The night was ink-black. Ethan Sullivan stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his fingertips lightly tapping his phone screen.

"Go to Phoenix Cove now. Keep an eye on Sophia." A cold glint flashed in his eyes as he sent the message.

Iris Evans was curled up in bed watching a drama. She pouted at the notification. "It's the middle of the night. I'm already asleep."

Her phone suddenly vibrated.

Ethan had sent a friend request.

Iris bolted upright, fingers trembling as she accepted it.

Ding—

The crisp sound of a $30,000 transfer notification chimed.

"I'll go right now!" She replied instantly, leaping out of bed.

Ethan smirked at his screen.

This money was hush payment—and surveillance fees.

Thirty minutes later, Iris crept furtively into Phoenix Cove.

By the dim glow of her phone, she confirmed Sophia was sleeping alone before checking every corner.

"Sophia's by herself. No sign of that mysterious person." She texted Ethan, then added, "The room is clean."

"Delete the messages." His reply was brief and icy.

Saturday afternoon, under perfect sunshine at the golf course.

Sophia's call came just as Ethan swung his club.

"Six p.m. at La Belle Époque. Don't forget." Her voice was gentle.

Ethan's lips curled into a mocking smile. "I'm busy."

"Then I'll take Iris." Sophia's tone remained unchanged.

The chill in his eyes deepened.

That night he'd sent Iris away for a secret rendezvous—now she wanted to bring her along?

"Suit yourself." He hung up and slammed his club into the grass.

Inside Moonlight Pavilion, crystal chandeliers cast shimmering light.

Sophia slid the menu toward Kyle Grant. "You order."

His slender fingers skimmed the selections, choosing all her childhood favorites.

Warmth flooded Sophia's chest. She reciprocated by picking dishes he loved.

They shared a fleeting smile before resuming their distant demeanor.

Iris excused herself to the restroom and made a call. "Mr. Sullivan, everything's normal."

Upstairs in Pinesong Room, Ethan swirled his wineglass with a cold laugh.

"Zane," he said abruptly, "Iris is downstairs."

Zane Riveron looked baffled. "I'm not interested in her."

"You are." Ethan's gaze was razor-sharp.

Understanding dawned on Zane as he stood and descended.

Pushing open Moonlight Pavilion's door, he instantly grasped the situation.

This wasn't courtship—it was a stakeout.

"Iris, try this." He awkwardly served her a dish.

Iris wrinkled her nose. "Are you feverish?"

Throughout the meal, Zane studied the "perfect couple."

Polite on the surface, their gazes spoke volumes.

After leaving, he immediately reported: "Problem, Ethan."

Ethan stood at Tang Palace's entrance, watching Sophia step out of a car.

"You're here too?" She seemed surprised.

He nodded coldly, his eyes sweeping over the group of elites behind him.

"Bringing them for entertainment." His tone was flippant. "How dreary if I don't join?"

Sophia's nails dug into her palms. "Enjoy yourselves."

She turned and slammed the car door hard enough to rattle windows.

Ethan stared at the retreating taillights, his expression terrifyingly dark.