She leaned in to kiss his cheek.

Ethan shoved her away violently.

"Get out!"

His voice was rough and irritated.

Zoe froze, her hands suspended in midair. Her face paled instantly. She hadn't anticipated such a harsh rejection.

"Mr. Blackwood..." Her voice trembled, her confidence visibly shaken. "Did I do something to upset you?"

Ethan struggled to open his eyes, his brows furrowed tightly. His gaze landed on the blurry figure before him. "Who are you?"

Zoe's entire body stiffened. A cold dread crept up her spine. She swallowed her humiliation and forced a smile. "Mr. Blackwood, you're drunk. It's me, Zoe..."

"Zoe?" Ethan's eyes remained clouded with confusion. "I don't know any Zoe..." He shut his eyes again and tried to stand, his body swaying unsteadily.

Alarmed, Zoe rushed forward to steady him, fearing he might collapse. "Be careful, Mr. Blackwood..." Her tone was gentle, as if the previous rejection never happened. But her hands clenched into tight fists, nails digging sharply into her palms.

She suppressed the rising frustration and quickly composed herself. An idea flickered in her eyes. "Mr. Blackwood, did you... drop something?" Her voice carried a playful, suggestive undertone.

Ethan frowned slightly, his irritation clear, but he reluctantly opened his eyes again. "What?" His voice was low and gravelly.

His reaction made Zoe's heart race with anticipation. "I think something fell just now..." she murmured, her tone dripping with implication.

Ethan's hazy gaze followed Zoe's line of sight downward. His shirt was partially unbuttoned, revealing a glimpse of his defined collarbone.

Zoe's stare lingered there before trailing further down. Ethan's breathing grew noticeably heavier.

"Mr. Blackwood..." Zoe's voice softened into a sultry whisper. "You really did drop something..."

As she spoke, she leaned closer, her hand reaching for his belt buckle. Just before her fingers could touch it, Ethan shoved her away with unexpected force.

"Stay away from me!" His voice was ice-cold, completely devoid of any warmth.

Caught completely off guard, Zoe stumbled backward, nearly losing her balance. All color drained from her face. She never imagined Ethan would reject her so ruthlessly.

"Mr... Mr. Blackwood..." Her voice shook, barely above a whisper.

Ethan said nothing. His piercing gaze remained fixed on her.

Under his sharp, sobering scrutiny, Zoe's confidence shattered completely. She quickly averted her eyes, unable to meet his intense stare.

She knew then, with absolute certainty, that her plan had failed utterly.

Frustration churned violently within her, but there was nothing she could do.

Ethan's devotion to Isabella ran far deeper than she had ever anticipated.

Winning his heart would require a completely different approach.

"Mr. Blackwood, you... you're very drunk. Let me take you home..." Zoe steadied herself and spoke again.

Her voice was calm and collected once more, as if nothing had ever transpired between them.

Ethan remained silent. He offered only a faint, barely perceptible nod of agreement.

Seeing his acquiescence, Zoe quickly stepped forward. She secured an arm around his waist and led him out of the lounge.

Downstairs, the banquet hall was still buzzing with energy, the festive atmosphere unbroken.

However, the moment Ethan and Zoe appeared, every gaze instantly turned toward them. Ethan's complexion was deathly pale, his movements sluggish and uncoordinated. The effects of the alcohol were undeniable.