Enzo’s lips curled into a mischievous grin as he leaned back lazily. Turning to Kane, he said with an air of mock innocence, “Dad, don’t you think Jessica looks absolutely stunning these days?”
Kane’s expression darkened instantly, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. “Listen to me carefully—you’d better not entertain any ridiculous ideas. She’s Ethan’ wife!”
But Enzo’s grin only widened, a dangerous glint dancing in his eyes. “Exactly. She’s Ethan’ wife. My uncle’s wife by title. And that’s what makes this even more thrilling.”
Kane’s frown deepened, but before he could respond, Enzo leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. “Picture this: Ethan’ wife falls for me. She insists on divorcing him, declaring she’ll marry no one but me. Can you imagine the chaos? The drama? It would be quite the spectacle, don’t you think?”
For a moment, Kane was stunned by the sheer audacity of his son’s words. Then his eyes narrowed dangerously, and his voice thundered in a harsh reprimand. “Enough, you fool! Shut your mouth! I’m warning you—don’t even think about it. If your grandfather hears even a whisper of this nonsense, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life!”
Enzo shrugged nonchalantly, waving off the warning. “Relax, Dad. Then we just make sure he doesn’t find out. This sort of thing is best handled discreetly.”
Kane’s glare hardened. “I said drop it, Enzo. I’m not playing games with you on this.”
With a frustrated huff, Enzo threw up his hands in mock surrender. “Fine, fine. I heard you.” Without another word, he turned on his heel and sauntered back toward the living room, his smugness palpable.
Kane watched him leave, his jaw tightening in frustration. Yet, as the room fell silent once more, Enzo’s provocative words lingered in his mind. A faint smirk tugged at Kane’s lips before he pushed the thought aside and followed his son.
________________________________________
That evening, Kane’s family stayed at the Clark family estate.
Late at night, as Kane sat in the quiet of his room, a soft knock broke the stillness. Rising from his chair, he opened the door to find a man waiting outside.
Kane offered a faint smile and stepped aside, gesturing for the man to enter. The two moved to the balcony, where the cool night breeze carried a sense of secrecy.
The man greeted Kane with a respectful bow. “Good evening.”
“Have a seat,” Kane said, his tone measured.
“Thank you,” the man replied, settling into the offered chair.
Kane’s expression turned shrewd, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. “Tell me, how are things between Ethan and Jessica these days?”
The question caught the man off guard, his brows briefly furrowing. After a moment of hesitation, he composed himself and answered, “Not good. From what I understand, they were planning to finalize their divorce, but your father’s asthma attack delayed the process. However, it seems both Ethan and Jessica are determined to go through with it.”
He paused, as though weighing whether to share more. Finally, he added, “I’ve also heard that your father struck a deal with Ethan. For one month, Ethan must comply with all of his arrangements concerning him and Jessica. If, at the end of that time, Ethan still wants the divorce, your father has agreed not to interfere further. At that point, Ethan will be free to marry the person he truly loves.”
A sly smile crept across Kane’s lips. “The person he loves… That would be Emily, wouldn’t it?”
The man nodded. “Yes. A few years ago, Ethan and your father clashed repeatedly over Emily. But in recent years, Ethan has spoken of her far less often.”
Kane said nothing, though his smile deepened, his eyes glinting with calculated intent.
If Ethan’ heart still belonged to Emily, Kane reasoned, then as his elder brother, it was only natural for him to lend his support—albeit on his own terms.
After a few more pointed questions, Kane dismissed the man. Once alone, he retrieved his phone and composed a brief text message:
“The original plan is on hold. I have a new plan now.”
________________________________________
Later that night, Ethan returned to his bedroom to find Jessica seated at the desk, her attention fixed on a book.
Noticing him enter, she closed the book and looked up. Her tone was calm, though tinged with curiosity, as she asked, “Are you really okay with your brother coming back?”