Chapter 5: Chapter 5
377 words<html><head></head><body><p>Ethan Roscente threw back his head and downed the strong liquor.</p> <p>The glass hit the table with a heavy thud.</p> <p>Charlie Lowell leaned closer to Julian Winston. "Is Ethan in a bad mood?"</p> <p>Julian's lips curved into a smirk. "Someone blocked him."</p> <p>Before the words fully faded.</p> <p>Ethan's gaze turned icy.</p> <p>"Shut up."</p> <p>He yanked at his collar, a dark fury brewing between his brows.</p> <p>The private room fell silent instantly.</p> <p>Charlie choked, coughing.</p> <p>Sebastian Evans asked quietly, "Did Sophia Sullivan go back?"</p> <p>Charlie shook his head.</p> <p>A bartender brought new drinks.</p> <p>Someone suggested playing Truth or Dare.</p> <p>The door was pushed open.</p> <p>Chloe Sullivan walked in.</p> <p>She was nudged toward Ethan.</p> <p>"Mr. Roscente…"</p> <p>Ethan stood up abruptly.</p> <p>"Have fun."</p> <p>He left without another word.</p> <p>Chloe Sullivan stood frozen in place.</p> <p>...</p> <p>The driver asked for a destination.</p> <p>Ethan massaged his temples.</p> <p>"To the office."</p> <p>His assistant was about to leave for the day.</p> <p>He looked surprised to see Ethan.</p> <p>"Mr. Roscente?"</p> <p>A sharp pain twisted in Ethan's stomach.</p> <p>"Buy some porridge."</p> <p>The assistant quickly returned with seafood congee.</p> <p>Ethan frowned.</p> <p>He only took two bites before putting the spoon down.</p> <p>He thought of Sophia's oatmeal porridge.</p> <p>Irritated, he pushed the container away.</p> <p>...</p> <p>Sophia Sullivan turned on the apartment lights.</p> <p>The intimate sounds stopped abruptly.</p> <p>Olivia Lopez was in a silk nightgown.</p> <p>She was entangled with a young man.</p> <p>The couch was a mess.</p> <p>Sophia turned around.</p> <p>"Get yourselves together first."</p> <p>Olivia adjusted her strap.</p> <p>She threw on a robe.</p> <p>She tossed the man's jacket to him.</p> <p>"Wait for me in the bedroom."</p> <p>The man smiled at Sophia.</p> <p>"Good evening."</p> <p>Sophia responded instinctively.</p> <p>Olivia sipped her red wine and corrected him. "His name is Steven."</p> <p>Sophia poured water, distracted.</p> <p>Olivia noticed her red-rimmed eyes.</p> <p>"You've been crying?"</p> <p>Sophia said softly, "I went to see Professor Eleanor Watson."</p> <p>Olivia raised an eyebrow.</p> <p>"How is the professor?"</p> <p>Sophia shook her head.</p> <p>"I didn't dare go in."</p> <p>Olivia laughed in disbelief.</p> <p>"You're such a coward."</p> <p>She saw the stubborn set of Sophia's jaw.</p> <p>She understood the breakfast was for the professor.</p> <p>"What are you planning to do?"</p> <p>Sophia looked up.</p> <p>"Will you come with me to see the professor?"</p> <p>Olivia narrowed her eyes.</p> <p>"What are you trying to do?"</p> </body></html>