Chapter 219

Ethan's expression darkened visibly.

Evelyn's fingers curled slightly at her sides. She considered breaking the tension but remembered their undefined relationship, choosing silence instead.

The restaurant was empty except for their table. The waiter served their dishes promptly.

Though displeased by her avoidance of familiar places, Ethan initiated conversation. "What project takes you to Shili Village?"

"Scouting a fabric factory." Evelyn picked at her greens. "MY plans to partner with them."

"I thought you said you were a janitor?" His brow arched. "Since when do janitors handle procurement?"

Her chopsticks stilled.

"You believed that?" She met his gaze with faint amusement.

"Of course not." He set down his wineglass. "So what's your real role at MY?"

Stirring her soup absently, Evelyn remained calm. "If you could track my itinerary, why not my position?"

She'd had Sophia falsify her HR records long ago.

Ethan's frown deepened. "Do you truly trust me so little?"

After learning she despised surveillance, he'd only had Colin verify her safety—nothing more.

Seeing the hurt in his eyes, Evelyn tightened her grip on her chopsticks. "I'm sorry. That was unfair."

"I won't pry into what you won't share." His voice lowered. "Everyone deserves their secrets."

Just as he had burdens he couldn't reveal.

Evelyn blinked. The domineering Ethan she knew now respected her boundaries.

"I'm an administrative assistant," she admitted softly. "Essentially a secretary."

He recalled her education history. For a high school dropout to reach this position spoke of relentless effort.

"Ever considered continuing your studies?" he asked suddenly. "It's not too late for college."

Evelyn nearly choked on her soup.

"No need." She set down her spoon. "Degrees mean nothing to me."

When the Jacksons reclaimed her, she'd already earned a PhD. Attending high school was merely her mentor's whim—abandoned after that incident.

Ethan grew stern. "You'll settle for a middle school credential forever?"

He didn't care, but he refused to let others mock her.

"What would a college degree change?"

"At least you wouldn't face ridicule."

Her gaze turned icy. "You're mistaken about something, Mr. Sullivan."

"Oh?"

"Even if we reconciled—which we haven't—you'd have no right to demand I change." She held his stare. "If my education shames you, find some Ivy League graduate instead."

Ethan's face hardened. "I only want what's best for you."

"I decide what's best for me." She stood abruptly. "I know exactly what I want."

The meal concluded in silence.

Outside, Evelyn declined his offer to drive her home. Arriving at MY's headquarters, she found Margaret waiting at the entrance.

"Evelyn. We need to talk."