Chapter 41

Ethan Roscente sat behind his expansive desk reviewing documents.

A knock sounded at the door.

"Enter," he said without looking up.

Victoria Roscente cautiously pushed the door open.

"Brother, are you busy?"

She lingered at the threshold, hesitant to approach.

Ethan finally raised his gaze.

"Did Victor send you?"

Victoria shook her head quickly.

"I heard you returned to the country. I came to see you."

Her fingers twisted together as her voice grew quieter.

Ethan set down his fountain pen.

"Get to the point."

Victoria swallowed hard.

"I want Julian Cortez as Vine Perfumes' spokesperson."

She blurted it out in one breath.

Ethan's eyes turned icy.

"No."

"Brother!" Victoria protested.

Ethan pressed the intercom.

"Simon, escort her out."

Simon Eisner appeared instantly at the door.

Victoria's eyes reddened with anger.

"You're always so heartless!"

She slammed the door behind her.

Sophia Evans' call came moments later.

"Ethan, please help Victoria."

Her pleading voice carried through the phone.

"She's done so much for Theo and me."

Ethan remained silent for a beat.

"Just this once."

Sophia nearly squealed with delight.

"Thank you, Ethan."

She hung up, a triumphant smile curling her lips.

Simon soon delivered bad news.

"Julian Cortez declined all endorsement offers."

Ethan narrowed his eyes.

"Arrange a meeting tonight."

Night fell.

Julian had just stepped from his car when his phone rang.

"Sister!"

He answered with delighted surprise.