---- Chapter 10 No.10 Ethan and Chloe were having dinner at a hotel. Despite the romantic setting, there was no warmth between them. Chloe noticed his fatigue. "Didn't you sleep well?" Ethan frowned, unwilling to communicate. Chloe looked away and said no more. He picked up his phone again. Chloe understood. "Do you want to check on your ward? For a guardian, you haven't shown much concern." Ethan frowned. "She's a grown woman. She can handle herself. | haven't been involved in her life for a year. It wouldn't make sense for me to interfere now." Should | send her a message, like usual? Chloe asked. After a moment of thought, Ethan nodded. Chloe expertly took a photo and composed a message, muttering under her breath, "If it weren't for our fathers and our long friendship, | wouldn't be playing along with this cold war of yours." = Ethan, lost in thought, heard her mumbling and looked up. "What did you say?" ---- Chloe couldn't be bothered to repeat herself. "Nothing." He stared at her for a moment, his expression dark, but didn't press the issue. During dessert, he suddenly asked, "Did she reply?" Chloe nonchalantly shook her head. A tightness grew in Ethan's chest. Why hadn't she replied? Was she busy with school? Or had she completely let go? The thought of her completely letting go made his chest constrict, and his breathing grew heavy. He wrestled with himself, picking up his phone. Besides work messages, there was nothing else. Chloe spoke up. "She doesn't seem as thoughtless as you described. Communication is better than avoidance." Ethan pursed his lips. He had tried to talk to her, but she had misunderstood his intentions, becoming more determined with every setback. 2 He knew her best. There was no need for more words. He stood up to leave. Chloe stopped him. "Is the wedding still on?" A flicker of something crossed Ethan's eyes. "It's on," he said, and walked away without looking back.