CH 19
Olivia leaned down, her lips close to his ear. “But isn’t this marriage just a business transaction? If you keep saying things like that, I might start taking you seriously.”
Ethan’s grin widened, and he chuckled softly. “Who says I’m joking?”
Olivia leaned closer to Ethan, her warm breath brushing against his ear. The faint contact sent an unexpected thrill down his spine, a sensation he quickly stifled.
“Please keep your distance, Olivia,” Ethan said tersely, his voice firm. “The moment you cross the line, our agreement is over.”
Olivia shrugged, a sly smile playing on her lips. “You’re the one who flirted first, so what are you complaining about? Can’t handle it?”
Ethan’s ears reddened slightly, much to Olivia’s amusement. His confident façade was cracking, and she almost scoffed at how easily flustered he was. Did he really think he could tease me without consequences?
“Fine,” he muttered, clearly irritated. “I won’t say such things again.”
Olivia straightened, her demeanor shifting to seriousness. “So, is there something you want from me?”
Ethan’s expression darkened. “James Carter is back.”
Olivia raised an eyebrow at the mention of his father’s name. The fact that Ethan referred to him by his full name instead of “father” spoke volumes about their strained relationship.
“He heard about our marriage registration and came rushing back. I’ll take you to meet him later,” Ethan explained, his gaze steady. “You know what to do, right?”
“Of course,” Olivia replied smoothly, flicking a strand of hair over her shoulder. “If I don’t show what I bring to the table, I suppose I’ll be discarded.”
Ethan said nothing, but the cold gleam in his eyes was answer enough.
Olivia’s lips curled into a confident smile. “All right. You’ll see my worth as your wife.” She wheeled Ethan toward the exit, her poise leaving him uncharacteristically uneasy.
Earlier, his confidant had delivered a thorough report on Olivia’s background. On the surface, her records seemed clean and complete, but upon closer inspection, there were glaring omissions. Her time at the orphanage and the years following her return to the Edwards family were shrouded in mystery.
Today, Olivia had claimed to be close friends with EMILY GRANT, a connection absent from her official history. And then there was the Edwards family’s dramatic turnaround after her return—an event he doubted was mere coincidence.
Ethan glanced at her as she pushed his wheelchair forward. Her outward charm belied a sharper, more calculating edge. She was an enigma, and he wasn’t sure what to make of her.
________________________________________
At the Green Family Residence
“Where is Ethan now?” James Carter barked, his piercing gaze sweeping over the household staff. They tensed under his scrutiny, their heads bowed in submission.
“Why are you causing such a commotion the moment you return?” came a calm, melodic voice.
Sophia Morgan descended the staircase with the poise of a woman half her age. Despite being over fifty, her slender figure and youthful glow turned heads wherever she went.
Trailing behind her was Smith Green, James’s illegitimate son. Smith’s gold-rimmed glasses and gentle demeanor made him appear harmless—a stark contrast to Ethan’s aloof, commanding presence.
James’s expression softened as he turned to his wife and son. “I’ve heard that Ethan registered his marriage with Liam Foster’ daughter today. Yes, they were engaged, but that doesn’t mean he could finalize it without consulting us.”
“Ethan officially married her?” Sophia asked, frowning in surprise. “That doesn’t sound like him. He’s always been so measured. Are you certain there hasn’t been a misunderstanding?”
James led her to the sofa, taking her hand as they sat down. “I had it confirmed. The marriage is legitimate.”
Sophia’s eyes clouded as she sank into thought, her mind racing to make sense of Ethan’s decision.
James and Smith exchanged glances before sitting on either side of her. “Sophia,” James began, his tone laced with disapproval, “this girl publicly severed ties with her family. She has no social standing and no substantial background. She is far from worthy of marrying into the Green family.”
Sophia didn’t respond immediately. After a moment, she said, “Let’s wait for Ethan to arrive and explain. I trust he has his reasons.”
