Chapter 446

Ethan Roscente's lips curved slightly, approval flashing in his eyes.

"Good performance. Triple your bonus this month."

"Thank you, Mr. Roscente!"

"Leave more flexibility in my schedule going forward. Prioritize trips to Seattle." His slender fingers tapped the desk. "And keep a close eye on the old man."

Zachary Evans understood immediately. This was to create opportunities for frequent visits to see Miss Sophia Lowell—while evading Mr. Roscente Sr.'s surveillance.

"Understood. I'll adjust the arrangements." He hesitated. "Tonight's dinner with Peak Construction Group is unavoidable. The old man personally brokered the deal."

Ethan waved dismissively.

"Handle it as you see fit."

As Zachary turned to leave, Ethan called him back.

"Bring Bianca Savigny tonight."

Zachary caught on instantly. "You're concerned about..."

Ethan's gaze turned icy.

"If the old man suspects foul play in delaying the wedding, let him investigate."

Zachary suppressed a wince. Bianca was being thrown to the wolves.

Mr. Roscente Sr. was shrewd. Though Isabella Valentine had requested the postponement, he’d likely suspect Ethan’s involvement. With Ethan back in the country now, scrutiny was inevitable.

If the old man suspected Ethan had someone else, let him find "evidence."

As long as Sophia remained untouched.

Jason Roscente hummed a tune as he exited the Roscente building when his phone rang.

"You promised me dinner. Where are you?" Vivian Ashcroft's impatient voice crackled through.

Startled by guilt, Jason jumped.

"On my way! Almost there!"

"Ten minutes or I'm leaving."

"Wait! Traffic's terrible—" He theatrically honked twice. "Hear that? The whole street's gridlocked!"

"Spare me the act. I don't have time for games."

"Coming!"

Jason leapt into his sports car and sped off.

At the restaurant, he fidgeted. In his eagerness to secure funds, he'd forgotten to coordinate stories with his uncle.

When Vivian video-called Sophia, he nearly bent his fork in half. Seeing Sophia's calm demeanor, he exhaled in relief.

Clearly, his uncle hadn't confronted her yet.

Given how Sophia had been avoiding Ethan, she'd have been furious otherwise.

He absently stabbed his steak, stealing glances at Sophia on the screen.

Good. She clearly didn't know he'd spilled the secret.

Divine intervention! There was still time to fix this!

Excusing himself to the restroom, Jason hastily called Ethan.

"Uncle, it's me! When are you planning to talk to Sophia about the baby? Could you—"

Ethan, en route to the dinner, frowned.

"We settled this last night. Didn’t she agree to have my child before telling you?"

"What?"

Jason froze.

That phrasing... Had his uncle known longer than him?

A horrifying realization struck.

"Uncle, are you saying... you want to have a baby with Sophia? Or... there already is one?"

Ethan's expression darkened.

"Obviously the former. We decided yesterday—you think she’d be pregnant today? Magic, is it?"

Jason: "..."

Disaster.

He'd meant Sophia already had a child. His uncle thought they were planning one.