Chapter 110

The second dancer, exuding a far more commanding presence, scowled when Evelyn rejected him.

Before the tension could escalate, Claire smoothly intervened. "No problem, stay right here. Let me get a feel of those muscles."

Evelyn had to look away, the scene becoming a little too intense for her comfort.

Then, out of nowhere, she sensed a pair of eyes burning into her from across the room. Instinctively, she turned—but saw no one.

The dancer poured drinks for Claire and, almost as an afterthought, slid one toward Evelyn as well.

As he lifted the glass to Claire’s lips, Evelyn leaned in, voice low. "Claire, don’t overdo it."

Her fingers brushed discreetly against Claire’s stomach, a silent reminder of the pregnancy she shouldn’t risk.

A short distance away, Ethan’s jaw tightened.

He had spotted Evelyn the second she walked in. She had deliberately chosen the most visible spot in Eclipse Lounge, sitting with perfect posture, as if challenging him to ignore her.

The air between them crackled with unspoken tension.

Evelyn sipped her drink, feigning indifference, but her fingers tapped restlessly against the glass.

Claire, oblivious to the undercurrents, laughed as the dancer whispered something in her ear.

Ethan’s grip on his own glass tightened.

He had told himself he wouldn’t interfere. That she could do whatever she wanted.

But seeing her here, surrounded by strangers, with that reckless glint in her eyes—

No.

He wouldn’t allow it.

Not like this.

Not when he knew exactly what she was trying to prove.

His chair scraped back as he stood.

Evelyn’s breath hitched.

She didn’t turn.

But she knew.

He was coming.

Ethan's mouth twisted into a mocking smirk.

Evelyn's recent public declaration of love for Alexander had sent shockwaves through their social circle, and as her former fiancé, Ethan couldn't escape the humiliation.

The whispers were everywhere—people assumed Evelyn had acted out of spite, that she had shamelessly thrown herself at Alexander just to wound Ethan's pride.

In Ethan's mind, it was nothing but a classic case of love turned to bitter resentment.

"Is Evelyn really here, in this exact place, because she knew my bachelor party would be tonight? Is this some pathetic attempt to get my attention?"

"Has she finally cracked?"

His gaze darkened as he watched Evelyn flirt shamelessly with the club's lead dancer, who was eyeing her with unmistakable hunger, his hands drifting dangerously close to her waist.

"She wants a reaction? Fine. But this is crossing a line."

A surge of irritation prickled under his skin. He couldn't just sit there and watch this spectacle.

Trevor, who had been thoroughly distracted by the bunny girl in his lap, barely registered Ethan standing abruptly, drink in hand, until he was already halfway across the room.

"Ethan! Where the hell are you going?"

The Eclipse Lounge was packed with Cresthaven's elite tonight.

Several guests had already noticed Ethan Caldwell standing before Evelyn Carter.

Perhaps it was the weight of their collective stares or the rising whispers that finally caught Lucas Bennett's attention.

His gaze followed the crowd's focus, then his eyes darkened dangerously.

"Bloody hell! What's she doing now?"

Claire Dawson sat sandwiched between two male dancers, her hands shamelessly exploring their sculpted torsos.

A violent wave of possessiveness crashed through Lucas.

Yet most eyes remained fixed on Evelyn and Ethan. Their explosive history had become public spectacle, and everyone craved the next act. Few noticed Claire's scandalous behavior.

Lucas instinctively checked Alexander Whitmore's seat—empty.

Then he remembered. Alexander had excused himself to the restroom fifteen minutes ago. He'd be oblivious to this unfolding disaster.

Lucas fired off a frantic text before storming toward Claire with lethal intent.

At the lounge's center, Ethan glowered at Evelyn, his displeasure radiating like heat waves.

The moment Evelyn lifted her gaze, she found herself staring directly into Ethan's stormy eyes.

"Evelyn! You're here with some club dancer?" His voice dripped with disbelief.

Evelyn hadn't anticipated running into Ethan at the Eclipse Lounge, but she refused to let it rattle her. "What business is it of yours?"

The dancers had been Claire's idea, but she wasn't above using them to her advantage.

Ethan's jaw clenched, his expression darkening with barely restrained fury.

Before she could react, his hand shot out, gripping her wrist and yanking her away from the dancer. "I won't allow this!"

Evelyn stumbled, her balance faltering as she nearly collided with his chest.

She caught herself at the last second, wrenching her arm back. "Ethan, you're crossing a line. What I do is none of your concern! Have you lost your mind?"

Her words were sharp, but he didn’t release her.

Frustration boiled over. Without hesitation, Evelyn raised her hand and struck him—hard.

The sharp crack of the slap echoed through the lounge.

Ethan's head snapped to the side, but when his gaze returned to hers, the fire in his eyes only burned hotter.

Evelyn didn’t wait for his reaction. She turned on her heel and strode away, her pulse roaring in her ears.

She wouldn’t let him control her—not again.

Not ever.