Chapter 135

Tiffany Roscente twirled her wine glass, her fingertip tracing the rim.

"The money's transferred," she sneered into the phone. "Remember—keep your mouth shut."

"Don't worry, Ms. Roscente. My lips are sealed."

She ended the call and dialed another number.

"The girl's in the room," she said, crimson lips curling. "I want crystal-clear footage. That bitch won't recover from this."

Oily assurances crackled through the receiver.

Tiffany downed the wine in one gulp, scarlet liquid trickling down her chin. She stared at the empty glass, venom flashing in her eyes.

"Sophia Lowell, how dare you steal my man?"

The crystal shattered against the wall.

Sebastian Valdemar steadied the swaying Sophia toward the elevator.

"Almost there," he murmured, swiping the keycard.

Her legs buckled. As Sebastian reached to catch her, a dark figure materialized from the shadows and yanked her into a steel embrace.

Sebastian looked up into glacial eyes.

Ethan Roscente stood there in a charcoal suit, shirt collar undone, radiating danger. His grip on Sophia's waist made her whimper.

"Ow..." She squirmed unconsciously.

Ethan smirked, clamping her wrist. "Hurts? Then you shouldn't have run."

Sophia blinked dazedly at the familiar face and slurred, "Stalker..."

Before she could finish, Ethan crushed his mouth to hers.

"Mmph—"

The sudden chill made her shudder. Instinctively, she parted her lips, craving more.

Ethan's eyes darkened with satisfaction. "Say my name," he growled against her ear.

"E-Ethan..." Her voice trembled.

Sebastian stood frozen, face bloodless. Now he understood Ethan's possessive stares, Sophia's conflicted reactions.

"Good girl." Ethan stroked her fevered cheek, then leveled Sebastian with an arctic glare as he lifted Sophia into his arms.

"Wait!" Sebastian blocked the exit. "You can't take her."

Ethan arched a brow. "Why not?"

"She's in no condition—"

"My woman," Ethan cut in, voice like shards of ice, "is none of your concern."