Chapter 657

Vivian's figure vanished down the hallway, her hurried footsteps resembling a frantic escape.

Ethan's lips curved slightly, a glimmer of amusement flickering in his eyes. The stalemate between him and Vivian had finally shifted.

He rubbed his fingertips, as if still feeling the warmth of her lips. If only he could take things further—make her stop avoiding him.

As he turned to return to his room, a sharp gaze pierced through him.

Liam stood in the shadows, his eyes cold as ice. Clearly, he had witnessed everything.

Ethan ignored him and moved to leave.

But Liam suddenly stepped forward, blocking his path. The air instantly turned frigid.

"Stay away from her." Liam's voice was laced with venom. "You don't deserve to stand by her side."

He had long wanted to eliminate this man. He should have acted before the situation escalated—now, every glance at Ethan only fueled his irritation.

Ethan smirked. "I don’t deserve her? Then do you?"

Their gazes clashed, sparks flying.

Liam's identity as a shadow agent gave him an aura of lethality that would make ordinary men cower. But Ethan didn’t flinch, meeting his stare head-on.

"What can you give her?" Liam pressed forward. "Nothing but pain. You two are over."

Ethan remained unmoved. "Over? That’s for me to decide."

Liam's eyes flashed coldly. "Keep harassing her, and I’ll make you disappear without a trace."

"Try it." Ethan suddenly grinned. "If I vanish, do you really think she’ll turn to you?"

Liam's fist clenched abruptly.

"You knew her before I did, yet you still couldn’t win her heart." Ethan's words struck like daggers. "Forcing her to stay—is that your idea of love?"

"Shut up!" Liam swung his fist without warning.

Ethan dodged effortlessly, countering with a punch of his own.

In an instant, the two men were locked in combat.