Chapter 473

Sophia's eyes flew open, her pupils contracting sharply.

"What truth?"

Ethan Roscente's long fingers brushed her cheek as he spoke in a low voice. "Someone's been trying to kill you in secret."

The words stabbed into her spine like an ice pick.

"Even that knife wound last time—someone orchestrated it."

If he hadn't intervened, the lunatic's family would have used Sophia's police report as an excuse to attack her again.

Fortunately, he'd taken control of the situation before the mastermind's plan could succeed.

A chill ran through Sophia as she recalled the mysterious text message from months ago.

Was the sender the same person who wanted her dead?

"Scared?" Ethan gripped her icy fingers.

"Someone wants me dead, and I don't even know who." Her voice trembled. "Wouldn't you be scared?"

"Then stay close to me." His arms tightened around her. "No one will lay a finger on you."

"What if this danger exists because of you?" Sophia countered abruptly.

Ethan frowned. "Meaning?"

She thought of that damning text but hesitated.

"Nothing. Just talking nonsense."

He pinched her chin. "Don't say things I don't want to hear."

"Will ignoring the truth change anything?" Sophia scoffed. "Isabella Valentine has tried to ruin me repeatedly, yet you turn a blind eye."

Darkness flashed in Ethan's eyes. "You're blaming me?"

Though phrased as a question, his tone brooked no argument.

"I wouldn't dare."

He hated this act of hers the most.

Brimming with resentment yet pretending everything was fine.

"Behave, and this won't happen again."

Sophia laughed inwardly.

More like she'd die faster.

Her hand drifted to her abdomen as resolve flickered in her eyes.

The next morning, Sophia woke to an empty bed.

Just as she sighed in relief, her shattered phone rang.

Wrapped in Ethan's shirt, she picked up the cracked device and sighed—another month's salary down the drain.

An unknown number flashed on screen.

"Sophia, I'm so sorry!" Sebastian Valdemar's frantic voice came through. "My phone was stolen last night. Someone used my WeChat to message you and then recalled it. That wasn't me! Did they do anything to you?"

Sophia checked the app, staring at the recalled notifications before answering quietly, "I didn't see the content."

But Ethan had.

Those messages must have been vile to provoke last night's frenzy.

"I've caused you trouble." Sebastian sounded wretched. "I was drinking at a bar when my phone got stolen."

Sophia lowered her lashes.

Though unintentional, those messages had cost her dearly.