Chapter 264
He took the gift from her, his gaze lingering on her face as if searching for permission.
She immediately caught on and nodded encouragingly. “Go ahead, open it now.” Carefully, Ethan removed the wrapping and lifted the lid, revealing a pristine white silk shirt inside.
The fabric felt luxurious, and every detail spoke of meticulous craftsmanship. This wasn’t just any shirt. It had a quiet kind of elegance that set it apart. He noticed an intricate, nearly hidden embroidered pattern along the shoulder, only noticeable when the light caught it just right.
On the back of the collar, a subtle “R” insignia was stitched.
Ethan’s eyes narrowed as recognition set in. This was the mark of Rhoda Sugden, a renowned designer on the global stage.
Every authentic Rhoda piece bore that discreet yet unmistakable symbol. But something didn’t add up—Rhoda had built a reputation for designing only women’s fashion, never a single piece of menswear.
Y𝗼𝗎r 𝗻𝖾𝗑𝘵 𝖿𝘢𝗏o𝗿𝗶𝘵𝖾 r𝗲𝗮𝗱 і𝗌 𝗼𝘯 𝘨а𝗹ոov𝗲𝗹s.𝗰𝗈𝘮
A hint of amusement flickered in Ethan’s eyes as he looked up, the beginnings of a playful smile on his lips. “So… this shirt…”
Noelle’s nerves spiked instantly. “What is it? Is there something wrong?”
He let out a soft laugh. “Not at all. I just want to know—did you commission Rhoda to design this?”
Nerves had threatened to unravel Noelle completely, her composure slipping with each passing second.
Assuming Ethan’s silence meant disappointment in her choice of present, she soon realized his mind was elsewhere entirely.
A sly sparkle flickered in Noelle’s gaze. “Curious about that, are you?” she teased, folding her hands behind her back. Mischief danced across her features, making her look like she was up to no good. “I’ll make you a deal. Spill the beans about what Farrell gave you for your birthday, and I’ll let you know if Rhoda designed this outfit.”
Ethan arched a brow but remained stubbornly quiet.
Noelle’s curiosity buzzed like a bee inside her chest, and she leaned into their little negotiation with everything she had. “Let’s make this even. Fair trade, right? Come on, Ethan, just tell me. What did Farrell get you?”
A flick of Ethan’s hand beckoned her closer, his silence turning the air electric. Obediently, Noelle leaned in, anticipation written all over her face.
Just when she thought she’d gotten through to him, Ethan’s mouth curled into a lazy, playful grin. He threw a teasing remark her way. “Call it a night, sweetheart.”
Stunned, Noelle stood frozen. Did he really just change the subject? Was he seriously calling it a night?
For a second, she didn’t even register the new pet name—she just gawked at him in disbelief. “Wait, you’re dropping the topic already? Aren’t you even a little curious about this outfit? Honestly, Ethan, I expected more from you!” Frustration puffed out her cheeks, and her round eyes widened, making her look impossibly cute.
A deep laugh rumbled from Ethan as he watched her reaction. His voice, low and lazy, slid through the air like velvet. “Noey, if I ever want answers, I’ll find them myself.”
.
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