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Chapter 154: A Shift in the Air
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2025-01-30 17:24:34The confrontation with Emma’s parents left an unsettling feeling in the air. Though Ethan had driven them away, their presence was a reminder of the ghosts from Emma’s past—the people who had always seen her as nothing more than a pawn. But this time, she wasn’t alone. She had Ethan by her side.
That morning, Emma found herself lost in thought as she prepared breakfast. She hadn’t expected Ethan to stand up for her so fiercely, and the way he had shut down her parents with no hesitation had sent a strange warmth through her chest. She was used to fighting her battles alone, hiding her pain behind a calm façade. But now, Ethan was fighting for her. Protecting her. “Thinking about yesterday?” Ethan’s deep voice pulled her from her thoughts. She turned to see him leaning against the counter, his sharp eyes studying her. His presence alone was enough to make her heart race. “I just didn’t expect them to show up,” she admitted. “And I didn’t expect you to—” “To throw them out?” he finished, arching a brow. Emma smiled faintly. “To defend me so openly.” Ethan set his coffee down and took a step closer. “They should have defended you from the beginning,” he said, his voice low. “But since they won’t, I will.” Her heart clenched at his words. Could it be? Could Ethan, the man who had once been so emotionally distant, actually care for her? Before Emma could respond, a knock at the door interrupted them. Ethan frowned, moving toward the entrance. When he opened the door, a familiar figure stood on the other side—Lucas, one of his business rivals. Ethan’s expression darkened immediately. “What the hell are you doing here?” Lucas smirked. “Nice to see you, too, Johnson.” His eyes flickered over to Emma, who stood behind Ethan, her curiosity piqued. Lucas’s smirk widened. “I came with an offer. One that benefits both of us.” Ethan crossed his arms. “I doubt that.” Lucas chuckled. “Let me in, and we’ll talk.” Though Ethan despised Lucas, he knew the man wouldn’t come all this way without a reason. With a reluctant sigh, he stepped aside. Emma remained quiet as Lucas entered, her instincts warning her that this wasn’t just a casual visit. Once they were seated, Lucas got straight to the point. “I know you’re still recovering,” Lucas said, gesturing toward Ethan’s legs. “And I know your company is on the verge of a major expansion. That puts you in a vulnerable position.” Ethan’s jaw clenched. He hated being reminded of his current limitations. “What’s your point?” he asked coldly. Lucas leaned forward. “Partner with me. With my connections and your influence, we’d be unstoppable. You can’t run things at full capacity yet, but I can.” Emma stiffened at the proposition. She didn’t trust Lucas—not one bit. And from the way Ethan’s expression hardened, neither did he. Ethan let out a dark chuckle. “You think I’d trust you? After everything?” Lucas shrugged. “Business is business. You need me right now, whether you like it or not.” Silence filled the room as Ethan weighed his options. Emma, unable to stay quiet any longer, spoke up. “And what do you get out of this, Lucas?” Lucas turned to her, his smirk never faltering. “Clever,” he mused. “I get power. And Ethan gets stability.” Emma’s stomach churned. This wasn’t just about business—it was about control. Ethan exhaled sharply, his patience running thin. “I don’t need you. And I never will.” Lucas chuckled, rising from his seat. “We’ll see about that.” With one final glance at Emma, he turned and walked toward the door. Before leaving, he paused. “Be careful, Ethan. The world is waiting to see you fall.” And with that, he was gone. As soon as the door closed, Emma turned to Ethan. “You’re not seriously considering his offer, are you?” Ethan’s gaze remained locked on the door. “No,” he said firmly. “But Lucas wouldn’t have come unless he knew something I don’t.” Emma shivered. “What does that mean?” Ethan turned to her, his eyes filled with something dark and unreadable. “It means a storm is coming.” And neither of them was prepared for what was about to happen next.Related chapters
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The grand ballroom of the Valcrest Hotel was a glittering spectacle of opulence. Chandeliers dripped with crystals, casting golden light across the sea of wealthy elites and power players mingling beneath. The air buzzed with conversations, laughter, and the clinking of champagne glasses.Isabella adjusted the golden mask that framed her eyes, her gloved fingers trembling slightly as she stepped out of the sleek black car. The evening gown Lara had provided fit her perfectly—a cascade of midnight blue fabric that clung to her curves and flared elegantly at the hem. A long slit revealed one toned leg, her heels clicking softly on the marble floor as she entered the gala.“Remember,” Lara’s voice echoed in her mind through the discreet earpiece hidden beneath her wig, “you’re Vanessa Laurent tonight. Smile, charm them, but stay alert.”Isabella took a deep breath, forcing a serene smile onto her face. “Got it.”As she glided through the room, Isabella felt the weight of countless gazes.
