“No.” Ethan’s voice cut through the tension instantly. Cold. Final. “We’re not playing this game.”
Victor didn’t react. Didn’t flinch. If anything— He looked… amused. “You already are.”
Silence settled between them. Thick. Unmoving.
Sophie forced herself to stay steady, even as her pulse pounded in her ears. “You said we owe you,” she spoke, her voice controlled. “Then say it clearly. What do you want?”
Victor’s gaze shifted to her again. Sharp. Interested.
“You,” he said.
Ethan moved instantly, stepping fully in front of her. “Not happening.”
Victor sighed lightly, as if disappointed. “You always interrupt before understanding the full picture.”
“I understand enough.”
“No,” Victor said calmly. “You understand what you want to understand.”
Ethan didn’t respond. But Sophie felt th
