chapter 4

Before he could finish, the private room door opened. A tall figure stepped in, handmade leather shoes clicking on the marble floor.

Ryan sprang to his feet, shot me a triumphant glance, and crowed, “Still suing? My brother's actually here.”

He turned toward the newcomer, face blooming with flattery. “Bro!”

Ethan had been the Bennett golden boy since childhood. While Ryan was still slogging through college, he had already founded his law firm overseas. In Riverton, his connections were unparalleled; the Bennett empire relied on him more than they admitted.

In my previous life, I'd seen him only once at the wedding. We'd never crossed paths otherwise. To my knowledge, he remained unmarried right up to my death.

Even Mr. Bennett beamed at Ethan's arrival.

Everyone's attention was fixed on him, yet his gaze found me immediately. Sorry to keep you waiting,” he said, his voice low and warm.

The words were meant for the table, but my mouth went dry.

Ryan chuckled a hasty “Not long at all,” only to be shoved aside by Mr. Bennett, who remarked, “Mind your manners. Let your brother sit.”

Ryan shuffled away, then froze when Ethan took the host seat and started filling my plate.

Color drained from Ryan's face.

Ethan's long fingers moved with elegant precision, shelling shrimp and picking out fish bones for me, while Ryan watched, aghast.

Whenever a platter of spicy food passed, Ethan slid it toward someone else without a word.

I caught him watching me, thoughtful, and he answered with a gentle smile, “You're not a fan of spicy food.”

I hummed. I knew that, but how did he?

My watch buzzed with a text from Ryan, "Since when are you hitting on my brother? Trying to tick me off? Game on!"

When I didn't reply, anger pulsed in Ryan's temple.

Ethan glanced at the screen, set down his cutlery, and rose to toast the guests. “Thank you all for coming to celebrate my upcoming wedding.”

Ryan blinked, stunned yet delighted. “Bro, you're getting married too? Double joy for the Bennetts! Where's my future sister-in-law?”

He scanned the room until his gaze latched onto me.

The surroundings fell silent.

Then, Ethan's warm, broad hand slipped into mine. His dark, clear eyes and sweep of lashes stole my breath.

I gave the tiniest nod.

He lifted our joined hands, his amused voice brushed my ear. “She's right here.”

Blood drained from Ryan's face.

His voice shook in disbelief. “Bro, you're kidding, right?”

Ethan's usual warm expression iced over. “Would I joke about something this serious?”

Under Ethan's frosty stare, Ryan's breathing turned ragged. “But Grace is in love with me! She chased me for ten years—everyone in Riverton knows!”

“Ryan...” Olivia tugged his arm, trying to stop him, but he flung her aside. She hit the floor with a yelp.

“Enough!” A thunderous shout sliced through the air. “Ryan, tonight we're discussing your brother's wedding. Eat your dinner or leave! Mr. Bennett barked.

Ryan opened and closed his mouth, gulped down a full glass of wine, and fell silent.

Throughout the meal, everyone pampered me. Ryan and Olivia wore expressions like they'd swallowed dirt, which made the food taste even better.

Halfway to the restroom, a hand yanked me against the wall.

“Grace...” Ryan's gaze burned with fury and hurt, like a ferocious beast.

His breath reeked of alcohol as he caged me. “How could you marry my brother?”