Chapter 151

The calico cat arched its back, hissing at Ethan Roscente with its fur standing on end. I quickly gathered it into my arms, gently smoothing its bristled coat.

"Don't be scared, sweetheart. Mama's here."

Ethan watched us with cold indifference before suddenly reaching for the cat's scruff. I sidestepped, his fingers barely grazing my hair.

"What are you doing?" I sneered. "Can't even leave a cat alone?"

He withdrew his hand, adjusting his cuff with deliberate nonchalance. "After all these years, that ugly thing still hasn't improved."

The calico seemed to understand, growling low in its throat. I scratched under its chin soothingly and glared at Ethan.

"My daughter is far prettier than you." I lifted the cat higher, taunting him. "Look at her coat, her markings. You won't find another like her in the entire neighborhood."

His gaze lingered on the calico before he scoffed. "Your daughter?"

He stepped closer, forcing me back until my shoulders hit the wall. Caging me with one arm, he leaned down, his breath warm against my ear. "Since when could you give birth to cats, Sophia?"

The scent of tobacco and his cologne overwhelmed me. I turned my face away, setting the cat on the floor.

"None of your business." I shoved at his chest. "If you're bored, go find your precious Isabella."

He didn't budge. Instead, his fingers closed around my wrist. "So you are hung up on Isabella."

I twisted, but his grip tightened. His thumb stroked my inner wrist as his voice dropped. "Could it be... jealousy?"

"Jealous?" I laughed bitterly. "Ethan Roscente, you overestimate yourself."

His eyes darkened, fingers digging in. Pain shot through my arm, but I refused to flinch.

"If you hadn't taken advantage when I was vulnerable, I'd never have anything to do with you." I met his gaze head-on. "Stop pretending to care now."

The air turned glacial. Just as I braced for his anger, he released me and strolled to the sofa.

"Denial is just confirmation." He sprawled across the cushions, crossing his long legs. "The more you resist, Sophia, the more entertaining this becomes."

Rubbing my reddened wrist, I watched him pull a cigarette case from his pocket.

"Smoke outside." I snatched it away. "You're not welcome here."

He raised a brow, then yanked me forward. I stumbled onto his lap, trapped in his arms.

"Then what is welcome?" His lips brushed my earlobe. "Like last time?"

I jerked upright. The calico immediately lunged, spitting at him.

"Get out!" I pointed to the door. "Now!"

Ethan rose leisurely, straightening his suit. At the threshold, he glanced back. "Seven tomorrow night. I'll pick you up."

"I'm not going."

"You don't have a choice." His smirk sent chills down my spine. "Unless you've forgotten your aunt's debts."

The door clicked shut. The calico raced over, clawing at the wood. I knelt to gather it close, my hands trembling.

"Mama's okay." I nuzzled its soft head. "That bastard won't hurt us again."

But the voice in my mind laughed coldly: Who are you trying to fool, Sophia? The cat—or yourself?