Chapter 212
Author: Lamina
last update2025-09-06 21:37:31

Vanessa turned with a smirk.

“Babe,” she said, spreading her arms wide as though the whole ballroom was her stage. “How could you let them celebrate you without me here?”

She strode toward Ethan, hips swaying, eyes locked on him.

The crowd shifted aside, murmuring in confusion as all eyes trailed her every move.

Just as she reached out to throw her arms around his neck, Ethan’s hands shot up, catching her wrists in midair.

His grip tightened, his jaw locked, and his eyes darkened before he let out a low scoff.

“What is this, Vanessa?” His cold and sharp voice cut through the room.

“Are you out of your mind?”

A wave of gasps rippled through the guests, while phones quietly came up to capture the scene.

For a split second her smirk faltered, but she quickly masked it with a soft laugh, tilting her head.

“Don’t be so harsh, babe," she purred, trying to pull her wrists free.

"You know I’ve always been the one standing beside you. I was only waiting for the right moment to step back in.”
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  • Chapter 214

    Ethan’s heart raced as he saw blood on the floor, bodies lying still, and the wounded crying out in pain. He held Lara tightly against him, trying to shield her while bullets shattered wine glasses around them.Her trembling voice snapped him out of his thoughts.“Ethan… who are they?” she whispered, her body pressed against his chest.His jaw clenched, eyes darting toward the masked men who advanced with precision. "I don’t know,” he muttered."But it’s obvious... they're here for me.”Lara blinked at him, her brows furrowed in confusion. “Why? How can you be so sure?”He knew for sure after what he overheard—one of them had shouted, “Remember, we’re not leaving until Ethan is dead.”However, what confused him was who had sent them after him. He couldn’t figure out if it was The Ghost again or Viktor.But he didn’t reply to Lara.Instead, he pulled out his phone. The hotel guards were no match for these men, and he was unarmed. He quietly cursed himself for not bringing any of hi

  • Chapter 213

    The hall had slowly calmed from the storm Vanessa created. Waiters moved about again, pouring wine and clearing plates, though the whispers still lingered in the corners. Barely three minutes had passed since Ethan, Lara, and a few others had walked Magnus out of the hall to his car. Magnus had claimed fatigue, saying he was heading home early.Now, Mr. Chen and Sophia approached Ethan and Lara where they were seated.“Mr. Cross,” Mr. Chen said warmly, “it was truly a wonderful evening. But we must also take our leave now."He chuckled softly before adding, “I look forward to our future discussions.”Ethan nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “Of course, Mr. Chen. I appreciate you being here tonight.” His gaze then shifted deliberately to Sophia, his tone softening. “What’s your plan for tomorrow morning? Do you have anything scheduled?”Sophia blinked at him, surprised but pleased. Then, she gave a slight shrug, a smile playing on her lips. "Nothing meaningful, really.”“G

  • Chapter 212

    Vanessa turned with a smirk.“Babe,” she said, spreading her arms wide as though the whole ballroom was her stage. “How could you let them celebrate you without me here?”She strode toward Ethan, hips swaying, eyes locked on him. The crowd shifted aside, murmuring in confusion as all eyes trailed her every move.Just as she reached out to throw her arms around his neck, Ethan’s hands shot up, catching her wrists in midair.His grip tightened, his jaw locked, and his eyes darkened before he let out a low scoff.“What is this, Vanessa?” His cold and sharp voice cut through the room.“Are you out of your mind?”A wave of gasps rippled through the guests, while phones quietly came up to capture the scene.For a split second her smirk faltered, but she quickly masked it with a soft laugh, tilting her head.“Don’t be so harsh, babe," she purred, trying to pull her wrists free. "You know I’ve always been the one standing beside you. I was only waiting for the right moment to step back in.”

  • Chapter 211

    The person was no one other than Vanessa.She stepped inside with her head high, moving as if the whole ballroom belonged to her.Her dress, a deep crimson silk that shimmered under the chandelier lights, clung to her curves. A thin chain of diamonds shimmered across her neck, catching the light, while her dark hair flowed down her back in soft waves, and her red lips curved into the faintest smirk, daring anyone to question her presence.The crowd turned as her heels clicked softly against the marble floor with every step she took.Soft gasps and hurried whispers spread like wildfire.“Why is she here?” someone muttered under their breath.“Does she have a death wish?” another whispered.“She must be crazy to show up.”"Does she seriously think she belongs here? How shameless.”“Look at her, walking in like she owns the place. Pathetic.”Vanessa soaked it all in, her smirk stretching wider.She stopped near the center and casually ran her hand over the jeweled clutch in her grip.Fro

  • Chapter 210

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  • Chapter 209

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