Ethan stood there, his face completely blank as he stared at Olivia. Without a word, he sidestepped her and kept walking toward the living room, acting like she wasn't even there.
Olivia, expecting him to say something, was taken aback by his reaction. But she quickly brushed it off; she had heard plenty about his icy demeanor with girls before.
So, shaking off her surprise, she hurried after him, eager to strike up a conversation.
What she didn't realize was that the two Adam brothers who had stepped out after discussing about Zara's safety, were watching everything unfold till the beginning.
Alan and Noah had icy expressions that made it tough to figure out what was on their minds. They exchanged serious glances and headed to the living room in silence.
When Ethan stepped into the room, Olivia trailed right behind him.
However, upon spotting everyone there, she straightened up and played the part of the good girl, moving over to sit with Jack.
Ethan shrugged off her presence and turned his attention to Kylie and Andrew, saying, "Then, I'll be on my way."
Right after Ethan said that Kylie and Andrew stood up from their seats. "Alright, Ethan. Drive safe out there."
"Make sure to visit us often, Ethan," Kylie added with a friendly smile directed at him.
Ethan gave her a nod and turned to Zara, who was next to her mom. He smiled and said, "Good night, Lia."
Zara returned the nod and smiled back at him before he glanced over at Noah, who was standing a bit further away. They exchanged glances.
Noah then looked at his parents and said, "Hey, Mom, Dad, I've got something to take care of. I'm heading out."
Andrew acknowledged him with a nod of understanding.
"Are you really heading out alone at this hour?" Kylie asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
"Ethan's with me, Mom." "Alright, but make sure you get back soon. Ethan's been out all day and must be exhausted. He needs to rest," Kylie said, raising an eyebrow as if she were giving a command to her son.
Noah nodded in agreement and turned to Zara, his usually cold demeanor softening a little, "Good night, Lia. Get some sleep."
Zara gave him a small smile in return, and then Ethan and Noah stepped out of the mansion.
Ethan glanced at Noah and asked flatly, "Are you heading straight to the club?"
"What work do you have?" Noah asked as he looked at Ethan.
Ethan smirked slightly, his expression shifting from casual to something more menacing, his eyes glinting with anger.
"Have to deal with some people." "I'll come with you," Noah added looking at Ethan, knowing that there was going to be something interesting.
David and Carter exchanged worried looks, noticing their boss's furious demeanor, and silently sympathized with whoever had crossed him.
Ethan hopped into his car, with Noah trailing closely behind in his own ride.
Once they drove off, Zara returned to her room, freshened up, and settled in front of her laptop to get some work done.
In Olivia's room, she was perched on a chair, lost in her thoughts.
When Gia noticed Olivia deep in contemplation, she came over with a glass of water and asked, "Young Miss, what's on your mind?"
Olivia looked up, worry etched on her face, and replied, "Gia, did you catch that?" "Catch what, Young Miss?"
"Did you see how Ethan completely brushed me off without saying a word? Do you think he thinks poorly of me for just going up to him and talking?" Olivia asked, her voice trembling a bit.
"Young Miss, don't overthink it. You mentioned that Mr. Ethan is usually pretty distant and doesn't show much emotion or even glance at people. So why are you stressing about it?" Gia tried to ease Olivia's mind.
Olivia shook her head and replied, "What I said is spot on, and everyone knows it. But did you see how he acted around Zara?"
Gia stayed quiet, listening to Olivia continue, "He looks at her in a way that's totally different from how he looked at me. When he was with Zara, there was no trace of that coldness or detachment. He seemed genuinely warm."
Gia listened to Olivia and realized she was spot on.
She turned to Olivia and said, "You know, I think Zara is just playing hard to get. That might be why Mr. Ethan's ego is all ruffled. I mean, no guy likes being ignored, especially someone as strong and powerful as him."
Gia went on, "Just think about it, Young Miss. When Mr. Ethan said goodnight, Zara barely acknowledged him. She had this blank look, like she didn't care at all. Maybe that's what's driving him crazy—her indifference and that cool attitude of hers."
Olivia reflected on all the times Ethan and Zara had hung out and how Zara acted around him. When she combined that with what Gia mentioned, it became clear that Zara never really gave Ethan the attention he deserved.
So, it seems like Ethan is just trying to boost his ego by wanting Zara for himself, right?
With a bright smile, Olivia turned to Gia and asked, "So, if I act like I really need him and play the pity card, do you think he'd notice me?"
"But the Anderson family can't have a weak daughter-in-law. If that happens, people will walk all over me and embarrass the Andersons for having someone like me," Olivia pondered aloud.
"The only option I have is to get Zara out of the picture. I need to start planning that soon," Olivia said, her expression turning serious.
Gia noticed the serious and sly look on Olivia's face, and a half-smile flickered on her lips before disappearing like it was never there.
Olivia, on her part, completely missed the brief smile on Gia's face.
"Well then, I hope everything goes well with whatever you have in mind, Young Miss. If you need any assistance, just let me know, Young Miss," Gia said, beaming brightly.
"Thank you, Gia," Olivia said with a smile on her face. Gia smiled back at Olivia.
Meanwhile, Ethan's car came to a halt on the edge of the city. The area had an eerie, deserted vibe.