Chapter 352

Ethan Caldwell was fuming, his anger so palpable it felt like steam was rising from his head.

How utterly pathetic!

Evelyn Sinclair pressed her lips together, casting a sympathetic glance at Ethan. "Then we should congratulate her properly."

After all, this was just a small favor—nothing more, nothing less.

"But...am I really the right person for this?"

Ethan gave her a once-over. "You're filthy rich."

That alone would be enough to drive that woman insane.

Evelyn smirked. "Hah. What a compelling reason."

Without warning, Ethan grabbed Evelyn's hand and pulled her down the long corridor, stopping outside a private room not far from theirs.

The door was slightly ajar, allowing the sounds of laughter and music to spill out.

"Mel, you're the first one in our group to get married! How did you manage to wrap Gregory Thornton around your finger like this?"

"Girls, you don’t know yet—Mel’s already pregnant! If they don’t hurry up with the wedding, she won’t fit into her dress..."

"Seriously?! Double congratulations!"

"Make sure you keep a tight grip on his wallet!"

Evelyn felt her eyelid twitch. She turned to Ethan, whose expression looked like he’d just swallowed something vile.

She bit her lip. "Should we still go in?"

Ethan scoffed. "Absolutely."

With that, he pushed the door open, his face instantly transforming into a charming, playful smile. His other hand rested lightly on Evelyn’s shoulder, the picture of a perfect gentleman.

They looked very cozy.

Evelyn played along perfectly, gasping softly. "Oh no! We must have the wrong room!"

Her voice was sweet and melodic, devoid of any coldness, effortlessly drawing every eye in the room.

Ethan paused, feigning surprise as he scanned the crowd. His gaze landed on Melanie, who was surrounded by admirers. A flicker of dark amusement flashed in his eyes.

"What a coincidence! Isn’t this an old friend?"

The way he said "old friend" was laced with venom.

Melanie, dressed to impress, had been basking in the envy and praise of her friends.

Women like her were a dime a dozen around wealthy men like Gregory Thornton, but few ever climbed to the top.

She was about to be one of them.

Melanie had been floating on cloud nine—until she saw Ethan Caldwell.

Her blood ran cold.

Gregory knew nothing about her past. None of them did.

A few of her friends recognized Evelyn and Ethan from their appearances on a popular reality show.

"Ms. Sinclair! What a surprise! Mr. Caldwell, you know Melanie?"

Ethan’s smile turned sly. "Oh, we know each other very well..."

Melanie’s face stiffened, her heart freezing in her chest.

Evelyn smiled. The woman who had spoken looked vaguely familiar—probably someone she’d seen at a party or event before, judging by her designer outfit.

"Yes, what’s the occasion?"

"It’s Melanie’s bachelorette party before she marries Gregory Thornton! Since you’re here, why don’t you join us?"

Having Evelyn at their party would be a major social coup.

Evelyn studied Melanie—plain, unremarkable, the kind of face you’d forget in a crowd.

She smiled sweetly, tugging at Ethan’s sleeve with playful affection. Her voice was soft, almost teasing.

"Let’s stay for a bit! It looks fun..."

Ethan gazed at her with exaggerated fondness. "Whatever you want, darling."

The room erupted in silent shock.

Their interaction was far from platonic.

A few people exchanged glances, their expressions shifting. Someone couldn’t resist asking, "Wait—are you two together now?"