Chapter 42

Evelyn's fingertips tapped lightly on the table. In the end, she didn't say those two words.

The atmosphere in the restaurant was suffocating. They returned to the villa in silence.

"I'll make noodles." She walked straight to the kitchen, her voice calm and unreadable.

Ethan took off his suit jacket. "Let me help."

"No need."

The fridge was neatly stocked. She pulled out greens, eggs, and noodles, moving efficiently as she prepared the meal.

Oil sizzled in the pan as she fried the eggs to a perfect golden brown. The water boiled, noodles swirling in the pot, the vibrant green of the vegetables peeking through the steam.

Two steaming bowls were soon placed on the dining table—but Ethan was nowhere to be seen.

The study door was slightly ajar. She heard his hushed voice: "This matter must be contained."

The sound of the door opening interrupted his call. Ethan turned, meeting her questioning gaze.

"The noodles are ready." She turned and walked back to the dining room.

Only the soft clink of chopsticks against bowls broke the silence. Ethan suddenly spoke: "Don’t you want to know what I’m handling?"

Evelyn set down her chopsticks. "You’ll tell me if you want to."

"Just ask—"

"The noodles will get cold." She cut him off, lowering her head to continue eating.

The clatter of dishes was unusually loud. By the time Ethan started clearing the table, she had already gone upstairs.

The next morning, Evelyn arrived at the office earlier than usual. When Sophia pushed open the door, the documents on the desk had already been processed.

"The meeting with Sullivan Group at ten—"

"You go." Evelyn didn’t look up. "Reject all acquisition terms."

Sophia raised an eyebrow in surprise but nodded in agreement.

At lunchtime, Sophia burst into the office in a flurry.

"Oh my god! Sullivan Group offered a billion!" She dramatically clutched her chest. "If I weren’t so loyal to MY—"

"A billion?" Evelyn’s pen stilled.

The number was more than triple the market valuation.

"Did Ethan give any reason?"

Sophia shook her head. "He refused to say a single word."