Chapter 161

Evelyn choked on her water.

Zoe quickly waved her hands in explanation. "Don't get me wrong—I have no interest in Ethan. I just admire men of his type."

During her last dinner with Lucas, she'd learned about Ethan and Evelyn's marriage. At the time, she'd barely contained her curiosity.

Evelyn wiped the table with a napkin, her tone calm. "We're divorced. Feel free to pursue him if you want."

Zoe's eyes widened.

She had just processed the news of her friend's marriage, only to be told about the divorce moments later.

"How could you let go of such a perfect man?"

"I fell out of love." Evelyn shrugged.

Zoe was speechless.

After the meal, they ran into Ethan and Isabella at the restaurant entrance.

It was their first encounter since the divorce.

Ethan's leg injury had healed well—he no longer needed a wheelchair.

An inexplicable tightness settled in Evelyn's chest.

Ethan gave her a cold glance before looking away, as if she were a stranger.

Isabella clung to his arm, her sweet smile laced with provocation. "Oh, sister, you're here too? We could've dined together."

Evelyn grabbed Zoe's wrist and walked past them without a word.

Watching her retreating figure, Isabella feigned hurt. "Ethan, why is sister ignoring us?"

He replied flatly, "Weren't you hungry? Let's go in."

He entered the restaurant first, not sparing Isabella another glance.

This dinner had been arranged by Margaret. After the old lady's birthday banquet, she'd wanted to thank Isabella but couldn't find the time, so she'd asked Ethan to do it instead.

He hadn't wanted to come but gave in to his mother's insistence.

He hadn't expected to run into Evelyn. Since the divorce, she'd grown bold—daring to pretend she didn't know him.

But that woman with her... she looked familiar.

Ethan pulled out his phone and texted Lucas: What's the name of that actress you're chasing?

Lucas replied quickly: Why the sudden interest?

Ethan: Just saw Evelyn having dinner with her.

Lucas: Oh, they're friends. They were together last time we ran into Evelyn too.

Ethan stared at the screen for a few seconds before typing: Next time you ask her out, invite me.

Lucas: ??? You're not into Zoe, are you?

Before Ethan could respond, Isabella spoke up. "Ethan, you've been on your phone this whole time. Do you not want to have dinner with me?"