Chapter 75

My fingers tap nervously against the desk as Harrison flips through the business proposal Natalie sent over.

I have to give her credit—the woman works at lightning speed. Less than twenty-four hours since we brainstormed the idea, and she already had a full proposal drafted.

Either she was that efficient, or she had been sitting on this idea for a while, just waiting for Amelia and me to agree.

Harrison’s expression is unreadable as he scans the document. He’s been more than just my lawyer—he’s been my most trusted advisor since I made my first million. I never sign a deal without his approval.

His track record is flawless. Every venture he greenlit has thrived, and every one he warned me against has crashed and burned. So, yeah, his opinion matters.

A lot.

“Well?” I finally ask when the silence stretches too long.

He exhales, setting the papers down. “It’s a solid concept. The market potential is undeniable.”

I know him too well. There’s a but coming.

“But?” I prompt.

His gaze sharpens. “It’s unconventional. And given your position as the face of Hope Foundation, there’s a reputational risk.”

I frown. “Explain.”

He leans forward. “Sophia, you’ve built a brand around philanthropy and child welfare. A sex toy company—even a high-end, luxury one—might not align with that image. Some donors could pull funding if they associate you with this.”

My stomach sinks.

Damn it. He’s right.

I slump back in my chair, frustration bubbling up. I’d been hesitant at first, but the idea had grown on me. Starting something bold and fun with my friends? It sounded exhilarating.

But Harrison’s words echo in my head. Reputation. Image. Donors.

I sigh. “So, that’s it? I have to back out?”

His lips quirk. “Not necessarily.”

I raise a brow.

“You could be a silent partner,” he suggests. “Invest capital, take a share of profits, but stay out of the public eye. Only the core team would know.”

A slow grin spreads across my face.

That… could work.

“I’ll talk to Amelia and Natalie,” I say, already reaching for my phone.

Harrison stands, gathering his files. “Let me know their thoughts. I’ll draft the paperwork accordingly.”

“Thanks, Harrison.”

He smirks. “You pay me enough to justify it.”

The moment he’s gone, I dial Amelia.

She answers on the first ring.

“Sophia, I—” Her voice cracks. “I’m so sorry.”

I blink. “For what?”

“For pushing you about Ethan. I just… I want you to be happy, and I thought—”

I cut her off with a sigh. “Amelia, we’ve been over this.”

“I know, but—”

“No.” My tone is firm. “I’ll say this once, and then we’re done. I loved Ethan. A part of me probably always will. But love isn’t enough when it’s poisoned by years of cruelty. I buried that feeling to survive. And it’s staying buried.”

Silence. Then a quiet sniffle.

“I’m sorry,” she whispers.

“I know you mean well. But Ethan isn’t my happiness. And frankly? I’m done with men.”

She lets out a watery laugh. “Right. Hence the sex toy empire.”

I grin. “Exactly. Speaking of which…”

I fill her in on Harrison’s suggestion. As expected, she’s immediately on board.

“Makes total sense. Natalie will agree too.”

“Good. Oh, and—did you buy the stuff we recommended?”

I groan. “I was about to head to the mall.”

“Go. Your feedback is vital.”

After hanging up, I shower, change, and drive to the upscale shopping center, my pulse racing the entire way.

This is insane.

Me? Shopping for those kinds of products?

But I follow Natalie’s directions to her favorite boutique, tucked discreetly in a quieter corner of the mall.

I hesitate outside the door, debating whether to bolt—

Then a deep, familiar voice freezes me in place.

“Sophia?”

My stomach drops.

No. No, no, no.

I turn slowly.

Ethan Blackwood stands there, looking just as stunned as I feel.

What the hell is he doing here?