Chapter 213

Ethan Sullivan sensed four pairs of cold eyes glancing his way at intervals.

He lifted his teacup with practiced ease, a faint smile playing on his lips.

As Evelyn Laurent's fiancé, he prided himself on playing the role impeccably.

He took her on outings. He made her laugh.

The entire Langley family had accepted him.

As long as no one discovered he'd once tried to break off the engagement...

His gaze darkened.

That agreement needed to be found and destroyed—quickly.

His own copy was already disposed of.

But Evelyn's remained missing.

If discovered, the consequences would be catastrophic.

Yet haste would only backfire.

Knowing Evelyn, she'd hidden something that important with extreme care.

Half an hour later, Ethan rose to leave.

Victoria Langley escorted him to the door, watching as he walked toward the neighboring mansion.

"Ethan's a good boy," Victoria murmured, turning back inside. "At least he lives close. Evelyn can choose whichever home she prefers."

Evelyn's fingers twitched briefly before stilling.

Alexander Langley frowned. "Marriage isn't a game."

He turned to his sister. "Forced fruit is never sweet."

Victoria's eyes turned sharp. "Alexander, where's your girlfriend?"

Alexander stiffened. "The company's been busy—"

"Busy?" Victoria scoffed. "Is Reginald Quincy not busy? He's already holding his grandson!"

Alexander pressed his lips together.

The formidable CEO now sat as quiet as a mouse.

Sebastian and his brothers stifled laughter.

Victoria's wrath immediately shifted. "Sebastian, wipe that stupid grin off your face!"

Sebastian's smile froze.

"With so many lady friends, why haven't you brought one home?" Victoria snapped.

Sebastian gave a strained chuckle. "I'm searching for true love—"

"You fall for every skirt that passes!" Victoria grabbed the feather duster. "Share half your harem with your brother!"

Finally, her glare landed on Nathaniel.

"Nathaniel, are there any girls in your lab?"

Nathaniel adjusted his glasses. "Yes."

His expression turned earnest. "Frequent contact."

Victoria trembled with rage. "For dissections?"

Nathaniel nodded solemnly. "Correct."

The medical doctoral candidate saw absolutely nothing wrong with this.