Chapter 5 He And She

• Hearing Avery’s words, Ethan’s expression darkened even more. He stared at her with cold, disappointed eyes, as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
• Emma, who had just been protected by Ethan, felt a wave of joy in her chest. She was thrilled to have finally found a man she could rely on, so she wasn’t angry about the chaos Avery had caused earlier.
• But seeing Ethan standing in front of Avery, she rushed forward. “Baby, don’t waste any more time on this bitch. She’s just an ungrateful, crazy girl. Her mother doesn’t even care about her. Let’s just get rid of her.”
• Marry, still fuming from the fall earlier, also stomped over and added fuel to the fire. “She’s hopeless. Avery’s rebellious as hell—she acts like she owns the place and bullies my kids. I heard she spent years abroad sleeping with a bunch of men... Then she comes back to China and refuses to work, opening a few bars instead! She’s always out partying and never comes home! Sometimes I feel sorry for her father, but he can’t be soft on her anymore…”
• Ethan stood in front of Avery, listening to Marry and Emma’s accusations, his gaze cold as he locked eyes with her. It was as if he was silently telling her: I never thought you were like this...
• Avery grew impatient, wanting to leave. She didn’t change direction—she simply walked straight ahead and bumped into Ethan’s broad shoulder as she passed by, then walked away without a second glance.
• Surprised by her bold move, Ethan turned quickly, but all he saw was Avery’s retreating figure as she walked out of the room.
• In front of everyone, Ethan watched her until she disappeared completely from view.
• “Baby, don’t worry about her,” Emma said, noticing Ethan’s gaze still fixed on Avery. She walked over and linked her arm with his, her tone sweet and intimate. “Let her go, she’s better off not being here to ruin our party.”
• Lily, fuming with anger, shot a glare at Marry and Emma, then hurried out of the room to catch up with Avery.
• Meanwhile, Avery walked alone down the driveway, her mind filled with memories of the days and nights she’d spent with Ethan. But the image of him holding Emma so intimately earlier made her chest tighten with frustration.
• How could her daddy end up becoming Lily’s stepfather?
• Stubbornly, Avery walked through the dark night. She pulled out her car keys, ready to leave, but before she could get in, she heard Lily’s voice from behind.
• “Hey, are you okay? Why are you leaving so early?”
• Avery opened the car door, forcing a smile as she looked at Lily. “Since no one here wants me around, I’ll just leave. You should head back inside.”
• Lily opened her mouth to say something, but Avery had already gotten in the car, revved the engine, and sped away from the villa.
• Driving down the dark highway, Avery stared blankly ahead. She had to turn on some rock music just to keep herself awake.
• Even with the music blaring, her mind was still fixated on Ethan...
• Instead of heading home, Avery drove straight to the bar she owned.
• The bar was still packed with people, and the party was in full swing. She entered through the back door and could hear the thumping beats of dance music. Without hesitation, she stepped into the center of the dance floor, letting herself go completely.
• The crowd cheered as Avery danced, whistling and shouting encouragement. The energy in the bar ignited, becoming even more electric.
• As the night wore on, Avery gradually forgot about the events at the party, and the man who had once meant so much to her.
• One song after another played, and Avery moved her body, losing herself in the music, letting the rock beats help her unwind and let go.
• She didn’t leave until nearly 11 PM, heading to her private office in the bar, exhausted. She sank onto the couch, closing her eyes to rest.
• Half-conscious, she heard her assistant enter and say something, but Avery, too tired to respond, just mumbled a quiet “Mm.”
• A few minutes later, the office door was suddenly thrown open, and a tall figure strode in without warning.
• Avery’s eyes snapped open. Even in her groggy state, she recognized him instantly.
• He stood towering over her, his cold presence filling the room. His black eyes were intense, almost unreadable.
• “What are you doing in my bar?” Avery asked, suddenly alert. She sat up and met his gaze, her voice sharp.