Chapter 225

Ethan Winston's gaze lingered on Adrian Klein for less than a second.

He knew exactly what that look meant.

It was the primal possessiveness of a predator toward its prey.

Ethan suddenly turned.

Evelyn Langley nearly collided with his chest in surprise.

"Careful." His hand hovered near her elbow without touching.

As she steadied herself, a cup of hot milk tea appeared in her hands.

"For me?"

"Who else?" Ethan arched an eyebrow. "See anyone around?"

Evelyn examined the label. "When did you order this?"

"Trade secret."

"Mr. Winston must be quite skilled at pleasing women."

"Only you."

A faint blush crept up Evelyn's ears as she instinctively stepped back.

Amusement flickered in Ethan's eyes.

Pushing too hard would only scare the prey away.

"Shall I walk you to your building?"

"No need." Evelyn refused immediately.

He nodded, watching until she safely crossed the street before leaving.

At the campus gate, Evelyn spotted Adrian beneath a ginkgo tree.

"Professor Klein?"

"Waiting for you." His eyes dropped to her drink. "You like this?"

"Occasionally."

"I've never tried it." His tone remained neutral. "No idea how it tastes."

Evelyn hesitated. "Would you... like this one?"

"Thank you." As Adrian accepted the cup, his fingertips brushed her knuckles.

She jerked her hand back like she'd been burned.

Meanwhile, Ethan's car idled at a red light.

His car phone rang.

"Ethan!" Dylan Lowell's voice blared over thumping music. "What've you been up to?"

"Working."

"That's it?" Dylan lowered his voice. "No... romantic developments?"

Ethan scoffed. "Tell Nathan to ask me himself."

A commotion erupted on the line.

"What?" Dylan forced a laugh. "Just checking in."

"Really?" Ethan tapped the steering wheel. "Perfect. Put me on speaker."