Chapter 4

I didn't bother analyzing the situation.

All I knew was that I wanted absolutely nothing to do with Chloe.

Without a second thought, I turned around to leave.

I felt a sudden surge of anger toward Tyler. Didn't he hate Chloe? Why was he helping her?

Before I could walk out, Tyler grabbed my arm to stop me. I couldn't help but confront him.

"Tyler, what the hell is this?"

"Ethan, look, I know you're going to be pissed. But this was an accident. Either way, we really hope we can get your blessing!"

I frowned, a bad feeling creeping into my chest.

Then, Tyler started explaining. "I was on a business trip yesterday and ran into Chloe at a bar. She was drinking herself to death. That’s how I found out you guys broke up."

"Since she was your ex, I sat down to have a couple of drinks with her to make sure she was safe, and well... one thing led to another..."

He didn't finish the sentence, but his meaning was crystal clear.

A lonely guy and a heartbroken girl, drinking together. Everyone knew what happened next.

I didn't say anything. I just looked past his shoulder at Chloe.

She had a smug, provocative smirk on her face. She had done this on purpose.

I instantly realized that Tyler was her new scapegoat.

I immediately blurted out:

"No! Tyler, break up with her right now. Being with her is going to get you killed!"

I was speaking from the bottom of my heart, but Tyler’s face instantly darkened.

"Ethan, don't be a sore loser. I admit I told you to break up with her before, but as a man, I have to take responsibility for my actions now."

"Save your breath. I am absolutely not breaking up with her."

Seeing the stubborn determination on his face, I sensed something else was off.

I grabbed his arm and lowered my voice.

"Did she transfer a million dollars to you?!"

Tyler didn't answer, but the sudden look of utter shock on his face gave it away.

Of course. Though I didn't know where she got that million, her desperation proved she needed that money in someone else's account. Since I didn't take the bait, she had to find someone else.

It made perfect sense.

I just never expected that someone would be my best friend.

"If you don't want to die, wire that million dollars back to her right now!"

"Tyler, we’ve been brothers for years. I would never hurt you. Trust me on this."

I pleaded with him, my voice tight with anxiety. But I failed to notice the growing hostility in his eyes.

Once I finished speaking, he sneered.

"Are you jealous? Do you want Chloe back now?"

I frowned, completely baffled by how he arrived at that conclusion.

I opened my mouth to explain, but he cut me off.

"Enough! Ethan, this lunch was supposed to be Chloe and me making peace with you. But if you're going to keep acting like a jealous freak, you can leave."

We had been through so much together. I couldn't just stand by and watch him walk off a cliff.

Seeing that Tyler was completely brainwashed, I turned my gaze to Chloe.

"I don't care what your game is, and I don't care where you got that million dollars! Stay the hell away from Tyler."

"Otherwise, don't blame me when I call the cops!"

I was only trying to bluff her, but to my surprise, a flash of genuine terror crossed Chloe’s face.

She jumped up from her seat, trembling with rage, and glared at Tyler.

"Tyler! Who are you choosing today? Me, or him?!"

Tyler looked torn. "Chloe..."

"Fine! Since you choose him, we're done!"

With that, Chloe grabbed her designer bag and stormed out of the restaurant.

I felt a wave of relief. I had saved Tyler. Just as I was about to sit down and explain the whole situation to him, Tyler’s fist flew out of nowhere.

A heavy punch landed squarely on my jaw.