Chapter 481

Ethan Roscente's brow remained furrowed throughout the meal.

Sophia Lowell noticed his expression and assumed he was about to nitpick. She casually placed a piece of green tea roasted chicken on his plate. "Try it, Mr. Roscente. It's not poisoned."

Only then did his tense features relax slightly.

She then pushed a bowl of stone pot tofu soup toward him. "Pair it with this. The flavors are incredible together."

He took a small bite.

"Well? Isn't it amazing?" Sophia's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

The delicate aroma of green tea bloomed on his tongue. The chicken was crispy outside yet tender inside, while the tofu melted effortlessly, blending perfectly with the rich broth. Two contrasting flavors harmonized in an unexpectedly delightful way.

A flicker of surprise flashed in Ethan's eyes, but the moment they met her hopeful gaze, he schooled his expression into indifference. "Barely passable."

"You're clearly obsessed but still putting on this act. The Oscars owe you a trophy for this performance," Sophia muttered under her breath.

As they prepared to leave the restaurant, two children suddenly darted around the corner, chasing each other recklessly.

They nearly collided with Sophia's abdomen before Ethan swiftly pulled her into his arms. His sharp glare pinned the children in place. "Running wild in public? Are you blind?"

"I'm so sorry! They're just too energetic!" Their mother hurried over to apologize.

Ethan's expression darkened.

The children trembled and hid behind their mother.

Sophia pressed a hand to her chest, steadying her racing heart. She crouched to meet the children at eye level. "Playing like this in public is dangerous. You could hurt yourselves or cause trouble for your parents."

"What's it to you? You're not our teacher—"

The mother immediately scolded them to apologize.

Clearly spoiled, the children stubbornly refused.

Ethan narrowed his eyes, his voice icy. "No apology? Then they belong in juvenile detention."

The children burst into tears.

"S-sorry..." they stammered between sobs.

The mother, visibly embarrassed, dragged them away.

Sophia tried to wriggle free from the arm around her waist. "You can let go now."

Ethan not only kept his hold but tightened it, steering her toward the exit. "No."

Just two words, leaving no room for argument.

Her ears burned. "People are staring..."

"I'm holding the mother of my child. That's perfectly natural."

"Who said I'm—"

"You."

"..."

Absolutely unreasonable.

In the elevator, he cornered her, his gaze intense. "I'll handle our child's discipline. They'll never turn into ill-mannered brats, and you won't have to worry."

Sophia's heart skipped. Instinctively, her hand drifted to her abdomen.

He'd already planned that far ahead...

Upon arriving in Napa Valley, they headed straight for the prime viewing spot.

Endless fields of flowers stretched gloriously under the sunlight, their vibrant waves rippling with the breeze. The air carried a faint floral sweetness. In the distance, the sea merged seamlessly with the sky, creating a breathtaking panorama.

This village, sustained for generations by flower cultivation, should have prospered. Yet due to poor transportation, their blooms struggled to reach markets, leaving the growers trapped in poverty.