Chapter 31At Bristol City Hospital, Eric Parker had just taken out his phone.After discussing the situation with his mother and wife, he had decided to contact the police immediately.If Ethan Carter had deliberately tampered with the meal, then his father had nearly died because of it.And if they could prove that Ethan was responsible, they might be entitled to substantial compensation.Eric was already imagining the amount they could demand when footsteps approached from the end of the corridor.Two uniformed police officers walked toward them.Eric froze.What? Already?He hadn't even made the call yet.Had someone at the hospital contacted the police? Or had the authorities somehow learned about his father's condition?Helen Parker noticed the officers too..“Eric, look! The police are here!”Her face immediately brightened..“Good! Now we can tell them what that bastard did to your father!”The three adults hurried toward the officers..The man introduced himself as Officer Zoey,

Chapter 33Officer Zoey's expression turned serious as he listened to the Parker family's accusations..He had been patient with them so far, but their attempt to shift the blame onto Ethan was becoming increasingly ridiculous."First, let's make one thing clear," he said firmly. "Ethan reported the theft, provided the receipt, and cooperated with our investigation. So far, there is absolutely no evidence that he tampered with the food after it was delivered."Eric immediately opened his mouth to argue, but Zoey raised a hand to stop him. "Let me finish."The room fell silent."Second, the substance detected in Mr. Parker's blood has not been established as poison. According to the information available to us, it was a powerful stimulant found in the meal. That doesn't automatically mean the food was deliberately contaminated."He paused before continuing. "Ethan is a young man. People purchase health supplements and specialty products for all sorts of reasons. The mere fact that a subs

Chapter 35Ethan had no idea what had happened to the Parker family after he left the apartment complex. Even if someone had told him, he wouldn't have been particularly interested.Whether Mrs. Parker was causing another scene or lying in a hospital bed, it had nothing to do with him anymore. He had already reported the theft to the police and provided the necessary evidence. Whatever happened next was the Parkers' problem.Besides, Ethan had far more important matters demanding his attention.The following afternoon, Ethan traveled to a secluded bar on the outskirts of town The place was quiet, with only a few customers scattered around the dimly lit room. Soft music played in the background, and the air carried the faint smell of alcohol and cigarette smoke. It was the sort of establishment where people could conduct private business without attracting too much attention.Ethan had barely stepped inside when a man sitting in the corner spotted him.The man immediately stood up, a

Chapter 37Victoria carefully studied Ethan’s expression, searching for any sign that her explanation had worked. When he didn't immediately reject her story, a flicker of hope rose in her chest.He believes me.She was almost certain of it. Ethan had always loved her, and for years, that love had made him willing to overlook her mistakes. No matter how badly she treated him, he had usually been the one to apologize first.Why should this time be any different?He still loves me. Once he understands what happened, he'll forgive me. He has to.The thought filled her with confidence, although she was careful not to let it show. Instead, she lowered her head and wiped away the tears gathering at the corners of her eyes.“I'm sorry, Ethan,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I know I've hurt you, but you have to believe me. I really do love you.”She took a hesitant step toward him, hoping he would reach out and comfort her the way he used to.Ethan didn't move.He had listened to her e

Chapter 39A few minutes later, Ethan was already sprawled comfortably on the couch, scrolling through the television channels in search of something worth watching.He had no intention of wasting his evening thinking about Victoria.Unfortunately, Victoria clearly wasn't ready to give up.She had tried to follow him inside, hoping to find an opportunity to talk privately and perhaps soften his attitude toward her. However, Ethan had blocked the doorway without hesitation, making it perfectly clear that she wasn't welcome."Ethan, wait! I haven't finished talking!" She hit the door. "You have," Ethan replied flatly."There's still so much I need to explain to you.""Then explain it to yourself. I'm not interested."Victoria stood outside, staring at the closed door with a mixture of humiliation and anger.If this had happened in the past, she would have exploded.Back when they were married, Ethan had always tried to accommodate her. Even when she was unreasonable, he would usually s