Zoe Tremblay wore a deeply concerned expression as she held onto Ethan Blackwood firmly. Their close proximity suggested an intimate connection, immediately sparking whispers among the onlookers.

"Is Mr. Blackwood drunk?"

"He appears to be. But why is Zoe with him?"

"Could there be something going on between them?"

"This is getting interesting..."

Speculation spread rapidly through the crowd, filling the space with hushed murmurs and excited whispers.

At the hotel entrance, Ethan's personal vehicle stood waiting. Zoe carefully guided Ethan outside, ensuring he remained steady as they approached the car.

Just before reaching the vehicle, she deliberately hesitated.

Her eyes briefly scanned the nearby reporters before she subtly adjusted her dress in a calculated move.

Her movements were slow and deliberate, clearly designed to draw attention and create speculation.

The once-perfect evening gown now appeared slightly disheveled, its neckline subtly shifted to reveal a glimpse of smooth skin.

Loose strands of hair framed her face, adding an effortless allure to her appearance.

Camera shutters clicked rapidly, capturing the scene with intense interest.

The reporters believed they had struck gold—this was exactly the kind of material that made headlines.

"CEO of Blackwood Enterprises and Former Apex Design Collective Chief Designer Caught in Late-Night Encounter, Suspected Drunken Indiscretion!"

The story practically wrote itself, guaranteed to create a sensation.

Zoe had achieved exactly what she wanted—creating the impression of a deep connection between her and Ethan, specifically designed to provoke Isabella's jealousy.

"Miss Tremblay, thank you for assisting Mr. Blackwood..." Benjamin Clark approached respectfully, though his expression showed clear confusion.

He wasn't sure what had transpired between them, but Zoe's composed demeanor suggested something significant had occurred.

"You're welcome, Mr. Clark," Zoe responded smoothly. "Mr. Blackwood had too much to drink, so I thought it appropriate to help him." She fixed Benjamin with an unreadable look before adding, "Since he's still unsteady, perhaps I should accompany him the rest of the way."

Benjamin hesitated momentarily. While assisting Ethan into the vehicle, he hadn't anticipated Zoe's suggestion.

He struggled to formulate an appropriate response.

Before he could decline, Zoe acted decisively. She opened the opposite car door and slid in gracefully, settling beside Ethan as if she belonged there. Benjamin paused, his eyes locked on Zoe who had positioned herself in the car with quiet determination. Uncertainty gripped him briefly.

He couldn't exactly force her out.

Besides, she had a point. Ethan was severely intoxicated, and having another person to watch over him wasn't the worst idea.

With a resigned sigh, Benjamin took the driver's seat, started the engine, and pulled away from the hotel.

The silence inside the car felt heavy, charged with underlying tension.

Zoe sat beside Ethan, stealing occasional glances at him.

The vehicle moved smoothly through the dimly lit streets, soon reaching Hawthorne Residence.