Sophia had never heard Ethan speak in such a coquettish tone before.

A soft laugh escaped her lips.

The usually aloof and dignified CEO now resembled a child begging for candy.

The contrast made her heart melt.

"Your eyes are red," she murmured, tracing the faint bloodshot lines at the corners with her fingertips. "Don't come tomorrow."

Ethan didn't respond, only nuzzled her nose with his.

How could he stay away?

The thought of Kyle's predatory gaze made his skin crawl.

"Maybe I should take the silk painting back to Kyoto for restoration," Sophia suggested.

Ethan's eyes lit up. "I'll pick you up tomorrow evening."

"Are plane tickets free?" She chuckled helplessly. "Isn't the CEO's time more valuable?"

He nipped her earlobe. "Good. Then don't go so far from me again."

"Since when did you become so clingy?" Sophia feigned annoyance, though warmth bloomed in her chest.

Who would've thought their separation would deepen their bond?

She burrowed into his embrace and soon drifted into sleep.

The next morning, Sophia woke naturally.

Her hand brushed against warm skin, and she blinked in surprise.

"You're still here?"

Ethan lazily pulled her closer. "I'm going back with you today."

"But I need to wait for materials—"

"I'll handle Professor Moore." His tone brooked no argument.

Sophia sighed but relented.

"Oh, I've taken a mentor for antique ceramic restoration."

Ethan tensed. "Male or female?"

"Male."

"Decline." His voice was steel.

Sophia laughed incredulously. "Ethan Sullivan, are you trying to sabotage my career?"

"You're already successful."

"Not enough." Her gaze hardened. "I want to be so exceptional your father can't criticize me."

Ethan paused, then pressed a kiss to her temple. "Ignore him. He has enough headaches with Isabella."

"It's Master Vincent Grandelle who wants to mentor me."

At the name, Ethan's expression softened. "Fine."

"No take-backs." She poked his chest.

He caught her finger and suddenly flipped her beneath him. "Shouldn't we do something interesting today?"

"Last night you said—"

Her words were swallowed by his kiss.

His technique had grown devastatingly precise, dismantling her defenses effortlessly.

They lingered until midday.

Then his assistant called: "Mr. Sullivan, Bruno's lost his mind."

"What happened?" Ethan's voice turned arctic.

"Police found $500,000 in his basement. But he's incoherent—keeps screaming about ghosts."

Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Find out who's behind this."

Hanging up, he fell into thought.

That evening in Kyoto, Ethan went straight to Valentine Corporation.

Theodore Valentine greeted him with a smile. "Ethan, what brings—"

"The Dorset Village incident ends here." Ethan cut him off coldly. "If there's a next time, I won't spare Isabella."

He turned on his heel, leaving Theodore pale with rage.