few curious glances from the students nearby. The sunlight glinted off the glossy paint, casting glim

authority, his sharp eyes sweeping over the surr

ed the familiar car. Her eyes lit up, and a natural smile spread across her face

ngs you h

ly-Elena. She stood there, looking somewhat hesitant, her eyes betraying a hint of surprise mixed with caution as she took in his un

a, her face brimmin

nthusiasm, completely oblivious to the tension in her friend's gaze.

," he said, his eyes fixed on

le in Lily's eyes left her with little choice. She let out a quiet sigh of resignation. "

though he'd planned this all along. Once the three of them were inside, he press

hm of breathing filled the silence. Through the rearview mirror, Ethan glanced at Elena, his cold gray eyes

hoping to avoid his penetrating stare. But as if sensing her attempt to distance h

y's bright voice. "Elena, I just know

ying a word, but his gaze rema

uch, Lily," Ethan interrupt

xury wasn't just about the fine decor but the warm golden light that reflected

he had just entered a world completely foreign to her. She followed Lily to the table, trying to

ents of Ethan's family's empire, a fact that made his presence feel even more i

ted, her eyes skimming over a list of dishes with complicated names. She tried to keep h

her, as if he were silently deciphering the

rs, shall we?" Lily suggested enthusiastically, her eyes

smile. She held the menu, but her eyes drifted

lifted his glass, taking a sip of wine. H

one polite, "how long ha

nded, "I haven't been in the city for long. I grew up in the countryside, th

ough his gaze sharpened, watching her close

.. both of my parents passed away when I was young. I l

softening as she looked at her friend. "Elena, I'

d, smiling lightly, though her voi

s turning the stem of his wine gl

now much. My family isn't as close as people might think. My mother pa

spicion flashing across his face. "Yo

's right. I never met him, and my mother never spoke about him. All I kno

n her eyes. "Oh, Elena... I had no idea. I al

cker of sadness. "It's fine, Lily. That's just part of life, I suppose. T

an murmured, his voice quiet yet firm. "But s

nse gaze. She wasn't sure what he meant, but it seemed as though there was an unspoken message embedded in his

huh? You look like you're quite familiar wit

t's one of my favorites! And... it's a

r brother. "He almost never comes he

k to Elena. "Quite a treat," he replied softly, though there seemed t