Chapter 192

Ethan Sullivan wiped his hands casually. "Might as well do something with my free time."

The corners of his lips lifted as his slender fingers continued playing with the shrimp on the plate.

Those hands that usually found signing contracts tedious were now clumsily peeling shrimp shells. The meat came out mangled and pitiful.

Yet he didn't mind at all. In fact, he seemed to enjoy it more with each attempt.

Harrison Whitmore would've had his eyes pop out if he'd witnessed this.

Since when did the CEO of Sullivan Group do manual labor like this?

He'd always detested shellfish, never even touching them before.

But now.

Those billion-dollar hands were encased in cheap plastic gloves, peeling shrimp for Evelyn Laurent—the very thing he loathed.

And he was loving every second of it.

The plate emptied quickly.

"Want more?" Ethan looked up, warmth glimmering in his eyes.

He knew Evelyn's appetite well. Athletes always burned through calories fast.

Evelyn patted her stomach contentedly. "I'm stuffed."

Every last shrimp had disappeared into her stomach.

"Thanks," she suddenly said.

Ethan arched an eyebrow. "For what?"

"For peeling my shrimp, obviously." Evelyn stated it like common sense.

His expression turned serious. "Don't mention it."

He cherished every moment.

He'd been waiting for this chance.

So Evelyn never needed to thank him.

"Ethan," Evelyn leaned closer suddenly, studying him with suspicion. "Why are you so nice to me?"

His heartbeat stuttered.

That question was dangerous.

The answer hovered on his tongue but stuck in his throat.

Because he loved her.

Enough to do anything for her.

But he couldn't say that yet.

Before he could formulate a response, Evelyn answered her own question. "Afraid I'll back out of breaking off the engagement?"

Ethan froze.

Why did everything circle back to that damned engagement?

His face went rigid.

Evelyn patted his shoulder knowingly. "Relax, I'll let you go the moment you find your true love."

"I'll handle my parents and brothers too. They won't give you any trouble."

Ethan sighed.

How thoughtful of her.

He massaged his temples. "That's not what I—"

"Don't be shy about it." Evelyn waved dismissively. "We'll end the engagement eventually."

"My word is my bond. No take-backs!"

Ethan's chest constricted.

Every harsh word he'd spoken before now pierced his heart like arrows.