Chapter 326

Evelyn narrowed her eyes at him with suspicion but eventually staggered to her feet. She shuffled toward the leather couch and climbed onto its backrest, perching there with perfect posture as if attending a high-society tea party.

Her uncharacteristically prim demeanor was oddly endearing. Nathan couldn't suppress a chuckle at the sight.

Twenty minutes later, the door swung open, and Ethan strode in.

The moment Ethan appeared, Evelyn brightened, standing on the couch with a radiant smile. But she didn't leap down. Instead, she waited expectantly, her gaze locked onto him like a sunflower tracking the sun.

As Ethan approached, Nathan caught the sharp tang of whiskey clinging to his clothes. Clearly, he'd just come from a business negotiation.

When Ethan reached the couch, Evelyn's face lit up like fireworks. "Darling! You're here!" she exclaimed, her voice dripping with delight.

"Get down," Ethan ordered, his tone firm but quiet.

Evelyn shook her head stubbornly. "No! Carry me!" She stretched her arms toward him, fingers wiggling in a clear demand.

Ethan froze momentarily, visibly startled by her boldness.

"She's... not herself tonight," Nathan remarked dryly. After a beat, he added, "Normally when she's drunk, she just sings off-key and tries to arm-wrest strangers. But tonight..." He trailed off with a shrug. "She won't let anyone near her. Only you."

Ethan's expression flickered briefly before settling into its usual unreadable mask. Without another word, he stepped forward and scooped Evelyn into his arms.

She immediately melted against him, winding her arms around his neck and nuzzling into his shoulder with a contented sigh.

Nathan grabbed her discarded heels and gestured toward the exit. "Let's go. I'll walk you out."

The trio made their way to the parking lot where Walter, Ethan's driver, stood waiting by the sleek black car.

Ethan opened the rear door, attempting to deposit Evelyn inside, but she clung to him like ivy on a trellis. "No! No car!" she protested, tightening her grip.

Ethan exhaled sharply through his nose, the picture of exasperated resignation. After a brief internal debate, he slid into the seat himself, keeping Evelyn cradled in his lap.

Nathan's eyebrows shot up at the unexpected display of tolerance. He'd never seen Ethan indulge anyone's whims like this.

As the car pulled away, Nathan found himself reevaluating everything. Olivia had always insisted Ethan was indifferent to Evelyn, that divorce was her best option. But tonight's events painted a different picture.

Frowning thoughtfully, Nathan turned on his heel and headed back into the club.

Inside the moving vehicle, Evelyn remained curled comfortably in Ethan's lap, her arms looped around his neck. Her head rested lightly against his shoulder, eyes closed in peaceful contentment.

Ethan studied her face, his dark eyes swirling with unreadable emotions.