**Chapter 20: Take A Bus** Ethan halted in his tracks, his heart racing with a mix of disbelief and indignation. Janet’s words struck a nerve, igniting a fire within him. He had entrusted Garrett with the task of handling this matter, only to hear the man’s mocking laughter in response. Yet here was Janet, fully convinced that her old schoolmate had lobbied for her cause. A bitter sneer crept onto Ethan's lips. “Christopher's family lacks the clout to sway any decision at the Larson Group. What makes you think for a second that they hired you because of him—or anything he might have said?” His voice dripped with scorn. “Whoa there! How can you be so certain? Do you really know the Larson Group that well?” Amusement danced in her eyes, but it swiftly faded as she caught the storm brewing on Ethan's face. She pressed on with her relentless questioning, rendering him momentarily speechless. A deep frown etched across his forehead; the last thing he wanted was to disclose the depths of his knowledge. “I often socialize with people in their ranks, so I do have my insights,” he shot back, masking his disappointment with bravado. “You're married, Ethan. Even if our marriage is merely for show, you still need to keep your distance from other women,” he added, a surprising thread of possessiveness weaving through his words. Janet pursed her lips, her expression a mixture of defiance and vulnerability. “Chris and I were schoolmates; now we’re colleagues. Our relationship is strictly professional.” Her rosy lips tensed as she locked her gaze onto his, determination glimmering in her eyes. Sensing Ethan's growing unease regarding her connection with Christopher, she hurried to clarify, “I just bumped into him on the way to grab some coffee. We chatted for a bit, that’s all.” Ethan's demeanor softened as he looked down, a tender smile breaking through as he brushed his fingers through her silky hair. “Alright, I get it. But don’t keep looking down; watch where you're going.” A warmth spread across Janet’s cheeks, adding an unexpected charm to her demeanor. Together, they made their way to the bus stop, the air thick with an unspoken tension. As Janet rummaged through her bag in search of coins, Ethan's gaze drifted toward the endless line of buses before him. “Are we really taking the bus home?” he inquired, a hint of disbelief lacing his tone. “Of course! Our home is a long distance from here, and let’s be honest—a taxi would break the bank.” She finally emerged triumphant, producing two coins which she placed delicately in Ethan’s palm. His brows knitted together as he regarded the minuscule coins skeptically. “You’re the cherished daughter of the Lind family. Why hesitate to spend a little more and take a taxi?” Janet, feeling his scrutiny, instinctively tightened her grip on her wallet. She had nearly forgotten the role she was currently navigating—one of the pampered Jocelyn Lind. “I’ve spent all my money before, so there’s nothing left. Plus, I’ve had some quarrels with my parents lately, and asking them for cash isn’t an option. I’m financially broke,” she lied, her nervousness betraying her as her eyelashes fluttered like the wings of a caged bird. Ethan toyed with the coins in his hand, memories rushing back to him of the tension-filled night he witnessed during a visit to the Lind estate. It was apparent that family ties were taut and strained. “What’s going on with you? Why do you squirm every time I mention your family?” He caressed her hair gently, an endearing gesture that contrasted sharply with the situation. “How can I spend a woman’s money? You should definitely let me cover this instead.” After a moment’s contemplation, Ethan pulled his wallet from his jacket pocket, placing it firmly in Janet’s hands. “I’ve managed to earn some cash from a part-time gig I picked up recently.” Janet stared at the wallet, her bangs casting shadows on her face, obscuring the beauty that often left him speechless. Just as they stood in their silent gaze, a sarcastic voice sliced through the air like a knife. “Wow, looks like you really are struggling. Can’t even afford a taxi, resorting to the bus instead.” The words dripped with mockery, a reminder of the precarious circumstances surrounding them.