Chapter 96

Torey smacked his forehead in frustration. "Ethan, my bad! How could I make a lady drink!"

He downed his glass in one gulp. "My beautiful goddess, I punish myself with this drink!"

Ethan Sullivan set down his glass, the playful glint in his eyes fading. His gaze deepened as he stared at Susan. "Susan, you never have to force yourself in front of me."

Andrew Lucas's knuckles turned white as he glared at the glass.

They'd indirectly kissed again.

What infuriated him more was Ethan's words—a real man never lets the woman he loves drink. Yet he had once forced Susan to toast with clients.

"Andrew! Your hand!" Torey's shocked cry shattered the silence.

Andrew looked down to find the stemware shattered in his grip, blood dripping from his palm.

Torey pried his fingers open in alarm. "God! Do all you Eastern men enjoy self-harm? Bruce did the same thing at noon!"

"Want to try?" Andrew coldly pressed a shard into Torey's hand.

Torey flung it away. "Andrew, you'll scare off every woman like this!"

Leaning back on the sofa, Andrew radiated icy hostility. "Ethan, do you really think she came here for you?"

Susan's heart clenched.

"Speak!" Andrew's sharp gaze pierced her. "Why did you come to A Variety of Beauties?"

She bit her lip hard enough to draw blood but lifted her chin defiantly. "Mr. Lucas, I'm asking you to testify for Bella."

"Asking?" Andrew sneered. "Then show me the attitude of someone begging."

Memories flooded in—

"Andrew, I want ice cream~"

"Sweetheart, not during your period."

"Please?"

"What's good for you doesn't require begging. What's bad for you, no amount of begging will change."

The tenderness of the past became today's blade. Susan turned her face away, forcing back tears.

"Unwilling?" Andrew's voice was glacial. "This is your last chance."

Torey tried mediating. "Andrew, be the bigger man after a breakup—"

"I beg you." Ethan's sudden declaration cut through the tension. He gripped Susan's trembling hand and dropped to one knee. "Andrew, I'm begging you—Ethan Sullivan begs you to testify for Bella Quinn."

Susan stared at him in shock. This proud man was kneeling for her.

Tears blurred her vision. This debt of gratitude, she could never repay.

Andrew's face darkened. He scrutinized Susan, trying to discern what magic this woman possessed to make Ethan bow his head.

"Now. Is this sincere enough?"