Chapter 184

Ethan Sullivan pressed his slender fingers to his temple, massaging gently. "Her underhanded tactics never cease. You need to stay vigilant."

"If anything happened to you, your parents and brothers would be devastated."

And so would I.

The words lingered on his tongue but remained unspoken.

He maintained an air of indifference in front of Evelyn Laurent, as if merely making casual conversation.

Yet his heart twisted painfully in his chest.

Evelyn had always been fiercely independent.

When trouble arose, her first instinct was to handle it alone—never considering relying on anyone else.

She certainly had the capability.

Ethan wanted to protect her but could only do so from the shadows, careful not to overstep.

At the mention of her family, the ice in Evelyn's gaze softened slightly. "Understood."

She looked up at him, her expression distant. "Anything else?"

Having just left his lecture only to be summoned to his office, her impatience was evident.

Ethan studied her face for a moment before feigning nonchalance. "There's a quantum physics symposium in the neighboring city tomorrow. Interested?"

Evelyn's eyes instantly brightened. "Really?"

The corner of his lips lifted. "Mhm."

His voice unconsciously gentled. "I've been invited and can bring you along."

"Fine."

Her agreement came swiftly—this was her current field of research.

A flicker of resignation crossed Ethan's eyes before melting into amusement. "I'll pick you up at eight tomorrow morning."

Evelyn nodded, her steps noticeably lighter as she turned to leave.

The moment the office door closed, Ethan's smile vanished.

He leaned back in his chair, his gaze darkening.

At least...

He'd finally secured an outing with her.

A rare chance to be alone together.

Hard-won—he couldn't waste it.

Rubbing his temples, Ethan recalled Evelyn's earlier reaction and let out a bitter chuckle.

Without appealing to her interests, he'd never have gotten her to agree. Any other excuse would've earned him that icy "Not interested" before she walked away without a second glance.

Just imagining it made his pulse throb at his temples.

He closed his eyes and exhaled in resignation.

Who could he blame?

He'd been blind not to recognize her initially—and committed that unforgivable mistake.

That Evelyn hadn't demanded to break off their engagement was nothing short of a miracle.

At least the betrothal still tied her to him.

But if she ever resolved to dissolve it...

Ethan's fist clenched violently.

Without that bond, how could he possibly keep this aloof, untouchable girl by his side?

He could already envision it—

Evelyn would sever all ties without hesitation.

No... she probably wouldn't block him.

But she'd never voluntarily look his way again.

The mere thought made his chest constrict.

He crushed the notion ruthlessly.

Never...

He could never let it come to that.