Chapter 81

Evelyn frowned slightly as she studied Ethan's confident expression. Just as she was about to speak, an exclamation came from behind her.

"Evelyn?!"

Dylan had just finished discussing a project in the neighboring office building. Passing by the café, he spotted Evelyn and Ethan sitting across from each other through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

He rubbed his eyes in disbelief.

This café was famous as a romantic hotspot, the go-to place for couples.

Was Ethan seriously making a move on his friend's ex-girlfriend? Though shocked, Dylan quickly realized this was exactly the kind of thing the Winston heir would do.

But Evelyn actually agreed to meet him? Dylan felt his worldview crumbling.

His gaze darted between them, words stuck in his throat.

Evelyn gathered the documents on the table and nodded at Dylan. "I should go."

Once she left, Dylan plopped into her vacated seat, staring straight at Ethan. "Are you serious?"

Ethan stirred his coffee leisurely. "What do you mean?"

"There's no way Evelyn would ever be interested in you," Dylan stated firmly.

Ethan's hand stilled. "And why is that?"

The sudden intensity made Dylan swallow hard. "First, you're not her type. Second, with your history with Nathan—"

Ethan chuckled darkly.

Dylan leaned in, lowering his voice. "Spill it. When did you start having feelings for Evelyn?"

Ethan gazed out the window before taking a sip of coffee. "Probably...around the time she started dating Nathan?"

"You bastard!" Dylan slammed the table, standing abruptly. "Bro code, ever heard of it?"

"Did I make a move while they were together?" Ethan's icy gaze lifted. "Now that they've broken up, I can't pursue her?"

"This was premeditated!"

Ethan smirked. "Weren't you competing with Julian for the same girl in high school?"

"That—that was different!" Dylan's face flushed red. "We were young and stupid..."

"Can you control feelings?" Ethan countered.

If Nathan didn't know how to cherish Evelyn, he would.

He'd already shown remarkable restraint.

Dylan raked his hands through his hair in frustration. "I'm begging you, man. You know how Evelyn is..."

Ever since Nathan publicly severed ties with Ethan, their entire social circle had been in an uproar.

Some said it was a business dispute.

Others speculated about family conflicts.

The wildest rumor claimed they'd fought over a nightclub performer.

Whenever Dylan heard these absurd stories, he could only force an awkward smile and change the subject.