Chapter 343

Ethan Roscente opened his eyes to a throbbing pain in his temples.

Squinting, he spotted a steaming glass of honey lemon water on the coffee table.

Undissolved honey crystals clung to the bottom of the glass.

He drained the glass in one gulp, the cloying sweetness coating his tongue.

This was Vivian Laurent's apartment.

Fragmented memories from last night surfaced—stumbling here drunk, vague recollections of holding her, kissing her.

Ethan checked every room but found the apartment empty.

Vivian was avoiding him again.

Footsteps sounded on the stairs.

Finn Deross descended sleepily, then froze when he met Ethan's gaze.

"M-morning," Finn stammered.

Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Where's that man from your social media posts with Vivian?"

"My uncle? He went back to our hometown." Finn scratched his head.

A barely perceptible smirk touched Ethan's lips.

Straightening his suit, he left for the office feeling refreshed.

His morning productivity soared.

Documents were signed in record time. Meetings concluded with crisp efficiency.

At noon, Felix Valdemar's call interrupted his workflow.

"What?" Ethan continued signing papers without looking up.

"Someone's cranky." Felix chuckled. "Free tonight? Sophia Sherwood wants to have dinner with us."

"Busy."

"Nice!" Felix cheered. "Giving me alone time with her, huh?"

Ethan hung up.

Thirty minutes later, Simon Eisner knocked. "Mr. Roscente, Marketing Director Sherwood is here."

Ethan frowned. "Send her in."

Sophia Sherwood entered in clicking heels, her skirt swaying. "Heard you're unavailable tonight. Did I do something wrong?"

"Not about you."

"I'm new back in town. You and Felix are my only old friends..." Her lips trembled pitifully.

Ethan didn't glance up. "I have plans."

"What plans? Your secretary said your schedule's clear." She pressed.

"Dinner with my wife." He closed a file.

Sophia paled. "W-wife?"

"Hmm."

"When did you get married?" Her nails dug into her palms as she forced a smile.

Ethan looked up coldly. "Since when do I report my personal life to you?"

Sophia gaped wordlessly.

"Leave if there's nothing else." Ethan pressed the intercom. "Simon, escort our guest out."

Sophia stood frozen, staring at this ice-cold man who hadn't changed since university—always indifferent to everyone.