The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 2098

Ethan's subtle movement didn't escape Lydia's notice.

With a piercing gaze, Lydia checked his pulse and said, "What's this, another case of cramps?"

"It's not cramps, I was just..." Ethan began to explain.

"And what would that be?" Lydia cut in.

Meeting Lydia's innocently clueless eyes, Ethan swallowed his words. She was a woman who had clearly never dabbled in romance, blissfully unaware of the subtleties of male-female interactions. Even the natural reactions of physical contact seemed foreign to her. Locking eyes with her genuine gaze, Ethan cracked a smile and said, "You're right, I've developed another 'cramping' issue. I'm counting on Dr. Lydia to take a closer look."

"A grown man and yet so full of issues," Lydia retorted, rolling her eyes in annoyance.

Ethan kept his smile, responding, "Yeah, how does a big guy like me end up with so many issues? Lucky for me, I found Dr. Lydia, the gentle, kind-hearted, and skilled physician."

Ugh.

Lydia nearly gagged at his words. How could he manage a fake laugh while simultaneously buttering her up? He didn't believe his own words, did he?

"And to think, someone called me a quack doctor yesterday," Lydia said with a light laugh.

"Whoever that jerk is, I'll sort him out for you!" Ethan declared, refusing to admit that under the intense pain he had disparaged Lydia just the day before, now puffing up in a mock display of chivalry to defend her honor.

"If you're willing to deal with yourself, I might just spend an extra half minute on your case," Lydia shot back, piercing through his facade.