Chapter 73

The elderly women crowded around the grill, eagerly holding Evelyn Sullivan's hand.

"Evelyn, my grandson just returned from abroad. He's quite handsome. Why don't you young people exchange numbers?"

Evelyn forced an awkward smile, about to politely decline, when another woman whipped out her phone with a QR code ready.

"Come on, scan it! My grandson is exceptional!"

Pushed into a corner, Evelyn reached for her phone. Just as her finger hovered over the scan button, a strong, well-defined hand snatched it away.

She spun around to face Ethan Sullivan’s icy profile.

"Give it back."

He slipped the phone into his suit pocket, his tone brooking no argument. "Confiscated."

The women exchanged confused glances before turning to Mrs. Sullivan. "Xiufen, what's going on—?"

Before she could respond, Ethan stepped forward, pulling Evelyn against him.

"Ladies, this is my wife. My grandmother was just teasing you."

The group erupted.

"What?! Xiufen, how could you keep this from us?"

"I knew Evelyn looked familiar! She's the young madam of Sullivan Group!"

"The Sullivans really know how to keep secrets!"

While the women swarmed Mrs. Sullivan with questions, Ethan dragged Evelyn away.

In the lakeside woods, he finally released her.

"Were you that desperate to replace me?" His voice simmered with anger.

Evelyn rubbed her reddened wrist. "Since when do you care?"

"Our marriage isn’t dissolved yet."

"And?" She scoffed. "You can parade around with other women, but I can't even make friends?"

His eyes darkened as he stepped closer. "Are you jealous?"

"Give me my phone." She turned away.

"Stay with me for ten minutes."

"Dream on."

She turned to leave, but Ethan wrapped his arms around her from behind, his warm breath brushing her ear. "I'm sorry."

Her entire body stiffened.

"I misunderstood you today." His voice was uncharacteristically soft.

Evelyn wrenched free, her gaze glacial. "Ethan, your apology means nothing. The surveillance footage proved Isabella framed me, yet you still protected her."

"I'll handle her—"

"Too late." She cut him off. "Since you chose her side, don’t blame me for playing dirty."

His expression hardened. "What are you planning?"