Chapter 139

Ethan Sullivan's lips curved in an almost imperceptible smile before settling back into his usual gentle expression.

Only those closest to him would notice just how delighted he was at this moment.

Evelyn Laurent casually picked two bottles of fruit wine and returned to their seats beside Ethan.

Reluctantly, he released her hand, his fingertips still tingling with the warmth of her skin.

Ethan sighed inwardly. If he held on any longer, she might suspect something.

Then it would be harder to find another excuse to hold her hand again.

A thought crossed his mind—perhaps he should host more banquets.

Under the pretense of social events, he could create more opportunities for intimacy.

But then he remembered Evelyn's aversion to crowded gatherings. She wouldn't have come tonight if not for Vincent Sullivan's birthday celebration.

His gaze softened as he watched the girl beside him.

Evelyn took small sips of the fruit wine, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. He had deliberately chosen a low-alcohol option, suitable for someone her age.

In two months, she would turn eighteen.

Ethan's eyes darkened as he contemplated what gift could possibly outshine those from her brothers.

That would be no easy feat.

Shaking his head, he pushed the thought aside and focused on enjoying the moment with her.

Not far away, Beatrice Quincy gripped her wineglass so tightly her knuckles turned white.

A polished smile remained on her face, but her eyes slithered toward Evelyn with venomous intensity.

"Uncle Sullivan, apologies for being late!"

Theodore Langley's booming voice suddenly rang out.

The doors of The Grand Hyatt swung open as the four Langley brothers escorted Victoria and Richard Langley inside.

Vincent Sullivan greeted them warmly.

While the adults exchanged pleasantries, the four young men fidgeted restlessly, their eyes darting around the room.

"Go on, find your sister," Vincent said with an amused wave.

Like prisoners granted amnesty, the brothers immediately made a beeline toward Evelyn.

"Evie!"

Evelyn, who had been sharing a drink with Ethan, looked up at the sound.

In the blink of an eye, she was surrounded by her four brothers, while Ethan found himself unceremoniously shoved aside.

Ethan's expression darkened instantly, his gaze turning resentful toward these unwelcome intruders.

"Theodore!" Theodore snatched the glass from his sister's hand. "Who said you could let Evie drink?"

Four pairs of accusatory eyes locked onto Ethan, as if he were some villain corrupting their precious treasure.