?Chapter 1047:


    His hand rose, tentatively moving toward her, but a cool, distant voice sliced through the moment. “Lydia, we need to leave.”


    A short distance away, Ethan waited, draped in a ck trench coat, his face a nk te.


    Those four words jolted Lydia from her trance. She exhaled sharply, annoyed with herself for that brief moment of weakness. Despite everything, Jeffry’s apology had still managed to nudge loose a fragment of empathy she was certain she’d buried years ago. Still, she wouldn’t let herself be pulled backward. Pressing her lips together, Lydia flicked her gaze away, her mind already racing for a way to shake Jeffry off for good. When she turned to face Ethan, her whole demeanor softened, a gentle smile blooming on her face. “Ethan, I hope I didn’t keep you waiting. I’ming now.”


    The sudden sweetness in her tone caught both Ethan and Jeffry by surprise.


    Suspicion shed in Jeffry’s eyes as he studied Ethan’s calm, steady presence. Ethan merely lowered his gaze, regarding Lydia in silence, expression unreadable.


    Then Lydia coolly addressed Jeffry, her words sharp and cold. “Is there anything else? Ethan’s waiting for me. If you’re finished, I’m leaving.”


    Her cold indifference toward Jeffry, paired with the warmth she showed Ethan, sent a wave of jealousy crashing through Jeffry. He scowled. “Are you interested in him?”


    From this distance, Lydia doubted Ethan could hear, and she guessed he wouldn’t mind the role of willing decoy. She didn’t hesitate. “Yes, I like him. He and I are together now, so stop turning up in my life.”


    The silence that followed pressed in, thick and unyielding. A shadow passed over Jeffry’s face as his eyes bore into Lydia. “Don’t say things you don’t mean, Lydia. I’m not buying it.”


    Her expression stayed calm, her gaze unwavering. “Think whatever helps you sleep at night.”


    Storm clouds gathered in Jeffry’s eyes, his forcedposure barely holding back the fury swirling inside him. Without warning, he strode toward her. On instinct, Lydia retreated a step, brows knitting together. “What are you trying to pull?”


    Before Jeffry coulde any closer, an arm slid protectively around Lydia and drew her back.


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    Ethan stepped up, nting himself firmly between Lydia and Jeffry, his posture cold and unyielding. “Mr. Harper,” he said, his tone smooth but edged with steel. “What exactly are you nning to do to my girlfriend?”


    Jeffry’s scowl deepened, his stare turning cial.


    Lydia blinked in surprise—had Ethan actually picked up on her earlier words? She never imagined he’d run with her story, much less confront Jeffry. She’d figured he’d y the silent aplice, letting her charade slide by unchallenged. But here he was, backing her up to the hilt.


    In her mind, Lydia couldn’t help but salute Ethan—if there were awards for best fake boyfriend, he’d have just imed the trophy. With Ethan standing firm beside her, there was no way Jeffry would dare make another move.


    A gentle tug at Ethan’s sleeve from Lydia signaled it was time to leave. “Let’s go. We shouldn’t keep everyone waiting.”


    Ethan cast one final, cool look in Jeffry’s direction before turning to walk away, Lydia matching his stride.


    Left behind in the darkness, Jeffry could only watch their retreating figures. His expression remained hidden beneath the re of his sses and loweredshes—though the rigid tension in his clenched fist gave away the storm of anger raging beneath the surface.


    The vehicle transporting the criminals was already full, so Lydia had no choice but to ride back with Ethan. As soon as she slid into the passenger seat, she picked up on a shift in the air. Her mind reyed the tall tales she’d spun to fend off Jeffry, and a ripple of guilt ran through her. Ethan’s reputation was spotless—he wouldn’t…


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