Chapter 53

Ethan Sullivan stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows of his penthouse office, slender fingers swiping rapidly across his tablet. The Harvard University forum page refreshed continuously, each malicious post about Evelyn Laurent like a knife to his eyes.

His phone vibrated violently on the desk.

Messages flooded the group chat titled "Princess Evelyn Fan Club."

Alexander Langley: "List is ready. None of them are getting away."

Sebastian Langley: "@Ethan Sullivan Some fiancé you are. Didn’t even know Evelyn was being bullied?"

Julian Langley: "Cease-and-desist letters are drafted. They’ll be served by morning."

Nathaniel Langley: "Dissection lab could use fresh specimens."

Theodore Langley: "I’m heading to Harvard right now. Try and stop me!"

Ethan massaged his temples. The cringe-worthy group name could only be one person’s doing.

"Working on it," he replied tersely.

Harrison Whitmore had been the first to flag the forum scandal. Ethan immediately alerted the Langley family—the resulting roar through the phone nearly shattered his eardrum.

As night fell, Ethan changed into casual wear, pulling on a baseball cap and face mask. His black Mercedes glided discreetly onto Harvard’s campus.

He’d already contacted Professor Benjamin Klein. Evelyn had been holed up in the lab all week, completely unaware she’d become the university’s hottest gossip topic.

Knowing her temper, she’d probably hack the forum servers if she discovered the slander.

The corner of Ethan’s mouth lifted as he parked outside the science building.

Evelyn approached from the dormitory direction, backpack slung over one shoulder, ponytail swaying with each step.

"Evelyn."

She turned, studying him for two beats. "What?"

"Dinner. Your treat." He removed his sunglasses.

"Busy." She pivoted away.

Ethan caught up in three strides. "Your parents and Dominic are waiting."

Evelyn froze. "Dom’s back?"

It had been months since all six brothers left. Though gifts arrived daily, nothing compared to seeing them in person.

"Car’s here. I cleared it with Professor Klein."

Evelyn typed a quick confirmation text before reluctantly yanking the car door open.

The engine roared as the black sedan dissolved into the night.