Chapter 3

Sophia's POV

"Dinner's ready."

Ethan's voice interrupted the strange atmosphere between Renee and me.

At the table, Ethan chatted with her while serving me food.

I didn't eat a single bite.

Who wants to perform in a play with no audience?

Renee seemed unable to watch anymore either. She pointed toward the study.

"Mr. Clinton, are you sleeping in the study?"

Ethan responded gently. "We're both so busy with work that we sleep separately. We rest better that way."

His words carried deeper meaning, making it sound like we'd already separated.

I was too lazy to expose his lies.

Sure enough, Renee believed him and gave me a provocative smile.

I kept my expression blank, put down my fork, and stood up.

"Excuse me, I need to use the restroom."

Then I turned and left.

Ethan glanced at me. Only when Renee called him back did he return his attention to their conversation.

He needed a ten-million-dollar investment to expand his piano training center.

"Sure, my family actually wants me to try finding some investment projects anyway."

Ethan acted quite reserved. "Renee, don't agree so quickly. Let me send you the business proposal. Read it carefully first."

"Okay, whatever you say." She nodded.

I stopped at the corner of the hallway, pulled out my phone, and sent that man a text.

"Mr. Hart, Renee's at my house. For such a renowned entrepreneur, if you can't discipline your daughter, I'll have to do it for you."

After a minute, he replied.

"Go ahead and hit her. I don't have time."

My eyes widened.

This man was absurd.

A moment later, I returned to my seat.

Renee seemed in an excellent mood. She glanced at me. "Mr. Clinton, if we become business partners, we'll be working together frequently. Won't Sophia be upset seeing us meet so often?"

Ethan paused, then said seriously, "We have a normal working relationship. She won't be upset."

Renee kept provoking me. I lost all appetite for the food on the table.

I studied Renee and spoke coldly. "But for such a large sum, can you come up with it on your own, Miss Renee?"

She met my gaze fearlessly. "This is nothing for me. As long as I want it, my family will support me."

Ethan tugged at my arm. "Sophia?" He wanted to stop me.

"I'm just worried she's pushing herself too hard." I smiled apologetically, then turned to Ethan. "I know you've been looking for investors. Why don't you send me the proposal too? I happen to know a wealthy person who's very interested in this."

I reached into my pocket, felt that thin card, and pulled it out without hesitation, placing it on the table.

Ethan froze, reading the name aloud. "Sebastian Hart?"

Across from me, Renee looked terrified, staring at me in disbelief. Her previous aggressive demeanor vanished completely.

I quietly enjoyed watching her expression change.

She was truly scared.

The next second, Renee's phone rang.

The ringtone was sudden and shrill, startling us all.

Renee gripped her phone and shot to her feet, looking extremely nervous. "Um, it's my father calling... I need to take this."

She rushed into the guest bathroom and shut the door firmly.

I couldn't help but laugh. So Sebastian finally had time and knew to make a phone call.

Ethan asked what I was laughing about.

"Renee's in her twenties and still so afraid of her parents. Don't you find that funny?"

"No, I don't." Ethan didn't smile. He picked up the business card and looked at me. "How do you know Sebastian Hart?"

"I don't know him. A friend of mine knows his assistant."

I was about to take back the card when Ethan dodged my hand and tucked it into his pocket.

"Then I'll keep it."

In less than a minute, Renee came out.

Her face looked terrible. She hastily made her excuses, saying she had to go home.

Even when Ethan offered to drive her, she refused.

Ethan closed the door, puzzled. "What... happened to her?"

"Probably her father won't let her come home too late."

I lost interest too. I turned to head back to my room. After just a few steps, I was suddenly embraced from behind.

Ethan rested his chin on my shoulder, his voice very soft.

"Sophia."

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, pushed his arms away, and turned around. "Didn't you just say you were sleeping in the study?"

Ethan paused. "I..." He opened his mouth but said nothing.

"Good night."

I walked into the bedroom alone.