Chapter 228

Seeing how Clara insisted, David didn’t press further. He just gave her a slight nod. Right then, Ethan had already walked in. His gaze was cold, distant—except when it landed on Clara. In that split second, there was a flicker in his eyes, something almost tender lighting up inside. But it vanished quickly, and he looked away like nothing ever happened. As if she meant nothing. As if they’d never met. Clara, on her end, kept her cool like a pro. “Mr. Blackwood, please, have a seat,” someone quickly offered. Ethan gave a polite nod but said nothing back. He simply walked straight toward Clara’s spot. It happened to be near the food pickup area, the only empty seat. So, him sitting there felt... routine, even appropriate. A waiter rushed over and set up his seat, utensils, everything. Just like that, the whole evening shifted—talk of investments took a back seat. Now, everyone had eyes on Ethan Blackwood. He played it calm, didn’t do much talking, but didn’t exactly push people away eit