From a Wrong Turn to Mr. Right novel Chapter 185

Olivia Bennett had barely left the room when a tall figure swept in, bringing a chill with him that cut through the warm buzz of the ballroom.

The man’s posture was impeccable, his features striking and sharp, his expression calm—almost detached.

He hadn’t said a word, but something about him commanded every eye in the place.

The chatter and laughter that had filled the air slowly faded. Heads turned. All attention landed on Ethan Carter.

For a moment, there was total silence. Then, whispers started to ripple through the crowd.

“That’s Mr. Carter, isn’t it? Wasn’t he out of town for the last few days?”

“Yeah, just got back, I heard. Bet he came straight from the airport.”

“With the Carters and the Bakers so close, it’s no wonder he rushed over. Besides, after what just happened, his wife is still here…”

Ethan crossed the room, coming to a stop in front of Adelina Lane. The crowd parted around him, leaving only Naomi Barton still at her side.

“Mom. Naomi,” he greeted them.

Adelina looked genuinely surprised. “You’re back already? Didn’t expect you tonight!”

“Handled what I needed to, so I came home,” Ethan replied.

“You came straight from the airport?” Adelina asked, raising an eyebrow.

Ethan didn’t deny it, his gaze scanning the room. “Where’s Olivia?”

“She went to the restroom,” Naomi answered with a knowing smile.

Naomi grinned, nudging Adelina. “See? Married life changes a man. First thing he does when he’s back is look for his wife.”

“Well, after all the trouble he went through to marry her, can you blame him?” someone joked, and Carlson Baker appeared at Ethan’s elbow, grinning.

Naomi rolled her eyes at Carlson. “Like you’d know anything about that.”

Carlson just chuckled, not taking offense.

Ethan turned to Adelina, his tone casual but tinged with concern. “How long’s she been gone?”

She glared at him, yanking his hand away from her mouth.

Daniel let her go, but he didn’t move back. Instead, he boxed her in with his arms.

“Let me go,” Olivia snapped, her voice icy as she struggled against him. His cologne made her dizzy and annoyed.

Daniel caught her wrist with one hand, a bitter smile on his face. “If I let go, you’ll just run off again.”

There was no contest—he was stronger and she knew it.

Frustration boiling over, Olivia shot him a furious look. “What is wrong with you, Daniel? How many times do I have to tell you to stay away from me? Why do you keep showing up like this? Do you think it’s funny?”

Daniel’s face fell. For a second, he just looked at her, then let out a hollow laugh. “Guess you could say I’m a glutton for punishment.”

Olivia’s patience snapped. With a glare, she stomped hard on his foot, just like last time. “Let me go.”

Pain flashed across Daniel’s face, but he didn’t budge. He knew if he let her go, she’d bolt.

He forced a grin, fighting through the pain. “Go ahead, stomp all you want. As long as you talk to me, you could break my foot and I’d call it fair.”