Chapter 272
Sophia Sullivan turned abruptly.
Ethan Roscente stood at the door.
His suit was impeccably tailored.
He had lost weight.
The line of his jaw was sharper.
His gaze was intense.
Sophia wore a beige knit sweater under a trench coat.
Her dark hair fell softly.
She wore no makeup.
She looked as pure as fresh snow.
"Hello," she spoke first.
Ethan felt a pang in his chest.
"Sophia... must we be so formal?"
A faint smile touched her lips.
She said nothing.
Ethan's Adam's apple bobbed. "You needed to see me?"
"Yes."
"Shall we go inside?"
"Alright."
She walked toward the office.
Ethan followed closely.
The door closed.
Shutting out the outside world.
"Liam! Who was that?" a new assistant peeked out.
Liam Evans frowned. "Mind your own business."
Everyone fell silent.
Liam knocked.
"Mr. Roscente, the golf game this afternoon..."
"Cancel it."
"Yes, sir."
Inside the office.
Ethan pulled out a chair.
"Something to drink?"
"No, let's get to business."
He sat down.
His eyes traced her profile.
"I came today to..."
"How are your studies?" he interrupted. "I heard MIT grad school is tough."
She remained patient. "It's manageable."
She tried again. "Regarding the deed of acknowledgment for that land..."
"Have you eaten?" he cut her off again. "There's a French restaurant nearby you used to like."
Sophia pressed her lips together.
She nodded.
Ethan immediately stood up.
He called to cancel his evening plans.
At the restaurant.
He deftly cut the steak.
He pushed the plate toward her.
"You always hated this part," he said lightly.
Sophia didn't touch her cutlery.
"I brought the documents. You just need to sign."
Ethan's smile faded.
"Is having one meal with me so difficult?"
"You said we could talk over dinner."
He set down his knife and fork.
"You wouldn't be here if I didn't need to sign, would you?"
"Correct."
His eyes darkened. "Is that all I'm worth to you now?"
"We ended things a long time ago."
"What if I refuse to sign?"
Sophia met his gaze calmly. "The land is already transferred. The contract is legally binding."
"I regret it," his voice grew heavy.
He regretted letting go.
He regretted letting her leave.
Sophia frowned. "This isn't a parting gift. It's the compensation I'm owed."
The paperwork was nearly complete.
Only his signature was missing.
"You have no claim. Refusing is pointless."
Ethan's gaze turned cold. "So we're at an impasse?"
"The choice is yours."
"And if I choose not to?"
Sophia held his stare. "We can negotiate terms."
She leaned forward slightly.
"State your demands. Be direct."