CHAPTER 75: SOMETHING IN HER VOICE

Ethan straightened his tie and took a deep breath as he stood in front of Morgan Group’s headquarters.

His heart was pounding.

The more he thought about his grandfather’s plan, the less sense it made.

The old man had been the one who forced him to end his engagement with the Morgans—and now he wanted him to go crawling back to win Olivia over again?

When Andrew heard that Ethan was here, his face went black as coal.

"Not seeing him," he snapped. "Paul, send him away."

But before Paul could even step out, the office door flew open.

"Uncle Morgan!" Ethan burst in, knowing full well he’d be turned away otherwise.

Andrew’s gaze hardened.

"Paul, leave us," he ordered.

Once they were alone, Ethan tried to hand him the gift bag in his hands, but Andrew didn’t even look at it.

"Hmph! What are you trying to pull, Ethan? You should know very well—the Morgans don’t welcome you here."

Ethan gave an awkward smile.

"Uncle Morgan, I’ve been thinking about everything you said. You were right. I was too impulsive when I rejected Olivia. At the time, I thought she’d hold me back... that being with her would make things complicated. But now I realize the person who’s always treated me the best... is Olivia. Please, Uncle Morgan, give me a chance to make things right. I’ll treat her well from now on—I promise."

Andrew let out a cold laugh.

"Make it right? Can you? If it weren’t for you, would Olivia have run away from home—and of all things—joined the entertainment industry?!"

Ethan froze.

"What? The entertainment industry? That’s impossible. Olivia hates that world. She’s a Morgan heiress—why would she ever—"

"Why?" Andrew cut him off sharply. "You really have the nerve to ask that? You ditched her the moment Sophia came back because you thought she was more ’useful,’ didn’t you? And now that you can’t have Sophia, you think you can just crawl back to Olivia? Let me tell you something—my daughter isn’t stupid. She won’t fall for your act again!"

He slammed his palm against the desk.

"Our financial crisis is over, Ethan. From now on, it’s best if we don’t cross paths again."

"Uncle Morgan, I—"

"Paul! See him out!"

Before Ethan could finish, Andrew had already waved him off.

Only when Ethan’s figure disappeared down the hall did Andrew sigh deeply, a flicker of worry clouding his eyes.

He had expected Olivia to give up and come home once he froze her cards—but she hadn’t.

And as much as it pained him, he refused to chase after her.

He had spoiled that girl far too much already.

...

Outside the building, Ethan got into his car and dialed Olivia’s number.

It rang for a long time before she finally answered.

"Hello?"

"Olivia, can we meet?"

"Meet? Ethan, what’s left to say between us?"

Her voice was husky, lazy—off somehow.

"Where are you? I’ll come to you," he insisted.

"See me? You’ll have to earn that. You’re in love with Sophia now, aren’t you? Then go to her. Stop wasting both our time."

The line went dead.

Ethan frowned. Something in her tone felt... wrong.

...

In a dimly lit hotel room—

"Was that your boyfriend calling?"

A deep, teasing voice came from behind her.

Olivia turned, meeting the man’s mocking gaze. A bitter smile tugged at her lips.

"Boyfriend?" she scoffed. "Correction—ex-boyfriend."

Aiden collapsed beside her, pulling her into his arms with a satisfied smirk.

"Next week, there’s a reality show. I already got you a spot," he said smoothly. "It’s time to build your public image. If everything goes as planned, you’ll be trending within a month."

Olivia propped her chin on her hand, studying him. "Really?"

"Of course. I keep my promises," Aiden said, brushing a finger down her arm. "Just listen to me, play your part, and you’ll rise to the top. When that happens—Sophia won’t even be a shadow next to you."

Her lips curved into a faint smile. "Then I guess I owe you one."

He chuckled, his tone dripping with suggestion. "You can start paying me back... early."

The air between them grew warm and intoxicating, the dim room filled with unspoken tension.

...

City A.

The annual luxury auction drew the elite from every corner of society.

Sophia had barely taken her seat when a shadow fell across her.

"Miss Morgan. We meet again."

She lifted her gaze, momentarily puzzled.

"And you are...?"

"I’m Devin Scott."

Ah. She remembered that the first party she attended after returning home was the masked ball hosted by the Scott family. Now their heir was right in front of her.

"Mr. Scott," she said politely. "What brings you here?"

He slid into the seat beside her, his smile charming and calculated.

"I was just surprised not to see Mr. Hilton with you."

"Do I need a man beside me to attend an auction?"

"Of course not," he replied lightly. "After all, the famous Luna doesn’t need anyone. Two of your designs already broke the ten million mark. You’re a legend in your own right."

Sophia arched a brow. "I’ll take that as a compliment."

Devin leaned closer. "I’ve heard the rumors—that you have... unfinished business with the Morgans and the Trumps?"

Straight to the point. How very bold.

"That’s a private matter," she said coolly. "Not something you need to concern yourself with."

"Maybe not now," he mused, "but who knows what the future holds? A woman like you is never short on admirers. If you ever consider it, I’d be honored to stand by your side."

He was handsome in a dangerous way—sharp jawline, a small beauty mark beneath his eye, voice laced with charm.

Many women would’ve melted on the spot.

Sophia wasn’t one of them.

"Mr. Scott, you have an interesting sense of humor," she said, smiling without warmth.

"I’m quite serious, Miss Morgan. I don’t think Lucas Hilton and I are that different. We’re natural rivals, but you and I..." His eyes gleamed. "We might just make the perfect team."

Sophia’s smile didn’t waver. "I’m afraid you’re too late, Mr. Scott. My husband just arrived."

Her gaze shifted past him, and a flicker of amusement crossed her face.

Lucas hadn’t expected to find her here—but once he did, there was no ignoring her.

Devin’s voice lowered, silk over steel. "You’re deceiving him, Sophia. What do you think will happen when he finds out?"

Sophia froze for half a beat. The lights were dim, casting shadows over his expression.

"What are you implying?"

"Nothing more than this," Devin murmured, a sly smile curving his lips. "I’m... intrigued by you. No harm intended. But if you’re ever curious, come to Scott Group. Let’s have a real conversation."