Chapter 46
Evelyn picked up a piece of braised pork with her chopsticks and placed it gently into Ethan’s bowl, her lips curving into a faint smile. “Eat more. You have enough on your plate at the company.”
Isabella’s grip on her chopsticks tightened until her knuckles turned white. She suddenly looked up, tears glistening in her eyes. “Ethan, do you remember what you promised me?”
Ethan’s chopsticks paused mid-air, his expression unreadable.
The air at the dining table instantly froze. William quickly raised his wine glass. “Mr. Sullivan, a toast to you.”
Ethan downed the wine in one go. William forced a few business-related jokes, barely maintaining the facade of harmony.
Evelyn set down her bowl and chopsticks, the hem of her dress sweeping gracefully as she stood. “I’m full.”
She had barely taken a step when Ethan’s hand closed firmly around her wrist.
“Let go,” she murmured, a flicker of anger flashing in her eyes.
Ethan met her gaze, his voice low. “Wait for me.”
“I need some air in the garden.”
“I’ll go with you.”
William interjected smoothly, “Evelyn, Mr. Sullivan hasn’t eaten much. Help serve him some dishes.”
Evelyn let out a soft laugh, her gaze drifting to the small mountain of food piled on Isabella’s plate. “It seems someone else is already taking excellent care of him. I wouldn’t want to steal the credit.”
Isabella’s face paled. She shot to her feet, her voice trembling. “Sister, I just noticed Ethan wasn’t eating much…”
“Oh?” Evelyn arched a brow. “You know his tastes so well. Seems like you’ve had plenty of… intimate conversations.”
Slap!
Victoria slammed her hands on the table, her eyes filled with disgust. “You can’t even keep your husband’s attention, and you dare blame Isabella?! They grew up together—of course they’re close!”
Evelyn wiped the corner of her mouth with deliberate calm. “Lovely. Then by all means, let them grow even closer.”
“You—”
The air turned glacial. Evelyn turned to leave, only for Victoria’s shrill voice to ring out behind her. “If you walk out that door today, don’t ever call me your mother again!”
“Victoria!” William barked, veins bulging at his temples.
Ethan set down his napkin, his expression indifferent. “We’ll take our leave.”
William hurried after him. “Mr. Sullivan, about the South City project—”
“Jackson Group can bid,” Ethan said without looking back. “May the best man win.”
As soon as they reached the courtyard, Isabella rushed out after them. The night wind tangled her hair, her tear-streaked face glistening under the moonlight.
“Ethan…” She choked out, clutching his sleeve. “Do you really… not want me anymore?”
Ethan looked into her red-rimmed eyes—once bright with starlight, now blurred with tears.
“Go back inside. It’s cold.”
