"Hold it."
A tidal wave of rage swallowed Ethan's reason the moment he heard those words about not being qualified to judge. The loss of control hit him like a physical blow.
He had grown used to Vesper's devotion, to her family's deference. The idea that things could change, that she would dare walk away, never crossed his mind.
Yet here she was, leaving. No slammed doors, no screaming matches. Just cold, quiet rejection. And that cut deeper than any outburst ever could.
"So your urgent business involves trotting out some man to provoke me?" Ethan's lip curled. "When did you stoop this low, Vesper? Using some nobody as your pawn?"
The words flew like poisoned darts. He needed to see her flinch, needed that proof she still cared.
Paige shook with rage. "You're disgusting. Conrad outs
