2026-10-30 21:43:11
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Chapter 61
After returning to his apartment, Ethan sank onto the sofa.The encounter with Victoria's family had left him irritated, but not surprised. He had already decided to cut ties with the Bennetts, and nothing they said was going to change his mind.They could call him heartless, ungrateful, or selfish if they wanted.It no longer mattered.He had more important things to worry about.Ethan picked up his phone and checked the time.There were still several hours left in the afternoon.He could visit Maple Grove and inspect the progress on his mansion. The renovation team had been working on the security systems, reinforced doors, and other modifications he had requested. With the apocalypse approaching, he wanted to make sure everything was progressing according to schedule.However, just as he was about to call the site supervisor, another thought crossed his mind.Duke.The Labrador was still at the veterinary hospital. He leaned back against the sofa, considering the situation.I shou
Chapter 60
"You just mentioned a child's death as though you were talking about an insect someone stepped on."Ryan opened his mouth, but Ethan continued, his voice low and controlled."Noah was a human being, Ryan. An eight-year-old boy.""I know that.""Then why are you speaking about him as though his death is something convenient?"Ryan's face reddened. "That's not what I meant.""Then choose your words more carefully." Noah not being his biological son his had been devastating, but that didn't erase the years they'd spent together.And it certainly didn't make the boy's death meaningless. Ethan had been betrayed by Victoria, while Noah had been caught in the consequences of the adults' actions. The boy hadn't deserved to die.Margaret quickly stepped between the two men."Don't mind Ryan, Ethan. He doesn't understand these things yet."Ethan looked at her. "What things?""Parenthood." She sighed dramatically. "Ryan doesn't have children of his own, so he doesn't understand how painful this
Chapter 59
Ethan was about to turn back toward the apartment building when he noticed three familiar figures approaching from the parking lot. Ryan, Robert, and Margaret Bennett—his former in-laws.For a moment, Ethan wondered whether the universe had decided to test his patience that afternoon. He had barely finished seeing Rose off, and now another group of people from his past had appeared. He glanced toward the building entrance, wondering whether he could reach the elevator before they noticed him.Seriously?But just as he took a step, a familiar voice rang out."Ethan! Ethan, wait!"He stopped and turned his head. Margaret was waving at him, with Ryan and Robert walking beside her.Ethan closed his eyes briefly. I really didn't sign up for this.He had already dealt with enough unnecessary drama over the past few days. First Lizzy, then Mrs. Parker, and now Victoria's entire family. For a moment, he considered pretending he hadn't heard them, but that would only encourage them to follow h
Chapter 58
"Renovations, supplies, equipment. Whatever would genuinely help."For several seconds, Rose couldn't speak. Of all the things she'd expected Ethan to say, that hadn't been one of them.She had spent weeks worrying about how to finance the improvements she wanted to make to the orphanage. Stronger doors, better insulation, additional storage, and a more reliable water supply were all necessary, but they required money. Now Ethan was offering to help without even knowing how desperately she needed that assistance."Ethan..."He looked at her. "Yes?""Why would you do that?"His expression softened slightly. "Because I'm an orphan."Rose went still. "You are?"Ethan nodded. "I know what it's like to grow up without parents. I understand how much it matters when someone gives a child a safe place to live."Rose looked at him differently. She hadn't known that about him.Ethan continued, "If your mother is taking care of children who don't have families to support them, then she's doing s
Chapter 57
By the time Rose finished preparing the documents, almost two hours had passed. She carefully reviewed the loan agreement one last time, checking the repayment terms, interest rate, and the conditions Ethan had requested. Everything was in order. All that remained was to verify Lizzy's identification, confirm the repayment schedule, and obtain the necessary signatures.Rose saved the document on her laptop before closing it. "All right, Mr. Carter. That should be everything for now."Ethan looked up from his phone. "Already?"Rose smiled. "Yes. I've prepared the agreement. Once the borrower provides the remaining information and signs it, you can proceed with the transfer.""Good.""I'll send you a copy for your records.""I appreciate it."Rose began gathering her documents, unaware that Ethan had noticed something unusual about her throughout the afternoon. Although she'd managed to complete her work without making any mistakes, she had seemed distracted. Several times, she'd pause
Chapter 56
Chapter 56Rose lowered her gaze to the documents spread across Ethan's coffee table.She was supposed to be concentrating on Lizzy's loan agreement, yet her mind kept drifting toward the phone lying beside her laptop.Another notification. Another reminder of the enormous amount of money she was trying to borrow.And another reminder that time was running out. She picked up her glass of wine and took a small sip.Across from her, Ethan was explaining the circumstances surrounding the fifty-thousand-dollar loan. He spoke calmly, occasionally pausing to answer her questions.Rose listened and typed the necessary information into her laptop.But beneath her professional expression, her thoughts were in turmoil.If only I could tell someone.Her fingers slowed over the keyboard.She glanced at Ethan.He seemed like a decent man.Although she'd only known him through the legal work she'd handled at Charles Winston's firm, he had always treated her respectfully. He wasn't arrogant or unnec
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