Chapter 13

Alexander ignored him, idly accepting the cocktail Lucas offered. The amber liquid swirled hypnotically in his crystal glass, catching the dim lighting in unsettling fractals.

Ethan, recalling his purpose, stiffened his spine. "Uncle, regarding Horizon Enterprises' proposal—"

Titan Capital Group had been locked in fierce bidding for weeks, with Horizon as their main rival. He'd sworn to Vanessa he'd deliver this contract to her.

Yet the documents had gathered dust in Alexander's office for fifteen days. That's why he'd risked the storm to come here tonight.

Alexander's glacial gaze cut to him. "This is a lounge. Not a boardroom."

Ethan's rehearsed arguments dissolved on his tongue.

Vanessa's expectant face flashed in his mind. He tried again. "Just your signature is all that's needed—"

Glass shattered against the marble floor as Alexander slammed his drink down.

The crystal glass hit the mahogany table with a deafening crash, shards scattering across the polished surface. The room fell into stunned silence.

"Ethan, you've got some nerve," Alexander said, his voice dangerously calm.

Though he didn't raise his voice, the weight of his words pressed down like a storm cloud.

Ethan's stomach twisted. He rarely interacted with Alexander directly, and they'd never had any real conflict—until now. But tonight, Alexander's fury was unmistakable.

"Have you forgotten you represent Titan Capital Group? Did you even bother vetting Horizon Enterprises before bringing this proposal to me?"

"I did. They meet all qualifications," Ethan replied, forcing confidence into his tone.

"Really? Then explain why you'd choose Horizon over a clearly superior alternative?"

Ethan faltered, his mouth going dry.

"Struggling to answer? Let me help," Alexander continued, his gaze sharp as a blade. "It's because someone at Horizon is pulling your strings. Should I announce their name to the entire room?"

Ethan's face drained of color. The room was packed with Titan Capital's elite investors—people whose trust he needed, whose influence he relied on.

With just a few precise words, Alexander had exposed him.

The atmosphere in the room turned icy.

What should have been a professional discussion had spiraled into a spectacle of shame.

Ethan Caldwell could feel his reputation shattering before his eyes. There was no recovering from this humiliation in front of his peers.

Lucas Bennett, swirling his drink lazily, didn’t miss the tension thickening the air.

"So, Ethan," he drawled, amusement lacing his tone. "You’re really here begging your uncle to save your little affair partner? No wonder Evelyn wants out of the engagement. Who would tolerate their fiancé flaunting another woman so shamelessly?"

The mention of the broken engagement made Ethan’s expression twist in fury.

"Vanessa isn’t just some affair!" he snapped, his voice tight with frustration.

Alexander Whitmore let out a derisive laugh, arching a brow. "You’re cheating. Doesn’t that make her exactly that?"

Ethan faltered, his jaw clenching.

It hit him then—Alexander must have heard about the scene at the Hawthorne Estate earlier.

Normally, Alexander stayed out of petty family drama, but this wasn’t just personal. It was about the Whitmore name.

Evelyn’s public announcement ending their engagement would stain the Caldwell family’s reputation.

And Alexander wasn’t about to let that slide.

As the head of the Whitmore family, Alexander had to consider these matters carefully.

Ethan Caldwell quickly realized that direct confrontation with his uncle wouldn't benefit him.

"Evelyn just had an emotional outburst tonight," Ethan said smoothly. "She'll calm down and return in a few days. It's really nothing to worry about."

Alexander took a slow drag from his cigarette, his piercing gaze sharpening. "Is that your assessment?"

His tone carried layers of unspoken meaning, but Ethan remained oblivious.

"Just a minor lovers' quarrel, Uncle. Vanessa will apologize, and everything will return to normal."

The room fell silent as Alexander processed these words.

The comment struck deeper than Ethan realized.

True, Evelyn had ended things tonight - but would she really stay away?

Could seven years of shared history be erased so easily?

After stubbing out his cigarette, Alexander finally broke the silence.

"Bring Vanessa here tomorrow at six sharp."

The command left no room for negotiation.

Ethan Caldwell stiffened, his brow furrowing in confusion. Why would Alexander Whitmore suddenly demand to see Vanessa Hart?

A protective instinct surged through him. He couldn't shake the unease coiling in his chest—what if Alexander intended to corner her?

Lucas Bennett smirked, crossing his arms. "You're defending her like she's innocent, yet you claim she's not involved?" His tone dripped with amusement. "If your uncle orders you to bring her, just obey. You really don’t want to test his patience." He leaned in, voice lowering. "Trust me, you won’t like the consequences."

Ethan’s jaw tightened.

The air between them crackled with tension.

Lucas wasn’t wrong—defying Alexander was dangerous. But Ethan refused to drag Vanessa into this mess.

Not again.

Not ever.

His fingers curled into fists at his sides.

He’d face Alexander’s wrath alone.