Chapter 149
You're wearing the black shirt today.
Isabella Langley paused, her expression confused.
I know.
Ethan Roscente turned his face away.
They clearly weren't on the same wavelength.
A floral tie with a black shirt.
Only she would think of that combination.
He pushed her hand away.
If you can't do it properly, don't bother.
He turned and walked off without another word.
...
Late at night.
Ethan finished his work.
He slid into his car and lit a cigarette.
He sat in the hazy smoke, not starting the engine.
Only after stubbing out the cigarette did he finally drive away.
He didn't want to return to the Beverly Hills mansion.
The car drifted aimlessly.
He saw Victoria Roscente's call and hung up immediately.
Without realizing it, he found himself driving down that familiar alley.
Just as expected, he got yelled at again.
Think you're so great with your fancy car!
So many luxury cars in this alley lately.
There was a Porsche here just the other day.
...
Exactly eight o'clock.
Sophia Sullivan came downstairs to take out the trash.
Ethan watched her through the car window.
Her blue floral dress made her skin look snow-white.
Her long hair fell softly over her shoulders.
The flip-flops gave her a casual, carefree air.
He was about to get out of the car.
A figure blocked his path.
Alexander Laurent spoke calmly.
We meet again, Mr. Roscente.
Move.
Seeing Sophia about to go upstairs, Ethan's tone grew urgent.
Alexander didn't budge.
He watched her enter the building before turning back.
Do you have a habit of spying, Mr. Roscente?
None of your business—
Reporting unlawful activity is a civic duty.
...
Ethan suddenly let out a cold laugh.
Are you really doing this without any personal motive?
What does it matter if I have one or not?
Alexander met his gaze evenly.
What right do you have to a personal motive?
How long have I known her compared to you?
The length of time is irrelevant.
Some people never connect, even after a lifetime.
Others know with a single glance.
And you—
You had that glance, that eternity, and now you're strangers.
Every word was a precise, painful strike.
They pierced him, leaving him utterly exposed.
You think blocking me will get you anywhere with her?
Dream on.
The two things aren't necessarily connected.
I'm blocking you to keep her from being disturbed.
Sophia Sullivan doesn't belong to anyone.
She belongs only to herself.
Alexander turned to leave.
He tossed a final, light remark over his shoulder.
No wonder she broke up with you.
Ethan stood frozen on the spot.
The words hit their mark, sharp and deep.
A group of old men from the alley mouth charged toward him with sticks.
He had no choice but to drive away.
You free, Charlie?
Charlie Lowell answered immediately.
At the bar. Julian Winston's here too.
Send me the location.
The usual place. I'll be there in fifteen.
...
The bar music was deafening.
The private room door shut out the noise.
Ethan's here?
Julian Winston, arm around a curvy woman, greeted him.
Ethan sat down directly.
The woman tried to snuggle close, but he pushed her away.
Don't touch me.
The woman's smile froze as she looked at Julian.
If you're not satisfied, we can get another.
Not interested.
Julian raised an eyebrow.
You weren't like this before.
Shouldn't you be letting loose after splitting with Sophia?
Or is the pregnant one at home keeping you in line?
Ethan downed a glass of liquor.
He remained silent.
Julian called the woman back to his own side.
He held his own beauty and teased.
Why the long face when you're out having fun?
Who upset you?
No one.
Then give us a smile.
Get lost.
Julian laughed loudly.
When's your kid due?
I'm going to be an uncle.
You doing this on purpose?
Julian made a zipping motion over his mouth.
Charlie rolled his eyes.
Your schadenfreude is way too obvious.
Is it?
Julian played dumb.
Don't mind him, Ethan.
Charlie moved to pour more drinks.
Ethan covered his glass.
No need. One is enough.
Charlie was taken aback.
That's not like you.
Was I a heavy drinker before?
Of course.
Ethan thought of the past.
Every time he came home drunk, someone was always waiting.
Those worried eyes were something he'd never see again.
Ethan, your eyes are red.
The liquor's too strong.
Charlie looked puzzled.
But this brand is really smooth.
Julian smiled knowingly.
He pinched the woman beside him.
"Julian~"
The woman giggled and offered him a drink.
Feed me with this.
He tapped her lips.
Giggles filled the air.
Ethan grew increasingly irritable.
Even Charlie found it hard to watch.
Then his phone rang.
Hello? Sophia—