Everly's first reaction upon seeing Ethan was to cower. She might have been bold and outspoken at the event, but she was only bolstered by the effect of alcohol and Olivia's presence.

She bore witness to Ethan's deep love for Olivia, and she knew that he could be deeply cruel toward outsiders.

Two years ago, she brought Olivia to a bar. When Ethan picked up Olivia, he shot Everly an icy look when Olivia wasn't looking and warned, "This is the last time."

She was drenched in cold sweat when Ethan left, and she was haunted by the look in his eyes for a few nights in her dreams.

Back to the present, Ethan shut the lighter and casually glanced at her, but it was enough to make her tense up.

She gulped and said in a hushed voice, "Um, Mr. Miller, I'm looking for Liv. I'll excuse myself now."

He shook off the cigarette ashes and gave her a look from the corner of his eye. "Let's chat."

She knew it wasn't going to be a casual chat, and as a result, she was reluctant to engage with h