Joanne let out a small, dismissive laugh. "It's ancient history and not important anyway."
Ethan looked dead serious. "But it matters to me. You've been ice-cold with me ever since that night. Joanne, if there's something on your mind, just say it. I'm not always the quickest to catch on—especially with relationship stuff."
She met his eyes with unshakable composure, waiting before replying with a light, humorless chuckle: "Don't lose sleep over it. I appreciate everything you've done, but this would never work between us."
She knew his feelings, and needed to sever this cleanly—like ripping off a bandaid.
"We barely know each other. How can you be so sure?" he refused to back down.
Faced with his stubbornness, Joanne dropped the bombshell question: "Has Mrs. Grey spoken to you again?
