Chapter 269

"You're lying!"

Ethan's piercing gaze locked onto Evelyn like a predator sizing up its prey. His lips curled into a mocking smirk. "Didn't you just claim to have admired me for years?"

"Then how is it you've never heard of my ex-wife's name?"

Evelyn froze, her breath hitching. As a seasoned actress, she was used to spinning lies effortlessly—people usually swallowed them without question.

But Ethan saw right through her.

Her mind scrambled for an excuse. "I—I meant I’ve never met Ms. Lockhart personally, but of course I know of her! Your 'Chase My Lockhart' ship is huge online. Half the industry follows it."

Ethan cut her off coldly. "If you admire me so much, you must resent her for being close to me."

"That’s why you targeted her from the start." His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "You took that damning photo deliberately. You manipulated everyone into believing she pushed Olivia into the sea. Am I wrong?"

Evelyn’s face burned crimson. The pressure was suffocating. "N-No! That’s not—I didn’t—!"

She was a queen in Hollywood, accustomed to adoration and flattery. But under Ethan’s merciless scrutiny, she felt exposed—stripped bare.

His icy disdain only deepened. "Did you really think removing Vivian would clear your path?" A cruel laugh escaped him. "Even without her, a scheming viper like you could never hold my interest. Stop wasting your time."

He’d seen countless women throw themselves at him, each more transparent than the last.

Evelyn Sinclair was beautiful, yes—but her ambition reeked of desperation. Her eyes held too much greed.

Unlike Vivian.

Vivian’s gaze had always been clear, untainted by ulterior motives. Pure.

That was why she stood apart.

Evelyn watched Ethan turn away, her fists clenching. "I never took you for such an arrogant bastard, Mr. Blackwood!"

His brutal rejection was a slap to her pride. She was used to worship, not humiliation.

Her voice turned venomous. "I did admire you—but you’re so insufferably conceited, it’s no wonder your first love left you! No wonder your wife divorced you!"

Ethan stopped dead.

She’d struck a nerve.

"And your precious ex-wife?" Evelyn sneered. "She’s not as innocent as you think. Why else would both Olivia and I use her as a pawn?"

Her smirk widened. "Think about it. Would Olivia really risk her life to frame some nobody?"

Ethan’s expression darkened.

Vivian Lockhart…

Did you really push Olivia?

Why wouldn’t you defend yourself?

Was it… guilt?