Chapter 469

Isabella Valentine sat in the backseat, watching the couple in front with a sour expression.

She'd grown accustomed to being the third wheel over the past three years.

Evelyn Laurent shot Ethan Sullivan a glare. "Try skipping another board meeting."

Ethan chuckled, his fingers tapping the steering wheel.

Last month, he'd postponed a crucial meeting to pick her up from campus. Harrison Whitmore had stormed into the university in protest, threatening to resign if it happened again.

The CEO's personal assistant shouldn't have to keep fabricating excuses for delayed meetings.

One word from Evelyn had sent Ethan rushing back to the conference room.

The black Maybach glided to a stop outside the airport terminal.

Ethan circled to the passenger side, opening Evelyn's door. His fingers brushed her palm, drawing a faint blush to her ears.

A figure in stilettos came barreling down the VIP corridor.

"Evelyn! Isabella!"

Bianca Fairchild whipped off her aviators, her silver carry-on gleaming in the sunlight. She threw her arms open but froze half a step from Evelyn.

Ethan's icy stare sent shivers down her spine.

"You've changed," Ethan remarked, taking in the radiant woman who bore no resemblance to the timid girl from his memories.

Isabella linked arms with Bianca. "You're staying this time, right?"

"Of course." Bianca's red lips curved. "I've worked at every top research institute abroad. Time to serve my country." She winked. "And become the Valentine heiress's personal assistant."

As the group moved toward the exit, a shadow darted across the revolving doors.

"Bianca!"

Xander Quincy stood disheveled in the middle of the corridor, his suit wrinkled. He reached for Bianca's luggage, but she sidestepped smoothly.

The airport PA system announced flight delays.

Bianca stared at the man she hadn't seen in three years, her nails digging into her palms. The scar on his temple was from the car crash.

"Move." Her voice was glacial.

Xander pressed forward as if deaf. "I searched for you everywhere. Where did you go? Are you leaving again?"

His gaze flickered over the trio behind Bianca, flinching when it landed on Ethan.