Chapter 12: Confrontations and Unspoken Desires

Chapter 12: Confrontations and Unspoken Desires

Ethan pulled someone away from Emily, releasing them and positioning himself between her and the intruder.

Eric looked at the newcomer, clearly taken aback. "Chairman Harrison."

Ethan tightened his lips, his tall frame casting a sharp shadow over the room. With his commanding presence, anyone standing before him seemed diminished.

"It seems your father's second-round financing went smoothly," Ethan said in a calm voice. "Otherwise, President Eric, you wouldn't be so at ease today."

Eric quickly nodded in agreement. "It's all thanks to Chairman Harrison's support. Before coming here, my father even mentioned the contract with Creston Media…"

"If Eric is this relaxed, I have my doubts about our partner," Ethan's tone was cold. "Perhaps Creston Media should reconsider its collaboration with Chendong."

Eric's smile faded completely. He hastily made his excuses, saying, "Chairman Harrison, you two carry on." As he left, his gaze lingered on Ethan and Emily, a mix of emotions in his eyes.

Ethan turned back to Emily, who read his expression like an open book:

I, taking advantage: )

"Why are you here?" Emily asked him.

Ethan didn't answer immediately. He looked at her for a few seconds, his gaze traveling over her smooth, swan-like neck, which was impeccably concealed.

His eyes followed her elegant curves down to the fringed hem of her dress.

He had thought he didn't care about her appearance—after all, a vase, no matter how beautiful, is still just for show.

But he was wrong.

She wasn't just a vase; she was a flourishing flower, vibrant and captivating.

And she certainly drew attention, inviting admiration.

Ethan's eyes then fell on the wedding ring on her hand, a silent smirk forming.

So that's what the ring was for.

Emily followed his gaze and realized he had heard their earlier conversation.

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Emily, is that how your husband is used?"

"And what if it is?" Emily retorted sharply, her red lips curling into a hint of sarcasm.

"Do you think you're still of any use?"

Ethan's tone was low and teasing.

"Do you really not know your own worth?" he said with a smirk. "You've certainly made use of it before."

Emily stared at him, her cheeks flushing slightly.

Was Ethan abandoning his "cool and aloof" persona? Not only was he being increasingly flirtatious, but he also showed no regard for the presence of others, his flirtation unabashed.

Emily began to feel that familiar, flirtatious sensation again...

Had he been like this before?

Ethan met her eyes, which were a mix of embarrassment and irritation, and his lips curled slightly.

Seemingly casually, he adjusted his bow tie, his fingers brushing the mark on his throat, as if to remind her—

That was proof of her "use": )

Emily: "…"

The man moved to her side and nodded towards the red carpet. "Shall we go together?"

Emily lifted her gaze to him, a touch of pride in her expression, and turned away with a dismissive snort.

Her slender, upright figure, trailing the fringed mermaid gown, resembled a proud white peacock.

Ethan watched the two enticing shoulder blades peeking from behind her gown, his eyes narrowing.

Emily had attended many such events before and had often insisted he accompany her on the red carpet. He had always refused.

Now, when he took the initiative, she was being so haughty?

Just as he was contemplating this, Emily suddenly turned back.

Ethan's brow twitched.

Had she changed her mind?

"Oh, by the way," Emily asked, "Has the divorce agreement been finalized?"

Ethan's dark eyes dimmed. He turned his head, his voice cold. "Not yet."

"Why is it taking so long? It's been ages." Emily pouted in dissatisfaction. "Hurry up, the sooner it's done, the better!"

With that, she walked away with a graceful stride.

Ethan remained where he stood, his frown deepening.

She seemed genuinely eager to get the divorce.

**

Once Emily entered the venue, she immediately drew attention from cameras and onlookers. Her striking appearance and recent prominence attracted many eager to network with her. Among them were men with intentions similar to Eric's, but Emily's discreet display of her ring made their intentions clear.

After dealing with these individuals, Emily felt somewhat disinterested. She scanned the room and, not seeing Jessica, spotted a familiar face nearby.

Olivia, having just taken a glass of red wine, was momentarily distracted, causing her to nearly drop it. Emily quickly grabbed the glass and took a sip.

Olivia pouted. "What are you doing?"

Emily didn't speak, elegantly sipping the wine with a touch of grace in her movements, from her frown to her hand holding the glass, all showcasing high society sophistication.

Olivia assessed Emily's attire with envy. The high-end dress, limited edition shoes, and an exclusive new handbag were all beyond her reach.

Not to mention those lavish yellow diamond earrings.

Emily set down the glass and lightly commented, "That dress looks nice today."

Olivia's eyes brightened. "Really? You think so?"

Despite her envy and jealousy, Olivia had to admit Emily's taste and aesthetics were top-notch.

Emily's praise was sincere. Olivia's current look, with its vibrant and seductive flair, was a far cry from her previous attempts at a demure image.

Olivia, pleased with Emily's compliment, couldn't help but smile, feeling like a student praised by a teacher.

But as she basked in her newfound confidence, Emily teased her. "If you'd dressed like this at the Paris gala, you wouldn't have been turned away by security."

Olivia's smile froze instantly.

"Why must you always throw in a jab?" she snapped.

She grabbed the wine glass Emily had given her and stormed off in a huff.

Emily watched her leave, finding her tantrum somewhat endearing.

With her only acquaintance gone, Emily felt bored. She chose a table at the back and settled in.

Not long after, someone sat beside her.

"Alisa, sister."

Emily looked up, her heart skipping a beat.

Ryan was sitting next to her, smiling warmly.

He wore a pinstripe suit with color-block elements, refined and elegant. His hair was slicked back, revealing his striking features even more.

Ryan rarely sported this hairstyle, but it suited him perfectly. With his forehead exposed, his strong brow and well-defined nose looked even more impressive.

Emily had to steady herself, trying to keep her composure as she faced the handsome idol sitting next to her.

Ryan noticed Emily's slight gesture of holding her chest and smiled even more.

"You look beautiful today."

Emily felt overwhelmed, struggling to maintain her composure.

"Thank you."

Their conversation was lively, and Ryan seemed much more open than before. Emily even began to question her previous impressions of him. Ryan was engaging and sociable, guiding their conversation with ease.

As they talked about photography, Ryan expressed his admiration for the cover Emily had shot. His praise was genuine and sincere.

Flattered by the idol's compliments, Emily felt a bit elated.

"People say Alisa captures the models' true selves in her photos. So—"

Ryan's smile grew as he asked, "Is that how you see me, as in the cover?"

Emily's lashes fluttered in surprise.

The cover did indeed capture Ryan's essence—his youthful vigor, combined with a compelling, charismatic allure.

But could she admit this to him directly?

Of course not!

That would be like saying, "Yes, I've been fantasizing about you!"

She had to maintain her dignity.

Seeing Emily's hesitation, Ryan's eyes narrowed, and his smile deepened.

"You're quite perceptive."

Emily: "!"

She met his playful eyes, noting a hint of flirtation she hadn't seen before.

Was he flirting with her?!

**

Ethan leaned casually in a corner, hidden from the cameras' view. Despite his low profile, his presence was undeniable.

Tonight, he was dressed in a smoke-gray custom suit, exuding an aura of wealth and sophistication, making him stand out just as much as any actor or young star.

His presence was distinct from the entertainment industry's. Standing there impassively, he was an imposing figure.

Many women, driven by his wealth or looks, hovered around. However, typical scenarios like "accidentally spilling a drink" or "tripping into his arms" didn't happen with Ethan.

Whenever a woman approached with ulterior motives, she was politely escorted away by Jason before getting too close.