Chapter 2

I waved my hand at the girls, gesturing for them to leave.

Chris immediately jumped up, shouting in frustration:

"Bro, what the hell are you doing?! That woman is already parading Brandon Pierce around town in broad daylight, and you're still staying loyal to her? Is it really worth it?

"For four damn years, you worked multiple jobs, broke your back, and endured hell for her! If she actually gave a damn, she wouldn't have thrown you away like garbage the second she got her crown back! Wake up, man!"

Seeing his face flushed red with indignation, I reached out and took the glass from his hand. "Alright, that's enough. You're drunk."

I knew Chris was furious on my behalf because he thought it was unfair.

But I had no desire to drown myself in the indignity of the past.

Now, I just wanted to focus on moving forward with my own life.

Turning to Chris, I said, "When I head back to the office next week, I'm going to accept my manager's offer. I'm transferring to our Chicago branch as a sales supervisor. Tonight's drinks should be on me."

Chris instantly sobered up, looking at me in disbelief. "Are you serious?"

I gave him a firm nod.

While we were talking, a server approached our table carrying a tray of expensive drinks, saying they were compliments from Mr. Pierce and Miss Sullivan.

I glanced over at the familiar pair at a nearby booth. They were practically glued together, sipping their cocktails from linked arms.

I set my glass down, grabbed Chris by the arm, and prepared to close the tab and head home.

Brandon’s sharp eyes caught us, and he called out loudly, "Ethan, the night is still young. Why don't you join our table for a drink?"

My gaze fell on Brandon’s lips. The lower one looked bitten, with a tiny trace of crimson blood seeping out. Under the dim, hazy lounge lights, his smirk looked deliberately provocative.

To be fair, Brandon had striking looks and immense wealth. If I had been Mary, perhaps I would have chosen him without hesitation as well.

Already irritated, Chris snapped instantly. "Well, look who’s talking so loud! If it isn't the side piece strutting around like he owns the place. The world really is something—shameless people everywhere you look!"

A flash of annoyance crossed Mary's face. She glared at me, her voice icy and sharp.

"Ethan Vance, keep your dog on a leash! Who gave you two the right to slander my man? If you don't apologize properly to Brandon tonight, I will strip every single job I gave to your pathetic relatives! Don't forget that agreement you signed is still sitting in my safe!"

I let out a weary sigh and reluctantly stepped forward.

Brandon feigned a wronged expression, softly placating her: "Mary, don't be angry. They probably followed us to the club just hoping to see us make fools of ourselves. Ethan never liked me anyway. If he doesn't want to apologize, just let it go."

Chris nearly blew a gasket. "Follow you?! You two deserve each other, don't you dare twist the truth! If Ethan weren't holding onto four years of memories, he wouldn't take a single second of your crap!"

Mary furrowed her brow, her face darkening with rage as she stared through me. "Ethan Vance! Apologize. Now!!"

That grim expression struck a strange chord of déjà vu in my chest.

Back when Mary and I had just gotten married, Autumn had brought thugs to threaten us, telling us never to return to the family estate. When Autumn mocked Mary repeatedly, calling her a raving lunatic, I couldn't hold back and fought her men head-on.

Back then, Mary had charged forward just like this, stubbornly throwing her small frame in front of me to protect me.

Now, everything had flipped.

Looking into her venomous eyes, I couldn't help but wonder: was that fierce protection back then just an act, too?

I lowered my eyes and said calmly, "I'm sorry."

Satisfied, Brandon took Mary’s hand, a triumphant smirk playing on his lips.

"I knew your heart was only with me, Mary. After all, you're the Sullivan heiress. Not just any random loser can catch your eye."

The club was drowning in intoxicating beats and flashing lights.

A wave of fatigue and alcohol hit me, and all I wanted was to get out of there.

Pinching the bridge of my nose, I said, "I've apologized. I sincerely wish the two of you the best. Moving forward, I will never show up in front of you again. May I leave now?"

Hearing this, Mary's eyes flickered slightly.

She stared at me in silence, as if I had just uttered something completely unforgivable.

Not wanting any more confrontation, I kept my mouth shut.