Chapter 278

Evelyn Laurent felt the scorching gaze on her. Her fingers curled slightly as she hid the agreement behind her back.

She'd been caught.

Now the entire family would share her humiliation.

Vincent Sullivan's smile froze when his eyes landed on the document.

He whipped his head toward Ethan Sullivan, his glare murderous.

"Ethan Sullivan!"

The coffee table shook as Vincent slammed his palm down. His voice was laced with ice. "You've got nerve. Signing this kind of agreement with Evelyn?"

"If you don't like her, say it outright. Why play these games?"

Ethan kept his eyes lowered, silent.

He knew he was in the wrong.

Vincent's rage boiled over. He grabbed the feather duster beside the table and swung it at Ethan. "I'll beat some sense into you today, you ungrateful brat!"

"Uncle Vincent!"

A slender figure suddenly stepped between them.

Evelyn gripped the feather duster with white-knuckled force.

"I signed the agreement willingly," she said, lifting her chin defiantly. "If you're going to hit him, hit me too."

A flicker of amusement crossed Vincent's eyes, though his expression remained stormy. "Step aside, Evelyn. This boy needs to be taught a lesson!"

He yanked the duster back.

It didn't budge.

He pulled harder.

Still immovable.

Vincent stared.

Since when did this girl have such a grip?

"I was the one who proposed the engagement," Evelyn said softly but clearly. "Neither of us wants a relationship built on obligation."

She felt Ethan's gaze burning into her back.

Her heart twisted.

"So..." She took a deep breath. "Please grant us your blessing to end the engagement."

It was the first time she'd spoken so much in front of an elder.

Her fingertips trembled.

Yet she felt an inexplicable sense of release.

"Uncle Vincent," Alexander Langley interjected coldly, "forced affection never lasts."

He stood, his imposing frame casting a shadow.

"Since Ethan's heart belongs to another, don't waste my sister's time."

This wasn't a request.

It was a declaration.