Chapter 17

Twilight descended as city lights flickered to life.

Sophia Lowell gripped Vivian Ashcroft's wrist, about to leave when Daniel Clementson's obnoxious voice called out behind them.

"Mr. Roscente!"

He practically sprinted to Ethan Roscente's Maybach, his face plastered with sycophantic glee. Beside the black luxury car, the man adjusted his cufflinks with deliberate slowness. His tailored suit accentuated broad shoulders and a narrow waist, his silhouette striking against the dimming sky.

Sophia froze mid-step.

Ethan's gaze lifted and instantly locked onto her. A flicker of amusement passed through those depthless eyes as his lips curved slightly.

"And this is?"

Daniel moved forward, only to be blocked by Zachary Evans a yard away. Rubbing his hands, he simpered, "I'm Sophia's fiancé, Daniel Clementson of Clementson Group. I've been meaning to pay my respects."

Sophia's face drained of color.

She shot Daniel a warning glare, but he only leaned closer to Ethan. "By family ties, I should call you Uncle."

Ethan toyed with the ring on his finger, his eyes tracing Sophia's face.

"Fiancé?"

His low voice carried an icy edge. "I wasn't informed."

The ring glinted coldly under the lights. Sophia's breath hitched—was that his engagement ring with Isabella Valentine?

Her fists clenched, nails biting into her palms.

"With your busy schedule, it's no surprise you'd forget." She lifted her chin, her voice colder than the night breeze. "Didn't you send us a Marriage Pledge yourself?"

Daniel's eyes lit up. "So Uncle approves of us!" He gave Sophia a pointed look. "Why didn't you mention it?"

Her chest tightened.

She knew exactly what he was insinuating. Just this morning, she'd refused the Clementsons' marriage proposal with righteous indignation—only to accept the Roscentes' pledge hours later.

"Since we're all here—" Daniel rubbed his hands eagerly. "Why don't we—"

"Pass."

Ethan lit a cigarette, the ember glowing in the dark. He exhaled a smoke ring, his gaze skimming Sophia's tense profile.

"I have plans."

The words stabbed through her chest. Behind the haze, his piercing stare left her nowhere to hide.

Vivian felt her best friend's hand tremble.

Just then, a sweet voice shattered the tension.

"Ethan."