Ethan stood outside the ward, his gaze fixed on the slumbering Brian. Concern etched deep lines on his face, despite his attempts to mask his worry. He wrestled with his emotions, battling the guilt and responsibility he felt for the young heir.Dan approached him, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You care about him more than you let on, Ethan. He looks up to you, you know. Considers you an idol."Ethan turned his gaze towards Dan, a mix of pain and determination in his eyes. "He shouldn't see me that way. It's a futile admiration. I'm just trying to make him self-reliant, to protect him from relying on others."Dan studied Ethan for a moment, a newfound understanding dawning on him. He realized that Ethan's actions were driven not only by a desire to keep Brian safe but also to mold him into a resilient individual."He is the rightful heir of the Willow family, and you are guiding him in your own way," Dan stated, his voice filled with admiration.Ethan sighed, a
Leona walked out of the restaurant, her script held tightly in her hands, a radiant smile gracing her face as she greeted the people before her."Okay, I think that's all for today," the director declared, his gaze shifting to Leona. "You, the one who played the female lead in this drama, must give it your all."Leona met his words with unwavering determination. "I promise, Director. I won't let you down."A wave of admiration washed over the supporting female lead as she locked eyes with Leona. "I can't contain my excitement to work with a beauty like you. Pray, do share your secrets for maintaining such a flawless, collagen-infused visage and figure."Leona regarded her with genuine fondness, seeing past the pretentiousness that often veiled other actresses. To her, this young woman was a beacon of joy, a spirited soul who had only recently transitioned into adulthood. Leona gently caressed her head and whispered, "We shall discuss this further during our evening chat."The lady's r
As Leona immersed herself in the captivating world of the Willow family, the sound of her doorbell chimed through her apartment. Startled from her research, she closed her laptop and hurried to answer the door.Peeping through the peephole, she saw Jenny standing there, even though Jenny couldn't see her.She unlocked the door and crossed her arms, asking, "What are you doing here?"Jenny replied with a fake smile, "It's nice to see you too, after leaving for two whole days without a word to me."Leona realized her tired act was busted and gave Jenny a sheepish smile. "My dearest Jenny, please come in."With that, Leona gestured for Jenny to enter and bowed slightly.Jenny looked at her and couldn't contain her laughter any longer. They both walked to the couch and sat opposite each other."Okay, I know you've been busy, but you could have at least texted me or something. I got worried," Jenny said."I know, I know. I got caught up in this new drama," Leona responded with an exhausted
Daphne slammed the front door shut, her face flushed with anger. Amelia, who was engrossed in a phone conversation, quickly sensed the tension and hung up, worry etched on her face."You know I will call you back," Amelia said abruptly, her voice filled with concern. She stood up and hurried over to Daphne. "Daphne, what happened? Did something happen with Tim while you were out?"Daphne glared at her mother, her frustration evident. "No, Mom, it's not about Tim. It's about Ethan. That arrogant jerk thinks he's invincible just because he inherited the Willows fortune. He treated me like dirt, Mom, humiliated me in front of everyone!"Amelia's eyes widened, a mixture of shock and anger crossing her features. "How dare he? He shouldn't forget that he was once a part of this family. We won't let him get away with this, Daphne. He needs to be taught a lesson."Daphne nodded fiercely, her resolve solidifying. "You're right, Mom. Ethan needs to understand that he can't disrespect us without
Ethan parked his car in front of his company and stepped out, ready to immerse himself in his work after hid short break and put the previous encounters with Daphne and those gangs behind him."I am here," Ethan said into his phone, his voice calm and collected. "Don't worry, I will call you if anything comes up. Also, please tell Steve that I would like to have a discussion with him when I return."Kate, on the other end of the line, already had an inkling of what the discussion would entail and began to speak, but Ethan interrupted her before she could finish."That can wait until I'm back at the mansion," he stated firmly. "In the meantime, please ask Dan to request leave for Brian from school. Also, inform his foster mother that he will be on a school trip, so she doesn't worry unnecessarily."Kate's admiration for Ethan's thoughtfulness shone through her voice as she replied, "You truly care about him, even if you don't show it openly. You and Dan would make a good pair. He ex
Meanwhile, inside the company building, Ethan immersed himself in his work as soon as he entered his office, determined to put the encounter with Daphne behind him. He sat behind his grand mahogany desk, surrounded by the trappings of his success. The room exuded an aura of power and control, mirroring the empire he had inherited.Yet, as the day drew to a close and the sun began its descent, a nagging thought lingered in Ethan's mind like a persistent shadow. He couldn't shake off the feeling that Daphne's reappearance was more than just a coincidence. There had to be a deeper motive driving her sudden interest in him.Lost in thought, he leaned back in his leather chair and allowed himself a moment of contemplation. What could Daphne possibly want from him? Why would she seek his help, only to disappear so abruptly? Ethan's analytical mind churned through possibilities, each scenario more intriguing than the last.The most obvious explanation came to him. Daphne's family's bankrupt
Ethan strolled out of the office, and the moment he stepped into the elevator, fate intervened, presenting him with Nina. His eyes lit up as he locked gazes with her, and a mischievous grin spread across his face. Nina, initially caught off guard by his sudden appearance, hadn't received a whisper about his arrival that day. She inhaled sharply, her mind racing, but decided to embrace the unexpected encounter. After all, Ethan had been her confidant in the past, before his true identity was unveiled."How have you been?" she asked, a hint of curiosity dancing in her eyes, accompanied by a warm smile.Ethan, oblivious to any potential complications, saw no harm in engaging with someone who had once showered him with kindness. His reply was laced with genuine concern, "I've been alright, but I should be asking how you're holding up. Is the new manager anything like Manager Lin?"Nina vigorously shook her head, her heart pounding in her chest, desperate to hide the truth, to shield her v
A few days later, Ethan walked out of the car and walked into the restaurant and enter to see Daphne looking at him with a smile.He looked at his watch and was surprised to see that she was early. She was never like it while they were still married together.Daphne turned towards Ethan with a smile, her eyes shining with anticipation. She reached out and held his hands, her touch familiar yet distant. Ethan couldn't help but feel a pang of unease, but he quickly masked it with a neutral expression, determined not to show any annoyance on his face."I'm glad you finally decided to meet up with me," Daphne said, her voice filled with genuine excitement.Ethan nodded, his gaze fixed on the floor as they walked into the restaurant. He knew the importance of keeping their rendezvous private, so he had chosen a secluded VIP room in his own family's restaurant. The last thing he wanted was news of their meeting spreading like wildfire.Ethan remained silent, his gaze fixed on the floor as