Rewrite Her Thrilling Life (Lillian and Sebastian) novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17: Unwanted Admirers

Jayden cast a knowing smile toward the younger pair. “I’ll leave you two to yourselves. I have some old friends I need to catch up with.” With that, he turned on his heel and disappeared into the crowd.

Ethan guided the group toward a quieter corner of the venue, a secluded lounge area softly lit and away from the bustling main hall. The atmosphere here was more relaxed, with plush chairs and low tables scattered about.

Handing Lillian a glass filled with fresh juice, Ethan smiled gently. “Here, juice for you. You’re still a bit too young for anything stronger.”

Lillian accepted the drink without protest, her gaze drifting around the room as she took a sip.

Ethan then passed a glass of deep red wine to Charles before pouring himself some champagne. Their conversation flowed easily, light and unforced, as they settled into the comfortable space.

Suddenly, a smooth, velvety voice interrupted them. “Ethan, I didn’t expect to see you here.”

They both turned toward the source. A woman in her early thirties approached, her dark red dress elegant yet understated, perfectly complementing her poised demeanor. A delicate trail of her perfume lingered in the air, subtle but captivating. Her lips curved into a warm, graceful smile.

Ethan greeted her with genuine warmth. “I just arrived. Thought I’d bring a friend along.”

Her eyes softened as they landed on Lillian. “She looks so young, Ethan. You’d better take good care of her.”

Ethan chuckled. “Madame Ella, I think you’re underestimating her. I wouldn’t dare.” He gestured toward Lillian. “Lillian, this is Madame Ella, the hostess of tonight’s charity auction.”

Lillian returned a polite smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Madame Ella.”

Ella laughed lightly. “No need to be so formal. Anyone Ethan calls a friend is a friend of mine. I’ve watched him grow up, you know. He rarely brings women to these events, so you must be special. You should stop by my house sometime.”

Lillian nodded enthusiastically. “I’d love that. I’ll be sure to visit when I get the chance.”

Ella’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “I’ll hold you to that.” With a graceful nod, she turned and drifted away to attend to other guests.

Charles excused himself to mingle with some acquaintances, leaving Ethan and Lillian alone to continue their conversation in the cozy living room area.

Quickly, Ethan reached over and patted her back. “Are you alright?”

Only then did Olivia turn her attention to Lillian. Initially, she had assumed the young woman was just another admirer trying to get close to Ethan, but now, seeing how naturally he cared for her, she wasn’t so sure.

Her confident smile faltered. “Ethan, who is she?”

Ethan addressed Olivia only after making sure Lillian was okay. His voice, usually warm and friendly, took on a cool, distant edge. “That’s none of your business, Ms. Olivia.”

Olivia’s expression hardened, but Mia stepped in softly. “Mr. Ethan, please don’t misunderstand. Liv was just curious. In our circles, it’s always helpful to make new friends.”

Lillian observed Mia thoughtfully. Smooth move. She managed to soothe Ethan’s tension while preserving Olivia’s pride. Well played.

Olivia’s face softened, though her eyes still held a trace of grievance. “That’s not what I meant, Ethan. I just thought, since we all live on Solara, it wouldn’t hurt to make more friends. You never know when we might need each other’s help.”