Chapter 54

Ethan Sullivan rarely wore casual clothes, but today he had chosen a dark gray ensemble. Though it softened his usual sharp edges, an unapproachable aloofness still clung to him.

Evelyn Sullivan's gaze briefly met his before she calmly looked away.

"Young Madam is here!" Mrs. Zade greeted her warmly, her wrinkled eyes brimming with joy. The elderly woman, who had spent most of her life serving the Sullivan family, was practically a sister to the matriarch.

"Mrs. Zade, these are your favorite osmanthus cakes." Evelyn handed her an elegant pastry box. "And Cloud Slice Cake for Grandma."

"The old lady has been talking about them for days!" Mrs. Zade took the box, her smile widening. "I'll prepare tea right away."

In the living room, the elderly Mrs. Sullivan was directing the maids. "Put the watermelon candies here—Evelyn loves these..."

"Grandma." Evelyn couldn't help but laugh. "Are you trying to fatten me up?"

Mrs. Sullivan turned in delight and grasped her hands. "My dear Evelyn! If you can't finish them, take some home."

As they sat, the old woman frowned. "You've lost weight again. Ethan said you started working? If it's too much, quit! Let him take care of you."

"It's not tiring." Evelyn gently patted her hand. "Staying idle at home isn't for me."

Mrs. Sullivan hesitated, then sighed. "Don't push yourself too hard."

The air suddenly grew tense. Ethan stood at the entrance, his long legs outlined by black trousers, his presence as sharp as an unsheathed blade.

"Ethan," the old lady signaled with her eyes, "check if the juice is ready."

Once he left, she lowered her voice. "Tell me the truth—has that boy been mistreating you?"

Evelyn's fingers stilled briefly before she smiled. "Nothing like that."

"If he dares to—"

"You spoil me too much, Grandma." Evelyn leaned against her shoulder playfully.

When Ethan returned with the juice, the old lady deliberately said, "Report to your wife!"

"Don't trouble yourself, Mr. Sullivan." Evelyn didn't look up, her tone as calm as discussing the weather.

Ethan's eyes darkened as he turned away, leaving a chill in his wake.

Only after his footsteps faded did Mrs. Sullivan suddenly clasp Evelyn's hands. "Evelyn, dear... when are you two planning for children?"