Chapter 72

"Ms. Sullivan, hello. I'm the event coordinator for the resort." A young woman in uniform smiled and handed her an invitation. "We're hosting a beachside barbecue tonight. Would you like to join?"

Evelyn Sullivan accepted the invitation, her fingers brushing over the embossed gold lettering. She glanced at the darkening sky outside the window and nodded.

The bonfire crackled on the sand, casting flickering light over the laughing guests. Evelyn had just settled into a quiet corner when a familiar voice called out.

"Evelyn, dear!"

Mrs. Sullivan hurried over with her cane, followed by several elegantly dressed elderly women. She grasped Evelyn's hand. "Why are you hiding here all alone? Come join us."

Before Evelyn could decline, she was swept toward the main table. The women's eyes locked onto her, studying her like a rare treasure.

"Old Mrs. Sullivan, who is this lovely young lady?" one of them, adorned with a jade necklace, asked curiously.

Mrs. Sullivan straightened proudly. "This is my goddaughter, Evelyn. She's now the CEO of MY Fashion Group." She lowered her voice conspiratorially. "If any of you know suitable young gentlemen, don't forget to introduce them to her."

The skewer in Evelyn's hand nearly slipped. She gave Mrs. Sullivan a helpless look. "Grandma, I'm very busy with work right now..."

"Work is important, but so is your future." Mrs. Sullivan patted her hand. "Don't worry. I'll find someone better than Ethan for you."

The words struck like a blade, landing squarely on Ethan Sullivan, who stood nearby. His grip on the beer bottle tightened, his knuckles turning white.

"Tsk, tsk. Grandma Sullivan is setting you up for a rebound," Lucas Laurier teased, grinning.

Ethan shot him a cold glare. "One more word, and you'll be cutting all the meat tonight."

Lucas immediately mimed zipping his lips. He turned to Isabella Jackson, who had been unusually quiet. "Why so silent today?"

Isabella forced a smile. "Just tired, I guess." Her eyes kept darting toward Ethan. Ever since the equestrian center surveillance footage was exposed, she'd been on edge.

The fire crackled, illuminating the varied thoughts swirling among them. Suddenly, Ethan stood and strode purposefully toward Evelyn.