Chapter 145

"Mhm."

Evelyn Sullivan held the car door open for Sophia Reynolds outside her apartment building. The cool night breeze brushed against Sophia's flushed cheeks.

"Alexander called me again today," Evelyn said abruptly.

Sophia halted mid-step, irritation flashing in her eyes. "Ignore him. I've made myself clear—there's no future between us."

Evelyn nodded softly. "I'll support whatever you decide."

When Evelyn returned to the villa, the living room lights were still on. Ethan Sullivan sat on the sofa, his long fingers tapping the armrest as he waited.

"Did you need something, Mr. Sullivan?" Evelyn took a seat across from him.

"Grandmother's birthday is coming up." Ethan lifted his gaze. "Have you decided on a gift?"

"Yes, I've had it planned for a while." She paused. "What about you?"

His brow furrowed slightly. "This year, we'll give one together."

Evelyn's fingers twitched. "We've always given separate gifts."

"Then we'll change that starting this year." His voice turned colder.

She took a deep breath. "We agreed that once your legs healed, we'd divorce. There's no need to—"

"Are you so certain I'll walk again?" Ethan cut her off, his eyes darkening. "Dr. Howard said I'll never stand for the rest of my life."

"You will recover." Her tone was firm.

Ethan let out a humorless laugh. "What makes you so sure?"

"Don’t you want to walk again?" she countered.

The air between them froze. After a long silence, Evelyn stood. "I'm going to bed."

"Evelyn." His low voice stopped her. "Have you never regretted bringing up divorce?"

Her nails dug into her palms. "No."

In an instant, the room turned icy. Ethan radiated a chilling aura, his gaze sharp as a blade.

Evelyn walked away without looking back. She couldn't turn around—couldn't go back to being the Evelyn who had once groveled at his feet.

Three days later, Dr. Evan's call shattered the uneasy calm.

"Evelyn, Mr. Sullivan suddenly terminated his treatment."

Her heart lurched. Several calls to Ethan went unanswered. She dialed Colin Keller instead, hearing his cautious voice on the line.

"Ms. Sullivan, the CEO has been staying at the office these past few days... Did you two...?"

"Just a minor disagreement," she said lightly.

Colin sounded near tears. "Ms. Sullivan, you should come see for yourself... The CEO has..." He lowered his voice. "...already reduced three department managers to tears this week."

Evelyn gripped her phone, staring out at the overcast sky.