Chapter 260

Sophia studied Ethan Roscente's face for a long moment, utterly baffled by his intentions. She pressed her lips together and decided to cut straight to the chase. "Isn't Isabella Valentine more suitable? She's devoted to you. One word from you, and she'd cancel all her engagements to accompany you."

The memory of Isabella's warning flashed through her mind, darkening her gaze. "Instead of turning to your fiancée, you insist on dragging me—an outsider—along for this business trip. If she finds out, she'll probably cry herself into a faint."

For a fleeting second, Sophia even wondered if this man harbored feelings for her.

But Ethan's next words shattered that illusion. "Isabella's facial injuries haven't fully healed yet."

He lifted his eyes, his tone indifferent. "You're right. She is my treasure. And treasures should be cherished, not dragged around on exhausting trips."

Sophia's chest tightened as if an invisible hand had clenched around her heart.

How laughable that she'd entertained the thought of him liking her.

"I don't have time for your games." She shook off his hand and turned to leave. "Find someone else."

At the doorway, she paused and glanced back, a mocking smile on her lips. "By the way, you seem to have recovered just fine. My humble abode can't accommodate someone of your stature. Get the hell back to Bayview Residences."

Ethan's brow furrowed.

Just as she stepped out, his deep voice stopped her. "Accompany me on this trip, and I'll waive the interest on those 45 million."

Sophia whirled around. "You were planning to charge interest?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Ethan smirked. "Are you better at serving me than others? Or better at keeping me entertained?"

"I thought we—"

"What exactly are we?" He cut her off, his gaze intense. "Weren't you the one who drew the line? My money is only for my woman. Are you her?"

Sophia was speechless.

When it came to shamelessness, Ethan Roscente had no equal.

"It's just a business trip," he said, his voice softening unexpectedly. "Do you really think I'd sell you off?"

"Wouldn't put it past you," she sneered.

"With your scrawny frame, how much could you even fetch?"

"Oh, so I'm too thin now? Who was it that couldn't keep his hands off me before?"

"Did that happen?" Ethan suddenly closed the distance, his large hand covering her chest. "Let me verify."

"Get lost!" She slapped his hand away, but he seized her waist instead.

Pulling her flush against him, their noses almost touching, he murmured, "Come with me, and the interest is waived. Of course, you could always refuse..." His eyes turned icy. "I wouldn't mind bundling you onto the plane by force."

"Are you a damn bandit?"

"Care to find out?"

"..."

When she remained silent, he dangled another carrot. "One more million when the job's done."

Sophia frowned.

"Just stand there looking pretty. No effort required." He scoffed. "Even you can do the math on such a sweet deal, can't you, Professor Lowell?"

A million plus waived interest was tempting.

But she'd already promised Vivian she'd appear on that show tomorrow.

"No," Sophia shook her head. "I promised Vivian I'd film the show with her. I won't bail on her."