Chapter 93

"Of course."

"Isn't your investment bank swamped at year-end?"

"Depends on the person." Ethan Winston's lips curved slightly. "For someone important, I'm free even at 3 AM. For those who aren't? Even weekends are booked."

Evelyn Langley was still deciphering his words when the ballroom lights shifted abruptly. The partner-switching segment began.

Amid the flickering lights, a figure was flung toward her.

Chloe Valentine stumbled past, her face etched with shock.

The next second, Evelyn's wrist was seized in a firm grip.

Nathan Evans' palm burned against her skin, his other arm possessively encircling her waist.

He shot Ethan a challenging glance before his gaze softened instantly as he turned back.

"Evelyn, are you still mad at me?"

"I went to your place three times, but you weren't there." His voice was rough. "If Ethan hadn't interfered, I would've—"

Evelyn's lashes fluttered, but she remained silent.

"Did I come too late?"

Nathan leaned in, his breath grazing her ear.

The moment the spotlight had illuminated them earlier, he'd seen Ethan's hand resting on her waist.

Watching them spin across the dance floor, Ethan whispering in her ear—he'd crushed his champagne glass in his fist.

Six years. He'd never even gotten the chance to waltz with Evelyn.

So when the music changed, he'd pushed Chloe away without hesitation.

He thought this would be like before.

A little coaxing, a little vulnerability, and she'd return to him.

"Those men were just tools to make me jealous, weren't they?" His grip tightened. "I'm losing my mind with envy."

In the past, those words would've made her heart race.

But now—

Too late.

When she'd realized she was becoming hysterical, unrecognizable even to herself, she'd known this relationship should've ended long ago.

"Six years together. Can you really walk away so easily?"

Evelyn frowned. "Let go."

Nathan instinctively tightened his hold before jerking back. "Sorry..."

As the final note faded, she stepped away decisively. "What's past is past. No need to revisit it."

Her gaze flickered toward Chloe, who stood frozen nearby. "If you've chosen someone else, stop wavering."

Her skirt swirled with finality as she turned.

Ethan, who'd been distractedly guiding Chloe in circles, chuckled under his breath.

Seems Mr. Evans' usual tricks had failed this time.