Chapter 134
Ethan Sullivan's gaze darkened.
He watched Evelyn Laurent walk alone to a corner, casually picking up a slice of cake before settling in an isolated spot.
His fingers tapped twice against his wine glass before he stood and headed toward Oliver Valentine.
Xander Quincy was downing drinks one after another.
Several empty liquor bottles littered the coffee table.
"Drinking alone?" Ethan took the seat opposite him, pouring himself a whiskey.
Oliver immediately straightened with alarm. "Not like last time."
Their previous drinking contest had left him suffering the consequences.
Xander didn't even glance up, continuing to refill his glass.
Yet his eyes kept drifting uncontrollably toward one direction.
In the corner, Bianca Fairchild sat as quietly as a shadow.
Several socialites gathered nearby, occasionally casting mocking glances her way.
Evelyn was equally solitary.
But no one dared approach her.
The memory of those two slaps remained vivid.
"Did you hear? Bianca's adopted."
"Shh, lower your voice. Rumor has it they took her in as Beatrice's luck shield."
The whispers reached Evelyn's ears.
Her grip tightened slightly on the fork.
A sudden commotion erupted at the ballroom entrance.
"Miss Beatrice has arrived!"
The crowd surged toward the doorway like a tidal wave.
Beatrice Quincy appeared in a dazzling red gown.
In the corner, Bianca's head bowed even lower.
Evelyn narrowed her eyes.
Now she understood why Bianca always endured humiliation silently.
Behind this glittering façade of wealth hid such an ugly truth.
Ethan swirled his drink, his gaze shifting between Evelyn and Bianca.
Xander suddenly slammed his glass onto the table.
"I need air."
He strode toward the terrace, his stiff back radiating irritation.
Oliver sighed. "What a miserable party."
Ethan remained silent.
His attention stayed fixed on Evelyn.
She was staring at Bianca with a deeply furrowed brow.
Amidst the clinking glasses and forced laughter, dangerous undercurrents swirled beneath the gilded surface.