Chapter 347

The moment Vanessa stepped into the hallway, her eyes locked onto Ethan emerging from his study.

Her bedroom was strategically placed near the grand staircase, ensuring he couldn’t avoid seeing her.

Ethan was deep in conversation with Harold, their voices low as they debated the outcome of their latest chess match.

"Ethan..." Vanessa called out softly, but he didn’t react, his attention fully absorbed by their discussion.

Her fingers curled into tight fists, nails biting into her palms. She hesitated to call again, afraid of irritating him further.

It was Harold who noticed her first. "Your wife is waiting for you," he murmured, nudging Ethan subtly.

Ethan finally glanced in her direction, but his gaze slid past her face as if she were invisible.

"Grandfather, let me assist you," Ethan said smoothly, brushing past Vanessa without so much as a pause.

The brief contact made her lips press into a thin line, swallowing back the frustration bubbling in her chest. She trailed behind them, her steps measured as they descended the stairs.

Harold turned slightly toward Ethan as they walked. "I’ve been reviewing your proposal," he began, his tone thoughtful.

Vanessa lingered a step behind, unnoticed, her heart heavy with unspoken words.

He was talking about Ethan Caldwell's sudden departure from Titan Capital Group, a scandal that had dominated financial headlines for weeks.

Vanessa Hart had caught snippets of the gossip, shocked that Ethan would walk away from such an influential corporation.

The Caldwell dynasty controlled numerous enterprises, but Titan Capital was their golden goose.

Its quarterly profits alone surpassed their other holdings combined.

Abandoning that throne of power seemed utterly reckless to her.

"Why not swallow your pride and ask your Uncle Alexander for reinstatement?" Harold Caldwell teased with an amused smirk.

Vanessa nearly nodded in agreement. In high finance, bruised egos healed quickly.

Today's bitter rivals often became tomorrow's business partners.

Besides, Ethan and Alexander weren't enemies—they were blood.

For Ethan, a simple apology to his elder could reopen Titan Capital's doors. The math seemed obvious.

But before Vanessa could speak, Ethan responded icily, "No need, Grandfather. If my proposed venture shows potential, why shouldn't I pursue it?"

Harold Whitmore's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

Ethan nodded, a confident gleam in his eyes. "Yeah, I've already set things in motion."

In truth, Ethan was downplaying his progress. His plans were far more advanced than he let on.

But he preferred to keep things under wraps until every detail was finalized.

Harold chuckled, his weathered face breaking into a rare smile. "Well, this is unexpected! You're moving faster—and smarter—than your reckless father ever did. I had no idea you were so ambitious."

"Thank you, Grandfather," Ethan replied, warmth spreading through his chest at the rare praise.

Harold had built the Whitmore empire from nothing, transforming it into Cresthaven's most powerful family in mere decades.

His sharp business instincts were legendary.

If he saw potential in a venture, it was almost guaranteed to succeed.

Still, Harold's expression turned serious. "But entrepreneurship isn't without risks. There are traps everywhere. You're still inexperienced—don't let your guard down."

Ethan met his grandfather's gaze steadily. "I understand. I'll be cautious."

As their conversation continued, they made their way to the dining table and took their seats.

Vanessa pressed her lips together, feeling completely erased from existence.

It was like she had become a silent shadow, following them without a voice of her own.

The pain in her chest grew heavier when she realized even Harold, who typically steered clear of family conflicts, knew about Ethan's business plans.

And there she stood—his wife—the last to know.

The irony stung like salt in an open wound.

She watched as Ethan and Harold exchanged knowing glances, their conversation flowing effortlessly while she remained on the outskirts.

Vanessa clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms.

How had it come to this?

She was supposed to be his partner, his confidante.

Yet here she was, an afterthought in her own marriage.

The laughter around her sounded distant, muffled, as if she were underwater.

Her throat tightened, but she swallowed the lump forming there.

She wouldn't give them the satisfaction of seeing her break.

Not again.

Not ever.

Vanessa straightened her shoulders and forced a smile, though it felt brittle on her lips.

If this was the game Ethan wanted to play, fine.

She'd play it better.

And this time, she'd make sure he was the one left in the dark.