Chapter 83

Sophia's scream was abruptly cut off as Ethan pulled her into his arms. His strong embrace shielded her, pressing her face against his chest so she couldn't see a thing.

Yet, for the first time, she felt an overwhelming sense of safety.

Then, his large hand covered her ears.

Moments later, she heard muffled pops—like distant fireworks—but she knew better.

Instinctively, she burrowed deeper into his hold.

When Ethan finally released her, his voice was calm as he ordered Nathan, "Drive."

The car sped away.

Sophia slowly sat up, her cheeks burning. She couldn’t bring herself to look at Ethan, but from the rearview mirror, she caught a glimpse of the aftermath—bodies on the ground.

The realization hit her.

Those hadn’t been fireworks.

She stole a glance at Ethan. His expression was unreadable, as if nothing had happened.

The memory of his protective gesture lingered in her mind. He hadn’t wanted her to witness the brutality.

A strange warmth bloomed in her chest.

Ethan took her to dinner, but her appetite was nonexistent. She was still shaken.

He didn’t press her. Instead, after a brief meal, he led her to an upscale boutique—one she had only ever window-shopped at before.

The moment they stepped inside, sales associates swarmed them, their eyes gleaming at the sight of a high-profile client.

"Sir, your girlfriend is stunning! Such refined taste—"

"Sister," Ethan corrected sharply.

The saleswoman faltered. "Ah—what I meant was, she looks just like you!"

Sophia stifled a laugh.

Unseen, hidden near the service elevator, the Thornton family watched with venomous eyes.

Isabella’s fists clenched, her nails digging into her palms. "Father! I want her dead. Now. If we don’t act, Ethan will destroy us all!"

Her desperation was palpable.

She had tried everything—flirting, pleading—but Ethan had always dismissed her. Now, seeing him pamper Sophia with designer clothes?

It was unbearable.

Elizabeth sneered. "Benjamin, you spoke to her yesterday. What happened?"

Benjamin’s expression darkened. "That little witch thinks she’s untouchable now that Ethan’s backing her."

"Then find leverage!" Elizabeth hissed. "That woman—the one we paid the detective to track—any leads?"

Benjamin exhaled sharply. "Not yet."

Isabella’s eyes burned with hatred. "I don’t care what it takes. I will marry Ethan. And she will pay."

Sophia shivered suddenly, despite the warmth of the boutique.

"Cold?" Ethan asked.

"This dress is too thin for winter," she murmured, eyeing the mountain of shopping bags. "And this is too much. It’s wasteful."

Ethan shrugged. "If you don’t like it, don’t take it."

"I have enough."

"Then let’s go home."

The boutique staff assured them the purchases would be delivered. Outside, Ethan turned to Nathan. "Take her back. I have business."

Sophia hesitated. "Actually… could you drop me at the office? I have overtime work."

She needed to finish her designs—away from Ethan’s prying eyes.

Nathan nodded. "Of course, ma’am."

By the time Sophia left the office, it was nearly midnight.

Nathan was still waiting.

When they arrived home, Ethan was in the living room, wearing a robe, a sleek pink laptop open before him.

"Come here," he said, not looking up. "See if you like this."