Ethan Sullivan's lips curved slightly. "Money is too impersonal between us."

Sophia Laurent pressed her lips together. "I don't want to owe you any favors."

"Ex-spouses are still legally considered relatives. It's only natural for me to care for you."

Sophia let out a soft laugh. "Cut the nonsense. I checked—divorce terminates all familial ties."

Ethan's voice deepened. "I just want to treat you well."

Sophia's nose tingled with emotion.

Silence settled between them.

Familiar footsteps approached the half-open door.

Sophia pulled it open.

A tall, broad-shouldered figure ascended the stairs.

Impeccable dark suit. Pale complexion. Striking features.

It could only be Ethan.

Her heart fluttered with surprise and delight.

"What are you doing here?"

"Just finished a client meeting nearby." His gaze burned into her.

The client meeting was real.

The "nearby" part was a lie.

Since their divorce, he couldn't let go.

Even a distant glimpse of her calmed his restless heart.

Sophia lowered her lashes, avoiding his intense stare.

She feared falling for him again.

Isabella Valentine was trouble enough.

Victor Sullivan's methods would be far more ruthless.

As tension thickened, Ethan's phone rang.

"Six tomorrow evening. Discussion with Zachary Riveron about the Northgate Fish Market project." Victor's voice crackled through. "I can't attend with these facial injuries. Materials will reach you by morning."

Ethan gave a terse acknowledgment.

Hanging up, he casually draped an arm around Sophia. "Your favorite abalone rice is downstairs."

Before she could react, his lips brushed her forehead.

Sophia froze.

The words "we're divorced" died on her tongue.

"Apologies. Old habit." Ethan released her. "Duty calls."

She watched from the window as his car disappeared down the street.

The next day.

A bank alert chimed on Ethan's phone.

$50 million.

His expression darkened as he typed: "I'm furious!"

Angry at her boundary-drawing.

Furious she couldn't see his heart.

But his phone remained silent until evening.

Moonlight Pavilion's private dining room.

Zachary Riveron arrived early with Zane and Zoe.

Zoe's sharp blazer exuded corporate precision.

After three rounds of drinks, Zachary excused himself.

He dragged a protesting Zane away.

"Dad! I wasn't done with my sea bass!"

"Use your brain, boy. This is your sister's arranged date."

Zane gaped. "Isn't Ethan married?"

"Divorced ages ago." Zachary shrugged. "The Sullivans found the girl's pedigree lacking."

Zane snorted. "Who cares about bloodlines these days?"

Inside the dining room.

As business concluded, Zoe raised her glass with a polished smile.

Ethan stood with professional finality.

Then froze in the doorway.

At the corridor's end, Sophia walked beside Kyle Grant.