Chapter 39

The air in the private room turned suffocating.

Susan clenched the hem of her dress, her nails digging into her palms. She refused to become a laughingstock under those scornful gazes.

Andrew's piercing stare felt like a blade, stripping away the last shred of her dignity.

Just as she gathered Daniel in her arms to flee, a deafening crash shattered the silence.

Ethan smashed a liquor bottle against the floor, sending glass shards flying. The usual sunshine in his eyes had vanished, replaced by an icy fury.

"Andrew," he growled. "Apologize to Susan."

Susan froze. She'd imagined countless scenarios—but never this. Never Ethan standing up for her.

Gently settling Daniel back onto the seat, she was suddenly pulled into a warm embrace. Ethan's arms locked around her like steel.

"I promised no one would hurt you while I'm here."

Tears spilled uncontrollably. Staring up at his boyish face, Susan realized for the first time—this was a man who could protect her.

"Don't cry." He clumsily wiped her cheeks. "My heart is yours. My life is yours."

Andrew's expression darkened. He lunged forward, gripping Ethan's wrist.

"Have you lost your mind?"

A fist swung through the air. Andrew dodged and retaliated with a punch that split Ethan's lip.

"Ethan!" Susan threw herself between them.

Calvin produced a deck of cards with perfect timing. "Let's play a game. Loser draws a punishment."

Ethan lost the first round. The slip he drew left everyone speechless: Kiss someone in this room.

"I don't swing that way," Calvin said, raising his hands.

Bruce turned his face away coldly. "Neither do I."

Ethan's eyes lit up as he turned to Susan. "Help me out?"

"Or streak naked through the city," Calvin added meaningfully.

Susan bit her lip. As she started to nod, Andrew spoke abruptly:

"I'll do it."

The temperature in the room plummeted.