Chapter 290

Alexander Langley's gaze lingered on Evelyn Laurent for a moment before flickering with resignation.

His foolish little sister was being played like a fiddle by Ethan Sullivan.

Long fingers tapped rhythmically against the armrest as he returned his attention to the financial newspaper.

Theodore Langley exhaled quietly, his dress shirt clinging to his damp back.

Even as the company CEO preparing to enter the professional league circuit, he still felt like a chastened child under his eldest brother's scrutiny.

Ethan finally allowed his tense shoulders to relax slightly.

Getting past the Langley estate's front gates meant he'd already won half the battle.

Sebastian Langley froze mid-step on the spiral staircase.

"What are you doing here?" His voice could have flash-frozen the Mediterranean as his eyes narrowed dangerously.

Ethan remained unflappable. "Evelyn invited me."

Sebastian's razor-sharp glare sliced between them before he snorted and took a seat opposite.

As the other Langley brothers descended, the living room's temperature plummeted.

Six pairs of eyes honed to dagger-points impaled Ethan where he sat.

If stares could kill, he'd be leaking from more holes than a colander.

Ethan serenely lifted his teacup, utterly unfazed by the palpable hostility.

"Why so quiet down here?" Victoria Langley's sleep-roughened voice floated from upstairs.

She descended rubbing her eyes, then arched an eyebrow at the unexpected guest. "Ethan?"

He rose immediately with perfect decorum. "Mr. and Mrs. Langley."

Theodore barely suppressed an eye roll.

Such a damn performance.

Richard Langley frowned. "To what do we owe this visit?"

"Father disowned me." Ethan's expression didn't flicker. "Evelyn took me in."

A glimmer of amusement flashed through Victoria's eyes before vanishing.

Richard studied him with new interest.

As if the Sullivan patriarch would ever cast out his only heir.

When his gaze shifted to his daughter, Evelyn threw up both hands. "I really did invite him!"

Her cheeks flushed scarlet, desperate to prevent any misunderstanding.

The atmosphere thickened like overcooked pudding.