rt pounded with anticipation. She had been drawn to Ethan's e

ch. As they sat together, Ethan's eyes seemed to search for t

terests that are...valuable." As Ethan spoke, Emily began to understand the depth of Rachel's obsession. This wasn't just about love or lust; it was about power. "But why did you get involved with her?" Emily asked, her heart aching for the pain Ethan must have endured. Ethan's expression turned bitter. "I was young, naive. I thought I could handle it." Emily reached out, her hand finding Ethan's. "You don't have to tell me anymore," she said, her voice filled with compassion. Ethan's gaze locked onto hers, his eye

roached the door cautiously, his eyes scanning the peephole. Emily watched, her heart racing with anticipation. Who could

ought you were handling Rachel." Alexander's e

family was in danger? "What does this mean?" Ethan asked, his voice cold. Alexander's expression turned grim. "It means Rachel's game just got a lot more serious." Ethan nodded, his eyes burning with determination. "I'll handle it." Alexander nodded. "I'll support you, but you need to be careful." As Alexander turned to leave, Emily felt a surge of concern. "Ethan," she said, her voice trembling. "What's go

achel planning? Suddenly, the penthouse suite's phone rang. Emily hesitated before answering. "Hello?" "Emily," Rachel's voice purred. "Ethan's not the man you think he is." Emily's grip on the phone tightened. "What do you mean?" Rachel's laughter echoed through the line. "You'll find out soon enough." The line went dead. Emily's heart sank. What secrets was Rachel hidi

sked. Ethan's eyes searched hers. "I want you to know the truth. I want to trust you." Emily's heart swelled. "I trust you, Ethan." As Ethan spoke, Emily saw the vulnerability behind his eyes. "Tell me more," Emily urged. Ethan's voice grew heavier. "My family's been in this business for generations. But I want out." Emily's eyes locked onto his. "Why?" Ethan's gaze dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "Because of what happened to my sister." Emily's heart skipped a beat. "What

eaving Ethan and Emily alone. Ethan turned to Emily, his eyes burning with intensity. "I need to protect you." Emily's heart pounded. "From what?" Ethan's voice dropped to a whisper. "From Rachel, from my family's business...from myself." Emily's eyes searched his. "Why?" Ethan's gaze faltered, and for a moment, Emily saw vulnerability. "Because I care about you," Ethan said, his vo

ity streets blurred as they sped toward Rachel's chosen meeting point. Emily's anxiety grew with each passing mile. What did Rachel have planned? As they arrived, Rachel stood outside, a sly smile spreading across her face. "Ethan, darling," Rachel purred. "So glad you brought Emily." Ethan's eyes flashed with warning. "Rachel, what do you want?

e was low an

Rachel?" Rachel's

xactly what I want." E

get it." Rac

than a small folder. Ethan's eyes sca

ily asked. Ethan'

sign over control of

ened. "Why?" Rach

You'll never get away with this." Rachel shrugged. "We'll see. You have 24 hours

uddenly, Alexander stepped forward. "I think it's time for you to le

sappearing into the night. Ethan's chest heaved, his e

ers, his eyes filled with determination. "