Chapter 376

Sophia stared at the unfinished chess game, her fingers absently tracing the pieces. The elder Mr. Roscente was clearly losing, and she was considering how to gracefully end the match.

"Sir, breakfast is ready," the butler interjected at just the right moment.

The old man pushed the chess pieces aside and slowly rose with the butler's assistance. He glanced at Sophia. "One last meal before you go."

"Of course," she murmured, her gaze lingering on the board. The butler's timing was impeccable—saving the elder's pride while giving her an easy out.

Only the most tactful could survive in the Roscente mansion.

The dining room was already full when Sophia entered. Her breath hitched when she spotted Isabella Valentine. The presence of Ethan's fiancée at breakfast spoke volumes.

Her fingers clenched the fabric of her sleeve, nails digging into her palm.

The elder Mr. Roscente took his seat at the head of the table. Breakfast was more casual than dinner, so Sophia chose a corner seat. Ethan arrived last, slipping into the only empty chair beside her.

"You never eat breakfast at home," the elder remarked with a frown.

"All-night meeting. I'm hungry," Ethan rasped, dark circles under his eyes.

Sophia caught a glimpse of his exhausted profile from the corner of her eye. The tightness in her chest eased inexplicably.

"Take care of yourself," the elder said before signaling the meal to begin.

Just as Sophia reached for her fork, a warm hand covered hers beneath the table. She froze, trying to pull away, but his grip tightened. His fingers traced hers before interlacing firmly, refusing to let go.

Jason Roscente looked up and nearly spilled his coffee. His eyes widened at the sight of their entwined hands under the table. When had these two gotten back together? Flirting right in front of his fiancée—his brother really had no shame.

Sophia's ears burned. She sat rigid as a statue, hyperaware of Ethan's thumb drawing slow circles against her palm. A shiver ran up her spine. Was he insane? Isabella was sitting right across from them!