Chapter 160
Chapter 160:
“Therefore,” Ethan added, his tone turning playful, “what’s your strategy for expressing gratitude p>
Noelle delivered a calculating sideways look. “Perhaps I could work those tense shoulders, knead your tired legs, and provide premium coffee service. Does that arrangement satisfy you p>
“Absolutely not p>
“Then specify your demands p>
Ethan suddenly reached out, capturing her hand in his grasp. His thumb, roughened by faint calluses, traced delicate patterns against her wrist. He released a low chuckle, his voice rich and magnetic. “Perhaps you could settle your debt by surrendering yourself to me completely p>
Noelle’s entire body went still. Her eyelashes trembled like butterfly wings caught in a sudden wind. After several heartbeats, she jerked her hand free. “How about I deliver a thorough thrashing instead p>
Ethan blinked at her response. True to her word, Noelle administered several light blows—harmless, of course. He glanced at the spots where her fists had landed, then abruptly seized her wrist again. His gaze locked onto hers with overwhelming intensity and enigmatic depth. The air between them crackled.
Noelle forced a swallow past her suddenly dry throat. “Um, actually… I need to share something important with you p>
𝘍𝗈𝗅l𝗈𝗐 us on.сom
Ethan’s eyebrows rose with curiosity. “Oh? Something important p>
Noelle deliberately avoided his penetrating stare, lifting her glass for a steadying sip. Once composed, she said, “I ran into someone today—Monroe Deleon. Does that name ring a bell p>
At the name, Ethan’s expression darkened dangerously. Monroe.
Of course he remembered. Years ago, Noelle had been desperate to dissolve their arranged marriage because she’d developed feelings for a high school classmate—Monroe. It had been the first time Ethan tasted the bitterness of jealousy.
“You crossed paths with Monroe. What followed?” His gaze sharpened, dissecting her with surgical precision.
“What followed p>
Noelle contemplated briefly before responding with complete honesty. “We engaged in casual conversation and traded contact information. Nothing beyond that occurred p>
Traded contact information… Ethan’s attention shifted toward her phone, his expression becoming completely unreadable.
As if oblivious to the tempest gathering in his thoughts, Noelle released a wistful sigh. “It’s remarkable how dramatically people transform with maturity. Monroe has become significantly more attractive since our school years p>
Before she could finish, Ethan reached forward and firmly gripped her chin, cutting her off mid-sentence.
Noelle’s entire body went rigid. “What are you doing p>
Ethan’s gaze locked onto her, his eyes harboring tempests of emotion he refused to release. That devastatingly handsome face turned to ice. Jealousy twisted through his chest like a blade.
Noelle reserved her praise for him only when alcohol loosened her tongue and stripped away her defenses. Yet here she was, openly complimenting Monroe without hesitation.
Under Ethan’s relentless, penetrating stare, Noelle’s pulse hammered against her ribs in wild rebellion. She tried to wrench herself free, but he denied her even the smallest chance of escape. His long, elegant fingers held her chin, their tips ghosting across her skin with maddening delicacy.