"Do you want to get back at her?"

The words tumbled out of Riley’s mouth before she could stop them. Evenshewas surprised by the sharpness in her tone, the unspoken desperation beneath it.

Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair before shaking his head. "Of course not."

"Then why are you looking at her like youdo?" Riley snapped, eyes narrowing.

Ethan exhaled sharply, his patience wearing thin. "Will youstop it, Riley?" His voice dropped, low and cutting. "This isnotthe time for your jealousy."

And then he walked away.

Riley stood there, frozen, her breath catching in her throat.

Ethan hadneverspoken to her like that before. Not once. The coldness in his voice, the irritation behind his words—it was a slap to the face.

Her nails dug into her palm as she watched him disappear into the crowd.

Was itbecauseof Celeste? He only acted like that when the woman came.

Was shelosinghim too?

The thought sent a chill down her spine.

Ethan downed his drink, his mind clouded with frustration.

Riley had been prying too much lately.

She questioned him constantly—who he was with, who he talked to, andGod forbidthere was a woman in his business dealings, because she wouldalwaysconfront him about it.

"Is she one of your girlfriends?"

"How long have you been seeing her?"

"Are you serious about her?"

At first, he didn’t mind. A little jealousy could be flattering. But lately, it felt like she wasmonitoringhim, as if she had some claim over his life that she had never earned.

And the worst part?

It made him think ofCeleste.

Celeste hadneverpried into his personal affairs. She had known what she was to him—hisconvenience, his escape. She never demanded exclusivity, never made a scene about other women. As long as he gave hersomeattention, she stayed in her place.

The only time she ever snapped was when he forgot their dates, when he failed to keep his promises. That was theonlything she asked of him—to honor the moments they had together.

But she hadneverquestioned his choices.

She had never acted like sheownedhim.

And now . . . now she was sitting at her table, the same woman yet someone entirely new.

She looked untouchable.

Gone was the girl who once clung to him, desperate for the affection he carelessly threw her way. In her place was a woman who exuded effortless confidence, who commanded attention without asking for it.

And Ethan hated how many men werelookingat her. Wanting her.

Because for the first time, he realized—he hadlet goof something important. Something that, maybe, he would never get back.

Before he even processed his own actions, his feet moved on their own. One moment, he was standing with a drink in hand. The next, he was standing beforeher.

And Celeste . . .

She looked up at him with those sharp, knowing eyes, not a hint of surprise in them.

"Mr. Carter," she greeted smoothly, a small, polite smile gracing her lips. "Do you need something?"

And that was when Ethan realized—he had beenmesmerizedby her.

And maybe, just maybe . . .

Sheknew it.

Ethan cleared his throat, forcing nonchalance into his voice. "Nothing much. Just wondering why you’re alone. Where’s that arrogant prick, Alexander? Did he finally get rid of you after you ran him dry?"

Celeste let out a soft, amused chuckle. "Actually, no. He’ll be here soon," she said smoothly, swirling the champagne in her glass. "And for your information, Mr. Carter, Alexander has more than enough wealth. So you don’t need to worry about us."

Ethan scoffed. "Wealth?" He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Do you really believe that? You have no idea where he gets his money, do you?"

Celeste resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Oh, please, Mr. Carter. Let’s not pretend that everyone in this world hasn’t dabbled incertaindealings to build their fortune—including you." She smirked, tilting her head. "So what gives you the right to call anyone out?"

Ethan’s jaw clenched, his irritation flaring. "You’redefendinghim now? How much is Alexander paying you? Did he gave you a condo and a car or something?"

"That’s right," came a deep, unmistakable voice from behind them.

The entire room fell silent.

All heads turned toward the entrance, and an audible gasp rippled through the guests asAlexander Valemade his entrance.

He was a vision of power and menace, dressed in an all-white suit that only served to amplify his cold, lethal presence. His platinum-white hair gleamed under the golden chandeliers, his sharp, golden eyes locking onto Ethan with quiet amusement. He grinned, the kind of smirk that sent shivers down spines—the smirk of a man who knew he was untouchable.

Of course, he had heard everything.

And his chest warmed at the way Celeste had fiercely defended him. But there was also possessiveness and jealousy in his heart at the sight of Ethan so near her.

He strode forward leisurely, hands in his pockets, exuding effortless dominance as he stopped beside Celeste. Then, his gaze settled on Ethan, amusement flickering in his eyes.

"And I think it’snoneof your business how I spend my money on my woman, Mr. Carter," Alexander said smoothly, his voice velvety yet carrying an undeniable edge.

Ethan didn’t back down. Their eyes locked in a silent war, tension thick between them.

"You’re not afraid she’ll drain you?" Ethan sneered. "If I were you, I’d be careful. You might not realize when she’s already sucked you dry."

Alexander let out a low, amused chuckle. "Drainingme dry? Don’t lump me in with you." He leaned in slightly, his grin widening. "With a woman like Celeste? Every penny I spend on her isworth it." His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "And you don’t need to concern yourself with my money, Carter. You and I both know—I willneverrun out of it."

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com