Chapter seven

Ethan's POV

I stride down the narrow corridor to my office, glancing at my wristwatch as I go. I’ve got about an hour until my meeting with George Crowe, and although I've got more pressing issues that demand my attention, there's something about this meeting I can't ignore. 

An inexplicable pull that’s been gnawing at me since the invitation came through. Instinct has always been my guide, and it's rarely steered me wrong, so I decided to see it through.

Settling into my leather executive chair, I unbutton my onyx Armani suit and feel the familiar weight of the fabric drape around my shoulders. 

My secretary, Miranda, slips in without knocking, her hips swaying a little too intentionally, a flirtatious smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She’s angling for attention, just like every other woman used to. 

But things have changed; I’ve changed. Even she’s noticed. They all have. No one knows why, and I intend to keep it that way. She prattles on about my schedule, her voice lilting in a way that I suspect she thinks is seductive. 

I half-listen, eyes on my laptop, sifting through emails, searching for something that might explain the unsettled feeling gnawing at my gut. My assistant is on maternity leave, so I’m stuck with Miranda, and I’m already regretting it.

“That’s all for today, sir,” she finishes, her tone dropping into something almost sultry. 

I can feel her eyes on me, hoping I'll notice the low-cut red blouse she’s wearing, the one that's almost see-through. I don’t bother to look up. With a flick of my wrist, I dismiss her, and she leaves with a huff of frustration.

As she leaves, my phone rings, and a sharp knock sounds at the door almost simultaneously. Great. I glance at the screen—Maxine. I ignore the call and wait, knowing full well who’s at the door.

The door opens before I can respond, and Maxine strides in like she owns the place. My sister's wearing a red Gucci dress that hugs her frame in all the right places, a golden Gucci belt cinched at her waist. 

Behind her is Knox, my best friend, who I haven’t seen in months. I glance between them, a little surprised. Maxine and Knox can't stand each other. Why are they here together? And why does it feel like I'm the last one to know what's happening?

Knox, ever the joker, calls out, “Howdy, mate! God, you need to shave,” and grimaces as he points to the stubble shadowing my jawline.

Maxine’s voice follows, uncharacteristically soft, “And get more than two hours of sleep, for goodness' sake.”

I blink, confused. Maxine and Knox in the same room without tearing each other apart is one thing, but her using that tone with me? Something’s up. 

“Well, hello to you two,” I say, leaning back in my chair, a ballpoint pen hanging from the edge of my mouth. “To what do I owe this pleasant visit?”

Maxine rolls her eyes, settling into the chair opposite mine. “Can’t I visit my brother whenever I want? Don’t look so shocked.”

“I’m not shocked, dear sister, but it’s been how many months since you last visited? Six?” I responded, eyebrows still raised. Six months, the exact time Knox decided to go on a long vacation. I remember it clearly. 

“And the same goes for you, Knox. Why are you guys not at each other’s throats?” I ask, a hint of amusement in my voice. 

Maxine and Knox exchange a look, and I swear I see something in their eyes, a flicker of something that makes me think I’ve missed an important detail. 

When Maxine turns back to me, she’s practically glowing. What the hell?

Knox breaks the tension with a grin. “Well, me and Maxine here… we’re expecting a baby. And we’re getting married, mate.”

For a moment, the words don’t register. And then they do, and I burst out laughing… a deep, belly laugh I haven’t let out in years. It feels good, but also a little surreal. 

I laugh so hard I clutch at my stomach, waiting for them to join in, thinking this is some elaborate joke. But when I glance at them, they’re just watching me, dead serious.

I stop laughing abruptly, my face shifting into confusion. “Wait, are you serious right now?”

Maxine nods, her tone sharper this time. “Yes, Ethan. We’re getting married and expecting a baby. I’m two months along.”

I blink, trying to process. The room suddenly feels too small. I can’t picture a world where Knox and Maxine are together, let alone having a child. 

“So… you’re telling me you guys have been in a relationship all this time?” I ask slowly, trying to wrap my head around this new reality.

Knox shrugs. “Not really.”

I scowl. “Tell me how the hell this happened. How did you… how did you knock up my sister?”

Maxine’s eyes narrow. “Ethan!” she exclaims, then sighs when I don’t back down. “Look, what we had is… different. Even with all the fighting, we always liked each other. This trip was eye-opening, and we decided to give it a shot. Then this happened.”

“You’ve been with him for the past six months? And you didn’t think to tell me?” I press, not exactly angry, but not happy either.

Maxine shoots back, “What was I supposed to tell you? You’ve hardly been the best brother these past few years. You shut me out. So how was I supposed to tell you about my life?”

I don’t flinch. I don’t feel guilty. I’ve been in my own world, dealing with my own mess since Dahlia left me. She has no idea what I’ve been through. No one does.

Still, I let out a sigh. “Fine. I’m sorry if I wasn’t there for you like I should have been. And… congratulations, both of you.” 

Maxine smiles softly, and Knox looks relieved. “Thanks, mate. Means a lot.”

I nod, but my mind is elsewhere. Later, I leave for the Crowe Corporation meeting. Whatever is dragging me there, pushing me to show up, I need to find out. 

This isn't about business; it’s something more, something I can’t put my finger on. But I’ve always trusted my instincts, and today is no different.

I step outside to find my black Bentley waiting for me. As I settle in the back seat, I can’t shake the feeling. It’s more than curiosity, it’s a nagging sense that I’m on the verge of discovering something critical, something that could change everything.

When the Bentley pulls up outside Crowe Corporation, I step out, immediately noticing a sleek, white Mercedes Benz that stops in front of mine. 

My gut tightens, and a strange, electric sensation crawls up my spine. I wait, unable to move, my eyes fixed on the car as if some force is willing me to stay. 

Then, the back door of the Mercedes opens slowly, but no one emerges. I stand there, rooted to the spot, unable to tear my gaze away, my heart pounding harder with every passing second. 

I can’t explain it, but I know—I just know—that whatever’s behind that door is about to change everything.