Chapter 149

The group of girls trembled in fear. One had already covered her face, quietly sobbing.

Ethan Sullivan's gaze was icy, his voice devoid of warmth. "If you can't control your tongues, you'll face the consequences."

Evelyn Sullivan turned in surprise. "Mr. Sullivan? When did you—"

"Since you left the living room."

Her heart skipped a beat.

So he had been following her all along.

Ethan's expression softened slightly—a rare occurrence. He hadn't expected Evelyn to defend him, and an unfamiliar warmth stirred in his chest.

"Grandmother was looking for you earlier."

"I haven't had the chance to see her yet."

He had spotted her heading toward the garden the moment he arrived at Harmony Manor and followed.

"Let me wheel you over. Did you prepare a gift for her?"

"Yes."

The wheelchair moved forward slowly as they exchanged idle words, the atmosphere surprisingly harmonious.

The moment they entered the living room, all eyes turned toward them.

Though their marriage had been announced at the Jackson family banquet, the guests still couldn't hide their astonishment.

Isabella Jackson clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms. That position should have been hers!

Upon seeing her grandson, the elderly Mrs. Sullivan deliberately feigned displeasure. "Finally decided to show up?"

Ethan presented a gift box. "Happy birthday, Grandmother."

She accepted it, her lips curving upward when she saw the priceless jade necklace inside.

"Though I must say, Evelyn's prayer beads suit my taste better."

Ethan's gaze sharpened.

That string of beads was worth at least fifty million.

"She gave them to you?"

"Yes."

"They are quite exquisite."

Margaret Sullivan suddenly approached with Isabella in tow.

"Mother, Isabella went to Jietai Temple specially to get you a protective talisman."

Isabella offered the yellow paper with both hands, her voice sweet. "Grandmother Sullivan, I prayed sincerely for a whole month—"

The elder woman accepted it with a faint nod. "How thoughtful."

Isabella's smile froze. She glanced at Ethan, silently pleading for his attention.

But the man's gaze remained fixed on Evelyn.