Sophie did not like the way Ethan said it. Not loud. Not angry. Just calm.
“My ex-fiancée.”
As if that explained everything.
“As in,” Sophie said slowly, “the woman you were supposed to marry?”
“Yes.”
“And she’s suddenly interested in Lily?”
“Yes.” That word again. Calm. Certain.
Sophie folded her arms, but it wasn’t defensive — it was stabilizing. “Why?”
Ethan walked to his desk and placed his phone down carefully before answering. He did not pace. He did not fidget. That was the most unsettling part for Sophie.
“Her father sits on my board.” He said, after a moment of silence.
Sophie stared at him.
“Of course he does.”
“They were allies long before Camille and I were engaged.”
“And the engagement?” Sophie asked carefully.
“Strategic.”
“You don’t marry someone strategically
