Episode 12
648 Words
Melissa had known that returning to Los Angeles would inevitably lead to a run-in with Ethan, but she hadn't expected it to happen so quickly.
From the moment Ethan entered, Melissa could feel his gaze locked onto her. Though irritated, her expression remained cool and composed.
She kept reminding herself that it was all in the past. She had returned for work, and there was no reason to let irrelevant people affect her mood.
"Mr. Stone, please, have a seat!" Jordan enthusiastically welcomed Ethan.
Jordan wasn't oblivious to the situation. Since walking in, Ethan's eyes had been fixed on Melissa. Though curious about their relationship, judging by Melissa's complete disregard for Ethan, it likely wasn't a pleasant one.
Jordan had seen the news about Rachel and Ethan, and without knowing the details, he naturally arranged for Ethan to sit beside Rachel.
"Mr. Stone, Ms. Walker is here as well. Why don't you sit together?" Jordan considered himself thoughtful and understanding.
Ethan stared at Melissa across the table as she kept her head down, calmly eating her food. Seeing her completely unfazed only fueled his anger, though he responded with a simple, "Fine."
Jordan silently sighed with relief as he personally pulled out Ethan's chair.
Ethan sat down next to Rachel, his face cold, eyes still locked on Melissa.
Rachel, delighted that Ethan hadn't refused to sit beside her, turned to look at him with undisguised adoration in her eyes.
Melissa happened to glance up and witness this scene, instantly losing her appetite from disgust.
She set down her chopsticks, her lips curling into a slight smirk that lasted only a second before she turned to Jordan.
"Jordan, I need to deal with my jet lag. I'll head out now."
Her voice was neither loud nor soft, cool and composed.
Jordan understood her well—the little queen was accustomed to doing as she pleased. Her mere presence at tonight's dinner was already a great honor, and he certainly couldn't demand more.
"Alright, get some rest. If you need anything at all—accommodations, food—just call me. I wouldn't dare neglect you."
"That won't be necessary. You focus on your business," Melissa replied, raising her juice glass and standing up. She looked around the table, her gaze steady and direct, not lingering for even a moment when it passed over Ethan and Rachel.
"Everyone, here's to our future cooperation. Enjoy your evening—I'll be taking my leave."
With that, she drained her glass in one go.
Though her movements were casual and her voice sweet, she radiated a powerful presence impossible to ignore.
Except for Rachel and the stone-faced Ethan, everyone else followed Jordan's lead, raising their glasses and standing to bid Melissa farewell with smiles.
Melissa set down her glass, grabbed her bag, and walked out of the private room.
Jessica bowed goodbye to Jordan and the others before hurrying after Melissa.
As the door closed, everyone sat back down.
Ethan suddenly stood up.
Jordan turned back, noticing his dark expression and the way his eyes were fixed on the door.
He quickly rose as well. "Mr. Stone, is everything okay?"
Ethan ignored him, taking long strides toward the exit.
"Sorry, Jordan. Our Mr. Stone has an urgent matter to attend to," Brandon quickly nodded to Jordan before turning to follow Ethan.
Rachel sat stunned, staring at the door as it opened and closed. Darkness gathered in her eyes.
Judging from Ethan's reaction, it seemed even he had been kept in the dark about Melissa's identity as Yi Chong.
What was really going on?
Rachel grew increasingly uneasy as she pondered.
She couldn't just sit back and do nothing. Ethan was hers—he had been in the past and would be in the future!
Rachel stared at the wine glass in her hand, a shadow of darkness gradually revealing itself in her beautiful eyes...
- Writer
