Elizabeth remained silent for a long moment after Ethan spoke.

Her suggestion had been casual, almost polite. But he had taken it seriously.

Ethan lowered his gaze, preparing to say something.

"I'll go run your bath." Elizabeth slipped out of bed.

She brushed past him and headed to the ensuite bathroom to fill the tub.

When she returned to her bedroom, she searched for men's sleepwear and shorts.

Nathan had never left any clothes behind because he'd never stayed overnight.

Sensing Ethan might remain that evening, she'd purchased matching pajamas along with the sling dress, plus two pairs of shorts specifically for him.

Elizabeth emerged and handed the clothes to Ethan. "You can wear these for now."

"Thank you."

After passing him the garments, she moved past him and back into her bedroom.

Ethan watched as she knelt to clean up Nathan's vomit.

She had been raised in Levine Manor, spoiled and pampered. Household chores were beneath her, let alone cooking...

Was it her circumstances that had transformed her so drastically, or had Nathan been the catalyst for this change?

Ethan turned and walked away.

When Elizabeth glanced over, sensing his gaze, she saw only his retreating back.

A bitter smile touched her lips.

Ethan probably never imagined she would become this kind of person someday. Back at Levine Manor, she had been willful and demanding.

After cleaning the mess, Elizabeth fetched a warm towel to wipe Nathan's face and hands. She carefully removed his shoes and coat to make him more comfortable.

Returning to the bathroom, she caught her reflection in the mirror. She was still wearing that seductive sling dress.

The sight startled her briefly, but then she relaxed.

Why would Ethan find her attractive?

Even when she'd stripped completely naked before him, he'd shown no reaction. There was no need to concern herself with his opinion. Still, she decided to change since nothing would happen with Nathan that night.

He was too intoxicated, and she felt slightly annoyed.

It was such a mood killer.

Yet she found she could endure anything for Nathan's sake. His inherent goodness made it impossible for her to resent him, no matter what she had to do for him.

After changing into her pajamas, she went to the kitchen to brew some tea for Nathan. She also reheated the apple pie she'd packed for him earlier.

Just as she finished her tasks at the kitchen island, she noticed the bathroom door opening.

Ethan emerged wearing Nathan's pajamas, his hair still damp.

Nathan was slightly broader than Ethan, but he'd been losing weight rapidly lately, the change quite noticeable. She'd bought the pajamas according to Nathan's current measurements, yet they seemed oddly loose on Ethan.

Ethan was definitely taller than Nathan.

Was it her imagination? Ethan appeared much thinner than before...

"Excuse me... do you have a hairdryer?" Ethan asked politely.

Elizabeth snapped back to reality.

She was overthinking things.

Ethan knew how to take excellent care of himself, and how to curry favor when needed. He would never neglect his health.

If he ever did compromise his wellbeing, it would only be for work.

He would trade his physical condition for the wealth and fame he desired. As long as he deemed the exchange worthwhile, that was all that mattered.

"Yes, I'll get it for you."

Elizabeth abandoned her tasks and stepped out from behind the counter.

She entered her bedroom's bathroom, retrieved the hairdryer, and handed it to Ethan.