Five minutes ago, Linda had posted a new update on her social media.

The photo's background was The Knight Vila,with a table full of food and drinks, colorfuI and lively.

Linda and Susan's faces took up almost half the screen, with a few people faintly visible in the background.

Ethan slowly took the cigarette from his mouth, squinting his eyes as he stared intently at the photo.

Wendy was sitting on the carpet, hugging her knees, looking relaxed as she watched-a movie, a faint smile playing on her lips.

She was engrossed in the movie, while Michael was engrossed in watching her.

Everyone had a drink in hand, the soft lighting in the room reflecting the joy on their faces.

Seeing this, a complex mix of emotions surged in Ethan's heart-disappointment, resentment, and a tinge of regret.

He never expected that after the divorce, Wendy would be surrounded by so many friends, while he felt like an outsider.

David glanced at Ethan's expression, muttering under his breath, "Ethan, it's over. Stop dwelling on it. You still have Lydia, don't you?"

Ethan seemed not to hear, lost in his thoughts, his eyes never leaving the phone screen.

The cigarette in Ethan's hand was crushed to pieces.

"Is he that desperate for a woman?"

David looked at the phone and muttered, "Michael's out of line. Sure, you and Wendy are divorced, and you can't interfere with who she's with, but Michael is your cousin. He could've waited a few days."

Ethan threw the phone back with such force it nearly hit David in the face.

The orange-yellow light from the ceiling cast shadows over Ethan's face,his eyes dark and lifeless.

His voice was icy, "Can't you shut up even when you're drinking?"

David looked at him, puzzled. "You got divorced. Shouldn't you be happy and free? Why do you still look so miserable?"

In their circle, no secret stayed hidden for long. The news of Ethan and Wendy's divorce spread like wildfire as soon as they left the courthouse.

David had planned a big celebration, but Ethan flew abroad that very day.cutting off all contact until he returned yesterday.

Taking advantage of Christmas, David gathered some friends to cheer Ethan up.

But Ethan, who had gone on a trip to clear his mind, seemed even more down than before.

While others drank, played cards, and flirted with starlets, Ethan remained uninterested, barely responding to anyone.

"Happy and free?" Ethan's eyes flashed coldly. "You were hoping for my divorce?"

"Yeah!" David's brain was slow to catch on. "How about a divorce party..."

Before he could finish, Ethan kicked him hard in the butt.

David yelped, clutching his rear, looking incredulous. "Ethan, why so violent?"

Before Ethan could respond, Charles West, who was cuddling a beautiful woman, sneered, "Serves you right for saying dumb stuff,idiot."

David glared at him, shaking his fist.

Ethan tossed the crushed cigarette into his drink, his voice cold, "A divorce party? Celebrate what? My humiliation? Why don't you put up an ad announcing to the world that Wendy divorced me?"

David stared at Ethan's gloomy face, stunned.

Then he dug his pinky into his ear, trying to clear his hearing. "Ethan, are you drunk or am I?"

Charles,tired of dealing with the fool, continued his bold advances on the scantily clad woman,making her gasp.

Her clothes were half-open, revealing her smooth shoulders and chest.Charles's hand roamed inside her clothing, fondling her breasts.

Ethan glanced at them, uninterested in their debauchery,and downed another drink.

The alcohol burned his throat but couldn't extinguish the fire of frustration within him.

He gazed out at the bustling night scene, his thoughts drifting. Wendy's image constantly flashing in his mind.

Her gentle smile, her frail yet determined posture during the divorce,and the warm scene of her with friends in the photo-each image cut into his heart like a sharp knife, deepening his pervasive sense of emptiness.

On Friday, Wendy and Susan went to visit Harold.

The butler led them to the study.

Before they entered, they heard Harold's voice, "Alexander, your brother's artificial cornea transplant is too difficult. My health is declining, and I don't have the energy to take it on. I'm afraid it would affect the surgery's outcome and delay your brother's treatment."

Wendy paused, then heard a steady, magnetic voice, "Your health is paramount. If you know someone suitable. please recommend them to me."

The butler knocked gently and opened the door, "Mr. Taylor,Ms. Knight and Ms.Hill are here."

Harold beamed,"Wendy, Susan, come in."

Susan was surprised to see Alexander, recognizing him as the man who had come to check on Wendy after her surgery last time.

Who was he to receive such respect from Harold?

Wendy also recognized Alexander as the man who had helped her several times.

Due to the weather and her health, she hadn't really looked at him before.

Now,face to face, she saw him clearly.

Eighty percent stern, twenty percent refined.

His features were striking, with a chiseled jaw and deep-set eyes that exuded a sense of detachment and depth.

He stood quietly at the edge of the light, his presence powerful yet restrained, like a profound painting.

Alexander recognized Wendy too but only nodded slightly

If Wendy hadn't been staring at him, she might have missed thesubtle gesture.

Seeing the visitors, Alexander politely took his leave, "I'll visit another tíme."

Wendy's heart stirred, and she began to piece together his identity.