Chapter 144

Ethan glanced at Liliana from a distance—hard to believe that the plain girl from before had really turned into such a stunner. There was a flicker of awe and regret in his eyes, and Wilson caught on instantly. "Yeah, we're in love. For real," Wilson said, quirking a slow, confident smile. That smile was so bright it almost had a blinding effect. Ethan looked away, avoiding eye contact. "She used to trail behind me like a puppy, you know. Kinda feels like I missed out. What do you think—if I wave her over now, might she still come to me?" Total provocation. Wilson narrowed his eyes, staring straight at him. "You're welcome to try if you have a death wish." He wasn't bluffing. If Ethan wanted to stir trouble, Wilson was ready to put an end to it—snapping him like a twig would be no trouble at all. Right then, Liliana lifted her dress and walked toward them. Ethan held a wine glass, angling himself towards her, a playful smile finally tugging at his lips for the first time that evening.