Chapter 362

Sophia Sherwood stood before the CEO's office door, her stilettos clicking against the marble floor. Her fingers absently traced the edge of the file in her hands.

The elevator doors slid open.

She immediately stepped forward. "Mr. Roscente, about this morning—"

"Ms. Sherwood." Ethan Roscente's icy gaze swept over her. "Explain."

Her lashes fluttered. "The coffee spill was an accident. I only wanted to help—"

"Roscente Group doesn't need employees who overstep." His voice cut through her words. "One more incident, and HR will handle it."

Sophia's grip tightened on the folder, her knuckles whitening. "Understood."

Ethan turned toward his office.

"That Ms. Laurent..." Sophia suddenly spoke up. "Is she a friend of yours?"

He paused mid-step. "None of your concern."

The glass door shut behind him. Sophia stared at her reflection in the polished surface before pulling out her phone.

"Felix, I saw Ms. Laurent today." She chose her words carefully. "She and Mr. Roscente—"

Felix Valdemar's reply came instantly: "You mean Dr. Laurent? Ethan's ex-wife."

The screen's glow reflected in Sophia's narrowed pupils.

Ex-wife.

The word rolled off her tongue, dissolving into a soft laugh. How dare a divorced woman still linger around Ethan?

She scrolled through her contacts, pausing on an invitation to a cocktail event. Next Wednesday, at the Blue Whale Club. A perfect opportunity.

Ethan stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows as Simon Eisner entered.

"Valrose Realty's status."

Simon opened his tablet. "Their cash flow has collapsed. Vincent Valrose mortgaged three properties, but the deficit keeps growing."

"Too slow." Ethan tapped the window frame. "Seven days."

Simon nodded. "The banks already caught wind. Collection notices will arrive at Valrose tomorrow."

"Keep him detained longer." Ethan turned, shadows sharpening his jawline. "By the time he's released, I want Valrose's liquidation announcement public."

"Understood."

Outside, storm clouds gathered. Ethan thought of Vivian's pale face, his eyes darkening.

Vincent Valrose would pay for laying a hand on her.