Chapter 241

Evelyn blinked her bleary eyes and shook her head in confusion. "No, my home is in Elm Cove. I need to go back."

"That's Daniel Sterling's house!" Ethan's voice turned icy. "It has nothing to do with you!"

Had he not confirmed Daniel was away filming, he would never have allowed her to stay there.

"Nonsense!" Her voice cracked with sudden emotion, eyes reddening. "That is my home! That cold mausoleum called Grand View isn't home!"

Ethan had never seen her this vulnerable. His tone softened involuntarily. "Why would you say that? You lived at Grand View for three years."

"Three years means nothing!" A sob escaped her throat. "Thirty years wouldn't make it home! Besides... Ethan Sullivan and I are divorced!"

"Divorced?" His pupils constricted. "Not in this lifetime!"

Slap!

Evelyn's palm connected sharply with his cheek.

"Disgusting mosquito! Your buzzing hurts my ears! Stay away!"

Ethan's face darkened.

She scooted toward the car door, squinting at him. "Though this mosquito is quite handsome... just too fierce-looking."

"Evelyn Sullivan!"

Her eyes widened in terror. "The mosquito can talk?! It knows my name!" She flailed her arms wildly. "Back off! I'm a black belt! Hah!"

Regret twisted Ethan's gut. He should've let Lucas take her home.

Thud!

Her head hit the window with a dull crack.

"Oww..."

Ethan yanked her into his arms, massaging the injured spot with surprising gentleness. After feeble resistance, she went limp.

The nightmare came swiftly—a giant mosquito chasing her relentlessly until it morphed into Ethan's face, whispering horrifically: "I'll make you bear a swarm of baby mosquitoes!"

"Ahh!"

Evelyn jolted awake in Grand View's master bedroom. Her last memory was sharing hotpot with Sophia before two drinks erased everything.

Running water sounded from the bathroom. As she moved to rise, a shocking realization struck—she was completely naked. Clothing littered the floor, including her lace bra and a pair of black men's briefs.

Her breath hitched. Had she...?

The bathroom door swung open. She turned away hastily, feigning composure. "You should leave. I need rest. We'll... talk another time."

Ethan froze mid-towel-dry, eyes turning glacial. "Evelyn Sullivan. Repeat that."