Chapter 60

"Ethan..."

Isabella Jackson stood frozen at the end of the hallway, her purse slipping from her fingers and hitting the floor with a dull thud. Her eyes widened as she watched Ethan Sullivan sweep Evelyn Sullivan into his arms—an intimate gesture that felt like a knife twisting in her chest.

Her nails dug into her palms, but she barely registered the pain. She had begged for his affection before, only to be met with a detached "Don't be childish." Now, he was holding her willingly.

Ethan turned sharply at the sound of her voice, instinctively loosening his grip. Evelyn stumbled slightly as she regained her footing, a cold smirk curling her lips.

"Seems I interrupted something."

Without another glance, she stepped into the elevator, pressing the close button under Ethan’s darkening glare. Only as the doors slid shut did she remember—her room key was still with him.

"Twentieth floor," she muttered, deciding to kill time in the restaurant.

The dining area was softly lit, the air laced with a faint hint of lavender. She had just taken a seat when a familiar voice called her name.

"Evelyn?"

Daniel Sterling stood beside her table in a tailored blazer, surprise brightening his eyes. He pulled out the chair across from her, fingers tapping absently against the tabletop.

"Shooting a new film?" Evelyn handed him a menu.

"Yeah, one-week location shoot." He took it, his fingertips brushing hers before he jerked back as if burned. "So... that dinner you promised me. Still on?"

Noticing the flush creeping up his ears, Evelyn recalled Ethan’s earlier words. She withdrew her hand smoothly. "Of course. Order whatever you like."

After placing their orders, Daniel hesitated. "You're... here alone?"

"With Ethan."

The air between them turned brittle. Daniel’s grip tightened around his water glass, knuckles whitening. "You two are...?"

"Just a marriage of convenience." Her tone was light, dismissive.

Daniel’s head snapped up, a flicker of hope in his gaze. "If you need a divorce lawyer—"

"My personal affairs are none of your concern."

Ethan’s voice cut through like ice. He stood behind them, his suit jacket draped over one arm, tie slightly loosened. His sharp gaze bore into Daniel, the unspoken challenge clear.

The two men locked eyes, tension crackling between them. Evelyn lifted her glass, taking a slow sip as the silent battle raged.