Chapter 3

Ethan found himself at the bar, downing a scotch, the burn in his throat a welcome distraction. He needed to get out of here. This whole night was a disaster.

Mr. Finch approached him, his expression unreadable.

"Mr. Hayes," Finch said, his voice polite but firm. "Miss Vance felt it was important to support Mr. Liam's philanthropic interests."

"Philanthropic interests?" Ethan scoffed. "Liam wouldn't know philanthropy if it bit him on the ass. This was about showing off. And she was about showing me."

Finch didn't react. "Miss Vance's motivations are her own. She holds Mr. Liam in high regard."

"So I've gathered," Ethan said, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Tell her I'm touched by her concern for my brother's... image." He pushed away from the bar. "And tell her I don't need a lecture from her glorified errand boy."

Finch's eyes hardened almost imperceptibly. "I am Miss Vance's executive aide, Mr. Hayes. And I would advise you to show her the respect she is due."

"Respect?" Ethan laughed. "Is that what she showed me out there? Or is respect only for the chosen ones, like Liam?" He was tired, humiliated, and the alcohol was making him reckless. "She can have him. They deserve each other."

He left the gala, the curated elegance feeling suffocating. He drove aimlessly for a while, the Hamptons mansions blurring past. He ended up at an exclusive, dimly lit nightclub back in the city, a place he sometimes went to lose himself in the noise and anonymity.

He found a secluded booth, ordered another drink, and tried to numb the ache in his chest.

It wasn't long before he heard a familiar laugh. Liam. Of course. He' d followed him, or perhaps it was just a coincidence. But then he saw her. Sera. Still in her elegant gown from the gala, a few steps behind Liam, ever the dutiful protector.

Liam spotted him and sauntered over, a smirk on his face. "Well, brother, drowning your sorrows? Can't say I blame you. Tough night for you at the auction."

"Leave me alone, Liam," Ethan said, his voice flat.

"Now, now, is that any way to talk to your benefactor?" Liam gestured vaguely. "Or rather, my benefactor's... beneficiary." He chuckled.

Sera stood by, her expression neutral, but Ethan could feel her eyes on him. Was she enjoying this? His humiliation?

"I came here for some peace," Ethan said. "Something you clearly know nothing about."

Liam leaned in, his voice dropping. "You know, Ethan, for someone who just came into a lot of money, you still look miserable. Some things never change, do they?"

His words were designed to provoke, and Ethan felt his control slipping. He stood up, wanting to put some distance between them.

"Sera," Liam said, not looking at her, "make sure my brother doesn't do anything foolish. He seems a bit... unstable tonight."

Sera stepped forward slightly. "Ethan, perhaps it's best if you-"

"If I what?" Ethan snapped. "Go home like a good little boy? While you two celebrate your mutual admiration society?"

His voice was louder than he intended. A few heads turned. Liam seemed to relish the attention.

"Always so dramatic, Ethan," Liam sighed, then turned to Sera, his voice suddenly soft, concerned. "Sera, darling, are you alright? He's not upsetting you, is he?"

Sera looked at Liam, and her expression softened, a flicker of that same adoration Ethan had seen at the auction. "I'm fine, Liam. Don't worry about me."

The casual "darling," the way she looked at him. It was like a knife twisting in Ethan's gut. He felt a surge of fury, so intense it almost choked him. He was trapped, surrounded by their sickening display, his pain a spectacle for them.