Chapter 67 Crush

Chapter 67 Crush

"Grill and Beef," the restaurant famous for its top-grade beef, was filled with the rich aroma of sizzling meat.

The low hum of bluesy jazz music floated through the air, creating a perfectly lazy atmosphere.

Elara, Sylvia, and Ethan sat around the table, cutting into their plates of gourmet food.

The clinking of crystal glasses rang out melodiously.

Sylvia raised her glass of red wine, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Let's toast to Ethan! Cheers! May he soon taste the bitterness of love."

Ethan quickly asked, "What about the sweetness?"

"No idea, probably none," Sylvia retorted bluntly.

"That's harsh. I think I have a good chance with Sophia. We share interests, and I've hidden my feelings so well that no one at the company knows..." Ethan's protest was cut short as Elara swiftly shoved a hefty piece of grilled meat into his mouth.

Elara's fork moved with precision and speed, carrying a hint of frustration.

But she couldn't help but ask, "Are you sure about your feelings for Sophia..."

Ethan corrected her patiently, "It's a crush."

Elara nodded, "Alright, a crush. Are you sure no one knows about your crush on her?"

"Of course not, no one knows. I've hidden it perfectly."

Elara looked at Sylvia, helpless.

Sylvia shrugged, "He's been like this since he was a kid. Can't keep anything to himself. Even if he farts, he wants the whole world to know."

Elara found it amusing.

Not because Ethan was funny, but because such genuine feelings were rare in someone from the Craigmor clan.

She suddenly realized that Sylvia seemed to understand Ethan better.

A wild thought crossed her mind. 

It was clear to everyone that Sophia didn't like Ethan. 

She preferred Kieran, but Kieran didn't care about her at all.

It was a messy love triangle. 

But what if Sylvia and Ethan were a better match?

Elara quickly dismissed the idea.

The chances of Ethan and Sophia ending up together were far higher than Sylvia and Ethan confessing their feelings...

They were too familiar with each other and were relatives.

Besides, Elara knew Sylvia genuinely disliked Ethan...

"Shut up!" Sylvia rolled her eyes dramatically, "Can't you eat and keep that mouth shut?"

Elara couldn't help but laugh, trying to defend Ethan, "You know, Ethan has been really serious about work lately. He's even started getting involved in business matters. His knowledge of archaeology is impressive. I think he might have chosen the wrong major; he has a real talent for this."

Ethan's face lit up instantly, his posture straightening. "Elara knows best!"

The atmosphere at the table lightened with this small exchange.

Sylvia's phone screen lit up with a crisp notification sound.

She initially ignored it, thinking it was just another app notification.

But when her eyes fell on the email subject: [Invitation to Media Collaboration - Sylvia Studio]

Her pupils contracted sharply!

"Oh my God... An invitation? The Artifact Appraisal Conference sent me a media collaboration invitation!"

Her voice rose in disbelief.

She quickly opened the email, scanning the contents, "Official email platform... confirmed reporting seat... full media channel promotion... and an exclusive interview opportunity?! We've only been established for a few months, and we're already qualified for this!"

"Holy crap, Percival wasn't kidding!"

Ethan was so excited he nearly stood up, his voice booming over the jazz bass, slapping the table and making the dishes tremble. "Just this afternoon at the company entrance, Percival told us herself! She said she specifically talked to Lila..."

"Ethan!"

Two sharp shouts and Ethan's sudden scream exploded simultaneously!

In the moment of Elara's warning look, Sylvia's stiletto heel stomped on Ethan's foot with practiced precision!

A pain beyond words shot from his toes to his head!

Ethan's previously confident face twisted in agony, turning red as a beet, the words "Percival" stuck in his throat, replaced by gasps of pain.

Sylvia glared at the grimacing Ethan.

"Do you even know what Percival is up to? Do you have any brains?"

Ethan frowned, feeling wronged, "I'm just looking out for you, caring about you."

"Who needs your concern? You're always focused on Sophia. When did you start caring about my business? Don't you understand that lust clouds judgment?"

Sylvia shouted.

Anyone else would have slammed the table and cursed, but Ethan's patience with Sylvia was remarkable.

He kept explaining that Sylvia and Elara were very important to him, and he didn't want any misunderstandings to harm their great friendship.

"She deliberately ran into us at the entrance and mentioned this. It's a bit sudden, but if we don't accept, we'll be even more passive. Last time was a good lesson."

"I think this is a great opportunity for your company. Just accept it."

Elara took a sip of water, placed the glass on the table, and gently held Sylvia's hand.

"Percival is relentless! We have to be extremely cautious with her tricks! Now there's Lila, who's even more powerful behind her?! This invitation is a poisoned apple! No way! We can't get involved! It'll burn us badly! I'm rejecting it right now!"

Sylvia's protective instinct was deeply ingrained, especially for Elara, whom she cherished. 

Any potential threat made her bristle. 

She grabbed her phone, her fingers already on the reply email screen, her actions decisive.