Chapter 42: The Hunter Becomes the Hunted

Ethan leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed as he silently observed the bustling cafeteria. Laughter and chatter filled the air, but his mind was elsewhere. His tray of untouched food sat in front of him, but he wasn't hungry. Not for food, at least.

He was waiting.

Jordan sat across from him, casually chewing on a sandwich, his gaze flickering between Ethan and their surroundings. "You're staring off into space again," he remarked.

Ethan smirked. "Just thinking."

Jordan snorted. "About what? Or should I say, about who?"

Ethan didn't answer immediately. Instead, he picked up his drink, taking a slow sip before setting it down. "You ever watch someone dig their own grave and not even realize it?"

Jordan raised an eyebrow. "You're talking about Sophia, aren't you?"

Ethan shrugged. "Maybe."

Jordan chuckled. "Damn, man. I don't know how you're keeping your cool with her sniffing around again. You do remember how she dumped you like trash, right?"

Ethan's smirk deepened. "Oh, I remember."

Jordan frowned slightly. "Then why are you letting her get close again?"

Ethan leaned forward, lowering his voice. "Because I want to see how far she'll go."

Jordan shook his head in amusement. "You're cold, bro. Cold."

Ethan just smirked.

The old Ethan might have fallen for it. Might have believed Sophia had regrets.

But he wasn't that guy anymore.

And soon, she'd realize it.

---

Across the cafeteria, Sophia watched Ethan carefully.

He wasn't even looking her way.

That was unacceptable.

She bit her lip, frustrated. Ethan used to be obsessed with her, always eager to please. But now?

Now, he barely acknowledged her existence.

It pissed her off.

After what happened at the restaurant, she had been sure—absolutely sure—that Ethan had come into serious money.

No way was he still the broke loser she dumped months ago.

That meant she had a chance.

A chance to win him back.

And once she did?

She'd drain him dry.

Straightening her skirt, she got up from her seat and made her way over to Ethan's table.

She made sure to sway her hips slightly, just enough to catch his attention.

"Hey, Ethan," she purred, flashing her most charming smile.

Ethan barely looked up. "Sophia."

She ignored his bored tone and sat beside him.

"So," she said sweetly, "about this weekend. You still free?"

Ethan finally turned to her, his expression unreadable. "Yeah. What do you have in mind?"

Sophia brightened. "Oh, I was thinking maybe a little shopping trip? You know, catch up, have some fun…"

Jordan nearly choked on his drink.

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Shopping?"

Sophia giggled. "Yeah. You don't mind treating me a little, do you?"

Jordan stared at her in disbelief.

Did she seriously just say that?

Ethan, however, just smirked.

He leaned in slightly. "I don't mind spending money on people who matter."

Sophia's smile froze.

There was something about the way he said it. Something that made her stomach twist.

Still, she forced herself to laugh. "Of course! I mean, we used to matter to each other, right?"

Ethan tilted his head. "Used to."

Sophia's heart skipped a beat.

Something about the way he said that made her feel like she was the one being played.

Before she could respond, Ethan stood up, stretching lazily. "Alright. Let's see if you're worth it."

Then he walked away.

Sophia blinked, stunned.

What just happened?

Jordan leaned in, shaking his head with a grin. "Damn. That was brutal."

Sophia clenched her fists under the table.

She wasn't giving up that easily.

If Ethan thought he could toy with her, he had another thing coming.

She was going to win.

No matter what it took.