Chapter 202

Harrison stole a glance through the rearview mirror.

Ethan gazed intently out the window, his chiseled profile illuminated by streetlights. Evelyn scrolled through her phone, an invisible wall between them.

Harrison sighed inwardly.

Just days ago on the yacht, they'd been so close. How had they reverted to this awkward distance?

The car entered downtown and stopped before Monarch Lounge.

"A bar?" Evelyn frowned, fingers tightening around her purse strap. Memories of her last drunken mishap flooded back.

Ethan stepped out with a faint smile. "Not just a bar."

He extended his hand, long fingers stark against the night.

After a hesitation, she placed her palm in his.

At their touch, triumph flickered in Ethan's eyes. He guided her through the pulsing dance floor without breaking contact.

Evelyn gasped at the hidden door ahead. Ethan input the code effortlessly. The metal panel slid open to reveal an expansive shooting range.

"Ever tried?" He shrugged off his suit jacket.

Her gaze locked on the weapon display. She shook her head, but curiosity shone through.

"There's also archery." He opened another door. His intel had been correct—Evelyn adored such sports.

She immediately gravitated toward the compound bow.

"This one..." She tested the drawstring. Its resistance made Ethan's brows lift.

"Wrong stance."

He positioned himself behind her, hands covering hers. His warm breath grazed her ear. "Relax your shoulders."

A blush crept up her earlobes.

The first arrow struck dead center.

"Bullseye?" She turned, her nose nearly brushing his jaw.

Ethan chuckled. "Natural talent."

"Obviously." She tilted her chin, competitive fire igniting.

For thirty minutes, arrows whistled through the air.

"Missed again!" She stomped in frustration.

Ethan watched her pouting profile with undisguised fondness. He nocked another arrow—perfect ten.

"Ethan!" She glared. "You've practiced secretly, haven't you?"

"For years." His gaze held hidden depths. "Waiting for someone."

Her phone rang before she could inquire. Seeing the caller ID, her expression shifted. "I need to take this."

Ethan's eyes darkened as she hurried away.

Harrison appeared silently at the doorway. "Sir, we've confirmed. Miss Laurent has been meeting with the Zhou Group."

Ethan stroked the bowstring, voice icy. "The Zhous? How interesting."