Billionaire's Match (by Tangy Candy) novel Chapter 289

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Chapter 289

Hearing Ethan’s words, Charlotte’s expression visibly softened, a subtle warmth spreading across her features.

Ethan took in her entire demeanor and couldn’t help but feel slightly exasperated. Truly, she didn’t even try to hide it.

But in reality, his efforts against Khloe were only ever for Clarice. Ever since that day, after Khloe had said those words, the tightly wound nerves he’d held for years had suddenly frayed.

Ethan forced himself to suppress his suspicions, refusing to let Khloe provoke him. Yet, the harder he restrained himself, the more impossible it became not to doubt.

Still, he didn’t dare verify anything. If, as Khloe suggested, his parents’ deaths had some connection to Clarice… then everything he’d built in life, everything he’d worked for, would be nothing but a cruel joke.

A shadow crossed his eyes, and suddenly, his knuckles cracked audibly.

Charlotte noticed the shift in his mood and spoke up at the right moment. “Actually, Ethan, we don’t necessarily have to be enemies. Khloe can get along with you perfectly fine.”

“You don’t understand. I’m nothing like Khloe. My life isn’t even mine to control.” Ethan snorted, reaching for a glass of juice only to push it away disdainfully.

“Why not have some wine then?” Charlotte’s eyes sparkled. Before waiting for a response, she had already taken the initiative to place an order.

“Don’t order too much. The wine here is expensive. I’m afraid you won’t be able to pay.”

“You’re here,” Charlotte said casually.

Ethan raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. “You invited me for this meal; I won’t pay. You’ll have to handle it yourself if you can’t afford it.”

“I can afford it. Don’t worry, drink as much as you like.” Charlotte smiled faintly. “Since you like wine, how could I host without providing it?”

She could tell that Ethan had deliberately avoided ordering wine earlier. While scrolling through the menu, he had lingered repeatedly over the alcohol section. His hesitation wasn’t about saving her money-it was because he didn’t want to lose control if he drank. His drinking skills weren’t great; Charlotte had witnessed that firsthand just yesterday.

“Aren’t you worried I’ll act like yesterday?” Ethan teased, increasingly intrigued by her composure. Charlotte claimed to be wary of him, yet her calm defiance had a striking contrast that made her all the more interesting.

Charlotte didn’t look up. “I am. That’s why you must drink less, control yourself.”

She ordered two bottles of the restaurant’s specialty wine for him. Ethan was not picky-red, white, foreign-it didn’t matter. Since she had ordered it, he accepted without hesitation. Charlotte didn’t drink at all, and while Ethan had thought about having her join him, she politely declined, and he didn’t push.

As the wine flowed, Ethan grew quieter, his mood darkening. Charlotte sensed the moment and deliberately shifted the conversation to trivial matters.

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Chapter 289

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“Ethan, you spend all your energy on work. When are you planning to get married?”

Her question was sudden. But Ethan had already drunk a little and was feeling relaxed after their earlier small talk. He didn’t notice the underlying tension.

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