Chapter 2

Evelyn Sullivan tapped her fingers against the car window, her expression cool. "Since I reached out to you, it means I've already made up my mind."

Sophia Reynolds pressed down on the accelerator, a cold smirk curling her lips. "About time you dumped that scumbag Ethan Sullivan! After everything you've done for him, he still clings to Isabella Jackson. Who needs men? Isn't building an empire better?"

As her rant grew more heated, the car sped faster. Evelyn let out a soft laugh.

"Slow down. I just got out of a marriage—I don’t need to lose my life too."

Seeing she could still joke, Sophia relaxed slightly. "So, what’s the plan now?"

Truth be told, even if Evelyn hadn’t contacted her, Sophia would’ve tracked her down.

"I need some time to clear my head." Evelyn gazed out the window. "How’s the company?"

Three years ago, she’d handed over MY Fashion Group, the brand she built from scratch, to the board and devoted herself entirely to Ethan’s rehabilitation. She hadn’t even checked her bank balance since, but based on the growth plan she’d left, things should’ve been fine.

Sophia’s expression turned complicated. "Let’s talk about that after you’ve rested..."

Evelyn arched a brow. Clearly, things weren’t great. But she had no energy to deal with it now. "Take me to the airport."

"Where are you going?"

"Wherever the wind takes me."

Her tired reflection flickered in the window, fingers absently tracing circles on the leather seat. Sophia sighed inwardly. Even the sharpest minds turned foolish when love was involved.

At the arrivals terminal, Evelyn grabbed her carry-on and stepped out. "Have my luggage sent to Elm Cove."

"When will you be back?"

"See you in a month."

Watching her walk away with a casual wave, Sophia suddenly felt like the formidable CEO of MY was back.

Seattle, Sullivan Group’s regional office.

Ethan Sullivan was mid-meeting when his phone buzzed. Frowning at the caller ID, he signaled for a pause.

"Mom. What is it?"

Margaret Sullivan’s shrill voice pierced through. "I’ve gone to the villa three days in a row and Evelyn’s nowhere to be found! Is she avoiding me?"

Only then did Ethan realize—he hadn’t heard from his wife in a month. Even after their worst fights, she’d never gone radio silent this long.

"I’ll reach out. Did you need something from her?"

"Grandma’s birthday is coming up. I wanted her help picking a gift! I always said we should’ve let Isabella—"

"Got it." Ethan cut her off coldly. "I’ll handle it."

Five consecutive calls went straight to voicemail. His expression darkened as he turned to his assistant. "Try yours."

Colin Keller dialed, then reported nervously, "No answer, Mr. Sullivan..."

Ice formed in Ethan’s eyes. "Contact the villa’s property management."

An hour later, Colin approached under the heavy atmosphere. "The management said Ms. Sullivan moved out the day after your business trip."

The title "Ms. Sullivan" inexplicably grated on Ethan. He loosened his tie. "Find her. Book the earliest flight back."

"But Ms. Isabella Jackson—"