Chapter 57

Sophia clenched her fists, her nails digging deep into her palms.

"I'm done with this secret affair."

Ethan Roscente chuckled, his long fingers idly toying with the loose strands of hair near her ear. "But you seemed to enjoy it."

His words cut through her like a blade. Sophia's eyes burned, but she bit her lower lip hard, refusing to let the tears fall.

"Think whatever you want," she said, her voice trembling. "If you don’t want to return the pendant, just throw it away."

Before she could finish, his fingers gripped her chin. His lips crashed against hers with bruising force.

She struggled, but he lifted her effortlessly and pinned her against the bar. The taste of tobacco filled her mouth as his punishing kiss stole her breath.

Crash!

The sound of a shattering glass finally made him pull away. His thumb brushed over her swollen lips, his dark eyes stormy.

"You think you can just walk away?" His voice was icy. "First the pendant, now me?"

Sophia turned her face away. "Forcing something that was never mine will only hurt us both."

"So you're saying it's no use?"

"Yes."

Ethan laughed, the sound devoid of warmth. "But I like forcing things." He leaned in, his breath hot against her ear. "Sophia, you can't escape me."

The intimate nickname sent a shiver down her spine. "What about Isabella? Have you ever considered her feelings?"

His expression darkened. He turned and walked away, only to return moments later with the repaired Pixiu pendant.

"Wear it," he ordered, fastening it roughly around her neck. "Take it off, and you'll regret it."

Sophia looked down. The broken chain had been meticulously repaired, the pendant reinforced. Her fingers trembled as conflicting emotions surged in her chest.

Ethan lifted her off the bar. "Wait here while I change."

The moment his back was turned, she bolted for the door.

Alone in the empty penthouse, Ethan stared at the door, his gaze venomous.

In the taxi, Sophia trembled with fury. That bastard was utterly impossible!