Chapter 232

Ethan Sullivan stood at the center of the venue, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly.

He yearned to blurt it out—that he wanted to be Evelyn Laurent's boyfriend, her future husband.

But the words died on his lips.

He feared startling her.

"This venue..." Ethan lowered his gaze, fingertips lightly tapping the contract. "I had my team work day and night to finish it for today."

Sunlight streamed through the glass dome, casting fragmented shadows across his sharp profile.

Evelyn stared at the brand-new space before her.

Every detail spoke of meticulous care.

"If you refuse it," Ethan suddenly looked up, stubbornness flickering in his eyes, "then let it rot here."

His voice was soft, yet unyielding.

Evelyn's fingers trembled slightly.

She suddenly recalled how Ethan had been taking mysterious phone calls these past two weeks.

So this was why.

"Thanks." She signed her name with a flourish, flashing him a radiant smile. "I love my birthday gift."

Stars ignited in Ethan's eyes.

"Your favorite?" He couldn't resist pressing, hope threading his tone.

Evelyn tilted her head in thought.

She hadn't seen her family's surprise yet.

"But your gift," she met his gaze earnestly, "truly moved me."

Ethan's breath hitched.

He drank in the sight of her smiling face, his throat working.

"Try it?" he suggested hoarsely, fighting to keep his emotions in check.

Evelyn's eyes lit up. She grabbed his hand and dashed toward the court.

Caught off guard, Ethan stumbled forward.

The moment their palms touched, his heart hammered wildly.

This was the first time she'd initiated contact.

The moment shattered when Victoria Langley's call came through.

"Oh no!" Evelyn gasped at the time. "Mom and the others have arrived!"

She bolted like a startled rabbit.

Watching her flustered retreat, Ethan chuckled low in his throat.

Second floor of Symphony Heights.

Lydia Montgomery stirred her coffee absently.

"Sophia," she whispered, "I heard the Lowells booked the penthouse for Evelyn's birthday."

Her eyes kept darting upward.

Sophia Lowell's grip tightened on her napkin.

"Maybe..." Lydia leaned closer, "we should take a peek first?"

Just how extravagant was the penthouse?

Her curiosity burned.

Sophia pressed her lips together.

A voice inside urged her—Go see. After all, it'll be yours someday.