Chapter 13

Evelyn Sullivan stood at the top of the staircase, looking down at Isabella with eyes as cold as ice.

"My affairs are none of your business."

She turned to leave, but Isabella's shrill voice stopped her.

"Stop right there!"

Evelyn glanced back, a mocking smile curling her lips.

"I've never seen a homewrecker so shameless before. Quite the spectacle."

Isabella's face drained of color before flushing red with rage.

"Ethan loves me! Clinging to him won't change that. Just sign the divorce papers already!"

Better yet, disappear forever.

Evelyn arched a brow and laughed.

"Sure. Give me five million, and I'll sign right now."

"You—!" Isabella trembled with fury. "Hasn't Ethan given you enough? Don't be greedy!"

"If you won't even pay that much, your love for him must be shallow."

Isabella opened her mouth to retort but froze when she spotted movement on the stairs.

"Sister, it's not that I don't want to... but Ethan would be furious if he found out..."

"Who's going to tell him?"

Isabella faltered.

"Evelyn." Ethan's icy voice cut through the air as he descended. "So this is your game."

Evelyn met his gaze calmly.

"I'm giving her a chance to prove her devotion."

Isabella clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms.

"Ethan, maybe Sister is in trouble? I could—"

"Not your concern." He cut her off. "If she asks for money again, refuse."

Seeing her five million slip away, Evelyn shrugged and turned to leave.

Ethan grabbed her wrist.

His voice dropped to a whisper. "Try extorting Isabella again, and even if you get the money, I won't sign."

Downstairs, Isabella's eyes burned as she watched them.

Evelyn yanked her arm free.

"Noted. Stay away—I'm allergic to idiots."

Ethan's gaze darkened. "Evelyn, you're pushing your luck."

She strode into her bedroom and slammed the door without looking back.

Ethan stared at the closed door, his expression stormy.

"Ethan..."

Isabella's voice snapped him out of it.

"Why are you here so early?"

Hearing his irritation, she bit her lip. "I was worried about you... I didn't know she'd be here..."

"She's my wife."

Tears welled in Isabella's eyes. "But we love each other! Why stay in this loveless marriage?"

Ethan was silent for a moment. "The past is over. I won't divorce her."

"Because she nursed you for two years? Do you love her now?"

"I don't. But the divorce isn't happening."

"Why?!"

"During those two years, she was the only one there."

The thought of divorce inexplicably unsettled him.

Isabella wept pitifully. "And what about me? You hid your accident from me! By the time I returned, you were already married! Do you know how much that hurt?!"

"You can stay at the villa. I'm acquiring MY for you. But I can't give you my heart."

With that, he walked away without looking back.

Isabella watched him go, nails drawing blood from her palms.

She wouldn't give up.

When Evelyn came downstairs later, the villa was empty.

At the office, she summoned Sophia Reynolds.

"I'll be traveling for a few days. You're in charge."

Sophia hesitated.

"Something else?"

"Tyler Laurier threw a tantrum yesterday. Today's meeting might be..."

"Got it."

At ten sharp, the conference room fell silent as Evelyn finished delegating tasks.

Just as she was about to adjourn, Tyler spoke up.

"CEO Sullivan, we're stuck on a deal. Perhaps you should take over? Let us see your skills firsthand."

Evelyn smiled. "Of course. Send the files to my office."

Tyler blinked, caught off guard by her easy agreement.

Sophia rushed in after her, frantic.

"You know it's a trap! Why walk into it?"