Chapter 78

Nathan's knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists. His gaze burned into Ethan. "What the hell do you mean? Evelyn is mine!"

Ethan leisurely adjusted his cufflinks, a cold smirk playing on his lips. "Weren't you the one who told me to pursue her in the group chat? Spare me the sudden devotion."

The words struck Nathan like lightning. Memories of that drunken night flooded back. His face drained of color, lips trembling soundlessly.

Evelyn staggered backward, her slender frame swaying like a leaf in the wind.

Adrian stepped forward in one swift motion, steadying her shoulders. "We're leaving."

Ethan blocked their path, eyes darkening. "Mr. Klein, this is Winston territory."

Nathan snapped out of his daze, fury igniting in his eyes like a provoked beast.

Adrian's gaze sharpened instantly, his entire demeanor shifting. "The academic forum at New York Grand is chaired by my father. Shall I call him to mediate?"

The air froze.

"Or," Adrian continued calmly, "should I inform Mr. Evans Senior about tonight's events?"

Ethan's pupils constricted.

Nathan's temples pulsed visibly, yet he didn't dare advance further.

Adrian swept his icy gaze across both men. "Move."

Ethan gritted his teeth and retreated half a step. Nathan's fists cracked audibly, but he remained rooted.

"Damn it!"

Nathan kicked a flowerpot violently, sending ceramic shards flying.

Dylan and Julian cowered in a corner, barely breathing.

......

Ethan picked up his suit jacket and walked away without a backward glance.

Nathan watched his retreating figure, eyes dripping with venom.

Chloe approached timidly. "Nate—"

"Get lost!"

......

Rain hammered against the car windows during their return, like countless silver needles.

Evelyn curled into the corner, her slight frame trembling uncontrollably.

Suddenly, a warm suit jacket enveloped her, carrying the crisp scent of cedarwood.

The dam broke.

Adrian signaled the driver to stop and raised the partition, sitting silently beside her as she wept.

Eventually, the sobs subsided.

"I'm sorry..." Evelyn's voice was raw. "I lost control..."

Adrian offered a handkerchief. "Their words aren't worth a single tear."

"They only see illusions of their own making."

"But I know," he met her tear-filled eyes, "you're a thousand times better than anything they could imagine."

Evelyn lifted her gaze and found herself drowning in the depths of his unwavering stare.