Evelyn stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, her fingertips lightly tapping against the glass in her hand.
“Ethan, we need to talk about what happened tonight.”
Her voice was soft, but carried an unshakable resolve.
The chaos from the gala still lingered in her mind. The whispers, the prying stares—they all made her skin crawl.
Ethan sat on the sofa, his long fingers loosening his tie.
“I thought you’d be grateful.”
“Grateful?” Evelyn turned, a flicker of mockery in her eyes. “Grateful that you announced our marriage without consulting me?”
His gaze turned icy.
“If I hadn’t stepped in, those photos with the male models would have ruined you.”
“That was my problem to handle.” She took a step closer. “You crossed a line.”
The air between them froze.
Ethan suddenly stood, his towering frame casting a shadow over her.
“What are you so afraid of, Evelyn?” His voice was low. “Afraid people will know you’re Mrs. Sullivan?”
She retreated half a step, her back pressing against the cold glass.
“Why keep pretending? We’re already at this point.”
“Pretending?” He let out a cold laugh. “Who was the one begging to marry me?”
The words cut deep.
She drew a sharp breath. “Which is why I want to end this mistake now.”
His eyes darkened dangerously.
“Not happening.”
“Why?” Her voice finally rose. “What do you even want?”
He stared at her for a long moment before turning toward the door.
“Remember—this marriage is mine to control.”
Evelyn grabbed a cushion and hurled it at his retreating figure.
“Then I’ll go to Grandma!”
Ethan halted mid-step.
He turned slowly, his expression terrifyingly grim.
“Try it.”
The door slammed shut behind him.
Evelyn collapsed onto the sofa. Her phone buzzed abruptly.
“Evelyn! What the hell happened between you and Ethan?” Sophia’s voice was stunned. “The entire gala is buzzing about your three-year secret marriage!”
Evelyn closed her eyes.
“It’s complicated.”
“I thought you were getting divorced! How did—”
“Not now.” Evelyn cut her off. “I’m exhausted.”
She hung up and stared blankly at the ceiling.
In the study, Ethan was reviewing the investigation report Colin had sent.
“Confirmed it was Lily?”
“Yes, Mr. Sullivan.” Colin’s tone was grave. “She’s closely connected to Isabella.”
Ethan’s gaze hardened.
“Send me the evidence.”
The email notification chimed moments later.
After scanning the documents, Ethan dialed Isabella’s number.
The call rang endlessly before she finally picked up.
“Ethan…” Her voice trembled with tears. “I thought you’d never speak to me again.”
His voice was ice.
“How much were you involved in tonight?”
Silence.
“You… you’re accusing me?” Her breath hitched.
