Chapter 249

Ethan's lips curled into a mocking sneer. "In such a hurry to entertain another man? Can't wait to get away from me?"

Sophia's voice trembled. "Wh-what are you talking about?" Her teeth chattered from fear, but Ethan showed no mercy.

He advanced toward her, step by deliberate step.

Sophia retreated until the back of her knees hit the sofa. Trapped.

With one swift motion, Ethan closed the distance, his arms locking around her. "You're so eager to throw yourself at men, aren't you?"

Tears spilled from Sophia's eyes. "You're the one who forced me into this! You took my daughter hostage!"

Her voice cracked. "You gave me no choice! You demanded I entertain men, earn money, and pay you back—and now you're accusing me?"

She glared at him, defiance burning through her tears. "Are we just playthings to you? Do we not deserve to live?"

Ethan's grip tightened. His cold lips brushed her tear-streaked cheek, tasting the salt of her despair.

Sophia froze.

He pulled her closer, his voice a dark whisper. "You're the most stubborn woman I've ever met. Do you know how many would kill to be in your place?"

His breath was hot against her ear. "Yet here you are—fighting me at every turn."

Sophia's mind reeled.

Six years ago, when she had nursed Victoria back to health, there had been moments of tenderness between them. But now?

Every encounter with Ethan was a battle.

Sanford—no, Noah—had sacrificed his mobility protecting her and Lilly. The memories were too raw, too painful.

How could she believe Ethan felt anything but cruelty?

Their first night together had been a transaction—her body for his survival. And he had repaid her with vengeance.

This wasn't affection.

It was another form of torture.

A way to break her completely.

She clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms. Don’t fall for it, Sophia. Don’t be weak.

A cold breeze from the AC snapped her back to reality.

She shoved against his chest. "Let me go!"

Ethan smirked. "Changed your mind already? Weren’t you rushing off to please another man?"

Heat flooded her cheeks. "That was your demand! You gave me a debt I can never repay!"

Her voice broke. "What else was I supposed to do?"

Ethan's eyes darkened. "You know exactly what I want."

Sophia swallowed hard. "But we're in your office! Anyone could see—"

Her gaze darted to the floor-to-ceiling glass wall separating them from the open workspace beyond.

Dozens of employees—assistants, secretaries, executives—worked just meters away.

Ethan followed her gaze and chuckled. "Who would dare look?"

His fingers traced her jaw. "I own this company. No one breathes without my permission."

Sophia's pulse pounded. "Please... not here."

Ethan studied her for a long moment before abruptly releasing her.

Time blurred.

A sharp knock shattered the tension.

Sophia gasped, instinctively pressing into Ethan's chest. "They'll see—!"

Ethan covered her mouth with his hand, his smirk widening. "So easily frightened."

He called out, voice steady. "What is it?"

"Mr. Blackwood, the contract requires your signature." A secretary's voice filtered through the door.

"Wait outside."

Silence.

Sophia's heart hammered. The secretary had never been made to wait before.

Ethan's thumb brushed her lower lip. "Ready?"

Before she could answer, he called, "Enter."