Chapter 352 - What Are You Hiding?

Unable to detect the abnormality in Ethan's quivering voice, Sera beamed, nodding her head. She was feeling delighted.

"Yup!"

Being the beloved princess of everyone's heart that she was, thanks to Lu Jinan, Maya and Xav's pampering and love - the trio loved giving Sera presents, and she loved receiving them as well. She was spoiled rotten regarding this particular issue.

Apart from racing, painting, and dancing for fun, Sera also loved to receive gifts and surprises.

Just like how Sera loved Lucifer's presents, be it the ruby red crystal rose pendant or the wild roses diamond encrusted silver wedding crown.

Or the many other surprises that Lucifer had personally planned for Sera till date. She loved them all.

A look of bewilderment colored Ethan's pale face, his gaze flicked between Sera's glowing face and the painting.

'Xia Ruo Lan? She gave this painting to Sera? But why?..'

'Moreover, how did she get her hands on this painting?!'

'Isn't this the same painting that Mia.. Mia..'

"Hey! You guys are here?"

The endless train of thoughts in Ethan Lee's head crashed abruptly when a soothing voice reverberated.

It was none other than Xia Ruo Lan's.

Identifying the voice of the intruder, Sera's eyes glinted mischievously as she leaned closer to Ethan's ear and mumbled impishly. She laughed lightly before turning around to greet her friend.

"Speak of the devil!"

Contrary to Sera's reaction and expectations, Ethan felt his breathing hitch. He slowly turned to find a warmly smiling Xia Ruo Lan ambling through the corridors. She was wearing a long and trendy red coat which can keep her warm in the cold weather. Underneath it was her usual work attire. A sheer blouse in white paired with a black, tight fit pencil skirt and black high heels.

With her small hands inside her coat's pockets, Xia Ruo Lan's gaze flitted between a troubled Ethan to the beaming Sera. Her smile turning stiff. Her steps slowed as she felt a sense of apprehension rising in her.

Oblivious of the rising tension in the atmosphere as well as the silent stares exchanged between Xia Ruo Lan and Ethan Lee, Sera spoke up.

"Oh! Hi, Ruo Lan.. We were just talking about you!"

While Xia Ruo Lan was shocked by Sera's revelation, Ethan flinched in response. He turned to glance at her ignorantly smiling face.

In his heart, Ethan berated himself and couldn't help but feel sorry for acting suspicious.

Observing the changes in Ethan with her keen eyes, as well as Sera's obliviousness, Xia Ruo Lan blurted out. Confusion clearly etched on her face.

"Me?"

Nodding her head, Sera said softly before hitting her forehead with her hand, lightly.

"Yes! Oh no, my phone.. I forgot I have a call to make. You guys talk, I'll join you in five!"

Feeling the need to have a private talk with Xia Ruo Lan, the quiet man darted a glance at her while his words were directed at Sera.

"It's okay, take your time.."

Perturbed, Sera shot an apologetic glance at the duo and walked outside, leaving Xia Ruo Lan and Ethan alone.

Once Sera was out of the picture, the air surrounding Ethan Lee turned cold, his icy gaze bore could a hole into Xia Ruo Lan. She stood unmoving with a foreboding feeling, her breathing erratic.

Gritting his teeth, Ethan's frosty voice sent chills down Xia Ruo Lan's spine.

"Xia Ruo Lan.. What are you hiding?"

Flummoxed by Ethan's outburst, Xia Ruo Lan stood motionless without any reaction or expression, other than the visible paleness on her face.

When Ethan Lee took a threatening step forward, Xia Ruo Lan flew into panic and started to stammer.

"Huh?! Hiding? What do you mean Ethan..?"

In a flash, Ethan's hand reached forward and grasped Xia Ruo Lan's thin wrist in a tight grip. Her eyes widened resembling large globes. His low voice was grave, as grave as his facial expression at the moment.

"What is this then?! Can you explain me why this painting is here?"

Xia Ruo Lan was scared. For the first time in her life she was scared of this man before her.

Gulping her spit, Xia Ruo Lan stared at the man whose face was inches apart from hers. She finally took a deep breath and averted her gaze, her insides quivering in fright from their proximity.

"This.. I gave this to Sera as an early congratulatory gift.. For this gallery!"

Ethan breathed in a hushed tone, gritting his teeth. The chattering sound audible, and grating to one's ears. His warm breath assaulting her ears, making her shiver in response. Her dark hair tied into a bun, exposing her small ears that were now tinted red.

"Is that it? Don't you have anything else to say.."

Biting her lips, Xia Ruo Lan closed her eyes tightly and muttered under her breath. It was loud enough for Ethan to hear who was practically sticking to him.

"I.. I don't!"

The furious Ethan felt his anger rise at the sight of Xia Ruo Lan feeling repulsed at his touch, and avoiding his gaze. His eyes reddened as various emotions swirled inside him.