Chapter 262

Ethan Caldwell's ears burned with embarrassment, though he'd never confess it aloud.

His fingers fidgeted as he avoided Evelyn Carter's piercing gaze. "Your blanket was slipping off," he muttered, voice strained. "I was just fixing it. Don't flatter yourself thinking I had other intentions."

Evelyn's brows arched in disbelief. "Fixing my blanket? Since when are we on those terms?" She crossed her arms, lips thinning. "Sneaking into my hospital room while I'm asleep? That's not just inappropriate—it's creepy, Ethan."

Before he could retort, the door swung open.

Ryan Fletcher leaned against the frame, phone raised triumphantly. "Oh, this is gold," he drawled, grinning. "Caught red-handed trying to make a move on Evelyn while she's unconscious. Pathetic, even for you."

The frosted glass door had betrayed him—every movement inside clear as day from the hallway.

Ethan's jaw clenched. "Delete that. Now."

Ryan smirked, tucking the phone into his pocket. "Not a chance. Why should I? Because the great Ethan Caldwell demands it?" He tilted his head mockingly. "Maybe I'll send it to Alexander. Bet he'd love to see how you treat his wife."

Evelyn's eyes flashed. "Ryan, don't—"

But Ethan was already lunging forward, fingers curling into fists.

The tension crackled like live wire.

Ethan Caldwell lunged for the phone, but Ryan Fletcher, who had been scrapping with him since they were kids, knew all his moves.

Their fights had always been deadlocked—neither could ever truly overpower the other.

Then, Ryan got an idea.

In one swift motion, he yanked off his belt, threaded it back through his jeans, and shoved the phone down the front of his pants without hesitation.

Evelyn Carter watched, utterly speechless. This is beyond ridiculous.

Ethan’s face flushed crimson with fury.

Ryan smirked, taunting, "Go on, try to take it now. I dare you."

He even rocked his hips slightly, as if egging Ethan on.

Ethan’s jaw clenched, his expression icy.

Ryan had always been shameless, and Ethan knew better than to escalate things further.

Still, frustration burned in his chest. He smacked Ryan upside the head.

Just as the two looked ready to throw down again, Evelyn’s voice cut through like frost.

"If you two want to brawl, take it outside."

The moment Ryan Fletcher stepped into the room, his sharp eyes caught the compromising scene.

"Aunt Evelyn, I came to see how you were feeling after hearing about your illness," he said, placing a tray of fresh fruits on the bedside table. His voice dripped with mock concern.

"Instead, I walk in on this."

His gaze flicked to Ethan Caldwell, who had been leaning far too close to Evelyn Carter.

Ryan smirked.

"And Ethan, if Uncle Alexander ever finds out about this little moment, he’d probably skin you alive."

Ethan’s jaw tightened. Of all people, it had to be Ryan who witnessed this.

Their rivalry was no secret.

Ryan wasn’t about to let this go.

"Ethan, seeing Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Alexander so happy together—does it sting?"

He tilted his head, feigning sympathy.

"Regretting your choices now? Wishing you hadn’t taken her for granted when she was yours?"

A pause.

"Or maybe you still think she should have been yours?"

Ryan’s grin widened.

"But what’s the point? She’s family now, Ethan. Your aunt."

He leaned in slightly, voice lowering.

"Unrequited love? Pathetic. And honestly? You’ve got no one to blame but yourself."

Every word was a calculated strike, aimed precisely where it would hurt most.

Ryan knew Ethan well.

And he loved watching him squirm.