Chapter 471

Sophia rummaged through her bag and pulled out a concealer, swiftly twisting off the cap.

Since becoming pregnant, she had almost stopped wearing makeup. The few cosmetics she still used had all been switched to pregnancy-safe brands.

The mirror reflected faint red marks on her neck.

Frowning, she dipped her fingertips into the concealer and carefully covered the traces.

"Done." She set the concealer down with satisfaction.

Ethan Roscente suddenly reached over and tossed the tube into the trash.

"Are you insane?" Sophia shoved him hard and bent to retrieve it. "This cost over fifty dollars!"

"Disgusting," he said coldly.

She rolled her eyes. "Without this, the whole company will gossip tomorrow about how desperate I am."

The construction site was already buzzing with noise.

As she left the dormitory, Sophia saw the wife of the worker who'd had a heart attack the night before packing her belongings. The woman's eyes were swollen, clutching a crumpled train ticket in her hand.

Sophia touched the cash in her bag.

"Lawrence." She stopped the passing supervisor and pressed $350 into his hand. "Please give this to her."

Ethan leaned against the car, scoffing. "Sentimental nonsense."

"Better than being heartless." Sophia yanked the car door open and slid inside.

"To the train station," she told the driver.

Ethan arched a brow. "This is my car."

"Then drop me off at the next intersection."

The driver glanced at Ethan through the rearview mirror.

"Train station," Ethan said flatly.

Sophia exhaled quietly in relief.

The station was packed with travelers.

Checking the time, Sophia grabbed her bag and bolted for the ticket gate. She barely made it into the carriage with one minute to spare, panting as she steadied herself against a seat.

The aisle was clogged with passengers stowing luggage.

"Excuse me..." She squeezed forward with difficulty.

A sudden noise came from above.

"Look out!"

A suitcase plummeted straight toward her.

In a flash, someone yanked her into their arms. The familiar scent of cedar enveloped her. Sophia looked up to see Ethan's tense jawline.

"Clumsy fool." He caught the falling suitcase with one hand and effortlessly slid it back onto the rack.

Passengers automatically cleared a path.

Ethan gripped her wrist and strode down the aisle. His tall frame moved with effortless grace as Sophia stumbled after him, her heartbeat skipping unexpectedly.