Chapter 72

Adrian Klein's lips curved slightly.

......

Dylan Lowell squinted through his cigarette smoke at Ethan Winston. "Ethan, your birthday's next month, right? How do you wanna celebrate this year? Wanna organize a racing event? Or charter a yacht?"

Julian Roscente perked up immediately. "How about hiring some models for entertainment?"

Both men turned expectantly toward Ethan.

When it came to extravagant parties, he always had the most creative ideas.

Who would've guessed this suited-up finance mogul partied harder than anyone behind closed doors?

"This year... just a small family gathering."

Dylan's eyes widened. "What?"

Julian nearly choked on his drink. "You're serious?"

Ethan arched an eyebrow. "Problem?"

"Ethan, did someone put a curse on you?" Dylan reached dramatically for his forehead.

Julian looked utterly baffled. "Since when did you become so... domesticated?"

"Don't overthink it." Ethan scoffed. "The estate on Fifth Avenue. Invitations coming your way."

With that, he stood and left.

Dylan and Julian exchanged bewildered glances before simultaneously looking out the window—

Had the sun risen from the west today?

......

Evelyn Langley was in a meeting when Ethan's call came.

Her fingers stilled at the birthday invitation.

"Me?"

"Mhm."

She pressed her lips together.

Nathan Evans would undoubtedly attend Ethan's party. She wanted no further entanglement.

"Just some old friends gathering. Dylan's coming. Don't you want to see him?" Ethan's voice turned teasing at her hesitation. "Or... are you avoiding someone?"

Her grip tightened on the phone.

"Nathan and I are over."

"All the more reason to come." Ethan chuckled. "Address sent. Don't be late."

The call ended abruptly.

......

On the birthday evening, the estate glittered with decorations.

Nathan arrived last with Chloe Valentine on his arm.

She helped remove his overcoat for the attendant before linking arms with him intimately.

Fifth Avenue estates were priceless—Ethan's property alone had cost eight figures to renovate.

Passing through meticulously landscaped gardens, they reached the illuminated main hall.

"Happy birthday."

Nathan tossed over a set of keys—the limited edition sports car Ethan had coveted for months.

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Thanks."

During the exchange, Nathan's peripheral vision caught a familiar silhouette.