Chapter 22: The Santos Family’s ReachDana spotted Ethan near the racks of casual wear, and at first, she looked down on him with a scoff.What’s he doing here? she thought, wrinkling her nose at his blood-stained jacket and worn boots. Did he mistake this for a thrift store?But then her phone buzzed.A message popped up from one of her contacts—someone who liked to brag about being close to power: “The Santos family just issued a bounty on a guy named Ethan. One million dollars for his location.”Dana’s eyes widened, and a wicked smile slowly curled across her face.No way.Is this fate?She turned her gaze back to Ethan, who was inspecting a hoodie with quiet focus, oblivious to her stare. He looked too calm—too unaware. Perfect. He clearly had no clue that the biggest crime family in the city had a price on his head, as he was nothing more than a pretty boy with no access to insider information.Dana’s mind raced. If she played this right, she and Eric could split a million-dollar

Ethan pushed open the door to his loft with a soft click, balancing the boutique’s elegant shopping bags in one hand. The lights were low, casting a golden hue across the room, and a faint hint of lavender lingered in the air—Rosanna must’ve found the diffuser.“Alice?” he called gently.A soft rustle answered him.She peeked out from behind the couch, still tightly swaddled in the blanket like a burrito, only her eyes visible above the folds.“You’re back,” she mumbled, blinking.He chuckled softly. “Still in the blanket?”“It’s become a lifestyle choice,” she said dryly. “Also, still naked, remember?”Ethan held up the bags like a trophy. “Not anymore. Clothes. High-end, handpicked, boutique-approved.”Her eyes lit up with cautious curiosity. “Did you… actually pick these out?”He smirked. “Personally. And with great trauma. I had to slap a man to make it happen.”Alice raised an eyebrow. “Slap a man?”“Well… I made him get slapped. Long story. You’ll love it. Try these on.”He plac

Belen burst into laughter—loud, mocking, hollow. Heads turned again, some gasps echoed through the room, but Belen didn’t care. His eyes gleamed with twisted amusement as he leaned in, his voice sharp as shattered glass.“You think you’re powerful now, Alice?” he sneered. “You really believe Martin Irving let you go because you impressed him with that silver tongue—or that sweet pussy of yours?” His eyes raked over her like she was nothing. “Please. You were just a toy. A pawn. Do you honestly think he’s going to make you his wife? You’re nothing but a tool for him to avenge his son.”Alice didn’t flinch. But Ethan’s jaw tightened. He stepped closer, placing himself between her and Belen, his expression calm—too calm.“Careful,” Ethan said smoothly, adjusting the cuffs of his jacket. “You’re talking a little too loudly for someone so uninformed.”“Oh?” Belen scoffed. “And who are you again? Her latest sugar daddy?”Ethan chuckled under his breath, like Belen’s words were the punchline