Chapter 403

"..."

Some people never change their stripes.

This man could turn even the most innocent remark into something suggestive.

The corner of his mouth curled into a teasing smirk. "What? Am I wrong? Isn't burning bridges your specialty?"

Sophia kept her head down, focusing on her meal and ignoring him.

Ding-dong—

The doorbell rang abruptly.

She barely had time to set down her chopsticks before Ethan was already on his feet, pressing a hand to her shoulder. "Keep eating. I'll get it."

She didn't argue, already guessing who it was.

If someone was determined to stir up trouble, why stop them?

Ethan expected Zachary with updates about Isabella. Instead, Vivian's scowling face greeted him the moment the door opened.

"Holy shit! You again?" Vivian bristled like an angry cat. "Can't you take a hint? My Sophia's hiding here to get away from you! Do I need to hire an exorcist to banish your creepy ass?"

She rolled up her sleeves, ready to charge past him. "What the hell did you do to my Sophia this time—"

Her tirade cut off abruptly when her eyes landed on the pink apron tied around Ethan's waist. Her jaw dropped. "What fresh hell is this? Domestic roleplay?"

"Your Sophia?" Ethan's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Since when?"

"None of your damn business! Where is she?"

Vivian shoved past him and froze in relief at the sight of Sophia unharmed at the dining table. "Thank God this bastard didn't hurt you. I'd have to chop him into pieces otherwise."

Then she noticed Sophia's pallor. "You look terrible. And why is your arm bandaged—"

Ethan moved like lightning, shielding Sophia. "Wash your hands first. You're covered in germs."

"Sick?" Vivian blinked in confusion.

Sophia nudged him aside with a shrug. "Just a fever last night."

"This is your fault!" Vivian jabbed a finger at Ethan's chest.

His gaze turned glacial. "Keep pointing and you'll lose that finger."

Vivian instantly recoiled, pouting at Sophia. "Sophia, he's bullying me."

Sophia shot Ethan a warning look before leading Vivian to the bathroom.

"What the hell happened?" Vivian demanded while scrubbing her hands. "One night apart and you're sick and injured?"

Sophia gave her the abbreviated version.

"That bitch Isabella!" Vivian stomped her foot.

Sophia nodded. "Her."

"And this bastard just protected her?"

Sophia's expression darkened. "He shut me out. Made it clear he's covering for her."

"Those two deserve each other!" Vivian seethed. "I could strangle them both!"

"Let it go. We can't win against them." Sophia's laugh was bitter. "Best to just stay out of their way."

Vivian bit her lip. "But can you really avoid them?" She lowered her voice. "He tracked you down here. This twisted relationship is far from over."

Sophia stayed silent, the weight in her chest like a stone.