Chapter 173

Ethan Roscente's slender fingers traced lightly across the table, completely erasing the speech radical from the Chinese character for "sincerity." With deliberate nonchalance, he wiped away most strokes of the remaining component, leaving only the final stroke.

"Look. Now there's nothing left but a blade." His low chuckle held no warmth.

That blade now hung over Luming Architectural Studio—and over Sophia Lowell's heart.

Whether it became an asset or a threat depended entirely on her choice.

Sophia kept her gaze lowered, long lashes casting shadows across her cheeks. Her fingers whitened around the fountain pen.

Felix Roland frowned from the sidelines. Ethan's move was ruthless, cornering her with no escape.

Vincent Laurent's forehead hadn't stopped sweating. He'd finally witnessed how this man could switch from gentle warmth to arctic frost in seconds.

"Ms. Lowell," Ethan's voice was unhurried, "such prolonged consideration suggests reservations about our collaboration?"

Sophia's head snapped up, meeting his fathomless gaze.

She nearly gritted her teeth to dust.

Another trap.

"You overestimate my hesitation, Mr. Roscente." She forced a professional smile. "Luming eagerly anticipates this partnership."

The corner of Ethan's mouth lifted as he struck the final blow: "Then it's settled. I'll personally inform your studio director how much... effort you've invested to facilitate this deal."

Sophia froze.

Outmaneuvered.

But retreating now was impossible. She inhaled sharply. "Shall we proceed with signing?"

Ethan smiled benignly. "Naturally."

He turned to Felix. "Your thoughts, Mr. Roland?"

Felix mentally rolled his eyes. His friend had turned a business negotiation into courtship theater. Playing along, he grinned. "No objections. Let's sign."

The contract passed between all four parties.

Ethan produced a custom fountain pen from his inner pocket, signing with bold strokes.

Sophia scrutinized every clause before finally storing her copy.

"Pleasure doing business." Ethan stood, extending his hand.

Sophia stared at those elegantly jointed fingers, remembering how they'd recently traced her waistline. After a beat, she accepted the handshake.

The moment their fingertips touched, she unmistakably saw triumph flicker in his eyes.