Chapter 32
“Mr. Cavankugh, long time no see Kylie took the initiative and raised her glass.
“Miss Stafford, your stomach isn’t well. Drink less,” Leopold said while accepting her offer, taking a sip
himself
Kylie also took a small sip. They were not very familiar, and their conversation remained brief.
Leopold looked toward Ethan, who was socializing, and said, “Ethan is a good guy”
It took Kylie a moment to react to why he said that. Leopold, being Jason’s adopted son, was well- acquainted with Ethan due to their connection with Jason. Almost everyone knew about it.
Kylie chose to stay silent, refraining from expressing any opinions about Ethan.
“It’s getting late. I should go.” Leopold gracefully set down his highball glass.
Jason had left long ago, leaving only Ethan engaged in socializing.
“Take care.” Kylie smiled politely.
Leopold nodded slightly, his lips curling upward into a faint smile. He exuded a sense of refinement, making him easily likable.
Leopold left the banquet hall, followed by Joel and Xavier, who cast lingering glances at Kylie before departing
Kylie chose to ignore their stares. Her mind focused on how much longer she needed to wait for Ethan. She feared she might end up getting drunk.
Suddenly, she saw Ethan walking toward the backyard. Kylie’s eyes flickered, but she didn’t follow.
In the backyard, Ethan grabbed Zola’s wrist. “Zola.”
Zola showed impatience on her face. “Let go,”
“Where were you the whole night?” Ethan asked.
“Why do you care?” Zola shook off Ethan’s hand.
“I’ve arranged for someone to take you home,” Ethan said.
“I don’t want to go home so early. I have plans to grab midnight snacks with friends later,” Zola retorted.
“It’s 11 o’clock. Who eats at this hour?” Ethan responded.
“Are you an old man? It’s only 11. Zola did not give in.
Chapter 32
“You have a shoot tomorrow.” Ethan tried to persuade her.
Til manage to get up.
“Derick,” Ethan called out.
“Yes” Derick respectfully approached Zola. “Ms. Yvette. I’ll take you home.”
Zola glared at Ethan, realizing resistance was futile. He could get her filming jobs at will before, and certainly, he could force her to go home now. With a burst of anger, she left,
Ethan then entered the banquet hall.
Meanwhile, Sergio emerged from a dark comer.
Feeling utterly embarrassed that night, he was reluctant to leave. However, he couldn’t endure the whispers and gossip around him either. He found solace in the backyard, intending to smoke. However, he unexpectedly witnessed Ethan and Zola together. No wonder Zola had abruptly replaced his sister’s role. He had never expected them to have some kind of secret relationship.
“So what does Kylie mean to Ethan?‘ he thought.
Sergio had a sinister grin as he scrolled through the ambiguous photos of Ethan and Zola on his phone.
Inside the hall, Ethan approached Kylie.
She was holding a glass of red wine and about to take a sip when Ethan swiftly took the glass from her. There was still a good portion of red wine left in the glass, and Ethan finished the remaining contents in one gulp.
“Sorry for keeping you waiting. Ethan said, nonchalantly placing the glass down.
Kylie was a bit stunned and asked, “Are you done with your business, Mr. Hayden?”
“Let’s go. I’ll take you home,” said Ethan.
Kylie stood up. As she did, her head swayed, and she felt dizzy.
Ethan quickly supported her. “Be Careful.”
“Thank you,” Kylie said, pushing away Ethan’s hand. She deliberately maintained a distance.
Ethan pursed his lips but ultimately let Kylie go.
Kylie walked ahead, and Ethan followed beside her. Their silhouettes looked perfect, captivating the entire hall. People couldn’t help but wonder if there was really something going on between them.
In the car, Kylie felt a bit disoriented, probably due to drinking too much. It had been a long time since she had consumed alcohol like that, especially after leaving Moore Group and breaking up with Sergio.
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Chapter 32
That night, however, emotions still surfaced. She thought she had fully understood, but amidst the numerous doubts, she realized she wasn’t as carefree as she believed.
Arriving at the destination. Ethan turned to see Kylie leaning against the car window, already asleep. Her cheeks were rosy, and she was breathing steadily.
Ethan got out and lifted Kylie in his arms.
Kylie furrowed her brows, feeling uncomfortable. However, due to her dizziness and lack of strength, she didn’t resist much.
“What’s the password?” Ethan stood at the door with Kylie in his arms, his deep voice filled with magnetism.
Kylie, perhaps enchanted or intoxicated, replied, “My birthday.
Before she could finish, a mechanical female voice from the door announced, “Unlocking.”
Ethan carried Kylie inside. Opening the shoe cabinet, he noticed two pairs of slippers neatly arranged inside. Ethan’s lips curled up as he picked up the men’s slippers and replaced his shoes. He quickly walked into Kylie’s home, cradling her directly into her bedroom.
Kylie squirmed as she was placed in the soft bed. She was wearing Ethan’s black suit jacket and a tight gown. Obviously, she was uncomfortable.
Ethan first removed her high heels. As he did, he saw her delicate ankle, red and bruised, even with a slight
Cut
Pursing his lips, Ethan got up to help Kylie take off the black suit jacket she was wearing. Staring at the tight gown, he hesitated for a long while and finally chose to give it up.
He then got a hot towel from the bathroom and began to remove Kylie’s makeup gently.
But the gentle actions eventually caused Kylie to open her eyes. Her bewildered gaze fixed on the man standing in front of her in close proximity.
A faint scent of sandalwood lingered in her breath, refusing to dissipate. Even with her blurred vision, she instantly recognized who he was.
“Are you awake?” Ethan’s voice was husky, somehow different from usual. But Kylie couldn’t tell what exactly was different.
“How did you know I was framed?” Kylie asked.
The unexpected question left Ethan momentarily stunned.
“The incident when I was 18,” Kylie murmured.
Only then did Ethan realize what she was referring to.
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here he could speak. Kylie continued, “I was genuinely Hamed, but no one believed the My father xwanted to kill me because 1 brought shame to the stadfantsuilly wide that he chuckled ironically,
With ades streames shown her face
ww
ed out she was indifferent. She had just been lift gg deeply that she essory chose to appear sing. Once that lavet of disguise was pierced, the blasted are benattached mercilessly.
hoy, Ethan apologized abruptly
only
Ch does it have to do with you?” Kylie smiled faintly elemne her eyes of dog hat ótily seemed to snsity the flow of weats.
This world, only you… stand by my side, Kylie murmured.
when she was dating Sergio, he would say that the past was in the past, and he could overlook it. But henever believed she was innocent back then.
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