Chapter 432

Ethan Caldwell descended the stairs with impatient strides, his expression softening when his gaze landed on Evelyn Sinclair. "Ms. Sterling, allow me to handle this. You should return to your guests before they witness this... unfortunate spectacle."

Evelyn arched one perfectly shaped eyebrow. "You're absolutely right. I have no desire to deal with her anyway." A faint smile played on her lips. "Very well, I'll leave this matter in your capable hands."

Celeste Rousseau watched the effortless chemistry between the two people who barely acknowledged her existence, her fists clenching involuntarily. Ethan approached with powerful strides that echoed across the deck.

An aura of dangerous intensity surrounded him as he seized Celeste's arm, dragging her toward the yacht's railing. With one forceful motion, he pinned her against the polished metal, her back arching precariously over the dark abyss of the Pacifica Ocean.

Though the waters appeared calm, the depth held untold dangers. A frigid ocean breeze whipped past them, making Celeste shiver violently. Her fingers turned white from gripping the railing as her voice quivered. "Ethan, what the hell are you doing?!"

Darkness shrouded Ethan's handsome features, his eyes glacial. He applied more pressure, leaning her further over the edge. "Celeste, I'm offering you two choices," he said with chilling calm. "Disappear from my life permanently, or..."

His grip tightened. "I'll let gravity decide your fate right now."

For the first time, Celeste heard undisguised loathing in his usually controlled voice. The coldness penetrated her bones, triggering primal fear. She glanced down in panic.

The yacht had sailed far from shore. Even if she screamed, no one would hear over the party music. The Sterling security team stood like statues behind them - witnesses who would never testify. If Ethan dropped her into these waters, she'd vanish without a trace.

Regret flooded her system. Her petty schemes meant nothing against people like Evelyn and Ethan. Ethan's grip didn't relent. It would take mere seconds to send her overboard. He was simply waiting for her decision.

Would he actually do it? The old Ethan might have hesitated. But since being revealed as the sole heir to Sterling Worldwide, he'd transformed into someone far more dangerous. Celeste had heard enough whispers in Preston Sinclair's circle to know what powerful men were capable of.

The salt-laced wind stung her cheeks as her pulse hammered wildly. Terror turned her blood to ice. "So?" Ethan's voice sounded like it came from the depths of hell. This wasn't the man she'd once known.

Tears welled in Celeste's eyes as she clung to the railing, her nails scraping metal. "The first option! I'll leave immediately! Just let me go!" In that moment, she saw something terrifying in Ethan's eyes - a ruthlessness that promised he'd follow through.

The arrogance of power surrounded him like an impenetrable force field. Celeste bit her trembling lip. "You're really in love with her, aren't you?" she whispered.

Ethan's gaze darkened further. Celeste felt despair clawing at her throat. A hysterical laugh escaped her. "She said you're just one of her options. It's obvious she doesn't—"

Ethan released her abruptly, his expression glacial. He turned to a nearby security officer. "Prepare a speedboat to remove this woman immediately." The guard hesitated only briefly before nodding. A vessel stood ready for guest transportation.

Nathaniel Blackwood observed Ethan's expression and Celeste's venomous words. He swallowed his unspoken warning. This woman wasn't worth the breath.

As Ethan and Nathaniel returned to the gala, the head butler quietly reported every detail of the confrontation to Evelyn. She acknowledged the information with a slight nod before seamlessly rejoining the festivities.

Her gaze swept across the ballroom - William Sterling deep in conversation with Preston Sinclair, their laughter carrying across the space. Turning slightly, she noticed Nathan Blackwood and Tristan Whitmore engaged in what appeared to be a serious discussion. Fragments of her name reached her ears.

Frowning, Evelyn approached the pair. "I'm planning a week-long birthday celebration in Costa Azul," Tristan announced enthusiastically. "Consider it a working vacation."

"I'm occupied," Nathan replied tersely from his wheelchair.

Tristan scoffed. "Occupied doing what? You can't even leave the house for client meetings these days. You've got nothing but time!"

Nathan's expression turned serious. "Evelyn won't agree to go."