Chapter 329

No more.

If you ever need money—no matter how much—you come to me.

Don’t embarrass yourself.

Sophia took the business card, her fingers brushing against the embossed lettering. "Thank you, Alexander."

She didn’t need it. Not really.

With Ethan and Lily by her side, money would never be an issue. She had already secured a job, determined to stand on her own two feet.

But Alexander had helped her before. Refusing outright would be rude.

So she tucked the card into her pocket, just as another car pulled up behind them.

Sophia’s breath hitched.

Ethan.

Had he seen?

A ridiculous thought. Why would Ethan care?

She was overthinking.

Nathan stepped out first, his sharp eyes landing on Alexander. "Mr. Kensington. What a surprise."

His tone was polite, but the tension was unmistakable.

Then the back door opened.

Ethan emerged, Lily perched on his shoulders.

The little girl’s bright eyes locked onto Alexander instantly.

Sophia stiffened.

Alexander, to his credit, only smiled.

Lily wriggled free from Ethan’s hold and skipped forward, beaming. "Uncle! Are you Mommy’s friend?"

Alexander glanced at Ethan before crouching to her level. "Of course. Your mother and I are very good friends."

Lily clapped her hands. "Yay! You’re so handsome! I love it when Mommy has handsome friends!"

Sophia choked.

Ethan’s jaw tightened.

Nathan coughed violently, nearly swallowing his tongue.

This child.

When had she become so… strategic?

She schemed against the women around Ethan, yet encouraged men around Sophia?

Nathan barely had time to process before Ethan yanked off his tie, rolling up his sleeves.

The air turned electric.

Alexander instinctively stepped in front of Sophia. "Ethan—if you have a problem, take it up with me. Don’t take it out on her."

Ethan smirked, undoing his top button. "Problem? I’m just hot."

A lie.

The faint bite marks on his neck said otherwise.

Nathan nearly facepalmed.

Subtle, boss.

Alexander’s gaze flickered to the marks, then back to Ethan. "Wildcat?"

Ethan shrugged. "Something like that."

Sophia’s face burned.

Nathan coughed again.

Alexander exhaled, shaking his head. "Look, Ethan. You have your pick of women. Why keep Sophia around if she annoys you? Just let her—"

Ethan cut him off with a laugh, pulling Sophia against his chest. "You misunderstand, Alexander."

Sophia froze.

Ethan’s grip tightened. "Sophia is the wildcat. And the woman you just drove home? Mine. Care to explain why you’re sniffing around her?"

Alexander paled.

Sophia wanted to vanish.

She didn’t even register how they got inside.

Lily was whisked away for snacks. Sophia fled to the walk-in closet, only for Ethan to block the door.

His gaze was dark, amused.

She held her breath.

"Not full yet?" he asked suddenly.

"What?"

"Flirting with Alexander Kensington. You realize that man devours women like you for breakfast?"

Sophia’s temper flared. "I was the one hunted across the country by you. And you have the nerve to question me?"

Ethan ignored her outburst. "Is he pursuing you?"

She hesitated. Was that… jealousy?

No. Impossible.

Still, she answered honestly. "We ran into each other. He offered me a ride because I was worried about Lily."

Ethan scoffed. "He looks at you differently."

Sophia blinked.

Ethan stepped closer, voice low. "I know men. And that man? He wants you."

Sophia’s pulse raced.

Was he really—?

Before she could respond, Ethan turned on his heel.

Leaving her standing there, heart pounding.

What just happened?