Chapter 218

The mall slowly emptied, returning to its usual quiet state.

Vivian examined Isabella's neck with concern. "It's not deep, but we should still get it checked. Let's go to the hospital."

She glanced around for Ethan, but he was gone. Her chest tightened with frustration. How could he be so cold? They'd just survived a life-threatening situation, and he'd simply walked away without a word!

Vivian guided Isabella toward the mall entrance to flag down a cab. Just then, Ethan's sleek silver car rolled to a stop in front of them.

Her tense shoulders relaxed slightly. Maybe he wasn’t completely heartless after all. She opened the back door and helped Isabella inside before sliding in herself.

Ethan sat behind the wheel, sunglasses hiding his eyes. "Isabella can stay. You—get out," he said, voice icy.

"What?!" Vivian gaped at him. Was he serious?

"It's sweltering out here, and I nearly died back there. You want me to walk? Are you trying to finish the job?" Her grip on the door tightened.

"Kill you?" Ethan scoffed. "I don’t need to. You seemed perfectly willing to throw your life away earlier. Clearly, you don’t value it much."

Her jaw clenched. What was his problem? She'd risked everything to save those people, and instead of gratitude, he was treating her like this?

"Ethan, are you jealous?" she challenged.

"Jealous?" His brow furrowed slightly.

"I single-handedly saved everyone in that mall while you stood there useless. Bet it stings, doesn’t it? That I stole your spotlight?"

For a moment, Ethan just stared. Then, despite himself, a smirk tugged at his lips. Her logic was absurd—but oddly refreshing. Let her think it was jealousy rather than the gut-wrenching fear he’d felt watching her in danger.

The truth was harder to admit. The idea of losing her had shaken him to his core. He’d have died for her without hesitation—and that terrified him. For the first time, he’d lost control, and it was all because of her.

That was why he’d snapped. Because the alternative—acknowledging how much she meant to him—was unthinkable.