Chapter 4

On his birthday, Ethan was exceptionally hyped.

As soon as he finished washing up, he dashed into the walk-in closet. He picked his best casual designer suit and even sprayed his favorite cologne.

Sensing my quiet gaze from the bed, Ethan realized he was showing too much excitement. He froze for a second.

He turned around and gave me an awkward smile to cover it up.

"It's my birthday, so I'm just feeling a bit festive. Wanted to dress up a little."

[I need to chill out. Chloe isn't getting suspicious, is she?]

I neither agreed nor disagreed.

I walked over, stood on my tiptoes, and gently straightened his tie.

"You should definitely enjoy yourself today."

"Go on. Drive safe."

Seeing that I was acting completely normal, Ethan’s face relaxed. He leaned down and kissed my lips.

"Wait for me to come back, babe."

[What an idiot. So easy to fool.]

By evening, our driver picked up Ethan’s parents and drove us to the Grand Summit Restaurant.

In the back seat, Brenda Cole held my hand tightly, smiling warmly.

"Chloe, marrying you is the best thing that ever happened to Ethan."

"He’s been so good to you all these years, and you've been so devoted to him. As his parents, nothing makes us happier."

"Now that our grandchild is almost here, your lives will be filled with peace and joy."

Then, Brenda’s tone shifted into disgust.

"Thank goodness he didn't end up with that trash Cynthia. I hated that girl since she was a kid."

"She was always bad news, getting Ethan into fights and smoking. If I hadn't stepped in when they were exchange students in high school, she would have dragged him into drugs!"

From the front passenger seat, Marcus Cole grunted in agreement.

"At least Ethan woke up in time. If he ever associates with a woman like her again, I'll break his legs!"

He waved his hand, letting out a long sigh.

"Forget it. Today is Ethan’s birthday. Let's not bring up that piece of trash."

I smiled and agreed, but my heart was cold as ice.

I led Ethan’s parents into the pre-booked luxury suite. My parents arrived shortly after, and other close friends and relatives filed in with gifts.

Time ticked by.

Half an hour later, my phone vibrated. A text from my private investigator arrived:

[Mr. Cole and Cynthia have left the dining area. They couldn't even wait for the elevator and started making out inside.]

I immediately signaled everyone to quiet down. We turned off the lights and hid in the dark with the cake and party poppers.

Footsteps approached the door.

Everyone held their breath in anticipation.

In the darkness, someone whispered, "That's weird. It sounds like more than one person’s footsteps."

Someone else quickly whispered back, "Shh, probably his assistant. Mr. Cole is famously loyal to his wife."

Silence fell again.

Ethan and Cynthia were practically glued to each other, kissing passionately.

With a clumsy hand, Ethan swiped the key card to open the suite door. They stumbled inside, already half-undressed.

The sound of their heavy breathing and sloppy kisses echoed sharply in the pitch-black room.

They didn't even bother to turn on the lights.

Ethan and Cynthia were so desperate, they wanted to get down to business right there in the dark.

I had no intention of letting everyone watch a live adult show. I reached out and flipped the light switch.

"Click!"

The room instantly flooded with bright light.

Ethan squinted in irritation, cursing under his breath.

"F"ck, why did the lights suddenly—"

But as he looked up, he froze completely.