Chapter 240

"What a coincidence, sis-in-law!" Alexander King's voice rang out behind her.

Evelyn Sullivan paused mid-step but continued walking without turning around.

Sophia Reynolds whirled around with a cold smirk. "Move aside, Mr. King. You're blocking our way."

Alexander's smile froze, pain flickering in his eyes.

Lucas Laurier stifled a laugh and muttered under his breath, "Serves you right for trampling on her feelings."

"Shut up," Alexander growled through clenched teeth. "That actress you're chasing hasn't given you the time of day either."

"Not the same." Lucas waved his phone triumphantly. "At least she texts me back."

Alexander rolled his eyes, but before he could retort, Lucas had already dialed Ethan Sullivan's number.

"Guess who we ran into at the hot pot place?"

A beat of silence.

"Evelyn's here," Lucas drawled deliberately. "Looks upset. Ordering drinks..."

"Send me the address."

Hanging up, Lucas shot Alexander a smug look. "Take notes."

Meanwhile, Sophia had poured them both generous glasses.

"Drink up, Evelyn." Her eyes were red-rimmed. "To surviving the storm. And to finally seeing certain people for who they really are."

Evelyn silently raised her glass, watching Sophia's trembling fingers.

Two drinks in, Sophia's words began slurring as she listed Alexander's countless faults. Evelyn rested her chin on her palm, the world around her blurring.

When Ethan arrived, he found two women slumped drunkenly over the table.

"What happened?" His brow furrowed.

Lucas shrugged. "Who knew they'd be such lightweights?"

Ethan strode forward and scooped Evelyn into his arms. She squirmed, pressing her flushed cheek against his cool suit jacket with a contented sigh.

"Stay still," he warned lowly.

Evelyn blinked up at him through hazy eyes, then suddenly poked his sharp jawline. "You're... really pretty..."

Ethan froze, his gaze darkening.

"See Sophia home," he ordered without looking back, carrying Evelyn away.

In the car, intoxicated fingers fumbled with buttons. Ethan caught her wrist, voice rough. "Behave."

"Hot..." she whined, eyes glistening.

His Adam's apple bobbed as he slammed the partition button. "Drive faster."

Cool autumn air slipped through the cracked window. Curled against him, Evelyn murmured unconsciously, "Ethan..."

His arms tightened around her.