Chapter 435

Sophia stared at the lavish spread before her. Most dishes were her favorites.

She had never mentioned her food preferences to anyone.

"He sent your favorites to the kitchen on the way here," Dr. Xavier revealed with a chuckle. "Cold on the outside, warm on the inside—that boy pays special attention to those he cares about."

Those he cares about?

Her fingers trembled slightly.

The one he truly cared for was someone else.

She lowered her gaze to hide the bitterness in her eyes, feigning shyness.

"Try this."

Ethan pushed a plate of perfectly deboned fish toward her. "Who spoiled you so much that you love fish but hate picking bones?"

Dr. Xavier teased, "Isn’t this your chance to shine?"

Ethan sighed with a wry smile.

His mentor had been needling him since they arrived.

"What else would you like?" He picked up serving chopsticks, emphasizing, "Girlfriend?"

Sophia’s chest tightened as she looked at the mountain of food in her bowl.

She knew this was all an act, yet when his slender fingers meticulously removed every bone, her heart still fluttered.

"You should eat too." She glanced at him playfully, serving him stir-fried vegetables. "What would my boyfriend like?"

Ethan suddenly leaned in, his warm breath brushing her ear. "What I want... isn’t on the table."

The last word dissolved into a whisper, scorching her earlobe.

This bastard!

She slapped away his wandering hand and hissed, "Behave."

"Shy now?" His low laugh sent shivers down her spine as his fingers traced her waist.

"Ethan Roscente!" She glared, cheeks burning.

He ruffled her hair affectionately, eyes brimming with fondness. "Fine, I’ll stop."

Dr. Xavier watched their banter with delight. "Ah, youth!"

The butler chimed in, "Miss Lowell and Mr. Roscente are a match made in heaven."

"Since you’re so close," Dr. Xavier suddenly shifted tone, "why not set a wedding date? This old man longs to toast at your celebration."

Sophia’s chopsticks froze mid-air.

"Ethan may be reckless sometimes, but he’s dependable." Dr. Xavier spoke earnestly. "My only wish is for him to settle down, not wander alone forever."

Silence engulfed the dining room.