Chapter 3

Ethan Sullivan tapped his long fingers twice on the desk, his gaze darkening. "Call her."

Colin Keller immediately understood—the "her" referred to Isabella Jackson. Since their business trip to Seattle began, Isabella had followed under the guise of vacation. Everyone in the branch office knew the second daughter of the Jackson family was chasing after Mr. Sullivan.

"I'll arrange it right away."

Three hours later, at the airport VIP passage.

Ethan shielded Isabella from the bustling crowd, his protective stance unmistakable. Colin trailed behind, silently comparing this scene to past business trips with Evelyn Sullivan—back then, Evelyn had handled everything while Ethan barely spared her a glance.

Now, it almost seemed like Isabella was the real Mrs. Sullivan.

...

At the other end of the airport, Evelyn pushed a luggage cart with effortless grace.

Her oversized sunglasses hid half her face but couldn't conceal the radiant smile on her lips. The V-neck slip dress hugged her curves, drawing admiring glances from passersby.

"Evelyn!" Sophia Reynolds waved enthusiastically from the arrivals gate.

Just as Evelyn quickened her pace, Sophia's expression froze. Following her friend's gaze, Evelyn turned and saw Ethan walking side by side with Isabella.

Her grip on the luggage handle turned white-knuckled.

"Let's go." Evelyn turned away, her voice eerily calm.

Sophia stole a glance at her expression before hastily taking the luggage. "You bought so much—your arms must be tired."

"Just gifts for everyone."

Laughing, they walked away, oblivious to the sharp gaze suddenly fixed on Evelyn's back.

Ethan stared at the retreating figure in the slip dress, his brow furrowed. The resemblance was uncanny... but Evelyn would never wear something so bold.

"Ethan?" Isabella tugged gently at his sleeve.

He pulled his eyes away. "It's nothing." Turning to Colin, his voice turned icy. "Still no leads?"

Colin's back prickled with sweat. "You'll have confirmation by today."

"Take Isabella home." With that, Ethan strode toward the parking lot.

The villa was pitch black.

Ethan pushed open the door, greeted by the stale scent of dust. Flipping on the lights, his eyes landed on the divorce agreement gathering dust on the coffee table.

A ring rested atop the signature line.

On the final page, Evelyn's signature was etched with deliberate force.

Veins bulged on Ethan's hand as he crumpled the papers. Just then, Colin's call came through.

"Mr. Sullivan, we've located Ms. Sullivan..."

"Speak."

"At Daniel Sterling's villa—the newly crowned Best Actor."

The sound of shattering glass pierced through the line.