Chapter 203

The moment their fingers touched, Evelyn Sullivan froze.

Sean Reynolds' palm was warm and dry, yet every instinct screamed at her to pull away. Physical intimacy had never been her comfort zone.

"Mr. Sullivan, Lily and I are indeed in a relationship."

Ethan Sullivan's gaze sliced like a blade to their joined hands, his voice glacial. "Release her unless you want that hand broken."

Sean didn't budge, lips quirking in defiance. "Since when does holding my girlfriend's hand require your permission?"

Evelyn's pulse spiked. The audacity of this man, provoking Ethan to his face.

She seized the chance to withdraw her hand, murmuring, "Sean, let's sit."

His responding smile sent an odd jolt through her chest.

"Of course. Your wish is my command."

They'd barely taken their seats when Ethan barked, "Evelyn. Here. Now."

Before she could respond, Sean stood. "How about I join you instead, Mr. Sullivan?"

The air turned to ice.

Evelyn's eyes widened as a ridiculous thought struck—was Sean's real target Ethan all along?

Ethan's expression darkened dangerously, his gaze darting between them before settling on Evelyn's contemplative face.

"We're not acquainted, Mr. Reynolds."

Undeterred, Sean strolled over, beaming. "Few more meetings will fix that."

Ethan's knuckles whitened. "The Reynolds name will vanish from the capital by dawn. Test me."

"Perfect." Sean's eyes lit up. "Bankruptcy means Evelyn can support me properly."

Evelyn choked on her water. This act was getting absurd!

Yet Ethan's thunderous expression sparked perverse satisfaction.

"Evelyn!" he ground out. "You've outdone yourself."

She set her glass down with practiced grace. "This is a gratitude dinner, Mr. Sullivan. Order anything—my boyfriend's treating."

Ethan surged to his feet, storming toward her.

Sean intercepted him. "Mr. Sullivan, I must ask—"

"Move!"

The roar shook the private dining room. Sean paled but held his ground.

"You're divorced. Evelyn belongs to me now."

"Divorced?" Ethan's laugh was arctic, eyes churning with fury. "Who fed you that lie?"