Chapter 30 A Change of Faces
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Compared to the sloppy, bedraggled man Evelyn had first met, Stellan looked like a completely different person now. When he smiled, there was a dangerous sort of charm about him, the kind that unsettled hearts. Even lying in the shabby little courtyard, his noble bearing shone through, impossible to hide.
“Why are you staring at me like that?” Stellan asked.
Evelyn quickly looked away. “It’s nothing. I just need to make something clear. About this engagement between us–I had no idea it even existed. I’m only responsible for treating you. Beyond that, I don’t care about anything else.”
“Do you despise me too?”
“I don’t. If I did, I wouldn’t have bothered to save you. But we don’t have feelings for each other, so that engagement doesn’t count.”
“Feelings can be developed. I don’t care what you say. My life belongs to you now—and so do I.”
Evelyn blinked. Great… Now he’s clinging on like a koala.
She opened her mouth to argue, but froze when she saw that faint, enchanting smile curve across his lips. It was too disarming. Heart skipping a beat, she got up and all but fled.
Stellan chuckled softly as he watched her retreating figure. His decision was already made—he would cling to her for the rest of his life.
Meanwhile, Simon and Cyrus had just reached the asphalt road when a Ferrari screeched to a stop in front of them.
Simon stiffened the moment Ethan climbed out. After what had happened yesterday, surely he isn’t here for revenge?
“Simon! Don’t be nervous. I’m not here to cause trouble,” Ethan said quickly with a nervous smile.
Simon narrowed his eyes. “What do you want then?”
Ethan’s face was still bruised from Evelyn’s beating the day before, barely hidden under his sunglasses. “I just came to apologize. I was blind and arrogant before. Please don’t hold it against me!”
To prove his sincerity, he even slapped himself hard across the face. “Simon, please be the
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“I already said yesterday–so long as you don’t bother me, I won’t bother you,” Simon replied flatly.
“Yes, yes, of course. I wouldn’t dare trouble you again. From now on, you’re my boss, and I’ll be your loyal dog,” Ethan said eagerly, but Simon fell silent.
Cyrus nearly gaped. Ethan, who always strutted around at school like a tyrant, looking down on all the poorer kids, was now volunteering to be a lapdog!
Did I hear that right?
“I don’t need any dogs. I’ve got things to do.” Simon turned away, unwilling to waste more time.
“Where are you headed? Let me drive you! It’d be my honor to be your driver, your dog.”
Once again, Simon was rendered at a loss for words.
Before he could refuse again, Ethan practically dragged him into the Ferrari. Even Cyrus got ushered inside, thanks to Simon.
The car roared down the road at 75, the wind whipping past. Cyrus couldn’t hold back his excitement. “This is my first time in a sports car—man, it’s amazing!”
Simon kept quiet. He wanted one too, but he believed he’d earn his own someday through hard work.
“If you like this car, Simon, I’ll give it to you,” Ethan offered smoothly.
“No.” Simon’s tone was firm. He wouldn’t take charity–his dignity mattered more.
“I’ll buy you a new one then.”
Cyrus‘ eyes went wide, tugging on Simon’s sleeve as if to say, Take it! It’s free!
“I said no. Don’t bring it up again,” Simon answered coldly.
“Yes, yes, of course. As expected of my boss,” Ethan replied with an awkward laugh. He had thought a car would win Simon over, but clearly, this boy had more backbone than he expected.
After a moment, Ethan leaned in with forced casualness. “By the way, Simon… what’s the deal between your sister and Mr. Bishop?”
Forget about a kingpin like Altair; it had taken Ethan connections even to meet someone like Mad Dog. Yet somehow, Simon’s sister was on close terms with Altair.
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Remembering the scene the day before–Altair ripping off a man’s arm–he shuddered.
“I don’t know. Maybe they’re just friends,” Simon answered lightly.
It was the truth. Evelyn never told him. But he also realized Ethan’s sudden respect had nothing
to do with him–it was all because of his sister. He was only basking in her shadow.
Ethan chuckled awkwardly. “Heh, maybe your sister’s his girlfriend?”
Otherwise, why would Mr. Bishop listen to her?
“Don’t talk nonsense. My sister’s already engaged. My brother–in–law lives at our house.”
Ethan fell silent, more confused than ever.
“Sorry, Simon, I was just guessing. Whatever the case, I’m your dog from now on. If you need anything, I’ll do it. Just… please look after me.”
