Chapter 10

Evelyn Sullivan lifted her gaze indifferently, a cold smirk playing on her lips.

"She's done everything for you—things a wife should and shouldn't do. The only thing missing is a marriage certificate."

Ethan Sullivan's piercing eyes bore into her, searching for any crack in her composure. But her expression remained detached, as if he were nothing more than a stranger.

A sharp pain stabbed through his chest.

He turned away, his voice icy. "Until the divorce papers are signed, you're still Mrs. Sullivan."

Evelyn pulled out her phone impatiently, her fingers flying across the screen. She unblocked Isabella Jackson and sent a message before powering off the device.

——

At the Jackson family villa, Isabella had just changed into her nightgown when her phone buzzed. Her face drained of color as she read the message.

"That bitch!"

She grabbed a coat and rushed downstairs, nearly colliding with her parents in the foyer.

"Where are you going at this hour?" Victoria Farley frowned.

Isabella forced a smile. "Ethan had too much to drink. I need to check on him."

A gleam flashed in Victoria's eyes as she turned to the driver. "Take her there."

Once Isabella left, Victoria smirked at her husband. "Seems Ethan still prefers our Isabella."

William Jackson adjusted his cuffs absently. "Tell her to seize the opportunity. Hardly anyone knows about his marriage anyway—it won't affect future alliances."

——

When the black car pulled up to the villa, Ethan immediately sensed something amiss.

"You came back?"

Evelyn leaned against the car door, her smile mocking. "Why don't you go inside and see for yourself?"

The keypad beeped. The moment the door swung open, Ethan's pupils constricted.

"Evelyn!"

The aroma of hangover soup wafted from the kitchen. Isabella turned around, her face softening into a gentle smile.

Ethan grabbed Evelyn's wrist. "What the hell is this?"

She shook him off, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "You wanted someone to take care of you. I invited your beloved. Not satisfied, Mr. Sullivan?"

She turned on her heel and walked away, her black trench coat flapping in the night wind.

"Stop!"

Isabella suddenly clung to Ethan's arm. "Ethan, drink the soup first..."

He shoved her away. "Who told you to come here?"

"It was... my sister. She said you were drunk..." Isabella timidly handed him her phone.

Ethan's face darkened as he read the messages.

"Uncle West, take Miss Jackson home."

"Ethan!"

"Don't make me repeat myself."

The door slammed shut. Ethan stared at the divorce papers on the coffee table before suddenly tearing them to shreds with a cold laugh.

She wanted a divorce? Over his dead body.

——

The next morning, Tyler Laurier kicked open the CEO's office door.

"Are you trying to ruin me?" He pointed at the layoff list on the desk, his hand trembling.

Evelyn closed the folder leisurely. "No need to panic, Mr. Laurier. HR is already hiring replacements."

"What about the ongoing projects?!"

"Perfect timing," Evelyn said with a sudden smile. "I'd like to ask you something. What exactly do all these relatives of yours contribute to MY Fashion Group?"

Her fingers tapped the desk rhythmically, each tap like a hammer to Tyler's heart.

Sweat trickled down his forehead.