Chapter 288

Ethan sat with his head lowered, long fingers absently tracing the steering wheel.

Streetlight shadows fell across his lashes, casting his entire figure in unspoken melancholy.

Theodore frowned.

Why did this bastard look like an abandoned golden retriever?

"Evelyn!" Theodore rushed to the car in three strides, yanking the door open. "Why are you with this scumbag? Did he trick you?"

His sharp gaze darted between them before settling on Ethan with open hostility.

"We've called off the engagement, Mr. Sullivan." Theodore's jaw clenched. "Stay away from my sister."

Ethan slowly lifted his head.

"I just didn't want her to be cold." His voice was barely audible. "The car has heating."

Theodore scoffed. "Then why not take her home?"

"The Lowells won't let me through the gates." A bitter smile touched Ethan's lips. "My father barred me from returning too."

Theodore arched an eyebrow. "Vincent kicked you out?"

"Yes." Ethan nodded. "He said I deserved it for losing his daughter-in-law."

Theodore's mouth twitched.

Was this bastard playing the victim card?

"You own other properties."

"Transferred them all to Evelyn." Ethan's expression remained neutral.

Theodore momentarily lost his words.

He shielded Evelyn behind him like a bristling cat. "Stay away from my sister!"

Warmth flooded Evelyn's chest at her brother's protective stance.

She gently tugged Theodore's sleeve. "Sixth Brother, he didn't hurt me."

"You're defending him?" Theodore's eyes widened. "He's the bastard who broke your engagement for another woman!"

Evelyn bit her lip. "Actually... I was the one he'd been waiting for."

"What?!" Theodore whirled around. "Ethan was looking for you?"

His furious gaze swung between them before exploding. "Ethan Sullivan! Why didn't you say so? We could've found Evelyn sooner!"

Ethan's fingers tightened imperceptibly.

He lowered his lashes, voice rough. "I feared... it would endanger her."

The streetlight painted fractured shadows across his profile, isolating him in the glow.