Chapter 55

Marina belatedly realized that she had walked into Everly’s trap. She didn’t want to out herself as the

mistress, for that’d reveal Olivia’s identity as Ethan’s ex–wife.

She would never do that.

So, she quietened and collected herself. Glaring at Everly, she said, “I’m not. It’s indecent to discuss

topics like cheating at a formal event.”

But Everly wasn’t deterred. In fact, she was emboldened. “The mistress is the indecent woman for

sleeping with a married man! I have nothing to fear. But Ms. Carlton, you seem very affected by the

discussion. Were you someone’s mistress too?”

“Ms. Hilton,” Ethan hissed at Everly with a menacing gleam in his eyes. She promptly behaved. “Oh,

right. With a rich husband like you, Ms. Carlton doesn’t have to climb into anyone’s bed at all! If

anything, she’ll be getting into your bed all the time!”

Even the dumbest person could tell that Everly was taking a jab at Marina.

However, only Calvin picked up a minute detail. How did a notable figure like Ethan Miller come to

know Everly’s last name?

On the other hand, Olivia gaped at Everly’s impudence. She wasn’t as daring as her best friend, who

had the guts to jab at Ethan.

Knowing Ethan, he wouldn’t allow anyone to cause trouble for him. Sensing the danger, she quickly

steered the topic of conversation, “Anyway, it’s all in the past. My late husband will not come back to

life. So, please don’t ask me for more details. A cheater is not worthy of discussion.”

Since she had set things straight, it’d be rude for anyone to press on. Everly almost clapped at Olivia’s

perfect comeback.

Bailey suddenly wondered aloud, “Does this mean Olivia’s single? Is Keith pursuing her?” She was not

the sharpest tool in the shed.

They narrowly avoided a situation, only to be confronted with a new problem. The socially inept Bailey

had not changed at all.

Still, Olivia wouldn’t mind if Ethan got dragged into the discussion. She never expected the event to

turn into a huge gossip party about her personal life.

Everyone was interested in her relationship. She was once the campus belle who had numerous

suitors. When she gave up everything and left school, her classmates couldn’t help but wonder about

the man whom she made the sacrifice for.

Marina kept her anger under control and stole a look at Ethan. He was getting harder to read by the

day. He seemed to have given up on Olivia, but he occasionally showed a lingering affection for that

woman.

Ethan carelessly picked up a slice of steak. He ate it as though the conversations were none of his

business.

Olivia was about to deny it when Keith took over, “It’s not surprising for a lovely lady like Olivia to attract

a bunch of admirers. If I have a chance to date her, I’ll cherish her and never hurt her. It’s her ex–

husband’s loss.”

Ethan froze upon hearing that. Similarly, Olivia was shocked by Keith’s statement. She had warned

Keith to stay out of her business. But instead of heeding her advice, he issued a subtle challenge in

front of Ethan.

“Keith…” She looked panicked. There was no way she could explain her way out.

Keith seemed to have read her mind. He gave her an endearing look. “Olivia, now that you’re single,

may I ask you out?”