As Rachel and Paul exited the room, the air grew thick, leaving Ethan in the uncomfortable company of his own thoughts. The silence settled like a heavy fog, each second feeling like a lifetime as he fought to suppress the rising anxiety within him. He walked over to the fireplace, rubbing his temples, replaying every moment that had led to this day and wondering how things had spun so wildly out of control.But just as he found a sliver of calm, the door flew open with a force that made the windows rattle, and in stormed Sandra. Her face was flushed, her eyes sharp and piercing as they locked onto his. “Ethan, what on earth is going on? What am I hearing on the news?” Her voice was a mix of disbelief and anger, laced with something more—a raw, aching confusion.Ethan’s attempt to calm her with a raised hand and a softened voice did nothing to quiet her. “Sandra, please, just let me explain…”“Explain?” she echoed, almost laughing in shock. “Explain what? That the man I thought I k

The faint glow of the smart TV illuminated the room, casting soft, shifting shadows across the pristine walls. The sound of the newscaster’s voice filled the otherwise silent space. “Ethan Anderson’s court proceedings have left the country divided. Is the trillionaire visionary behind the Anderson Monument Project a hero or a monster?” Sandra sat on the edge of her bed, her hands clasped tightly together, her knuckles white. Her usually radiant face was a pale shadow of itself, her eyes glassy and lost, staring at nothing in particular. The large windows to her right offered a view of the city skyline, its lights twinkling against the backdrop of the night sky, but Sandra’s gaze never strayed there. She was far too tangled in her thoughts to notice anything beyond the chaos in her mind. Her hair, usually styled to perfection, now hung loosely around her shoulders, as though mirroring the mess she felt inside. She leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees, her fingers pre

The black car pulled smoothly into the circular driveway of the Anderson mansion, its tires crunching softly on the gravel. The towering structure loomed against the twilight sky, its modern yet imposing architecture a testament to Ethan’s success. Despite its grandeur, the mansion felt heavy tonight, as though it bore the weight of the day’s events along with its occupants. Ethan stepped out first, straightening his tie as Paul and Rachel followed. The three walked silently up the marble steps, the court proceedings still fresh in their minds. Paul glanced sideways at Ethan. “You good?” Ethan nodded curtly. “Come inside. Both of you. We need to talk.” The three entered the grand foyer, its high ceilings and crystal chandelier casting a soft glow across the room. Ethan led them to the sitting area, where the leather couches and warm fireplace offered a stark contrast to the cold tension in the air. Paul and Rachel exchanged glances but said nothing, sitting down as Ethan

The shed was dark, but Alex’s mind was racing. After his brief reunion with Laurel, the oppressive air of danger crept back in. He knew staying here was a death sentence. Alex pressed his finger to his lips, signaling Laurel to stay quiet. Slowly, he approached a tiny loophole in the wooden wall of the shed. The moonlight spilled through, giving him a small view of the surrounding area. His sharp eyes scanned the forest. The masked men stood further away, their backs turned, their postures lazy. Kiara leaned casually against the SUV, engrossed in a conversation with someone on her phone. “The coast is clear,” Alex whispered, barely audible. “Stick close to me.” Laurel nodded, her face pale but determined. They moved like shadows, slipping out of the shed on silent feet. The forest floor was a maze of roots and leaves, but Alex guided Laurel carefully, his hand never leaving hers. “We’re almost there,” he whispered as they weaved through the dense foliage. Laurel’s brea

The office of Ethan Anderson, perched on the top floor of Majestic Skies' sleek skyscraper, was a fortress of modern luxury and quiet authority. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city below, where life thrummed on despite the storm of controversy circling its CEO. Inside, the soft hum of computers and the rhythmic tapping of Ethan’s fingers on the keyboard filled the air. Piles of documents cluttered his desk—proposals, reports, and a mountain of tasks that had gone unattended in the shadow of his ongoing court battle. Ethan's suit jacket was draped over the back of his chair, and his sleeves were rolled up, revealing the tense muscles of a man fighting battles on too many fronts. The sound of the door creaking open pulled his attention away from the monitor. He looked up to see Paul and Rachel entering, their expressions a mix of concern and determination. “Hey, boss,” Paul greeted casually, attempting to cut through the tension. Ethan gestured t