Chapter 491

Ethan Roscente stared coldly at Sophia Sherwood.

"You want the director position?"

Sophia twisted her fingers nervously. "I just think I'm better suited for this role."

"The company has standard promotion protocols." Ethan's voice was icy. "Sabotaging your superior to climb the ladder is amateurish."

Even if her boss had issues, proper reporting channels existed. Sophia coming directly to him revealed her true intentions.

"I have five years of management experience abroad." Sophia rushed to explain. "My recent projects have been outstanding. Everyone in the office can attest to that."

Ethan raised his hand to silence her. "Enough."

"We have thousands of employees. Should I personally promote each one?" His gaze sharpened. "True competence doesn't require such tactics. You've disappointed me, Sophia."

Her face paled instantly. She couldn't believe Ethan would judge her this way.

"Ethan, you misunderstand—"

"Get out." His dismissal was final.

"Let me explain—"

"I said get out!" Ethan's voice rose abruptly.

Sophia bit her lip as she left, eyes burning with resentment. The more Ethan resisted, the more determined she became to prove herself worthy of him.

Silence reclaimed the office. Ethan massaged his temples as exhaustion washed over him.

Simon Eisner entered with an armful of files. "Mr. Roscente, these require your signature."

The towering paperwork seemed suffocating.

"You look unwell. Should I call a doctor?"

At the mention of doctors, Vivian Laurent's image flashed in Ethan's mind. He waved dismissively. "Unnecessary."

Just insomnia.

"Dominic Atlante is in Country C. Keep close surveillance." Ethan ordered grimly. "Report any suspicious activity immediately."

"Understood."

That underworld figure approaching Vivian couldn't mean anything good. Though she was vigilant, Ethan still worried.

Even with their strained relationship, her safety remained his priority.

Simon continued briefing his schedule. Back-to-back meetings. Endless queues of business partners. Ethan gestured for him to streamline arrangements.

"Noted." Ethan tapped the desk absently.

As he buried himself in documents, his phone rang. Theo Evans' cheerful voice came through.

"Uncle Ethan! Can we go to the amusement park? I promise I'll behave!"

A smile tugged at Ethan's lips unconsciously. Listening to the boy's excitement, a sudden thought struck him—what would it be like to have a child of his own?