Chapter 463

"I'll ride with Director Laurent." Sophia's ears turned pink as she turned to leave.

Ethan's long arm blocked her path, trapping her between the car door and his body. "Who'd dare give you keys without my permission?"

"You're impossible!" She stamped her foot in frustration.

His lips curved slightly, eyes glinting dangerously. "Just realizing that now?"

Sophia clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms.

In the end, she couldn't escape sharing a room with Ethan.

"These two units are temporary lodgings for executives, fully equipped with air conditioning and private bathrooms. Please make yourselves comfortable." Supervisor Lawrence introduced respectfully.

Sophia examined the prefabricated metal hut. Though basic, it was luxurious for a remote construction site. The private bathroom was an unexpected bonus.

"Thank you." She nodded politely.

Ethan dragged her into the innermost unit without explanation. Rain had soaked half her body, strands of hair clinging to her cheeks.

"Disgusting." He frowned, shoving her toward the bathroom.

Noticing his mud-splattered trousers, she retorted, "You're not much better."

"Care to join me then?" Amusement flickered in his gaze.

"In your dreams!" The door slammed shut.

A deep chuckle sounded outside. Footsteps retreated, followed by the click of another door.

Fifteen minutes later, Ethan returned dripping wet. Carefully extracting a waterproof bag from his jacket, he knocked on the bathroom door.

"Clothes."

"No need." The muffled reply came through the door.

"Planning to come out naked?" He raised an eyebrow. "I wouldn't mind."

A soapy hand emerged from the crack. "Give it here."

"Even royalty isn't this demanding." He handed over the bag.

The door slammed shut again.

"Ungrateful." Ethan snorted, locking the main door behind him.

His soaked shirt hit the floor with a wet thud. The metallic clink of his belt buckle echoed sharply. The defined lines of his torso gleamed under the harsh lighting.

Ding—

Sophia's phone screen lit up.

Ethan's peripheral vision caught the familiar name. His expression darkened instantly. Snatching the phone, he unlocked it effortlessly with her fingerprint.

Four unread messages glared back at him.

His knuckles whitened. The air in the cramped space thickened with barely contained fury.