Chapter 265

Ethan Sullivan secretly exhaled in relief at Lillian Rothschild's words.

Evelyn Laurent's earlier defense had clearly been protecting him.

The Langley family's expressions softened slightly.

Ethan quickly moved to Evelyn's side, addressing Victoria Langley and the others with quiet resignation. "My devotion to Evelyn is absolute."

His tone carried unmistakable sincerity.

He hadn't caught Sophia Lowell's final whisper to Evelyn—deliberately meant for her ears alone.

Evelyn's brow furrowed as she studied Ethan pensively.

Sophia claimed Ethan's heart belonged to her?

How could that be?

Ethan was the sole heir of Vincent Sullivan, former patriarch of the Sullivan dynasty in the capital.

She'd grown up in a coastal city before being sent to the countryside.

Their paths had never crossed.

Though Lillian dismissed Sophia's words as lies, they burned into Evelyn's mind like a brand.

Impossible to ignore.

Still, she quickly composed herself.

She'd find a chance to question Ethan privately.

Her contemplative gaze made Ethan tense.

But she soon looked away.

News of Sophia's expulsion exploded across Harvard's campus forums, becoming prime gossip material.

Evelyn's true identity as the seventh Langley heiress also dominated conversations.

Everyone marveled at Victoria and Richard Langley's exceptional genes.

Their six sons were extraordinary, and Evelyn's talents spoke for themselves.

Admitted to Harvard without standardized testing.

A showstopping dance performance at the Centennial Gala.

Coupled with her striking beauty, she was unanimously crowned campus queen—an idol to countless admirers.

The awards ceremony resumed after the Sophia incident, proceeding without further disruption.

Afterward, Evelyn waved goodbye to Lillian and left with her parents and brothers.

Ethan followed silently.

He felt compelled to explain today's events.

Otherwise...

Unease gnawed at him.

Seated in the passenger seat, Ethan kept his eyes locked on the Langley's car ahead.

Upon arriving at Beverly Hills, he was intercepted by Alexander Langley the moment he stepped out.

Alexander's piercing gaze radiated icy authority. "It's late. We won't entertain guests now."

His controlled tone barely masked the storm beneath.

Ethan's stomach dropped.

Victoria glanced back at him hesitantly before guiding Evelyn inside.

Ethan pressed his lips together. "I wanted—"

"Mr. Sullivan."

Alexander cut him off sharply.

His commanding presence rivaled Ethan's own.

"Leave." The quiet command brooked no argument.