Chapter 5
Ethan Roscente threw back his head and downed the strong liquor.
The glass hit the table with a heavy thud.
Charlie Lowell leaned closer to Julian Winston. "Is Ethan in a bad mood?"
Julian's lips curved into a smirk. "Someone blocked him."
Before the words fully faded.
Ethan's gaze turned icy.
"Shut up."
He yanked at his collar, a dark fury brewing between his brows.
The private room fell silent instantly.
Charlie choked, coughing.
Sebastian Evans asked quietly, "Did Sophia Sullivan go back?"
Charlie shook his head.
A bartender brought new drinks.
Someone suggested playing Truth or Dare.
The door was pushed open.
Chloe Sullivan walked in.
She was nudged toward Ethan.
"Mr. Roscente…"
Ethan stood up abruptly.
"Have fun."
He left without another word.
Chloe Sullivan stood frozen in place.
...
The driver asked for a destination.
Ethan massaged his temples.
"To the office."
His assistant was about to leave for the day.
He looked surprised to see Ethan.
"Mr. Roscente?"
A sharp pain twisted in Ethan's stomach.
"Buy some porridge."
The assistant quickly returned with seafood congee.
Ethan frowned.
He only took two bites before putting the spoon down.
He thought of Sophia's oatmeal porridge.
Irritated, he pushed the container away.
...
Sophia Sullivan turned on the apartment lights.
The intimate sounds stopped abruptly.
Olivia Lopez was in a silk nightgown.
She was entangled with a young man.
The couch was a mess.
Sophia turned around.
"Get yourselves together first."
Olivia adjusted her strap.
She threw on a robe.
She tossed the man's jacket to him.
"Wait for me in the bedroom."
The man smiled at Sophia.
"Good evening."
Sophia responded instinctively.
Olivia sipped her red wine and corrected him. "His name is Steven."
Sophia poured water, distracted.
Olivia noticed her red-rimmed eyes.
"You've been crying?"
Sophia said softly, "I went to see Professor Eleanor Watson."
Olivia raised an eyebrow.
"How is the professor?"
Sophia shook her head.
"I didn't dare go in."
Olivia laughed in disbelief.
"You're such a coward."
She saw the stubborn set of Sophia's jaw.
She understood the breakfast was for the professor.
"What are you planning to do?"
Sophia looked up.
"Will you come with me to see the professor?"
Olivia narrowed her eyes.
"What are you trying to do?"