Chapter 193

Ethan Sullivan's fingers unconsciously clenched the fabric over his heart.

Tangled emotions coiled around his chest like vines, making it hard to breathe.

Evelyn Laurent remained oblivious to his distress, leaning in eagerly. "By the way, didn’t you say you found the person you were looking for last time?"

His Adam’s apple bobbed.

"Wrong person." Ethan lowered his lashes. "After so long, mistakes happen."

Evelyn nodded thoughtfully.

She understood that feeling all too well—the Lowell family had searched for her for seventeen years.

Her gaze fell on the small mountain of shrimp shells piled on the table. A pang of sympathy struck her. Sitting back down, she asked softly, "Who is this person you’re looking for?"

Ethan’s pupils constricted sharply.

He hadn’t expected Evelyn to ask.

"She saved me." His voice turned rough. "When I was thirteen, I was kidnapped."

Evelyn’s fork clattered onto her plate.

"She was a victim too, skin and bones." His knuckles whitened. "When the kidnappers hit her, I took the blows for her."

The sunlight streaming through the window suddenly felt too bright.

"We escaped together but got separated along the way." He paused. "All we had time for was to exchange tokens."

Evelyn’s frown deepened.

"Ten years ago?" She looked up abruptly. "I also—"

Her words cut off. Her fingers began trembling uncontrollably, a sheen of sweat forming on her forehead.

Ethan seized her wrist.

"Don’t force yourself." His palm burned against her skin. "No one can hurt you now."

But Evelyn stubbornly shook her head. "No, I need to remember." Her eyes narrowed. "Those bastards won’t get away with it."

Ethan let out a quiet laugh.

This was the Evelyn he knew.

"We’ll be late for the lecture." He deftly changed the subject.

Evelyn immediately perked up. "Let’s go!"

As they stepped out of the restaurant, both froze at the same moment.

Ethan’s gaze turned razor-sharp.

Evelyn followed his line of sight—

Only a few dry leaves tumbled across the empty alley.