Chapter 146

Ethan Sullivan frowned, watching Xander Quincy sway unsteadily before him. He sighed and stepped forward, catching the stumbling man by the arm.

"Careful," he murmured, bracing Xander before he could topple into a nearby table.

The Grand Hyatt was his domain tonight, filled with distinguished guests. A drunken scene was the last thing he needed.

"My sister...not my sister..." Xander slurred, his weight sagging against Ethan.

Ethan scanned the room, debating where to deposit the drunkard—until he spotted Bianca Fairchild approaching with her head bowed.

"Miss Fairchild," he called out.

Bianca's head jerked up, alarm flashing in her eyes. Her face paled when she registered the scene.

"He's had too much," Ethan explained tersely.

Bianca instinctively retreated half a step, but Xander's bleary gaze locked onto her.

"Bianca..." he mumbled, wrenching free from Ethan's grip to stagger toward her.

She bit her lip but stepped forward to catch him, her slender frame buckling slightly under his weight. "Why did you drink so much?"

Ethan signaled security. "Escort him upstairs."

"Thank you, Mr. Sullivan." Bianca nodded gratefully, flanking Xander with a guard on each side as they led him away.

Ethan turned—and nearly collided with a petite figure.

"Evelyn Laurent?" He stared at the girl who'd materialized behind him. "What are you doing here?"

Her gaze tracked the retreating trio. "Something's off about them."

Ethan's pupils constricted. Since when had she become so perceptive?

Before he could respond, Evelyn added coldly, "Xander must've helped Beatrice bully Bianca again. What a scumbag."

Ethan opened his mouth, then shut it. There was no point explaining the complexities to this clueless girl.

Though...she wasn't entirely wrong.

"Ethan." Evelyn's voice trembled slightly with intoxication.

"I'm here." He softened his tone, studying her upturned face.

Alcohol painted delicate pink across her eyelids and cheeks. Her lips glistened under the lights like ripe cherries begging to be tasted.

Ethan's throat moved involuntarily.