Chapter 431

The car glided through the night, neon lights flickering across the windows like liquid color.

"You'll understand when we arrive." Ethan Roscente's voice brooked no argument.

Sophia Lowell turned away, refusing to indulge this lunatic.

"Change your clothes." He loosened his cufflinks. "I won't touch you."

"You want me to change?" She let out a bitter laugh. "With what spare outfit?"

Ethan paused, his tie hanging askew. The oversight made him look utterly ridiculous.

As they passed a shopping center, he signaled the driver to stop.

"Don't even think of running." He leaned in, breath hot against her ear. "I'd tear this city apart to find you."

Sophia clenched her fists, nails biting into her palms.

Watching him head toward the stores, she suddenly called out, "Get the dress one size larger."

The extra room would better conceal her pregnancy.

Ethan braced an arm against the car roof, scanning her frame. "You're skin and bones. Why would you need a bigger size?"

"I've gained weight recently." She kept her expression neutral. "My waist is thicker now."

He chuckled darkly, feigning movement toward her. "Should I measure it myself?"

"Get lost!" Sophia hurled her handbag at him.

He dodged with feline grace, slamming the door shut with an amused smirk.

Twenty minutes later, Ethan returned with shopping bags.

"Put this on." He handed her an impeccably tailored dress.

Sophia unfolded it—this season's latest design. The size was standard, but the waistline had clever detailing that hugged without constricting.

"Shoes." He passed her a box containing nude heels, elegant and understated.

She had to admit, the man had impeccable taste.

"Pull over," she told the driver. "I need to change."

"Do it here." Ethan checked his watch. "We're out of time."

Sophia tossed the items aside. "Then I'm not going."

Change in front of him? Only if she'd lost her mind.

"Afraid?" He sneered. "There's not an inch of you I haven't seen."

"Desperate much, Mr. Roscente?" Her smile was glacial. "Should I strip right now and sprint down the street? The scandal would stain your name, not mine."

Ethan's eyes narrowed to slits. "You wouldn't dare."

"Try me." Her hand closed around the door handle. "Mutually assured destruction. Let's see who blinks first."

"Grandfather has a weak heart."

"Not my problem." She held her ground. "Either stop the car, or I jump right now."

Tension crackled between them like live wires.

Then Ethan smiled. "Ten million."

Sophia's fingers twitched.