Chapter 169

"The only thing keeping them apart is their stubborn pride."

Evelyn's piercing gaze locked onto Celeste as she delivered the brutal truth. "And let's be crystal clear—Ethan would never in a million years be interested in someone like you."

She knew Celeste Sinclair inside out—a shallow, manipulative social climber who'd made a name for herself as a ruthless mean girl back in their school days. Ethan Caldwell deserved far better than that.

And if, by some twisted miracle, Ethan ever showed even a flicker of interest in Celeste, Evelyn vowed silently to dismantle whatever sick fantasy Celeste had conjured. She wouldn't let Ethan fall into that viper's trap.

"You—!" Celeste's face flushed crimson, her nails digging into her palms.

After a tense pause, she forced a slow breath, squaring her shoulders with false bravado. "You don't know that unless I try!" she shot back, chin lifted in defiance.

Evelyn didn't hesitate. "Save yourself the humiliation. You're chasing a delusion."

Celeste's expression darkened like a storm rolling in. "So what, you're refusing to help me win him over?"

A cold smirk curled Evelyn's lips. "That's exactly what I'm saying."

Her voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Let me spell it out for you, Celeste. Stay away from Ethan. And if I catch you using me—or anyone else—to slither your way into his life again?" She leaned in slightly, eyes glinting. "You'll regret it."

With that, she turned sharply and strode off, leaving Celeste fuming.

Celeste let out a frustrated scream, stomping her heel against the marble floor.

Whirling on Lila, her eyes wild, she demanded, "Did she just threaten me?!"

Lila pressed her lips together, shifting uncomfortably. "She didn't mean it like that," she offered weakly.

"Don't lie to me!" Celeste snapped. "She's terrified I'll get close to Ethan!"

Something unreadable flickered in Lila's gaze before she sighed dramatically. "It's strange, though. Evelyn acts like she owns him. When I mentioned wanting an introduction, she shut me down instantly. Almost like..." She trailed off meaningfully.

Celeste's eyes narrowed. "Like what?"

Lila feigned hesitation before whispering, "Like she's guarding something precious."

A slow, ugly realization dawned on Celeste. "You think Evelyn has feelings for him?"

Lila gasped, covering her mouth. "No! They're practically family! And Ethan's taken—not to mention Evelyn's married. She wouldn't dare..."

Celeste let out a bitter laugh. "Wouldn't she? Apples don't fall far from the tree." Her lips curled in disgust. "With a mother like hers, what else could we expect?"

Lila stayed silent, but her smirk said everything.