Chapter 191

Ethan stared at Evelyn's profile, lost in thought.

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting delicate shadows from her lashes across her cheeks. His Adam's apple bobbed as he forcibly suppressed the turbulent emotions swirling inside him.

She must never know.

If this sharp-witted girl discovered his feelings, she'd probably flip him over her shoulder without hesitation. Worse yet, she might start avoiding him altogether.

Just imagining that scenario made Ethan's chest constrict.

"Ethan," Evelyn suddenly set down her chopsticks, narrowing her eyes. "Are you plotting something shady?"

His fingers twitched imperceptibly, though his expression remained impassive. He dabbed his hands with a napkin before meeting her gaze with cool detachment. "Such as?"

His pulse roared in his ears.

Anticipation and apprehension warred within him as his dark eyes locked onto her.

"Such as..." Evelyn counted on her fingers, "Stealing my research data? Kidnapping me for ransom? Or poisoning my food?"

Ethan nearly choked on his tea.

A low chuckle escaped him, laced with exasperated fondness. "That's all you can imagine?"

"What else?" She glared suspiciously. "Are you targeting my parents now?"

"Never." Ethan's voice turned grave, each word deliberate. "I, Ethan Sullivan, swear I will never harm you."

The intensity in his gaze stunned Evelyn into silence.

A hazy memory surfaced—someone had made her a similarly solemn promise long ago. But like sand slipping through fingers, the recollection eluded her grasp.

"What's wrong?" Ethan's voice tightened.

Evelyn shook her head, studying him thoughtfully. Their eyes met in a silent duel—hers probing, his overflowing with tenderness.

"We..."

A knock interrupted her. A server entered with a cart, soon covering the table with exquisite dishes.

When they were alone again, Ethan asked softly, "What were you going to say?"

"Nothing." Evelyn picked up a piece of sweet-and-sour pork. "Let's eat."

Ethan didn't press further. He finished his meal efficiently before donning gloves to peel shrimp. His slender fingers deftly removed shells, placing translucent meat into her bowl.

Evelyn stared at the shrimp, momentarily stunned.