Chapter 4

I whipped around.

A woman stood in the doorway wearing a white sundress. Her hair cascaded down to her waist, and she carried herself with an effortless grace. A perfectly calibrated apologetic smile curved her lips.

She was beautiful, the kind of beauty that felt approachable and warm instead of intimidating.

[Here we go! The original novel's female lead, Olivia, has entered the chat!]

[When the real deal shows up, the cannon fodder instantly fades into the background.]

[Check out Ethan's expression! He's definitely hooked!]

I immediately turned to look at Ethan.

His face remained impassive. He glanced at Olivia for a brief moment before his gaze drifted away, completely disinterested.

Joanne rushed forward with enthusiasm. "Dr. Lane, you're too kind. Please, come in."

So this was Olivia.

Ethan's brother's wife, Reene Sutton, smiled as she made the introduction. "Claire, this is Olivia. She's a renowned psychologist from abroad, and Felix specifically invited her to provide Ethan with some therapeutic support."

I suppressed a cold laugh.

Therapeutic support, my ass. This was about manufacturing opportunities for them to spend time together.

Olivia walked over to me and extended her hand with a gentle smile. "Mrs. Claire Sutton, it's lovely to meet you. I've heard so much about you."

I stared at her perfectly manicured hand, but didn't take it.

Instead, I picked up my juice from the table and took a slow, deliberate sip.

[Oh snap! She's throwing down the gauntlet!]

[Good job, Claire! The wife's gotta show she's the wife!]

[Olivia's face totally froze for a sec.]

The atmosphere turned awkward in an instant.

Reene rushed to smooth things over. "Claire's probably a little shy."

I set down my glass and smiled without an ounce of warmth. "Sorry, I was eating some appetizers and my hands are a bit greasy."

Olivia withdrew her hand gracefully, her smile never faltering. "No worries."

What a high-level manipulator.

Throughout dinner, everyone kept steering the conversation toward Ethan and Olivia.

"Dr. Lane is so young but she's already won so many international awards. Truly impressive," someone said.

An aunt chimed in from the side. "She and our Ethan make such a perfect match."

I kept my head down and focused on my food, pretending I hadn't heard a thing.

The comments mocked me relentlessly. [Is Claire seriously trying to outrun the awkwardness by eating faster?]

[Poor Claire. She has to sit there and watch everyone push her husband toward another woman.]

A peeled shrimp suddenly appeared on my plate.

I froze and looked up at Ethan beside me.

He kept his eyes forward, acting like it was nothing. His lips parted slightly as he spoke. "Eat more. You're too thin."

The entire table fell silent.

Every pair of eyes locked onto the shrimp sitting on my plate.

I watched Olivia's smile freeze for just a second.

The comments exploded. [Oh my god! Husband energy off the charts!]

[Is he staking his claim? Is he telling everyone that Claire is his wife?]

[That aunt's face just turned green. I'm dying!]

My heart soared, but I kept my expression neutral.

I picked up the shrimp and ate it slowly. Then I smiled sweetly at Ethan and said, "Thanks, babe."

The corner of Ethan's mouth lifted ever so slightly.

After the family dinner ended, the elders retreated to the study to discuss business.

The younger generation stayed behind in the living room.

Olivia settled beside Ethan with a glass of red wine in hand.

She leaned in slightly, her voice warm and professional. "Mr. Sutton, I heard you haven't been sleeping well lately?"

[Here we go! The female lead's making her move!]

[She's gonna use her psych expertise to break through his walls!]

Ethan reclined against the sofa, his expression unreadable. "I'm fine."

Olivia pressed on, undeterred. "A lot of successful people struggle with stress. If you don't mind talking about it, maybe I can help."

I sat on the armchair across from them, straining to hear every word.

Ethan swirled his glass but didn't respond.

[Is he warming up to her? Is he about to open up?]

[Claire, do something. Your man's about to get stolen.]

What was I supposed to do? Jump in and discuss Freud with her?

Panic clawed at my chest.

Then inspiration struck.

I stood up, crossed the room, and dropped right into Ethan's lap.

The living room went completely silent.

Ethan's entire body went rigid.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and murmured near his ear, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Honey, I'm tired. Can we go home and get some sleep?"

The comments exploded.

[HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!]

[Claire! You're my QUEEN! That was bold as hell!]

[Ethan's brain just short-circuited!]

I could feel it. His body was even hotter than last time.

His hand clamped around my waist, gripping hard enough to bruise.

Olivia's expression had gone from bad to catastrophic. The wine glass in her hand trembled visibly.

Ethan stayed silent for a full ten seconds. Just when I thought he'd shove me off his lap, he spoke. His voice came out impossibly hoarse. "Fine."

He stood up with me still clinging to him like a koala.

Carrying me, he gave the stunned crowd in the living room a casual nod and announced, "Goodbye."

Then he strode out of Sutton Manor in long steps while everyone gaped in shock.