Chapter 97

"Were you planning to keep me awake all night waiting for you?" Evelyn rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"No."

"Hmm?"

"I wouldn’t stay out all night."

Ethan’s voice was low, but Evelyn didn’t even bother to look at him. She yawned and started to lie down. "Got it. Can I sleep now?"

"Evelyn!" His tone sharpened abruptly.

"What now?" She cracked an irritated eye open.

He stared at her for a few seconds before saying, "I’ve been drinking. Help me wash up."

Evelyn took a deep breath, barely resisting the urge to kick him off the bed. She dragged him toward the bathroom, roughly squeezed toothpaste onto his toothbrush, and shoved it into his hand. "Do it yourself!"

Once he finished brushing, she snatched a towel and scrubbed his face with enough force to peel skin.

"Easy." Ethan frowned.

"Sorry. Heavy-handed by nature." She smirked.

Finally done, she shoved him under the covers and snapped off the light.

In the darkness, Ethan spoke again. "About last time... I misunderstood you."

He had considered investigating the man she’d dined with but ultimately decided against it. The truth might only drive them further apart.

Evelyn lay with her back to him. After a long silence, she muttered, "Sleep."

The next morning, the other side of the bed was empty when she woke. She took her time getting ready before stepping out and spotting Ethan on a call in the living room.

The gray sweater he wore softened his usual sharp edges. Evelyn barely glanced at him before heading to the kitchen.

"Alexander wants to take you to lunch today to apologize," Ethan said after hanging up.

Evelyn paused. "Did he lose his mind?"

"He broke up with Lily." Ethan studied her reaction. "He mainly wants to apologize to you and Sophia."

"What does that have to do with me?" She scoffed. "Not going."

Ethan set down his coffee cup. "Suit yourself."

They ate breakfast in silence. As Evelyn cleared the dishes, she said abruptly, "I won’t be back for lunch. Tell the housekeeper not to cook for me."

"Where are you going?"

"Since when do you care?" She arched a brow. "Want to send someone to tail me? That way, you’ll know."

His expression darkened. "I’m not monitoring you."

"Then how did you know I was out with a man last time?" she shot back.