Chapter 94

Ethan Winston could recite Nathan Evans' playbook for winning people over with his eyes closed. Expensive gifts, half-hearted apologies—the man never changed.

Too bad Evelyn Langley had outgrown such tactics.

"You seem cheerful, Mr. Winston." Chloe Valentine blinked her doe eyes innocently.

Ethan smirked. "Naturally."

"Because Evelyn rejected Nathan?"

He finally looked at her. "Isn't this what you wanted?"

Chloe didn't deny it. "Yes. I want to stay by his side forever."

"Then I wish you both... marital bliss?"

Releasing his grip on her waist, Ethan took two steps back.

Chloe beamed. "Thank you. May you win your beloved's heart soon."

Tch!

Ethan shot Nathan a pitying glance as he turned away.

The fool thought he'd adopted a bunny, unaware it was a scorpion.

As they passed each other, Nathan spoke low: "Stay away from her."

Ethan halted, eyes glinting dangerously. "Not your concern."

"At least I was legitimate." Nathan sneered. "Without me, she'd never have noticed you."

Ethan scoffed. "Remember—you're just another ghost in her past now."

Evelyn returned to her water villa, removing her mask before showering.

Damp hair cascaded over her shoulders as she stepped onto the second-floor terrace. The night breeze carried the ocean's briny scent.

The rhythmic waves sounded like a lullaby.

Leaning against the railing, she watched distant boat lights dotting the dark sea like fallen stars.

The gentle night smoothed the creases in her heart.

Lights flickered on next door. Ethan emerged onto his terrace, pausing at the sight of Evelyn illuminated against the night.

Her profile in the warm glow resembled an oil painting.

Sensing his gaze, she turned.

"Your earring." He opened his palm.

Her fingers brushed her bare earlobe in surprise. She accepted it with thanks, but he remained.

"I've traveled everywhere, yet only the Maldives' seas make people drop their guards." His eyes stayed fixed on the horizon.

Evelyn agreed silently.

Before this trip, thesis deadlines and Nathan's pestering had suffocated her. Now she could finally breathe.

"Something on your mind?" Ethan caught her studying him.

After a pause, she said, "Don't waste your time on me."