Chapter 44

The phone rang abruptly.

Sophia glanced at the caller ID—Zachary Evans.

She rejected the call without hesitation.

The screen had barely gone dark when the ringing started again.

"That phone hasn't stopped since you passed out," Vivian Ashcroft said, leaning closer and pointing at the device. "Hangs up and calls right back like a man possessed. Maybe you should answer?"

"Just Ethan Roscente's lapdog," Sophia scoffed.

"Fair point. Nothing good ever comes from them." Vivian pursed her lips. "Just turn it off—"

Before she could finish, the phone vibrated again.

Sophia moved to decline, but her finger slipped—and she accidentally answered.

"Ms. Lowell!" Zachary's voice was laced with urgency. "Where are you? Mr. Roscente specifically arranged for a doctor—"

Vivian raised an eyebrow at her.

"I'm fine," Sophia said coldly.

"But Mr. Roscente said you—"

"It's just a stomachache." She cut him off.

Suddenly, a familiar deep voice came through the line: "A minor illness is enough to skip work?"

Sophia's fingers trembled.

That blinding memory flashed through her mind.

She ended the call.

Ethan stared at the darkened screen, his expression stormy.

"Call again."

Zachary reluctantly redialed.

"The number you have reached is currently unavailable—"

Blocked.

Ethan narrowed his eyes and dialed himself.

The same automated message played.

"Interesting." His laugh was icy as he turned to the accompanying physician. "Use your phone."

This time, the call connected.

"Who is this?" Sophia's voice came through.

Ethan snatched the phone. "Sophia, how dare you—"

Beep.

The dial tone blared mockingly.

Another attempt—rejected immediately.

"Find her," Ethan ground out through clenched teeth.

The door across the hall suddenly opened.

"You're looking for Sophia?" A neighbor eyed them suspiciously.

Zachary quickly plastered on a smile. "We're her colleagues. Heard she was sick—"