Chapter 130

Evelyn froze.

She thought Ethan had long discarded that necklace.

The man's slender fingers held the delicate chain, his voice low. "Let me put it on for you."

"...Alright."

She gathered her long hair. Ethan leaned in close. His breath brushed her ear, carrying a faint scent of cedarwood.

The proximity was dangerously intimate.

Heat rushed to Evelyn's cheeks as her heartbeat quickened.

Cool metal touched her skin before Ethan's presence retreated.

"Done."

His gaze lingered on her slender neck. Diamonds sparkled under the chandelier, accentuating her porcelain skin.

"It's beautiful," she murmured sincerely.

"Why did you throw it away last time?"

Evelyn pressed her lips together. "With the divorce pending, I didn't want any lingering connections."

Ethan's expression darkened instantly. "Consider this a loan tonight. Since you don't want it, I won't offer again."

"Understood." Relief colored her voice.

His eyes turned stormier at her reaction. Nearby, Colin struggled to suppress a laugh.

If only the CEO would drop this tsundere act, maybe his wife wouldn't be so eager for divorce.

Colin positioned the wheelchair. With effortless upper-body strength, Ethan transferred himself into it.

Evelyn tightened her grip on the clutch.

He could perform this maneuver using only his torso—proof of his relentless rehabilitation.

Her ears burned pink remembering the defined abs she'd touched while bathing him.

"Stop daydreaming. Push me inside," Ethan snapped.

Flustered, Evelyn exited the car and took the wheelchair handles. Her pulse hadn't steadied by the time they entered the White residence.

The ballroom glittered with crystal lights and elite guests.

Though everyone speculated about Vincent White's motives, none dared show disrespect toward the influential family.

Upstairs, Lily White clutched Isabella's hand in tearful outrage.

"Father said I must apologize publicly or leave this house!"

Isabella patted her friend's hand. "Be patient. My sister's been manipulating Ethan somehow—he's grown distant with me too."

"That bitch cost me my acting role, and now I have to grovel?" Lily's eyes burned with venom. "She'll pay for this."

"Don't act rashly. Let me assess the situation first."

As Isabella stepped into the hallway, she nearly collided with Madeline White carrying a soup tray.

"Good evening, Mrs. White."

Madeline's cold appraisal didn't reach her perfunctory smile.