Chapter 4

Night deepened as Evelyn Sullivan pushed open the villa door, dragging her suitcase behind her.

The living room was filled with the rich aroma of coffee. Daniel Sterling stood at the open kitchen island, grinding coffee beans. Hearing the sound, he turned, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

"Evelyn?"

She paused, then smiled. "Long time no see."

Daniel set down the grinder and strode toward her. He wore a simple white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing toned forearms.

"I just got a gig in Rongcheng. Thought this place would be close to the set..." He hesitated. "Didn't expect you to show up."

Evelyn leaned her suitcase against the wall. "It's fine. Stay as long as you need."

She remembered giving him the keys when he was just a rookie actor. Now he was an A-list star, yet still humble.

"Want some coffee?" He gestured to the steaming pot. "Freshly brewed."

"After I shower." She grabbed her suitcase and headed upstairs.

Daniel quickly took it from her. "Let me."

His fingers brushed against the back of her hand, warm to the touch. She didn’t notice his ears turning pink.

The master bedroom at the end of the hall remained unchanged. Daniel set the suitcase down gently, his gaze lingering on the dried-up perfume bottle on the vanity.

"Thanks." Evelyn opened the closet to find a few men's shirts neatly hung inside.

Daniel hurried to explain, "I leave some clothes here when I stay over. I’ll pack them tomorrow."

"No rush." She pulled out a set of pajamas. "I might be here a while."

His eyes flickered, but he simply nodded. "Okay."

As he descended the stairs, the sound of running water came from the bathroom.

The coffee maker beeped. Just as Daniel poured two cups, the doorbell rang.

Through the peephole, he saw a cold, handsome face—Ethan Sullivan.

The moment the door opened, their eyes locked in a silent battle.

"Where’s Evelyn?" Ethan’s voice was colder than the night.

Daniel blocked the doorway. "She’s resting."

Ethan narrowed his eyes, scanning the other man’s loungewear and the two coffee cups on the table.

"Move."

"Mr. Sullivan," Daniel stood firm, "breaking into someone’s home isn’t appropriate."

Ethan smirked and pulled a marriage certificate from his suit pocket, slamming it onto the entryway table.

"Read it carefully. This is my house."