Page 6 of Ethan: The Untouchable CEO

I pull out the chair for Irina and help her get comfortable. She thanks me with a warm smile and a faint touch on my hand before turning back to Chris to continue their discussion.

I take the only remaining seat—between her and Thalia—but angle my body more toward Irina, leaving Thalia somewhat behind me.

The ballroom hums with conversation, crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the polished table. Silverware and glasses sparkle under the lights. The atmosphere is elegant, yet tense, as if everyone is waiting for something to happen.

Two hours later—and a few attempts by the host to get me on stage for a speech—the evening finally settles down.

Some of us are caught up in discussion about an upcoming event at Hartho. It’s been a year since we officially moved to London, and of course we’ll be throwing a big party to celebrate.

“So, Ethan, when are you starting the preparations for the party?” Sierra asks from her seat across from me.

Nick sits beside her, his hand resting on her shoulder as if he can’t help touching her.

“We haven’t decided yet, and I’m not handling it. All the details will be arranged by Irina,” I reply, giving her a small wink.

“You two are… together?” Sierra asks immediately, and Irina turns her head toward me with a smirk.

“Baby, you can’t just ask every question that pops into your head,” Nick says softly. “Please excuse her, Irina. My wife doesn’t really have a filter.”

“It’s okay, Nick,” Irina reassures him. “We’ve gotten used to it.”

That’s all she adds, without giving a clear answer. And there’s no need for more, so I don’t feel the urge to intervene.

“Irina, you know Thalia is an event planner, right? She could help you out,” Sierra suggests.

Hearing that, I remain perfectly still, and to my right I hear Thalia gasp. I don’t know what prompted her reaction, and I don’t particularly want to find out, so I keep my eyes fixed on Sierra.

“Yes, that’s right. I actually wanted to ask for your help, Thalia,” Noah says, completely oblivious to the tension between me and Theo’s woman.

“I… I don’t know if I can,” she says, searching for an excuse. “I have a very big event and four others to finish.”

“Nonsense,” Sierra interrupts. “You can do whatever you set your mind to, and anyway, you’re always juggling events.” She gives her a pointed glare. “We’ll never organize an event at Hartho—or personally—with anyone else besides you.”

“Yes, I agree with Sierra,” Zayn chimes in.

“Yep. Same here,” adds Kai.

“Ugh… fine. I’ll do it,” Thalia finally says, almost whispering. “I mean… if you’re all okay with it.”

“Of course, Thalia. I’d love to collaborate. I’m sure it’s going to be an amazing event,” Irina reassures her.

Great. Decision made—without me—Thalia will be spending long hours at Hartho in the coming weeks.

It’s almost midnight now, and most of the couples have taken to the dance floor.

Since I came with Irina, I turn toward her, intending to ask if she’s ready to leave.

Before I can even say her name, before I can pull her attention away from the conversation she’s having with Ryan, the host appears behind us again.

“Mr. Hardy, if you don’t mind, we’d like to have a word with you regarding other potential events of this kind,” he says with a false smile. “Since it’s a charity event, it’s absolutely necessary to raise donations not just for the causes we work so hard for,” he adds, drawing in a deep breath as if he’s physically struggling under the heavy burden—though we all know neither he nor anyone else “working with him” gives a damn about the causes. They just want to look good. “But for the events themselves, so that they can even happen.”

“That’s fine,” Irina says before I even turn fully toward him. “I’ll come and talk to you. Mr. Hardy isn’t available right now.”

She rises from her chair, and when I look at her with admiration and gratitude, she winks at me playfully, slipping out the door after the man who’s already managed to annoy me three times tonight.

“Wow, finally a woman controlling the life of the great Ethan Hardy,” I hear from my right.

Without thinking, I turn toward Thalia, keeping my expression calm but intrigued.