Chapter 176

"You haven't even heard what I need help with yet, sis-in-law."

Evelyn Sullivan pressed her lips together, her expression distant. "Mr. Laurier, I don't think there's anything left between us that requires assistance."

After the divorce, she had no intention of staying entangled with Ethan Sullivan's circle.

The moment they stepped into the villa, Zoe Zade rolled her eyes.

"That Lucas Laurier is like a persistent ghost! He ambushed me three times today, insisting I endorse his new product. If not for his status, I would've called the police!"

Evelyn couldn't help but laugh.

Lucas was notorious in high society for being a heartthrob. If he knew how much Zoe despised him, he'd probably choke on his own pride.

"The endorsement fee must be decent. Consider it a side gig."

Zoe gave her a strange look. "Do you know what he's selling?"

"Hmm?"

"Condoms."

Evelyn nearly choked on her water. "Is he insane?"

"If I weren't worried about future retaliation, I'd suggest he check himself into a psychiatric ward."

Dinner was prepared by Zoe, who had inherited her mother's culinary skills. In comparison, Evelyn's cooking was barely edible.

After the meal, Evelyn sprawled on the couch, too lazy to move.

Zoe tugged at her. "Don't lie down right after eating. Let's take a walk."

The night was pleasant. By the time they returned from their stroll through the villa grounds, Lucas' car was gone.

As Evelyn settled in to check her emails after her shower, her phone buzzed.

[Picking you up tomorrow morning.]

She frowned. There shouldn't be any reason for her and Ethan to meet anytime soon. She chose to ignore it.

In VIP Room 8888, the clatter of mahjong tiles filled the air.

Ethan and Lucas were visibly distracted.

"I'm done." Ryan Paisley pushed the tiles away. "What's wrong with you two tonight?"

Ethan picked up his phone and stood. "Going for a smoke."

Ryan smirked. "Waiting for Isabella's reply?"

"No."

At the end of the hallway, Ethan stared at the unanswered message on his screen, an inexplicable tightness in his chest.

It suddenly struck him how empty the villa had felt since she moved out.

"Something wrong?"

The familiar voice on the other end made him realize he'd dialed her number.

"You saw my message?"

"I did."

"Why didn't you reply?"

"I thought you sent it to the wrong person."