged into lethal silence.

Zachary retreated three paces, shoulders hunched.

Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, a black sedan glided into the executive parking lot.