Chapter 11: playing with fire

Sophia didn't go home that night. She didn't even tell Ethan where she was going.

Instead, she found herself at an upscale lounge, one frequented by executives and investors—the kind of place where whispers turned into million-dollar deals.

And the kind of place where people noticed things.

She sat at the bar, legs crossed, a glass of wine in hand. She wasn't drunk, just… waiting. Calculating.

It didn't take long for the right kind of company to arrive.

"Twice in one day?"

Daniel slid into the seat beside her, a smirk tugging at his lips. "People might start talking."

Sophia took a slow sip of her wine. "Let them."

Daniel chuckled. "Now that is interesting."

She glanced at him. "What is?"

"You." He leaned back, watching her. "You've always played by the rules, Sophia. But tonight? You're playing."

She didn't deny it.

"Tell me," Daniel continued, "is this about proving something to Ethan? Or to yourself?"

Sophia tilted her head, considering. "Maybe both."

Daniel grinned. "I like this side of you."

Before she could respond, a presence loomed behind them.

The air shifted. The temperature in the room seemed to drop.

Sophia didn't have to turn around to know who it was.

"Interesting company you're keeping, wife."

Ethan's voice was low, dangerous.

Slowly, Sophia turned, meeting his gaze. His eyes weren't just angry—they were possessive.

Good.

She wanted him to feel it.

"Ethan," she said smoothly, setting her glass down. "I didn't expect you here."

His jaw clenched. "Clearly."

Daniel, ever the opportunist, chuckled. "Relax, Caldwell. We were just talking."

Ethan's eyes flicked to him, sharp and unreadable. "Funny. That's exactly what I said about dinner with Madison."

Sophia's lips curled into a slow, knowing smile. "And yet, you didn't like it either."

Ethan exhaled through his nose. "We're going home. Now."

Sophia didn't move. "Or?"

A challenge.

Ethan's grip tightened at his sides. For a second, she thought he'd cause a scene.

Instead, he leaned down, his voice dark and low enough for only her to hear.

"Or I'll remind you exactly who you belong to."

Sophia's breath hitched.

And just like that, the game had changed.

—

To be continued…