Chapter 102

Evelyn Laurent curled up in the corner of the sofa, her lips curling into an unconscious smile. Theodore Langley grinned beside her, his eyes crinkling with mirth.

Her almond-shaped eyes curved into crescents, radiant as if bathed in sunlight.

"Ethan Sullivan drinks alcohol?" Evelyn tilted her head in question.

Julian Langley blinked in surprise.

"Of course he does!" He recovered quickly. "He holds his liquor well, though he usually abstains. Today he went wild—not only drinking but challenging Xander Quincy to a shooting match."

Julian clicked his tongue. "They had fun, but poor Oliver Valentine nearly got turned into Swiss cheese."

The four elite families—Langley, Sullivan, Valentine, and Quincy—had maintained close ties for generations. Their heirs grew up together, with Ethan and Xander always using Oliver as target practice. Over the years, Oliver had become quite adept at dodging bullets.

Victoria Langley narrowed her eyes and grabbed her feather duster. "Julian Langley, since when do you lie so brazenly?"

"Mom! I'm telling the truth!" Julian hopped in agitation. "Call Vincent Sullivan if you don't believe me! Ethan must be reeking of alcohol by now!"

Victoria actually dialed the number.

The Sullivan mansion blazed with light.

When the butler helped Ethan inside, Vincent Sullivan was reviewing documents. The pungent alcohol smell made his head snap up.

Ethan's suit was disheveled, his gaze unfocused.

"You've been drinking?" Vincent stood abruptly.

"Yeah." Ethan responded flatly.

"What's gotten into you?" Though his tone was stern, concern flickered in Vincent's eyes as he signaled the butler.

The butler shook his head helplessly. The young master never touched alcohol, yet tonight he was thoroughly drunk.

Ethan moved silently toward the stairs, his steps steady but his stare vacant.

"Support him properly!" Vincent called after them anxiously.

The butler hurried to assist.

Back in his bedroom, Ethan locked the door and retrieved the woven charm bracelet from his drawer's depths. Pressing it to his cheek, he whispered, "Evelyn..."

The next moment, he collapsed onto the bed clutching the bracelet, sinking into deep slumber.