Chapter 39 The Counterstrike Beginning

Ethan sensed my panic and gently embraced me, his warmth and strength reassuring. "Hailey, don't worry. I've always been here," he said firmly.

I took a deep breath and leaned against his shoulder, finding solace in his presence. Despite my ongoing efforts to shoulder the family's responsibilities, the tragedy of my parents weighed heavily on me. Tears welled up involuntarily as I began to confide in him about my family's troubled past.

I knew my story well, but I needed to tell it to you personally.

"It all began with my grandma's tale," I said softly, my voice tinged with long-suppressed pain. My grandpa, Edward Aesthete, renowned from a young age, grew into adulthood and immersed himself in the family's affairs, leading the Aesthete family to glory in just a few short years. The only thing Edward did that wasn't quite Aesthete-like was to defy convention and marry my grandma, who had no powerful family background.

Ethan furrowed his brow slightly and gently patted my back. He di