Stars Shine, No Return

Suddenly, Chloe leaned over.

“Lily Evans, I heard you manage the family finances.”

Her smile was sugary and fake.

“Since it was your husband who busted my implant, why don’t you pay me instead?”

It was an outright test.

Whether I agreed or not, I knew I’d become the laughingstock of their circle afterward.

I let out a cold laugh.

“Pay you? Aren’t you the one who claims to be a man? Having a flat chest is normal. Why even need implants?”

Chloe’s smile froze on her face.

“Sis-in-law, if you won’t pay, fine. But why mock me?”

Once she realized I wasn’t easy prey, she stopped trying to engage with me.

In fact, wherever I was, she deliberately kept her distance.

Within minutes, the others started giving me strange looks.

A kind soul whispered in my ear,

“Don’t you see? Chloe’s trying to lead everyone into isolating you.”

I smiled.

“That’s exactly what I want.”

This was my first—and would be my last—time attending one of these gatherings.

But when I returned from the restroom, I saw Ethan handing Chloe a check.

“Who else spoils you like I do?”

“The check says one hundred fifty thousand dollars. Go ahead and spend it.”

“And don’t tell Lily—I don’t want her overthinking.”

Chloe gleefully accepted it and planted a loud kiss on his cheek.

“Knew you were loyal, brother.”

Ethan’s gaze slid downward, and without hesitation, he reached out to squeeze her chest.

“This one feels better than the last. Stick to this standard from now on.”

Laughter rippled through the group.

“Ethan, you’re insane. Your wife is right here—aren’t you afraid she’ll make a scene?”

Ethan shrugged, unconcerned.

“It’s nothing serious, just fooling around. Besides, my wife’s in the restroom. Don’t any of you run your mouths.”

“If she hears nonsense and gives me hell at home, you’ll all regret it.”

But in the next second, he turned around—and froze when he saw me watching.

Panic flashed across his face as he stood quickly.

“Lily, when did you get back?”

Holding a menu, he hurried to offer it to me.

“I told them to wait for you before ordering.”

Whenever we ate out, Ethan always made sure I ordered first. No one else could order until I did.

But before I could take it, Chloe snatched it away with a fake laugh.

“Oh come on, why wait? I’m starving.”

She shot me a playful glance.

“Sis-in-law, you don’t seem like the petty type. Mind if I order my favorites—sweet and sour ribs, garlic shrimp?”

I smiled back.

“Not at all.”

When the garlic shrimp arrived, Chloe pulled the whole plate toward herself, dumping it into her bowl.

“Ethan, I don’t want my hands greasy. Be a good boy and peel them for me.”

Ethan hesitated, then chuckled helplessly.

“You really are spoiled, brat.”

All eyes shifted to me, their looks complicated.

I lowered my gaze and smiled faintly.

“I want some shrimp too.”

Ethan froze mid-peel. He looked at me, then at Chloe.

Finally, he placed the peeled shrimp into my bowl.

“My baby eats first.”