Chapter 487

Ethan wiped the blood from his lips, his dark eyes fixed on Sophia with a stormy gaze. "Hitting me again?"

She finally snapped out of her daze, her heart skipping a beat. But she stubbornly lifted her chin. "You shouldn’t have kissed me without permission!"

Like a bristling wildcat, her defiant display only made him want to tease her more.

She didn’t know this was exactly what Ethan loved about her—terrified yet pretending to be fierce.

He loosened his tie with deliberate slowness, looking down at her. "How many times have I kissed you without permission before? Did you slap me every time?"

"If you dare try again, I won’t hesitate to do it every single time," she hissed through gritted teeth.

"Stubborn." He chuckled, poking her waist. "You were melting in my arms just moments ago."

"Shut up!" Sophia was so furious she wanted to bite him.

The mood ruined, Ethan finally let her go.

Exhausted, her eyelids heavy, she shoved him away and stormed into the bedroom, locking the door behind her.

"Meow~"

The calico cat circled Ethan’s feet, its tone almost mocking.

Ethan narrowed his eyes. "Just like your owner—ungrateful little thing." He poured cat food into the bowl. "Keep laughing, and I’ll have you neutered tomorrow."

Watching the cat devour its meal, he scoffed. "Never mind. If I actually did it, someone would cry."

And he’d be the one suffering for it.

Sophia slept like the dead, waking to sunlight streaming through the window.

Stretching lazily, she realized it had been ages since she’d slept so soundly.

The room was silent, with no sign of Ethan. She assumed he’d left last night—until she spotted steaming breakfast on the dining table.

Her fingers brushed the bowl of porridge. Still warm.

She pursed her lips. At least he had the decency to leave before she woke.

A week later.

Sophia’s baby bump was impossible to hide now. Fortunately, summer break had started, giving her time to rest.

But staying in Seattle was a bad idea.

She’d realized three days ago that Ethan had assigned a bodyguard to follow her. It happened when her grocery bag tore, and someone appeared out of nowhere to help. Looking up to thank them, she recognized one of Ethan’s men.

Since then, the same face kept appearing everywhere.

"Stop following me, or I’ll call the police," Sophia warned coldly.

The bodyguard stood stiffly. "Apologies, Miss Lowell. Mr. Roscente ordered us to ensure your safety."

"I don’t need this kind of protection."

"My orders are non-negotiable."

"You’re making me uncomfortable."

"I’ll be more discreet."

"But I’ve already noticed you."

"That’s my failure."

Sophia massaged her temples. "Do you only know how to apologize?"

"Apologies, Miss Lowell."

"..."

Realizing it was pointless, Sophia gave up.